The adventure continues
/vx/ - Videogames and Paranormal
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>>138881 →
Amber takes herself and her meal to a seat across from Mustard Trim, seeing that he's alone at the moment. "Hello, I won't interrupt you if I eat here, will I?"
Amber takes herself and her meal to a seat across from Mustard Trim, seeing that he's alone at the moment. "Hello, I won't interrupt you if I eat here, will I?"
>>139007
Mustard Trim pulls his head up from off the table and looks towards Amber. He stops crouching over, and places his hooves on the table.
“Sure.” He answers plainly. The earth pony’s mane is a darker brown, and his coat is the color his name implies. He is young, older than the cook, but probably younger than even Amber. He’s fairly large in size.
Mustard Trim pulls his head up from off the table and looks towards Amber. He stops crouching over, and places his hooves on the table.
“Sure.” He answers plainly. The earth pony’s mane is a darker brown, and his coat is the color his name implies. He is young, older than the cook, but probably younger than even Amber. He’s fairly large in size.
>>139008
If Amber is very hungry she's good at not showing it as she's not eating too hurriedly, though she does eye the soup quite often. She ventures to speak on occasion. "You're the newest waiter here?"
If Amber is very hungry she's good at not showing it as she's not eating too hurriedly, though she does eye the soup quite often. She ventures to speak on occasion. "You're the newest waiter here?"
>>139012
"Oh, like me." She continues, "I saw how you were doing and I think you did a really good job.
A whole bushel better than me, I caused some messes…."
"Oh, like me." She continues, "I saw how you were doing and I think you did a really good job.
A whole bushel better than me, I caused some messes…."
>>139013
“Heh” he smiles widely and pulls his head back a little as his ears pull down slightly. “Thank you.”
“Heh” he smiles widely and pulls his head back a little as his ears pull down slightly. “Thank you.”
>>139014
"I don't really know the ponies here, but they seem nice, if a bit odd…" She slurps down some soup. "What're your impressions?"
"I don't really know the ponies here, but they seem nice, if a bit odd…" She slurps down some soup. "What're your impressions?"
>>139015
“It’s a big of a mixed group” he answers. “I think most of them are nice. But they are often concerned with their own thing. It’s not like the small town, where everypony knows each other, or at least knows they may see each other again.”
“It’s a big of a mixed group” he answers. “I think most of them are nice. But they are often concerned with their own thing. It’s not like the small town, where everypony knows each other, or at least knows they may see each other again.”
>>139016
"I know, it's rough finding trying to fit in around here when most ponies seem so aloof. Maybe it's just because I'm new here, but I feel cut off, like a marionette from its strings."
"I know, it's rough finding trying to fit in around here when most ponies seem so aloof. Maybe it's just because I'm new here, but I feel cut off, like a marionette from its strings."
>>139017
“That’s... well, that’s about how it goes. At least... yeah, it’s not been that much different for me. You have to learn whole new grocery stores and laundromats, and you have to make a whole new set of friends.”
“That’s... well, that’s about how it goes. At least... yeah, it’s not been that much different for me. You have to learn whole new grocery stores and laundromats, and you have to make a whole new set of friends.”
>>139019
He smiles at Amber
“It’s a place you take clothing to to have cleaned. I guess you just got into the city?”
He smiles at Amber
“It’s a place you take clothing to to have cleaned. I guess you just got into the city?”
>>139022
Cue a scrunchy expression. "The way you were talking, you must have come from out of town too."
Cue a scrunchy expression. "The way you were talking, you must have come from out of town too."
>>139023
When his face comes back to meet Amber’s, his laughing stops abruptly, and his smile is swept away.
“It’s just nice to not be the newest anymore. I am from Donmouth. It’s not that far from here, but twenty miles makes a world of difference. I moved here with my mother.”
When his face comes back to meet Amber’s, his laughing stops abruptly, and his smile is swept away.
“It’s just nice to not be the newest anymore. I am from Donmouth. It’s not that far from here, but twenty miles makes a world of difference. I moved here with my mother.”
>>139024
"I know what you mean. I've never been to Donmouth but it sounds nice. I'm from about forty or forty-five miles to the west, but it ain't a proper town per se."
"I know what you mean. I've never been to Donmouth but it sounds nice. I'm from about forty or forty-five miles to the west, but it ain't a proper town per se."
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test
>>139026
"Just a farm really, with a dirt road to other neighboring farms. So a hamlet I suppose, but a bit more spread out. It was a long trot to Carneighy, which is the closest place with a train stop."
"Just a farm really, with a dirt road to other neighboring farms. So a hamlet I suppose, but a bit more spread out. It was a long trot to Carneighy, which is the closest place with a train stop."
>>139028
“Heh, yeah. That’s a hamlet. Donmouth had a church and a railway station. And a paper mill my dad and brother used to work at.” He pauses for a moment. “Uh... so what brings you here?”
“Heh, yeah. That’s a hamlet. Donmouth had a church and a railway station. And a paper mill my dad and brother used to work at.” He pauses for a moment. “Uh... so what brings you here?”
>>139029
"I know it's not very glamorous of a purpose, but I'm here to make some money. For my folks back home."
"I know it's not very glamorous of a purpose, but I'm here to make some money. For my folks back home."
>>139030
“I can understand that”. He looks up to Amber. His eyes look as if they are two different shades of purple. Then he looks down. Then back up to Amber.
“I can understand that”. He looks up to Amber. His eyes look as if they are two different shades of purple. Then he looks down. Then back up to Amber.
>>139031
His coloration is so similar to mine, it's uncanny, she wonders to herself. Realizing that she was staring she goes back to eating her food.
His coloration is so similar to mine, it's uncanny, she wonders to herself. Realizing that she was staring she goes back to eating her food.
>>139032
Amber is allowed to get back to her food. Mustard Trim doesn’t start talking to her, at least yet. Over on the far side, de sew finds a lamp.
Amber is allowed to get back to her food. Mustard Trim doesn’t start talking to her, at least yet. Over on the far side, de sew finds a lamp.
>>139033
She looks at the other employees and patrons and wonders what aspirations they have, and what events must have coincided to bring them into the same room like this.
She looks at the other employees and patrons and wonders what aspirations they have, and what events must have coincided to bring them into the same room like this.
>>139034
De Sew picks up the lamp and carries it around to the other side of the room. The zebra colt has disappeared from line of sight, presumably back into the kitchen. Melon Mangrove wipes a table while chatting (without eye contact) to the hat-wearing stallion, who sits a table with one of the giggling mares hanging on him. The other stallion sits across from him, and he nuzzled the second giggling mare. Salt Mixer leans over on conversation with the lone stallion remaining at the bar. It’s clearly around closing time.
De Sew picks up the lamp and carries it around to the other side of the room. The zebra colt has disappeared from line of sight, presumably back into the kitchen. Melon Mangrove wipes a table while chatting (without eye contact) to the hat-wearing stallion, who sits a table with one of the giggling mares hanging on him. The other stallion sits across from him, and he nuzzled the second giggling mare. Salt Mixer leans over on conversation with the lone stallion remaining at the bar. It’s clearly around closing time.
>>139035
One thing certainly is very surprising for Amber. "Wow. They became good friends really fast."
One thing certainly is very surprising for Amber. "Wow. They became good friends really fast."
>>139036
The Princesses may be gone, but friendship retains its magic
“Floozies and occupation soldiers” Mustard Trim remarks
The Princesses may be gone, but friendship retains its magic
“Floozies and occupation soldiers” Mustard Trim remarks
>>139039
"Well, okay. But even Miss Mixer is chatting with a customer, so maybe this really is the place to be to meet other ponies."
"Well, okay. But even Miss Mixer is chatting with a customer, so maybe this really is the place to be to meet other ponies."
>>139041
"I don't really know, I've never seen so many ponies in one place before. In the city, I mean. If I would have to say, though, probably ponies around my age, and those who know all about city life."
"I don't really know, I've never seen so many ponies in one place before. In the city, I mean. If I would have to say, though, probably ponies around my age, and those who know all about city life."
>>139042
“Like... a school? Or a bowling group? A political organization? Or are you looking for ‘fun’?”
“Like... a school? Or a bowling group? A political organization? Or are you looking for ‘fun’?”
"Well, I'd like to have some fun but maybe that's what bowling is for, I've never tried it but it sounds popular. If I had any 'castles in the air,' though, it would be to go to music school. I don't think that'll happen so it's best to be content."
>>139044
He twists his lips a little, as if unsure what to think of her response.
“That’s the difference between the small town and the city, really. In the small town, and on the farm, what you have to do in life is more or less set for you. Everything you need to do, you are told to do, and you are told how to do. In the city, it’s not like that at all. There are so many opportunities, and so many things you can become. But it’s not set for you. You have to find it yourself. You have to be the one to make it happen because it will not come to you. That’s what I think, anyways.”
He twists his lips a little, as if unsure what to think of her response.
“That’s the difference between the small town and the city, really. In the small town, and on the farm, what you have to do in life is more or less set for you. Everything you need to do, you are told to do, and you are told how to do. In the city, it’s not like that at all. There are so many opportunities, and so many things you can become. But it’s not set for you. You have to find it yourself. You have to be the one to make it happen because it will not come to you. That’s what I think, anyways.”
>>139045
Amber frowns a bit, her ears drooping. She finished her meal while Mustard was talking and now pushes the bowl away from her, resting her cheek on a hoof. "I don't think I can do that…. I rented the first apartment I could afford and took practically the first two jobs I could find. There's no way to know if I made the right choices or neglected to find something a lot better. It's another odd thing about the city, but…having so many possible choices makes me feel less in control than if I had just a few. Do you ever feel this way?"
Amber frowns a bit, her ears drooping. She finished her meal while Mustard was talking and now pushes the bowl away from her, resting her cheek on a hoof. "I don't think I can do that…. I rented the first apartment I could afford and took practically the first two jobs I could find. There's no way to know if I made the right choices or neglected to find something a lot better. It's another odd thing about the city, but…having so many possible choices makes me feel less in control than if I had just a few. Do you ever feel this way?"
>>139048
She smiles reassuringly. "I think I made the right choice coming here though, the restaurant's very cozy and you and Salt Mixer are very nice."
She smiles reassuringly. "I think I made the right choice coming here though, the restaurant's very cozy and you and Salt Mixer are very nice."
>>139051
"Well, you let me talk about my problems and I feel a bit better now, so, um…thank you." As she says this her cheeks redden slightly.
"Well, you let me talk about my problems and I feel a bit better now, so, um…thank you." As she says this her cheeks redden slightly.
>>139052
“Heh, well... any time you want to talk, you can talk to me.” He answers, also seeming to redden.
“Heh, well... any time you want to talk, you can talk to me.” He answers, also seeming to redden.
>>139054
"Sure, it certainly helps that we work at the same place. Uh, what are the other waiters like? I've hardly spoken to them at all."
"Sure, it certainly helps that we work at the same place. Uh, what are the other waiters like? I've hardly spoken to them at all."
>>139055
“Both of them are a bit older and seem to do this as an... uh... well, you know, as an actual job. De Sew is a mother. She’s fairly professional. Melon Mangrove has been here for a while but she’s in some kind of schooling. Both of them are nice, but De Sew is a little more reserved. There are also two other waiters who do this part time, but they are not here today.”
“Both of them are a bit older and seem to do this as an... uh... well, you know, as an actual job. De Sew is a mother. She’s fairly professional. Melon Mangrove has been here for a while but she’s in some kind of schooling. Both of them are nice, but De Sew is a little more reserved. There are also two other waiters who do this part time, but they are not here today.”
>>139057
“I mean, it’s like full time. I’m in school. I do this to help support myself and my mother.”
“I mean, it’s like full time. I’m in school. I do this to help support myself and my mother.”
>>139059
“Well... it can be... kind of boring, actually. There’s papers and math and writing exercises. And then you have to take work home to do.”
“Well... it can be... kind of boring, actually. There’s papers and math and writing exercises. And then you have to take work home to do.”
>>139061
This gets laughter from him
“Something like that, yeah. Though I’ve never been a secretary... Are you not in school?” He asks
This gets laughter from him
“Something like that, yeah. Though I’ve never been a secretary... Are you not in school?” He asks
>>139062
The auburn-haired mare shakes her head. "No, everything I know came from my parents and the books they collected. As for here in the city, during the day I work at a clothing store."
The auburn-haired mare shakes her head. "No, everything I know came from my parents and the books they collected. As for here in the city, during the day I work at a clothing store."
>>139063
“Huh...” he looks at Amber with a blank expression.
“That’s a bit different. Must not have been a school house out where you’re from.”
“Huh...” he looks at Amber with a blank expression.
“That’s a bit different. Must not have been a school house out where you’re from.”
>>139066
"It never looked too small to me. Number of ponies, sure, but there were plenty of fields, a forest to the south, and even a lake not too far away. Even without a proper town we had all the necessities of life."
"It never looked too small to me. Number of ponies, sure, but there were plenty of fields, a forest to the south, and even a lake not too far away. Even without a proper town we had all the necessities of life."
>>139067
“Bet you didn’t know restaurants like this were necessary. Or clothing stores... or any of the other stuff you find in the city.”
“Bet you didn’t know restaurants like this were necessary. Or clothing stores... or any of the other stuff you find in the city.”
>>139068
"I'd much rather cook for myself–no offense, I think this restaurant is excellent–but I need to save to buy cooking utensils and groceries."
"I'd much rather cook for myself–no offense, I think this restaurant is excellent–but I need to save to buy cooking utensils and groceries."
>>139069
“You’re not a fan of Jambalry’s cooking?” He asks, feigning skepticism. More seriously, he asks:
“You don’t have any utensils?!”
“You’re not a fan of Jambalry’s cooking?” He asks, feigning skepticism. More seriously, he asks:
“You don’t have any utensils?!”
>>139070
"I don't have anything except for some clothes and my mandolin. I'm already a hundred and fifty bits in debt–" she makes a disgusted expression "–but my landlord told me there's no place cheaper and that I really didn't want to sleep outside for some reason."
"I don't have anything except for some clothes and my mandolin. I'm already a hundred and fifty bits in debt–" she makes a disgusted expression "–but my landlord told me there's no place cheaper and that I really didn't want to sleep outside for some reason."
>>139072
She smiles optimistically though tiredly. "It shouldn't be like this for too long, though. With two jobs I should be getting better off quickly."
She smiles optimistically though tiredly. "It shouldn't be like this for too long, though. With two jobs I should be getting better off quickly."
>>139074
"It's different than what I expected. I don't know all that much because it was also my first day there, but there are ponies who like to overdress and others who just hate clothing stores."
"It's different than what I expected. I don't know all that much because it was also my first day there, but there are ponies who like to overdress and others who just hate clothing stores."
>>139078
Nodding, she answers, "Normally I don't stay up this late." She shifts with a sudden panic. "I–," another yawn, "I need to be getting back. I have work tomorrow."
Nodding, she answers, "Normally I don't stay up this late." She shifts with a sudden panic. "I–," another yawn, "I need to be getting back. I have work tomorrow."
>>139079
“Do you...” his ears go down, he looks away, then looks back to Amber. “Do you want me to walk to you back?”
“Do you...” his ears go down, he looks away, then looks back to Amber. “Do you want me to walk to you back?”
>>139080
She smiles at Mustard. "That would be nice, but I don't live very far away, and what about you?"
She smiles at Mustard. "That would be nice, but I don't live very far away, and what about you?"
"That is a lot further away! Are you sure you don't want me to walk you home?"
>>139085
“Uh, sure” he says, awkwardly smiling. “You’re sure you are comfortable walking back alone?” He adds
“Uh, sure” he says, awkwardly smiling. “You’re sure you are comfortable walking back alone?” He adds
>>139086
She looks puzzled by his insistence. "I live a ways east of here. There's nothing I should worry about, is there?"
She looks puzzled by his insistence. "I live a ways east of here. There's nothing I should worry about, is there?"
>>139088
She smiles amusedly. "I'm touched you're so worried about a filly you just met. That's very gentlecoltly of you."
She smiles amusedly. "I'm touched you're so worried about a filly you just met. That's very gentlecoltly of you."
>>139090
"You're welcome. Anyway, goodnight and take care on your trot home." She gets up, pushes her chair back into place and starts to turn to the exit.
"You're welcome. Anyway, goodnight and take care on your trot home." She gets up, pushes her chair back into place and starts to turn to the exit.
>>139092
Thankfully Mustard has no interest in molesting her at the time, so Amber leaves the restaurant and returns to her apartment.
Thankfully Mustard has no interest in molesting her at the time, so Amber leaves the restaurant and returns to her apartment.
>>139093
[1d20 = 6]
It’s much colder now, especially with a wind from the north blowing in, unimpeded on the north-south street
[1d20 = 6]
It’s much colder now, especially with a wind from the north blowing in, unimpeded on the north-south street
>>139094
Amber shivers and pulls her cloak I believe she brought it with her more tightly around herself.
Amber shivers and pulls her cloak I believe she brought it with her more tightly around herself.
>>139095
She makes her way eastward. It’s done number of streets. There are ponies on the sidewalks, and non-pony creatures both hippoform and not, walking in groups, in pairs, alone, or even stumbling about aimlessly on street corners. The buildings become shorter, and the streets, dirtier the further east she moves. Most areas are lit by street lamp, some are not. On one corner, illuminated almost by floodlights, two pegasi in green uniforms stand carrying what look like carbine rifles.
[1d20 = 4]
She makes her way eastward. It’s done number of streets. There are ponies on the sidewalks, and non-pony creatures both hippoform and not, walking in groups, in pairs, alone, or even stumbling about aimlessly on street corners. The buildings become shorter, and the streets, dirtier the further east she moves. Most areas are lit by street lamp, some are not. On one corner, illuminated almost by floodlights, two pegasi in green uniforms stand carrying what look like carbine rifles.
[1d20 = 4]
>>139096
Those look like soldiers. No wonder Mustard sounded tense, it just doesn't feel safe around here for some reason. It's neither cheery with ponies being carefree or tranquil like countryside nights.
Those look like soldiers. No wonder Mustard sounded tense, it just doesn't feel safe around here for some reason. It's neither cheery with ponies being carefree or tranquil like countryside nights.
>>139097
Most of the streets don’t have any particular problem with smell or garbage, but there are one or two brief segments where a pungent smell comes through. In some areas, restaurants and bars are open and still have life in them. In others, closed, unlit stores create a wall of darkness on the sides of streets. A similar pattern repeats when Amber enters the residential areas.
Most of the streets don’t have any particular problem with smell or garbage, but there are one or two brief segments where a pungent smell comes through. In some areas, restaurants and bars are open and still have life in them. In others, closed, unlit stores create a wall of darkness on the sides of streets. A similar pattern repeats when Amber enters the residential areas.
>>139098
Amber wonders why there would be any eateries or other establishments open at this hour, and how unpleasant it must be for the staff if it's already so late for her.
Amber wonders why there would be any eateries or other establishments open at this hour, and how unpleasant it must be for the staff if it's already so late for her.
>>139100
See, it was nothing. Mustard was just being a worrywort, she thinks to herself. She goes upstairs to her apartment.
See, it was nothing. Mustard was just being a worrywort, she thinks to herself. She goes upstairs to her apartment.
>>139101
Amber makes it back to her apartment at probably around 10:30 PM. She’s spent 10 or so hours working at minimum wage to serve ponies who are far higher class than her, only finally eating leftovers late at night, while being indirectly victimized by political terrorism, dealing with competing agency jurisdictions. and pushing away two colts. Unfortunately, she was unsuccessful in her primary goal of not owing money to the mafia. Could be worse though. Could be a lot worse.
Amber makes it back to her apartment at probably around 10:30 PM. She’s spent 10 or so hours working at minimum wage to serve ponies who are far higher class than her, only finally eating leftovers late at night, while being indirectly victimized by political terrorism, dealing with competing agency jurisdictions. and pushing away two colts. Unfortunately, she was unsuccessful in her primary goal of not owing money to the mafia. Could be worse though. Could be a lot worse.
>>139102
The broader context of her situation is lost on her, as she expected the first few days of city life to be somewhat rough. Being far too tired to closely think about her day, she's glad to be one day closer toward not owing any debt, having a warm meal in her belly and meeting some more-or-less friendly faces. She brushes her teeth and says her prayers before heading to sleep, though this time she foregoes thorough grooming and musical practice.
The broader context of her situation is lost on her, as she expected the first few days of city life to be somewhat rough. Being far too tired to closely think about her day, she's glad to be one day closer toward not owing any debt, having a warm meal in her belly and meeting some more-or-less friendly faces. She brushes her teeth and says her prayers before heading to sleep, though this time she foregoes thorough grooming and musical practice.
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>>139109
Hmmm...
Regardless, Amber wakes up in her bed, finding herself not stabbed, abducted, nor replaced by a Changeling.
Hmmm...
Regardless, Amber wakes up in her bed, finding herself not stabbed, abducted, nor replaced by a Changeling.
>>139110
Hoping that she didn't wake up too late–lacking a clock makes determining that difficult–she says her morning prayers, takes a quick shower (the cold water unpleasantly waking her up fully), and brushes her hair before she gets dressed and heads out.
Hoping that she didn't wake up too late–lacking a clock makes determining that difficult–she says her morning prayers, takes a quick shower (the cold water unpleasantly waking her up fully), and brushes her hair before she gets dressed and heads out.
>>139048
Silver nods, and gets up to find the black-coated light machinegunner who pulled the cart to recruit him into his telegraph repair squad.
Silver nods, and gets up to find the black-coated light machinegunner who pulled the cart to recruit him into his telegraph repair squad.
>>139114
This pony is perhaps the strongest in the platoon, and if he isn’t, he’s not far off. He seems fairly plain in expression, and asks,
“Do I need my gun?”
This pony is perhaps the strongest in the platoon, and if he isn’t, he’s not far off. He seems fairly plain in expression, and asks,
“Do I need my gun?”
>>139113
No anarchists. Yet. It’s colder today than yesterday, with occasional wind. Looks like there may be rain. High Sewn stands immediately outside the door of her shop, smoking a cigarette. The window of the display case is new and clean, but many items are missing from the display.
No anarchists. Yet. It’s colder today than yesterday, with occasional wind. Looks like there may be rain. High Sewn stands immediately outside the door of her shop, smoking a cigarette. The window of the display case is new and clean, but many items are missing from the display.
>>139116
Shivering, Amber is eager to get inside the shop. She doesn't know why High Sewn would be standing in place like that, whether to smoke a cigarette or not. "Hello Miss Sewn! It's a nippy day today, isn't it?"
Shivering, Amber is eager to get inside the shop. She doesn't know why High Sewn would be standing in place like that, whether to smoke a cigarette or not. "Hello Miss Sewn! It's a nippy day today, isn't it?"
>>139118
Just like yesterday, Amber looks at the shelves and replaces whatever's scarce with supplies from the back.
Just like yesterday, Amber looks at the shelves and replaces whatever's scarce with supplies from the back.
>>139119
As per usual, there’s a set of socks and coats that are missing, but also a number of items from the higher priced racks. High Sewn walks in with that half-annoyed expression on her face, holding a coffee cup and a newspaper. She sits down at her desk, opens a notebook and the receipt drawer, and starts taking notes.
“Remember to take note of inventory” she says to Amber without looking away from her note book
As per usual, there’s a set of socks and coats that are missing, but also a number of items from the higher priced racks. High Sewn walks in with that half-annoyed expression on her face, holding a coffee cup and a newspaper. She sits down at her desk, opens a notebook and the receipt drawer, and starts taking notes.
“Remember to take note of inventory” she says to Amber without looking away from her note book
>>139120
"Of course, ma'am!" Amber sets to it, dutifully writing down numbers for each type of merchandise, while making a mental note of any differences.
"Of course, ma'am!" Amber sets to it, dutifully writing down numbers for each type of merchandise, while making a mental note of any differences.
>>139121
Merchandise is slowly being used up, that’s for sure. Soon enough, the store is ready to be opened for the morning.
Merchandise is slowly being used up, that’s for sure. Soon enough, the store is ready to be opened for the morning.
>>139123
It isn’t too long before customers come by. The first mare in says she’s just looking, and walks past Amber. She tries to look at clothing, but ultimately leaves without buying anything. The sand is true of the second mare. The third one comes in, tries on a sweater and buys it, leaving quickly.
It isn’t too long before customers come by. The first mare in says she’s just looking, and walks past Amber. She tries to look at clothing, but ultimately leaves without buying anything. The sand is true of the second mare. The third one comes in, tries on a sweater and buys it, leaving quickly.
>>139125
It’s fairly low cost purchases at the moment, but there are some sales. The highlight of the morning is High Sewn making Amber stand perfectly straight and still (and taking off her other clothing) while she uses her to fit and work on an ordered dress.
It’s fairly low cost purchases at the moment, but there are some sales. The highlight of the morning is High Sewn making Amber stand perfectly straight and still (and taking off her other clothing) while she uses her to fit and work on an ordered dress.
>>139126
This is quite unexpected for Amber, who never worked as a model before. She does the best she can despite the awkwardness of standing still while a stranger performs measurements. One question raised, however, is the suitability of herself for fitting as she is shorter than most other mares.
This is quite unexpected for Amber, who never worked as a model before. She does the best she can despite the awkwardness of standing still while a stranger performs measurements. One question raised, however, is the suitability of herself for fitting as she is shorter than most other mares.
>>139115
"Depends on how long you are willing to carry it around. I do not expect we will find enemies, but we should expect unexpected."
"Depends on how long you are willing to carry it around. I do not expect we will find enemies, but we should expect unexpected."
>>139131
“Oh, don’t be too offended by it. Those drugged up trigs they expect you to pay extra for for fitting don’t have body shapes found in nature. At least not on mammals anyways.”
“Oh, don’t be too offended by it. Those drugged up trigs they expect you to pay extra for for fitting don’t have body shapes found in nature. At least not on mammals anyways.”
>>139130
"Maybe. We are going to investigate telegraph outage, and if it turns out to be fallen pole, we may need your help fixing it."
"Maybe. We are going to investigate telegraph outage, and if it turns out to be fallen pole, we may need your help fixing it."
>>139135
Silver directs him to take the gun, just in case. With that, the squad moves to the telegraph office, to first see if the pony inside has any information for them.
Silver directs him to take the gun, just in case. With that, the squad moves to the telegraph office, to first see if the pony inside has any information for them.
>>139136
"There you go. Good girl. Now stand still." She takes a number of measurements, and especially tries to cut parts of fabric next to her. "Keep standing still" she says. It takes a few minutes, but she gets what she needs, and releases Amber.
>>139137
The jet black earth pony pulls the massive gun out, and carries it in a sling over his back, along with several magazines It's a gun almost built for Earth ponies, and it shows off his strength well. Still, he'll probably need to set it aside if heavy lifting is necessary.
The Lunar Telephone and Telegraph Company is located in a small pale brick building along Main Street, south of Old Mecc Trail Road. The flat, black colored roof hangs over the side of the building some ways. Inside, beyond a wooden floor and behind a hardwood desk, a pegasus mare with a long, yellow braided mane, a reddish brown sweater, and bright, green eyes watches the ponies as they enter.
"There you go. Good girl. Now stand still." She takes a number of measurements, and especially tries to cut parts of fabric next to her. "Keep standing still" she says. It takes a few minutes, but she gets what she needs, and releases Amber.
>>139137
The jet black earth pony pulls the massive gun out, and carries it in a sling over his back, along with several magazines It's a gun almost built for Earth ponies, and it shows off his strength well. Still, he'll probably need to set it aside if heavy lifting is necessary.
The Lunar Telephone and Telegraph Company is located in a small pale brick building along Main Street, south of Old Mecc Trail Road. The flat, black colored roof hangs over the side of the building some ways. Inside, beyond a wooden floor and behind a hardwood desk, a pegasus mare with a long, yellow braided mane, a reddish brown sweater, and bright, green eyes watches the ponies as they enter.
>>139150
"Mmmm" Amber mutters uncomfortably, particularly as she hears the snipping of scissors next to her. After it's over she dons her dress again and takes her place near the door, glad to be over that inconvenience.
"Mmmm" Amber mutters uncomfortably, particularly as she hears the snipping of scissors next to her. After it's over she dons her dress again and takes her place near the door, glad to be over that inconvenience.
>>139153
"Well... It worked yesterday. Now it doesn't, as of the first of this morning. It's not receiving any signal, and we don't know if anything that is sent makes it through. I think our equipment here is working. It's probably the line."
>>139154
Amber finds herself in a position of authority to modify the heating arrangement for the store. The light from outside is dimmed by clouds, and again most ponies entering want the lower cost items.
"Well... It worked yesterday. Now it doesn't, as of the first of this morning. It's not receiving any signal, and we don't know if anything that is sent makes it through. I think our equipment here is working. It's probably the line."
>>139154
Amber finds herself in a position of authority to modify the heating arrangement for the store. The light from outside is dimmed by clouds, and again most ponies entering want the lower cost items.
>>139155
It doesn't seem to be too cold, at least for Amber, and she doesn't want to meddle with the heating or do anything that may irk High Sewn.
It doesn't seem to be too cold, at least for Amber, and she doesn't want to meddle with the heating or do anything that may irk High Sewn.
>>139159
The remainder of the morning section is fairly uneventful. There are some customers, but they don't need more help than "where are your x?" some of which Amber can answer, and some of which High Sewn intervenes to answer
The remainder of the morning section is fairly uneventful. There are some customers, but they don't need more help than "where are your x?" some of which Amber can answer, and some of which High Sewn intervenes to answer
>>139161
No political extremists who did not possess the intent to buy clothing could be found outside or around the store. There was a young mare with disheveled mane and a grey sweater who stands in place and sways a little that High Sewn watched after she came into the store. Evidently she didn't take anything, as High Sewn stopped watching after she left.
No political extremists who did not possess the intent to buy clothing could be found outside or around the store. There was a young mare with disheveled mane and a grey sweater who stands in place and sways a little that High Sewn watched after she came into the store. Evidently she didn't take anything, as High Sewn stopped watching after she left.
>>139162
Amber wonders why that mare looked a little off-kilter and hadn't bothered to brush her mane, but doesn't say anything.
Amber wonders why that mare looked a little off-kilter and hadn't bothered to brush her mane, but doesn't say anything.
>>139163
And so, Amber makes it through (part) of her shift. Lunchbreak time.
>>139164
"It's.... possible, if they made it this far. could be a sudden gust of wind breaking a pole, or a bolt of lightening. Could be a rat chewed through it, or some other wildlife. It could even be a pony rebel, or a deserter."
And so, Amber makes it through (part) of her shift. Lunchbreak time.
>>139164
"It's.... possible, if they made it this far. could be a sudden gust of wind breaking a pole, or a bolt of lightening. Could be a rat chewed through it, or some other wildlife. It could even be a pony rebel, or a deserter."
>>139165
Unfortunately lunch takes money, a.k.a. cash, and that is the one thing Amber doesn't have at the moment. Another day will pass without lunch. It'll get better when I'm paid… she thinks.
Unfortunately lunch takes money, a.k.a. cash, and that is the one thing Amber doesn't have at the moment. Another day will pass without lunch. It'll get better when I'm paid… she thinks.
>>139167
“Oh... I don’t know tools very well..” the mare answers.
Amber Grain volunteers the following
“Well, it’s the same as testing any other wire that sends an electric current. You get a electric tester like a multimeter, try to put a current through the wire, and see if there is a current through each section to isolate the section with the problem.”
>>139166
That’s a pretty good attitude to have. Food is only for winners
“Oh... I don’t know tools very well..” the mare answers.
Amber Grain volunteers the following
“Well, it’s the same as testing any other wire that sends an electric current. You get a electric tester like a multimeter, try to put a current through the wire, and see if there is a current through each section to isolate the section with the problem.”
>>139166
That’s a pretty good attitude to have. Food is only for winners
>>139168
Unfortunately it's hard to maintain a positive attitude with an empty belly as the hours wear on.
Unfortunately it's hard to maintain a positive attitude with an empty belly as the hours wear on.
>>139169
Guy arrives at perhaps 12:50, wearing his fancy vest. He starts moving items to the display case, with some consultation with High Sewn on what items belong there
Guy arrives at perhaps 12:50, wearing his fancy vest. He starts moving items to the display case, with some consultation with High Sewn on what items belong there
>>139170
Amber tries to help him in any capacity, from carrying the items themselves to preventing any dragging on the floors.
Amber tries to help him in any capacity, from carrying the items themselves to preventing any dragging on the floors.
>>139173
Griffons are stronger than I thought… she thinks, though she is taken aback by his aloofness.
Griffons are stronger than I thought… she thinks, though she is taken aback by his aloofness.
I has to sleep now
>>139173
He looks to Amber Grain.
"Do you think you could help her, maybe describe what device looks like?"
He looks to Amber Grain.
"Do you think you could help her, maybe describe what device looks like?"
>>139180
The mare:
"Uh...."
Amber Grain:
"Do you think this filly has ever worked on a tractor before? C'mon Platoon Sargent. Let's see if the 332nd or some farm around here has one."
The mare:
"Uh...."
Amber Grain:
"Do you think this filly has ever worked on a tractor before? C'mon Platoon Sargent. Let's see if the 332nd or some farm around here has one."
>>139182
Silver, Amber Grain, Saltlick and the Machine Gunner leave the Lunar Telephone and Telegraph Building, and start walking their way to Old Meccs Trail Road and the town hall. The 332nd is of course spread over a larger area, so they see a green stallion with a big, steel helmet covering much of his head sitting in front of what seems to be a grocer not far from the town hall. There is a group of stallions there, including a beige one, and a blue one with whom the green stallion converses.
Silver, Amber Grain, Saltlick and the Machine Gunner leave the Lunar Telephone and Telegraph Building, and start walking their way to Old Meccs Trail Road and the town hall. The 332nd is of course spread over a larger area, so they see a green stallion with a big, steel helmet covering much of his head sitting in front of what seems to be a grocer not far from the town hall. There is a group of stallions there, including a beige one, and a blue one with whom the green stallion converses.
>>139183
Silver approaches the group.
"Excuse me sirs, you would not happen to know if your Platoon has multimeter among its supplies?"
Silver approaches the group.
"Excuse me sirs, you would not happen to know if your Platoon has multimeter among its supplies?"
>>139184
Silver must have surprised the group by his approach, judging by their expressions. The blue stallion - looks to be an earth pony, but with the way his uniform is positioned it's hard to tell if he's simply covering up wings - raises a hoof up in the air as if to signal silence, and then turns his head to Silver
"A multimeter?"
He pauses for a moment, but just as Amber Grain is about to but in, the blue stallion says:
"Yes... We are certain to have one somewhere in our stacks of material. I am unsure how long it would take to find it. You can look through the materials at the rodeo park, or search a garage in this area. They are sure to have the same."
Silver must have surprised the group by his approach, judging by their expressions. The blue stallion - looks to be an earth pony, but with the way his uniform is positioned it's hard to tell if he's simply covering up wings - raises a hoof up in the air as if to signal silence, and then turns his head to Silver
"A multimeter?"
He pauses for a moment, but just as Amber Grain is about to but in, the blue stallion says:
"Yes... We are certain to have one somewhere in our stacks of material. I am unsure how long it would take to find it. You can look through the materials at the rodeo park, or search a garage in this area. They are sure to have the same."
>>139185
He nods.
"Thank you. Sorry to interrupt, we will be on our way."
Silver leads his posse to the rodeo park.
He nods.
"Thank you. Sorry to interrupt, we will be on our way."
Silver leads his posse to the rodeo park.
>>139186
Silver goes back a street, past the jail and the sheriff's office, past the Hotel, onto another street, and past a few more small houses with greenish brown wood and covered porches. There is a small open green area that must be a park but Silver can tell was probably common pasture area less than a century ago, and next to it is a set of stables, a ticket stand, fences, and raised seating area that is unmistakable as an arena with a fenced in, oval shaped dirt center. And yet only so much dirt is visible, as in the center are so many wooden crates, a few green tents, and several barrels.
Silver goes back a street, past the jail and the sheriff's office, past the Hotel, onto another street, and past a few more small houses with greenish brown wood and covered porches. There is a small open green area that must be a park but Silver can tell was probably common pasture area less than a century ago, and next to it is a set of stables, a ticket stand, fences, and raised seating area that is unmistakable as an arena with a fenced in, oval shaped dirt center. And yet only so much dirt is visible, as in the center are so many wooden crates, a few green tents, and several barrels.
>>139187
Silver groans at the sight of all the crates, tents, and barrels.
"I did not think it would be this much hassle when I asked you all to join me."
Silver groans at the sight of all the crates, tents, and barrels.
"I did not think it would be this much hassle when I asked you all to join me."
>>139188
"I never expected anything less from a war. We're just over the one year mark." Amber Grain replies
Walking through the Entry, Silver sees another pair of flags - the blue flag of the two sisters, and the green, white, and blue flag. Silver walks past a black and white photograph of a large cow and a pegasus standing next to it, and of a stallion, wings partly spread and holding a rope in his mouth.
Inside the arena, Silver can see a gate that is closed at the moment, but has larges tracks of dragged crates and other items, and hoof prints abound. Amber Grain walks in, carefully looking around, the machine gunner stands back, but Saltlick flies around, looking at stacks of crates. Silver can see that most contain food in MREs or cans, but some contain medical supplies, ammunition, binoculars, and various other items. Saltlick is the first to see it. "Over here. Electronic repair equipment." Saltlick tries to pull it out of the set of crates, but the machine gunner has to come over, place his gun and bandolier off to the side, and pull out the crate himself. When he does so, a pair of crates fall down several feet. Still, it's a simple enough matter to open the crate, at least for Amber Grain.
"Got it" Amber says.
"I never expected anything less from a war. We're just over the one year mark." Amber Grain replies
Walking through the Entry, Silver sees another pair of flags - the blue flag of the two sisters, and the green, white, and blue flag. Silver walks past a black and white photograph of a large cow and a pegasus standing next to it, and of a stallion, wings partly spread and holding a rope in his mouth.
Inside the arena, Silver can see a gate that is closed at the moment, but has larges tracks of dragged crates and other items, and hoof prints abound. Amber Grain walks in, carefully looking around, the machine gunner stands back, but Saltlick flies around, looking at stacks of crates. Silver can see that most contain food in MREs or cans, but some contain medical supplies, ammunition, binoculars, and various other items. Saltlick is the first to see it. "Over here. Electronic repair equipment." Saltlick tries to pull it out of the set of crates, but the machine gunner has to come over, place his gun and bandolier off to the side, and pull out the crate himself. When he does so, a pair of crates fall down several feet. Still, it's a simple enough matter to open the crate, at least for Amber Grain.
"Got it" Amber says.
>>139190
From further back in the arena, on the opposite side of the fence and in front of the opposing set of sands, a pair of ponies watch as a third moves closer. The one moving has a visible carbine on his back, a standing stallion lacks a helmet, and all three wear brown uniforms that identify them as support personnel. They weren't there when Silver's team entered. Now they look at the ponies.
Amber Grain is not bothered by this, retrieving not only a multimeter, but clamps, a medium sized spool of wire (and telephone wire at that), clamps, a car battery, wire cutters, and a few other items. The black stallion could surely carry all of this himself but for the gun, so parts of the set are distributed among Silver's team.
From further back in the arena, on the opposite side of the fence and in front of the opposing set of sands, a pair of ponies watch as a third moves closer. The one moving has a visible carbine on his back, a standing stallion lacks a helmet, and all three wear brown uniforms that identify them as support personnel. They weren't there when Silver's team entered. Now they look at the ponies.
Amber Grain is not bothered by this, retrieving not only a multimeter, but clamps, a medium sized spool of wire (and telephone wire at that), clamps, a car battery, wire cutters, and a few other items. The black stallion could surely carry all of this himself but for the gun, so parts of the set are distributed among Silver's team.
>>139199
Silver takes his fair share of the equipment. He waves and calls out to the support ponies.
"We apologize for mess! We just need to borrow some equipment!"
Silver takes his fair share of the equipment. He waves and calls out to the support ponies.
"We apologize for mess! We just need to borrow some equipment!"
>>139201
They don't respond by voice or gesture. They seem close enough to have heard Silver, but then again a new wind enters, blowing easterly through the valley and creating noise through the flapping of tent roofs.
They don't respond by voice or gesture. They seem close enough to have heard Silver, but then again a new wind enters, blowing easterly through the valley and creating noise through the flapping of tent roofs.
>>139204
"O...kay."
Officially weirded out, he leads the squad out of the area and towards the direction of the telegraph outage. Once out of town, he turns to his compatriots and speaks in a low voice.
"Have any of you three noticed anything...odd, about 332nd?"
"O...kay."
Officially weirded out, he leads the squad out of the area and towards the direction of the telegraph outage. Once out of town, he turns to his compatriots and speaks in a low voice.
"Have any of you three noticed anything...odd, about 332nd?"
>>139205
When the ponies pull out, the three supply personnel enter the arena through a gate on the opposite side. All three go to the location of the tipped over crates, with the one with the carbine watching over Silver and his team as they leave (he never brandishes the carbine; it remains on his back), while the two unarmed ponies proceed to right and pick up the fallen crates.
Amber grain replies:
"They don't seem to like us here"
Saltlick
"I haven't interacted with them here at all."
The black colt remains silent
When the ponies pull out, the three supply personnel enter the arena through a gate on the opposite side. All three go to the location of the tipped over crates, with the one with the carbine watching over Silver and his team as they leave (he never brandishes the carbine; it remains on his back), while the two unarmed ponies proceed to right and pick up the fallen crates.
Amber grain replies:
"They don't seem to like us here"
Saltlick
"I haven't interacted with them here at all."
The black colt remains silent
>>139205
Being aware of an outage is quite a different thing from locating the precise source of the outage.
[1d4 = 2]
Being aware of an outage is quite a different thing from locating the precise source of the outage.
[1d4 = 2]
>>139206
"I do not know, but something about this seems bad. My gut is telling me that longer we stay in Vale, more danger we are in. For instance, mare at telegraph office said that this telegraph line was working yesterday, so unless High Command decided to spring news of our arrival to Vale on 332nd last minute, they should have known we would be here. But nothing was prepared for us, and their Captain spoke and acted like he had no idea we be here and told us to be on our way to Front. And on their Captain, while none of you met him or his entourage, it was just like with those support ponies: just silently watching us, blankly, only addressing us when absolutely necessary, and way he spoke was like in those stories about souless metal automaton ponies. No normal pony, not even Captain, speaks like that."
"I do not know, but something about this seems bad. My gut is telling me that longer we stay in Vale, more danger we are in. For instance, mare at telegraph office said that this telegraph line was working yesterday, so unless High Command decided to spring news of our arrival to Vale on 332nd last minute, they should have known we would be here. But nothing was prepared for us, and their Captain spoke and acted like he had no idea we be here and told us to be on our way to Front. And on their Captain, while none of you met him or his entourage, it was just like with those support ponies: just silently watching us, blankly, only addressing us when absolutely necessary, and way he spoke was like in those stories about souless metal automaton ponies. No normal pony, not even Captain, speaks like that."
>>139208
"I see" Amber Grain responds. "Well, in fairness, their communication has been out a while now. Before we headed out for Vale from Virtue, it seems. So I really can believe that they never got the message we'd be here, and I wouldn't be surprised either if Command never sent out a message at all. They may be skeptical of a fully armed, large military unit arriving in without notice, especially if they think their communication lines have been cut. Having someone ransack their stacks of supplies may not help."
"I see" Amber Grain responds. "Well, in fairness, their communication has been out a while now. Before we headed out for Vale from Virtue, it seems. So I really can believe that they never got the message we'd be here, and I wouldn't be surprised either if Command never sent out a message at all. They may be skeptical of a fully armed, large military unit arriving in without notice, especially if they think their communication lines have been cut. Having someone ransack their stacks of supplies may not help."
>>139209
Silver offers a thoughtful grunt.
"Perhaps. But with rumors of upcoming Changeling assault, and how important Vale is to our Frontline forces, I would not like to take chance. I would ask that you all travel as group for as long as you can and not let each other get out of sight. Even if one of you need to defecate or urinate and you need to stand right there and watch them, it is good idea to maintain VC."
Silver offers a thoughtful grunt.
"Perhaps. But with rumors of upcoming Changeling assault, and how important Vale is to our Frontline forces, I would not like to take chance. I would ask that you all travel as group for as long as you can and not let each other get out of sight. Even if one of you need to defecate or urinate and you need to stand right there and watch them, it is good idea to maintain VC."
>>139210
Amber::
"What about the remainder of the platoon? Thirty-eight ponies and also the machinegun section. They are also in town."
Amber::
"What about the remainder of the platoon? Thirty-eight ponies and also the machinegun section. They are also in town."
>>139211
"Once we have repaired telegraph line, I will share my suspicions with Lieutenant, then we will gather platoon together and check each soldier to make sure they have not been replaced. We will make it out to be routine inspection. Another thing, do not breathe single word of this to others in platoon."
"Once we have repaired telegraph line, I will share my suspicions with Lieutenant, then we will gather platoon together and check each soldier to make sure they have not been replaced. We will make it out to be routine inspection. Another thing, do not breathe single word of this to others in platoon."
>>139213
Silver breathes a sigh, though not necessarily one of relief.
"Thank you. But, first things first: let us repair telegraph line."
Silver breathes a sigh, though not necessarily one of relief.
"Thank you. But, first things first: let us repair telegraph line."
>>139216
"Alright"
The ponies go over to the edge of town, past the last building, and on the line by Old Mecc's trail, just before the road goes into a fallow field by the riverside.
Saltlick makes good use of his wings, and flies up the side of the pole towards the top, where he introduces the multimeter, and uses the clamps.
"Okay... signal will come from Wald to here, or at least it seems to. I can't really confirm that. But there's a dead line from the Vale line. The problem is further into town."
"Alright"
The ponies go over to the edge of town, past the last building, and on the line by Old Mecc's trail, just before the road goes into a fallow field by the riverside.
Saltlick makes good use of his wings, and flies up the side of the pole towards the top, where he introduces the multimeter, and uses the clamps.
"Okay... signal will come from Wald to here, or at least it seems to. I can't really confirm that. But there's a dead line from the Vale line. The problem is further into town."
>>139218
They nod. Silver and company proceed further into town, and test the line in front of the general store.
"Huh... There's a signal coming from Vale, but none from Wald. We are just passed the source of the outage."
Saltlick jumps down from the pole, and then flies over to the top of the feed store, inspecting the connector where the telephone, telegraph, and electric lines connect with the top of the feed store.
"Uh, Platoon Sargent, I think it..."
They nod. Silver and company proceed further into town, and test the line in front of the general store.
"Huh... There's a signal coming from Vale, but none from Wald. We are just passed the source of the outage."
Saltlick jumps down from the pole, and then flies over to the top of the feed store, inspecting the connector where the telephone, telegraph, and electric lines connect with the top of the feed store.
"Uh, Platoon Sargent, I think it..."
>>139221
Silver looks concerned at his other two compatriots.
"I would rather see it, if there was way for me to get onto roof."
Silver looks concerned at his other two compatriots.
"I would rather see it, if there was way for me to get onto roof."
>>139222
Looking around on the other side of the feed store, there is a ladder allowing access to the roof. Going up there, there is a flat roof evidently made of wood. Silver sees that there is a cross beam with insulators on the top of the pole, presumably carrying electricity. It's the insulated cables that run below the eletric lines that Salt Lick points to as a point of concern. There are two cables, each connected to the pole at two points. And both are severed in that inch between each connection. It's a fairly clean cut, which appears to be possible only by instrument, and it's in the one location such a cut could occur without the line falling down to the ground for lack of support.
Looking around on the other side of the feed store, there is a ladder allowing access to the roof. Going up there, there is a flat roof evidently made of wood. Silver sees that there is a cross beam with insulators on the top of the pole, presumably carrying electricity. It's the insulated cables that run below the eletric lines that Salt Lick points to as a point of concern. There are two cables, each connected to the pole at two points. And both are severed in that inch between each connection. It's a fairly clean cut, which appears to be possible only by instrument, and it's in the one location such a cut could occur without the line falling down to the ground for lack of support.
>>139223
"Saboteur..."
Silver pales slightly at the sight of the cut wires. He looks to Saltlick and speaks with a sense of urgency.
"Fixing telegraph can wait. We need to alert Lieutenant Brisbuck and our platoon. Now."
"Saboteur..."
Silver pales slightly at the sight of the cut wires. He looks to Saltlick and speaks with a sense of urgency.
"Fixing telegraph can wait. We need to alert Lieutenant Brisbuck and our platoon. Now."
>>139224
"For what it's worth..." Saltlick adds
"This is one of the only places you can access the line without having to climb a 17 foot pole, or fly."
But Saltlick is as disturbed as Silver, with a blank expression in his eyes. Amber Grain pulls his submachine gun from on his back, to hold in front of himself.
"For what it's worth..." Saltlick adds
"This is one of the only places you can access the line without having to climb a 17 foot pole, or fly."
But Saltlick is as disturbed as Silver, with a blank expression in his eyes. Amber Grain pulls his submachine gun from on his back, to hold in front of himself.
>>139225
Silver looks to the soldier under his command.
"Come, we move as unit. Do not lose sight of each other as we go get Lieutenant."
He leads his group further in town to find other members of his platoon, and ask them where Lieutenant Brisbuck went. He tries to maintain a calm expression on his face in the meantime.
Silver looks to the soldier under his command.
"Come, we move as unit. Do not lose sight of each other as we go get Lieutenant."
He leads his group further in town to find other members of his platoon, and ask them where Lieutenant Brisbuck went. He tries to maintain a calm expression on his face in the meantime.
>>139226
The feed store, like the hotel and town hall, are located on Old Mecc's Trail Road, making it a straight shot for Silver and company to the location of most of the platoon, who are hanging around the hotel. The ponies with Silver are decidedly worried, with Amber Grain and now even Saltlick carrying their guns out in front of themselves, and the black colt seriously contemplating doing the same.
A white earth pony sitting down in front of the hotel says,
"He's inside the town hall there."
The feed store, like the hotel and town hall, are located on Old Mecc's Trail Road, making it a straight shot for Silver and company to the location of most of the platoon, who are hanging around the hotel. The ponies with Silver are decidedly worried, with Amber Grain and now even Saltlick carrying their guns out in front of themselves, and the black colt seriously contemplating doing the same.
A white earth pony sitting down in front of the hotel says,
"He's inside the town hall there."
>>139227
Silver nods, and heads to the town hall with his ponies. He looks hurriedly for the Liuetenant.
Silver nods, and heads to the town hall with his ponies. He looks hurriedly for the Liuetenant.
>>139228
Silver enters inside the town hall to find an entrance way with a reception area off to one side, and a brief hallway that goes forward with branching hallway holding offices to one end, and a large meeting hall on another end, that holds a raised platform with a podium, a number of chairs, a wooden seal with "Vale, State of Casadia, Born and Raised on the Mecc's Trail" on it, and the image of a river, forest and mountains Silver has seen on the flag, along with the Equestrian and green white and blue flags behind the podium and to the side of the seal. On the tan painted walls are a few pictures of Stallions and what seems to be a mare with shortcut mane and earrings. On the far wall is a painting of what seems to be a river with jumping fish, perhaps a salmon run.
Standing between the seats and the raised section is Brisbuck, as well as a few ponies from the platoon; the corporal who suggested the sleeping arrangement earlier, and a private.
>>139229
Hello
>>139175
The afternoon shift starts, with Guy and presumably Amber assuming their positions
Silver enters inside the town hall to find an entrance way with a reception area off to one side, and a brief hallway that goes forward with branching hallway holding offices to one end, and a large meeting hall on another end, that holds a raised platform with a podium, a number of chairs, a wooden seal with "Vale, State of Casadia, Born and Raised on the Mecc's Trail" on it, and the image of a river, forest and mountains Silver has seen on the flag, along with the Equestrian and green white and blue flags behind the podium and to the side of the seal. On the tan painted walls are a few pictures of Stallions and what seems to be a mare with shortcut mane and earrings. On the far wall is a painting of what seems to be a river with jumping fish, perhaps a salmon run.
Standing between the seats and the raised section is Brisbuck, as well as a few ponies from the platoon; the corporal who suggested the sleeping arrangement earlier, and a private.
>>139229
Hello
>>139175
The afternoon shift starts, with Guy and presumably Amber assuming their positions
>>139230
Silver steps up to the Lieutenant, maintaining a calm expression, but speaking with words laced with urgency.
"Lieutenant Brisbuck, Sir? I need word with you, if you please. Preferrably in private."
Silver steps up to the Lieutenant, maintaining a calm expression, but speaking with words laced with urgency.
"Lieutenant Brisbuck, Sir? I need word with you, if you please. Preferrably in private."
>>139234
She doesn't seem to e interested in something oudoors-y per se, at least if her choice of sections is a reflection of her preferences and not her ignorance of the selection. She is nearer the fancy clothing.
She doesn't seem to e interested in something oudoors-y per se, at least if her choice of sections is a reflection of her preferences and not her ignorance of the selection. She is nearer the fancy clothing.
>>139233
"It will just be minute."
Motioning for his squad to follow, he leads the group, now including the Lieutenant, into a secluded room. He makes sure to close the door before he pulls out his flashlight and turns to the Lieutenant.
"First, I need to check that you have not been replaced by changeling. Keep your eyes open, please."
"It will just be minute."
Motioning for his squad to follow, he leads the group, now including the Lieutenant, into a secluded room. He makes sure to close the door before he pulls out his flashlight and turns to the Lieutenant.
"First, I need to check that you have not been replaced by changeling. Keep your eyes open, please."
>>139236
She's an off white, middle age mare wearing a black semi-formal outfit. She turns to Amber. "Hi. Yes. I need something for the rain."
>>139237
There's a room in the hallway from which they entered off to the side, which contains cabinets, several sinks, a stove, a table, has a tile floor, and generally seems to be intended to be a kitchen. The corporal follows Brisbuck and Silver to the location, but the door is closed behind them. It's a large room, and there is a door on the other side, but that is also closed.
"... Sargent?"
Silver still manages to pull his flashlight on Brisbuck. His pupils dilate, and there is some reflection from his irises, though nothing else seems abnormal. He manages to keep his eyes open.
She's an off white, middle age mare wearing a black semi-formal outfit. She turns to Amber. "Hi. Yes. I need something for the rain."
>>139237
There's a room in the hallway from which they entered off to the side, which contains cabinets, several sinks, a stove, a table, has a tile floor, and generally seems to be intended to be a kitchen. The corporal follows Brisbuck and Silver to the location, but the door is closed behind them. It's a large room, and there is a door on the other side, but that is also closed.
"... Sargent?"
Silver still manages to pull his flashlight on Brisbuck. His pupils dilate, and there is some reflection from his irises, though nothing else seems abnormal. He manages to keep his eyes open.
>>139238
Silver lets out a sigh of relief, and puts his flashlight away.
"I apologize for that Lieutenant, but we can not take any risks. We investigated telegraph lines, as you ordered. They have been cut deliberately and evenly with sharp object, in place that is unlikely to have been result of intense wind, wild animals, or debris, right here in town."
Silver lets out a sigh of relief, and puts his flashlight away.
"I apologize for that Lieutenant, but we can not take any risks. We investigated telegraph lines, as you ordered. They have been cut deliberately and evenly with sharp object, in place that is unlikely to have been result of intense wind, wild animals, or debris, right here in town."
>>139241
Alas, these were the days before Gore-Tex, unless if a magical equivalent exists. This store is not known for its selection of enchanted clothing.
"Wool will keep you warm even when wet. Something else to consider is a trenchcoat, made of…what was it…'gab-ar-dine.' It's called a trenchcoat because it's worn by soldiers, and if it's good enough for them, it must be fine for you!"
Alas, these were the days before Gore-Tex, unless if a magical equivalent exists. This store is not known for its selection of enchanted clothing.
"Wool will keep you warm even when wet. Something else to consider is a trenchcoat, made of…what was it…'gab-ar-dine.' It's called a trenchcoat because it's worn by soldiers, and if it's good enough for them, it must be fine for you!"
>>139241
"Little, definitively. They were cut early this morning, and whoever did so did their best to hide it. It was made in one of few places where it would not cut lines between poles, but still disable our connection with Wald, where telegraph, telephone, and power lines intersect on roof of Feed Store. And while I have no definite proof...I have suspicions on where those responsible are. I think 332nd has been infiltrated by Changelings."
"Little, definitively. They were cut early this morning, and whoever did so did their best to hide it. It was made in one of few places where it would not cut lines between poles, but still disable our connection with Wald, where telegraph, telephone, and power lines intersect on roof of Feed Store. And while I have no definite proof...I have suspicions on where those responsible are. I think 332nd has been infiltrated by Changelings."
File (): 9B090139E1F1508408E2F5BDB194D250-65451.jpg (63.9 KB, 1280x720, maxresdefault (2).jpg)
>>139242
Pretty sure Governor Bush won Texas
"Trenchcoat?" She seems a bit astonished by this. "I think I'll try a woolen coat then. More ladylike."
>>139243
He blinks
"We're well past the front lines. And there's not much cover to hide behind except the rolling hills, and even those aren't very helpful. How many Changelings could we be facing?"
Pretty sure Governor Bush won Texas
"Trenchcoat?" She seems a bit astonished by this. "I think I'll try a woolen coat then. More ladylike."
>>139243
He blinks
"We're well past the front lines. And there's not much cover to hide behind except the rolling hills, and even those aren't very helpful. How many Changelings could we be facing?"
>>139244
"I am unsure to what extent. At minimum, I am suspect of Captain and those of his soldiers who greeted us as we arrived to town, as well as three of 332nd's Support Staff."
"I am unsure to what extent. At minimum, I am suspect of Captain and those of his soldiers who greeted us as we arrived to town, as well as three of 332nd's Support Staff."
>>139246
"At the moment? Black. It matches more of my outfits than most colors."
>>139245
Briskbuck breathes out, and then back in
"He has been avoiding basic questions, like when the last supply shipment came in or how much stock they have, but he'll ask me questions like what units we're going to be assigned to or where we'll be placed."
"At the moment? Black. It matches more of my outfits than most colors."
>>139245
Briskbuck breathes out, and then back in
"He has been avoiding basic questions, like when the last supply shipment came in or how much stock they have, but he'll ask me questions like what units we're going to be assigned to or where we'll be placed."
>>139247
"He was unaware of our impending arrival today, did not have anything prepared for our unit, and seemed to want us to move on. Unless High Command left him completely high and dry in intel since yesterday, I can not see explanation for his behavior or that of some of his subordinates."
Silver paces back and forth in the room.
"Our platoon is in danger longer we stay here, but we can not let Changelings have Vale if 332nd really has been infiltrated. I have working plan of action, but as you are our Platoon Lieutenant, I wish to hear if you have any plan for us to follow, first."
"He was unaware of our impending arrival today, did not have anything prepared for our unit, and seemed to want us to move on. Unless High Command left him completely high and dry in intel since yesterday, I can not see explanation for his behavior or that of some of his subordinates."
Silver paces back and forth in the room.
"Our platoon is in danger longer we stay here, but we can not let Changelings have Vale if 332nd really has been infiltrated. I have working plan of action, but as you are our Platoon Lieutenant, I wish to hear if you have any plan for us to follow, first."
>>139249
"Well, maybe he has some complaint against replacement troops, command, or combat troops. He might be opposed to the war, or be offended to have to share resources with another unit. I'm not sure. We shouldn't rule out mutiny either. Somepony doesn't have to be a changeling to be a threat to Equestria... but it would be hard to tell if they were a changeling... what is your plan?"
"Well, maybe he has some complaint against replacement troops, command, or combat troops. He might be opposed to the war, or be offended to have to share resources with another unit. I'm not sure. We shouldn't rule out mutiny either. Somepony doesn't have to be a changeling to be a threat to Equestria... but it would be hard to tell if they were a changeling... what is your plan?"
>>139250
"We gather our platoon in center of town as we did earlier, but this time we check each of them to see if any have been replaced by changelings. We must keep quiet on this however, to prevent information leak, and if we must we should present it as necessary medical examination. Once that is out of way, and any infiltrators dealt with justly and appropriately, we will assign squad to fix telegraph line while you, I, and another squad go to confront Captain to discover whether or not he truly is changeling. Even if he is not, changeling or not, his behavior has been inexcusable and must be addressed. Rest of our platoon should be ordered to stay on guard, in case something were to go wrong."
"We gather our platoon in center of town as we did earlier, but this time we check each of them to see if any have been replaced by changelings. We must keep quiet on this however, to prevent information leak, and if we must we should present it as necessary medical examination. Once that is out of way, and any infiltrators dealt with justly and appropriately, we will assign squad to fix telegraph line while you, I, and another squad go to confront Captain to discover whether or not he truly is changeling. Even if he is not, changeling or not, his behavior has been inexcusable and must be addressed. Rest of our platoon should be ordered to stay on guard, in case something were to go wrong."
>>139253
"Changelings... when they are found... They don't like to be found. Not at all. We should be worried about what they will do when they are caught. And if he, or somepony else here is something like a pacifist anarchist... those are more common in the West than you may think, well... who is in on the plot?"
>>139254
She nods, but is mostly quiet, pulling out the jacket, and trying it on. She comes back, and pays in paper bits that Amber can see is a new currency.
"Changelings... when they are found... They don't like to be found. Not at all. We should be worried about what they will do when they are caught. And if he, or somepony else here is something like a pacifist anarchist... those are more common in the West than you may think, well... who is in on the plot?"
>>139254
She nods, but is mostly quiet, pulling out the jacket, and trying it on. She comes back, and pays in paper bits that Amber can see is a new currency.
>>139255
"They will lash out, and attack. As I said, we must keep quiet, at least until we have confirmed our platoon as being changeling free. If there are rebel Anarchists, we will deal with them justly yet firmly. We are not cruel, but we must not let rebels undermine Equestria in her time of greatest need."
"They will lash out, and attack. As I said, we must keep quiet, at least until we have confirmed our platoon as being changeling free. If there are rebel Anarchists, we will deal with them justly yet firmly. We are not cruel, but we must not let rebels undermine Equestria in her time of greatest need."
>>139262
"Indeed. We will also want to stay as one group as we gather our platoon together. If indeed there are changelings here, any of us would make for tempting target to try to replace."
"Indeed. We will also want to stay as one group as we gather our platoon together. If indeed there are changelings here, any of us would make for tempting target to try to replace."
There's a number of patterns of intersecting lines along the back that could only be guessed to be some kind of anti-counterfeiting measure. That or they really didn't want the piece of paper to be plain. Everything is in red ink. Over these lines in the center, are two horseshoes opposed to each other, and to each side are big red "50"s. And in red text, at the top in the red band around the sides of the bill is:
"New Mareland Military Authority"
Below that:
"In
Circulation Set
In
East Equestria
Fifty Bits"
>>139263
He nods, clearly frightened but a least in control of himself
"New Mareland Military Authority"
Below that:
"In
Circulation Set
In
East Equestria
Fifty Bits"
>>139263
He nods, clearly frightened but a least in control of himself
>>139264
Silver smiles at Brisbuck.
"I am impressed, Lieutenant, despite being afraid you have control over yourself. That is excellent quality to have. Now, let us go gather platoon, starting with..."
Silver opens the door again, and goes out to address the corporal.
"Alright corporal, unless you are finished conversing with Lieutenant Brisbuck, we have task for you.
Silver smiles at Brisbuck.
"I am impressed, Lieutenant, despite being afraid you have control over yourself. That is excellent quality to have. Now, let us go gather platoon, starting with..."
Silver opens the door again, and goes out to address the corporal.
"Alright corporal, unless you are finished conversing with Lieutenant Brisbuck, we have task for you.
>>139264
It's not as pretty as the old money.
She accepts this currency, provided it's the amount listed for the coat, and wishes the mare to have a nice day and to keep warm.
It's not as pretty as the old money.
She accepts this currency, provided it's the amount listed for the coat, and wishes the mare to have a nice day and to keep warm.
>>139267
She goes to meet the new customer. "Hello, can I help you with anything?" she asks cheerily.
She goes to meet the new customer. "Hello, can I help you with anything?" she asks cheerily.
>>139268
He nods, and is on his way. Presumably, Silver orders the same to his Platoon Guide, Sargent Amber Grain, who goes to assemble the platoon.
He nods, and is on his way. Presumably, Silver orders the same to his Platoon Guide, Sargent Amber Grain, who goes to assemble the platoon.
>>139270
That he does. He also turns to the remaining three ponies.
"Let us go find our medical officer, and convince him to help us with this 'surprise medical examination'."
That he does. He also turns to the remaining three ponies.
"Let us go find our medical officer, and convince him to help us with this 'surprise medical examination'."
>>139272
Naturally this first thing Silver does is check that Firm Heart isn't a changeling, before swearing him to secrecy, filling him in on the current situation, and letting him in on the plan to check the entire platoon for changelings under the guise of a routine surprise medical examination.
Naturally this first thing Silver does is check that Firm Heart isn't a changeling, before swearing him to secrecy, filling him in on the current situation, and letting him in on the plan to check the entire platoon for changelings under the guise of a routine surprise medical examination.
>>139274
Firm Heart seems more than a little unsettled about the situation.
"Uh... Okay. You may want to figure out where to do this for the best privacy, and also, be prepared if we actually do find something."
Firm Heart seems more than a little unsettled about the situation.
"Uh... Okay. You may want to figure out where to do this for the best privacy, and also, be prepared if we actually do find something."
>>139275
>>139276
"Hmm. Perhaps Town Hall, if we can figure out way to keep 332nd away. We will also have ponies watching to make sure nothing happens if changeling is found. As for what story to use...would it be too obvious to use eye examination? Perhaps for cataracts, near-sightedness, and just general poor vision. Soldiers need to be able to see what they are shooting at, after all."
>>139276
"Hmm. Perhaps Town Hall, if we can figure out way to keep 332nd away. We will also have ponies watching to make sure nothing happens if changeling is found. As for what story to use...would it be too obvious to use eye examination? Perhaps for cataracts, near-sightedness, and just general poor vision. Soldiers need to be able to see what they are shooting at, after all."
>>139279
Silver rubs his temples in thought and frustration.
"Lying convincingly has never been my specialty. Maybe Equestria was too concerned with making sure we had enough units, so they skipped processes they normally would have done earlier."
He puts some more thought into where they should perform their examination.
"Hmm...think one of these abandoned houses would do trick?"
Silver rubs his temples in thought and frustration.
"Lying convincingly has never been my specialty. Maybe Equestria was too concerned with making sure we had enough units, so they skipped processes they normally would have done earlier."
He puts some more thought into where they should perform their examination.
"Hmm...think one of these abandoned houses would do trick?"
>>139281
"Doable, yes. We'd need everypony, or almost everypony, outside while they enter a group at a time."
"Doable, yes. We'd need everypony, or almost everypony, outside while they enter a group at a time."
>>139284
Silver nods, and looks to Saltlick and the machine gunner.
"Go find empty house quickly and assist Firm Heart in his preparations. Lieutenant Brisbuck and I will go see how Sargent Amber Grain and corporal are handling assembling platoon."
He pauses for a moment, before dismissing the group.
"Before we dismiss, there is one issue we should address. We should come up with code phrase to speak, so we can know we are not changelings without having to shine lights in each other's eyes."
Silver nods, and looks to Saltlick and the machine gunner.
"Go find empty house quickly and assist Firm Heart in his preparations. Lieutenant Brisbuck and I will go see how Sargent Amber Grain and corporal are handling assembling platoon."
He pauses for a moment, before dismissing the group.
"Before we dismiss, there is one issue we should address. We should come up with code phrase to speak, so we can know we are not changelings without having to shine lights in each other's eyes."
>>139286
Silver scratches his chin some more, before he comes up with something he's certain nopony or 'ling in their right mind would ever think to say:
"Klutzy...draconequus."
Silver scratches his chin some more, before he comes up with something he's certain nopony or 'ling in their right mind would ever think to say:
"Klutzy...draconequus."
>>139288
"It is kind of creature Discord is."
He looks around at the group.
"...how do none of you know that? Have you never read any stories about him?"
"It is kind of creature Discord is."
He looks around at the group.
"...how do none of you know that? Have you never read any stories about him?"
>>139289
"Oh... So that's what those are called."
The machine gunner adds
"Well, you're sure right about one thing. No changeling would ever think to say that."
"Oh... So that's what those are called."
The machine gunner adds
"Well, you're sure right about one thing. No changeling would ever think to say that."
>>139291
They nod, and leave
Outside, the platoon stands at attention on the road.
Brisbuck stands besides Silver, as does Firm Heart, and Amber Grain is in front of Silver. Behind him, Saltlick is absent (as ordered) and Hazelred stands at attention. Behind him, A company, including the corporal, are at attention. Behind them is B squad, which includes private Frostbark (this time), but not the squad machine gunner (as ordered). C squad, notably, has two ponies missing - scout riflestallions assigned to the machinegun secton. They were a "buddy pair" together, so both ponies assigned to keep track of the other are missing.
More unsettling, is the absence of the entire machine gun attachment to the squad.
They nod, and leave
Outside, the platoon stands at attention on the road.
Brisbuck stands besides Silver, as does Firm Heart, and Amber Grain is in front of Silver. Behind him, Saltlick is absent (as ordered) and Hazelred stands at attention. Behind him, A company, including the corporal, are at attention. Behind them is B squad, which includes private Frostbark (this time), but not the squad machine gunner (as ordered). C squad, notably, has two ponies missing - scout riflestallions assigned to the machinegun secton. They were a "buddy pair" together, so both ponies assigned to keep track of the other are missing.
More unsettling, is the absence of the entire machine gun attachment to the squad.
>>139292
Silver looks bewildered as to the disappearence of the entire machine gun section. He calls out to the congregation.
"I am count lot of missing soldiers. While some have been excused by me personally, two scouts from C squad and our machine gun section are missing. Anypony care to fill in details?"
Silver looks bewildered as to the disappearence of the entire machine gun section. He calls out to the congregation.
"I am count lot of missing soldiers. While some have been excused by me personally, two scouts from C squad and our machine gun section are missing. Anypony care to fill in details?"
>>139293
The Sargent who leads C section volunteers the following
"Sir, the platoon has been heavily dispersed since we ended lunch. Troopers have walked around and explored. They must be somewhere around town."
The Sargent who leads C section volunteers the following
"Sir, the platoon has been heavily dispersed since we ended lunch. Troopers have walked around and explored. They must be somewhere around town."
>>139294
"I am afraid this meeting is manditory for all soldiers. Sargent, take two soldiers and bring them back ASAP. As for your own missing scouts, it might be beneficial to check their room incase they returned there after lunch."
"I am afraid this meeting is manditory for all soldiers. Sargent, take two soldiers and bring them back ASAP. As for your own missing scouts, it might be beneficial to check their room incase they returned there after lunch."
>>139296
"As for rest of you, I am afraid you will have to find way of entertaining yourselves here until your compatriots return. Nopony is allowed to wander off until we have finished here."
"As for rest of you, I am afraid you will have to find way of entertaining yourselves here until your compatriots return. Nopony is allowed to wander off until we have finished here."
>>139297
The soldiers begin the time honored tradition of standing still while memorizing the number of bricks on the street-face of the courthouse, and counting the number of birds to fly by in a given minute.
C squad sargent comes back denying that the missing scouts are inside the hotel.
The soldiers begin the time honored tradition of standing still while memorizing the number of bricks on the street-face of the courthouse, and counting the number of birds to fly by in a given minute.
C squad sargent comes back denying that the missing scouts are inside the hotel.
>>139298
"It was worth shot. We do not have forever, but please keep looking, Sargent."
Silver looks at the rest of the soldiers.
"I did not meant you could not converse in meantime. Just do not leave area and make us look for you."
"It was worth shot. We do not have forever, but please keep looking, Sargent."
Silver looks at the rest of the soldiers.
"I did not meant you could not converse in meantime. Just do not leave area and make us look for you."
>>139299
One brave soldier sits, and soon, another follows, then another, until half of the platoon is sitting. They start talking.
The Sargent comes back with what seems to be the entire machine gun attachment.
"They took up occupancy of a house just across the river, and did not hear the call to line up." The sergeant answers
One brave soldier sits, and soon, another follows, then another, until half of the platoon is sitting. They start talking.
The Sargent comes back with what seems to be the entire machine gun attachment.
"They took up occupancy of a house just across the river, and did not hear the call to line up." The sergeant answers
>>139300
"They are excused then. Though it makes me wonder if I should reverse my decision regarding B Squad..."
He regains focus, and looks at the Sargent.
"Still no sign of your missing scouts?"
"They are excused then. Though it makes me wonder if I should reverse my decision regarding B Squad..."
He regains focus, and looks at the Sargent.
"Still no sign of your missing scouts?"
>>139301
With added time, the two scouts come into view. They are followed by three members of the 332nd with their carbines out. The two parties are in dispute:
A brown stallion of the 332nd claims:
"We found these two near he outside of town looking through house of an evacuee. They had broken a window and kicked in the door when we came by and noticed the disturbance."
A dark purple scout responds:
"We were just looking around. We saw a house where the window was busted and the door was kicked in so we stopped by to take a look. Then these ponies came by. We didn't take anything!"
The brown pony responds:
"Perhaps only because we stopped you."
With added time, the two scouts come into view. They are followed by three members of the 332nd with their carbines out. The two parties are in dispute:
A brown stallion of the 332nd claims:
"We found these two near he outside of town looking through house of an evacuee. They had broken a window and kicked in the door when we came by and noticed the disturbance."
A dark purple scout responds:
"We were just looking around. We saw a house where the window was busted and the door was kicked in so we stopped by to take a look. Then these ponies came by. We didn't take anything!"
The brown pony responds:
"Perhaps only because we stopped you."
>>139302
Silver just lets out a sigh of relief. He also makes a mental note about that house.
"Thank you for returning our missing soldiers to us. They have been keeping us waiting for some time. We will deal with this disturbance in due time, I assure you."
Silver just lets out a sigh of relief. He also makes a mental note about that house.
"Thank you for returning our missing soldiers to us. They have been keeping us waiting for some time. We will deal with this disturbance in due time, I assure you."
>>139303
The brown stallion - he looks to be a corporal by his insignia, does not back away, but moves forward.
"You should keep your soldiers on a shorter leash. They are burglarizing the houses of evacuees. If they had done in this in foreign lands it would be unacceptable. But this is the homeland. This is unacceptable! Make an example of it now before all these new greens, rejects from the first round of the draft, sack our own cities in the future."
He holds the carbine out in front of himself, wings spread in evident excitement.
The brown stallion - he looks to be a corporal by his insignia, does not back away, but moves forward.
"You should keep your soldiers on a shorter leash. They are burglarizing the houses of evacuees. If they had done in this in foreign lands it would be unacceptable. But this is the homeland. This is unacceptable! Make an example of it now before all these new greens, rejects from the first round of the draft, sack our own cities in the future."
He holds the carbine out in front of himself, wings spread in evident excitement.
>>139304
>>139305
Silver's expression quickly fades from his relieved smile to an annoyed frown, and his face becomes quite firm after both groups speak. He trots forward slowly towards both the scouts and the group from the 332nd...but seems to be focusing mostly on the brown stallion.
"Corporal Asswipe, what is name and rank of Supreme Arbiter of Justice in this platoon?"
>>139305
Silver's expression quickly fades from his relieved smile to an annoyed frown, and his face becomes quite firm after both groups speak. He trots forward slowly towards both the scouts and the group from the 332nd...but seems to be focusing mostly on the brown stallion.
"Corporal Asswipe, what is name and rank of Supreme Arbiter of Justice in this platoon?"
>>139306
This definitely gets him to step back, and pull the carbine closer to himself. But he does not crumble
"I do not know your unit, but Captain Forrester is the highest ranking Stallion here."
This definitely gets him to step back, and pull the carbine closer to himself. But he does not crumble
"I do not know your unit, but Captain Forrester is the highest ranking Stallion here."
>>139307
Silver does not back down, and makes a loud buzzer noise in response.
"EEEEENNNNNHHHH!!! Wrong answer, Corporal Skidmark! 'Platoon Sargent Silver Sword' was your correct answer, do you want to see what you could have won?"
Silver does not back down, and makes a loud buzzer noise in response.
"EEEEENNNNNHHHH!!! Wrong answer, Corporal Skidmark! 'Platoon Sargent Silver Sword' was your correct answer, do you want to see what you could have won?"
feels kind of bad for not having another segment for Amber
>>139308
Evidently not.
He backs away, at first in a single step, but then several steps, though always facing Silver. The other two soldiers, who never moved as far forward as the brown stallion, move back when the brown stallion comes closer to them. Quickly enough, they move off and away.
>>139308
Evidently not.
He backs away, at first in a single step, but then several steps, though always facing Silver. The other two soldiers, who never moved as far forward as the brown stallion, move back when the brown stallion comes closer to them. Quickly enough, they move off and away.
>>139309
Silver shouts after them as they hurriedly leave.
"NEVER SPEAK TO YOUR SUPERIOR THAT WAY AGAIN, OR YOUR ASS WILL BE GRASS, YOU HEAR ME!"
With a heavy snort of air from his flared nostrils, Silver calms himself down, and addresses the two scouts. His voice has a measure of concern for his soldiers.
"You two alright?"
Silver shouts after them as they hurriedly leave.
"NEVER SPEAK TO YOUR SUPERIOR THAT WAY AGAIN, OR YOUR ASS WILL BE GRASS, YOU HEAR ME!"
With a heavy snort of air from his flared nostrils, Silver calms himself down, and addresses the two scouts. His voice has a measure of concern for his soldiers.
"You two alright?"
>>139311
The group from the 332nd turns around and leaves more quickly.
The two scouts are also slightly cowering, with their ears down.
"Uh... Yes?"
The group from the 332nd turns around and leaves more quickly.
The two scouts are also slightly cowering, with their ears down.
"Uh... Yes?"
>>139312
He smiles at the pair, and offers them a hoof to help pull them up from their slightly cowed position.
"Good. Not going to let some Corporal Shitstain from another platoon bully my troops, tell me how to run my own damned platoon, and demand I discipline my own soldiers."
He smiles at the pair, and offers them a hoof to help pull them up from their slightly cowed position.
"Good. Not going to let some Corporal Shitstain from another platoon bully my troops, tell me how to run my own damned platoon, and demand I discipline my own soldiers."
>>139313
The deep purple stallion smiles, though kind of awkwardly, and extends his hoof to be pulled up, which he presumably is. The other stallion, an aquamarine colored stallion, also rises. both lift their ears.
"Thank you, Sargent"
The deep purple stallion smiles, though kind of awkwardly, and extends his hoof to be pulled up, which he presumably is. The other stallion, an aquamarine colored stallion, also rises. both lift their ears.
"Thank you, Sargent"
>>139315
"Well... the house had been broken into. A window was broken, a door was broken. Some furniture was turned over, I think. Bedsheets were pulled down. There weren't drawers turned over or anything though, like the house was searched. I don't know if anything was stolen."
"Well... the house had been broken into. A window was broken, a door was broken. Some furniture was turned over, I think. Bedsheets were pulled down. There weren't drawers turned over or anything though, like the house was searched. I don't know if anything was stolen."
>>139316
He nods, and turns to go back to being in front of the platoon. Before he does so, he briefly pauses to turn his head back to the scouts.
"And there is no need to thank me. It is part of my job to protect you from dungheaps like that thinking they can bully you into submission. You are my soldiers, not theirs."
He turns to look at the platoon.
"And that goes for rest of you. If anypony tries that shit on you, even if it is Captain Forrester himself, you come to me. I will sort it out."
He nods, and turns to go back to being in front of the platoon. Before he does so, he briefly pauses to turn his head back to the scouts.
"And there is no need to thank me. It is part of my job to protect you from dungheaps like that thinking they can bully you into submission. You are my soldiers, not theirs."
He turns to look at the platoon.
"And that goes for rest of you. If anypony tries that shit on you, even if it is Captain Forrester himself, you come to me. I will sort it out."
>>139318
Silver steps to be in front of the Platoon.
"Alright now, I believe that is everypony accounted for? Those few still missing have already been excused by me. If you all would line up once more, we can begin."
Silver steps to be in front of the Platoon.
"Alright now, I believe that is everypony accounted for? Those few still missing have already been excused by me. If you all would line up once more, we can begin."
>>139319
The ponies line up, of course missing the aforementioned ponies excused by Silver. They stand up at attention.
The ponies line up, of course missing the aforementioned ponies excused by Silver. They stand up at attention.
>>139320
"Now, I know you are all eager to continue your well deserved rest, but there are still couple of things to get through first. Now, first, due to speed with which Equestria performed most recent draft and recruitment, many of you have skipped steps in recruitment process you would not have had skipped otherwise. This is natural, Equestria is in its greatest need it has been in for over millenia, and you have all risen to occasion. Among these steps I have learned some of you skipped is eye examination, so to ensure I know you can actually see what you are shooting at, Firm Heart here will be performing quick, routine eye examinations on each of you. So long as he has your full cooperation, this should not take very long. Once it is complete, I have important tasks for all squads."
"Now, I know you are all eager to continue your well deserved rest, but there are still couple of things to get through first. Now, first, due to speed with which Equestria performed most recent draft and recruitment, many of you have skipped steps in recruitment process you would not have had skipped otherwise. This is natural, Equestria is in its greatest need it has been in for over millenia, and you have all risen to occasion. Among these steps I have learned some of you skipped is eye examination, so to ensure I know you can actually see what you are shooting at, Firm Heart here will be performing quick, routine eye examinations on each of you. So long as he has your full cooperation, this should not take very long. Once it is complete, I have important tasks for all squads."
>>139321
Within the ranks, some are confused by the idea that something as essential as an eye examination has been skipped, while a few chalk it up to the incompetency of Equestrian High Command. They talk amongst themselves
Within the ranks, some are confused by the idea that something as essential as an eye examination has been skipped, while a few chalk it up to the incompetency of Equestrian High Command. They talk amongst themselves
>>139321
>>139322
Firm Heart is not quite done with the platoon. He addresses them all:
"Unfortunately, it isn't only lazy eye and deteriorated vision we need to be worried about. Unfortunately a particular variety of parasitic worm has been more prevalent this season than most here in the Equestrian West. You see, there is a variety of roundworm that is spread by flies and bad water that crawls around under the skin. The easiest way to identify it is when it moves around the eyes, which it loves to do. The worm is mostly harmless but, well, with your eyes essential to the defense of Equestria, Command isn't taking any chances. So they've ordered screening for the worms, and any permanent damage caused by them as well."
This explanation doesn't seem to comfort them much more.
>>139322
Firm Heart is not quite done with the platoon. He addresses them all:
"Unfortunately, it isn't only lazy eye and deteriorated vision we need to be worried about. Unfortunately a particular variety of parasitic worm has been more prevalent this season than most here in the Equestrian West. You see, there is a variety of roundworm that is spread by flies and bad water that crawls around under the skin. The easiest way to identify it is when it moves around the eyes, which it loves to do. The worm is mostly harmless but, well, with your eyes essential to the defense of Equestria, Command isn't taking any chances. So they've ordered screening for the worms, and any permanent damage caused by them as well."
This explanation doesn't seem to comfort them much more.
>>139322
Silver speaks up over the congregation, holding up his hooves to quiet the ponies down.
"I know, I know, it is odd. But if we get through this quickly, it will be last we have to worry about it until after we win this War. Now, if I may direct your attention to Firm Heart, he will show you where to go for examination."
Silver speaks up over the congregation, holding up his hooves to quiet the ponies down.
"I know, I know, it is odd. But if we get through this quickly, it will be last we have to worry about it until after we win this War. Now, if I may direct your attention to Firm Heart, he will show you where to go for examination."
>>139325
He whispers back, hopefully briefly enough that it doesn't worry the soldiers.
"Saltlick and that machinegunner from Squad B will be your assistants, so they will always be there with you and patients. We will also make such patients are disarmed before going in."
He whispers back, hopefully briefly enough that it doesn't worry the soldiers.
"Saltlick and that machinegunner from Squad B will be your assistants, so they will always be there with you and patients. We will also make such patients are disarmed before going in."
>>139327
Silver allows Firm Heart to take command of actually leading the troops, and motions for the Lieutenant and Amber Grain to help him keep the soldiers in check.
Silver allows Firm Heart to take command of actually leading the troops, and motions for the Lieutenant and Amber Grain to help him keep the soldiers in check.
>>139328
Presumably, the ponies are taken to a ranch house somewhere, and kept outside while the examinations take place in a bedroom.
Presumably, the ponies are taken to a ranch house somewhere, and kept outside while the examinations take place in a bedroom.
>>139329
Silver, Brisbuck, and Amber Grain make sure to disarm each pony before they enter, under the reasoning of not wanting an accidental discharge to hit the platoon's medic, and give their weapons back once they leave. Only Saltlick and the machinegunner still have their weapons inside, though they should probably keep them out of sight until it's necessary.
Silver, Brisbuck, and Amber Grain make sure to disarm each pony before they enter, under the reasoning of not wanting an accidental discharge to hit the platoon's medic, and give their weapons back once they leave. Only Saltlick and the machinegunner still have their weapons inside, though they should probably keep them out of sight until it's necessary.
>>139330
The ponies are kept in line outside of the house, taken into a living room where their weapons and non-essential packs are removed, and then they are taken to a bedroom where the door is closed.
It's actually not very long into the process at all that there is a "thonk," loud cursing, a smash, and a crash from inside the room.
The ponies are kept in line outside of the house, taken into a living room where their weapons and non-essential packs are removed, and then they are taken to a bedroom where the door is closed.
It's actually not very long into the process at all that there is a "thonk," loud cursing, a smash, and a crash from inside the room.
>>139333
Silver barges inside to see what is going on, leaving Brisbuck and Amber Grain to keep control of the ponies in line.
Silver barges inside to see what is going on, leaving Brisbuck and Amber Grain to keep control of the ponies in line.
>>139334
Standing over the edge of the bed and aiming his rifle - with full bayonet - downwards is Saltlick. Firmheart lies on his back on the floor grabbing at his shoulders and making strange breathing noises. A dresser looks pushed out of the way, and there is a lampshade and a broken lamp next to him. The machinegun colt stands over part of the floor next to the bed. Silver has to move over to see what is obscured by the edge of the bed and both Saltlick and the Machinegunner. It's what Silver could have expected: a black, almost beetlelike thing with insectoid eyes, black chitinous skin, and holes in its limbs, all together in an equiform body. It bleeds out from part of its uniform a blue, slightly green tinted substance that must be an alien blood. Silver can see this blood on the floor and on the edge of the bayonet, and the dropped machine gun not far off. The creature tries to rise and fight its captors as the machine gunner tries to keep it on the floor. It hisses as the machine gunner recognizes he must keep distance from its face.
Standing over the edge of the bed and aiming his rifle - with full bayonet - downwards is Saltlick. Firmheart lies on his back on the floor grabbing at his shoulders and making strange breathing noises. A dresser looks pushed out of the way, and there is a lampshade and a broken lamp next to him. The machinegun colt stands over part of the floor next to the bed. Silver has to move over to see what is obscured by the edge of the bed and both Saltlick and the Machinegunner. It's what Silver could have expected: a black, almost beetlelike thing with insectoid eyes, black chitinous skin, and holes in its limbs, all together in an equiform body. It bleeds out from part of its uniform a blue, slightly green tinted substance that must be an alien blood. Silver can see this blood on the floor and on the edge of the bayonet, and the dropped machine gun not far off. The creature tries to rise and fight its captors as the machine gunner tries to keep it on the floor. It hisses as the machine gunner recognizes he must keep distance from its face.
>>139335
Silver jumps to help the machinegunner keep the changeling down.
"What did he do to Firm Heart!?"
Silver jumps to help the machinegunner keep the changeling down.
"What did he do to Firm Heart!?"
>>139336
Saltlick answers
"Stay away from its face. That's how it got Firm Heart. Firm Heart saw it was the creature. You could see it in how he stopped; looked afraid. The thing knew it. It lunged forward, opened its mouth, and used its magic. I think it bit him too. With its teeth."
When Silver has part of his body on the changeling, the black colt pulls back, awkwardly past Silver, jumps back to stand up, pick up his automatic rifle, and then smashes the butt of the automatic rifle against the creature. But the automatic rifle is an inferior club, being too heavy, too unwieldy. The black colt looses control of the weapon as it smashes into the muzzle of the creature, and falls back, with the gun resting ontop of the creature's face until he can pull it up and off.
Saltlick answers
"Stay away from its face. That's how it got Firm Heart. Firm Heart saw it was the creature. You could see it in how he stopped; looked afraid. The thing knew it. It lunged forward, opened its mouth, and used its magic. I think it bit him too. With its teeth."
When Silver has part of his body on the changeling, the black colt pulls back, awkwardly past Silver, jumps back to stand up, pick up his automatic rifle, and then smashes the butt of the automatic rifle against the creature. But the automatic rifle is an inferior club, being too heavy, too unwieldy. The black colt looses control of the weapon as it smashes into the muzzle of the creature, and falls back, with the gun resting ontop of the creature's face until he can pull it up and off.
>>139340
Looks like the black colt may have beaten Silver to it. It bleeds from its mouth, and one of its fangs hangs lose. It gurgles as it attempts a hiss. Nevertheless, Saltlick gives his rifle to Silver, while he backs up, and attempts to walk to Firm Heart.
Looks like the black colt may have beaten Silver to it. It bleeds from its mouth, and one of its fangs hangs lose. It gurgles as it attempts a hiss. Nevertheless, Saltlick gives his rifle to Silver, while he backs up, and attempts to walk to Firm Heart.
[1d20+5 = 14]
>>139341
Silver grabs Saltlick's rifle with his magic, and bashes the rifle's butt against the changeling's head once more for good measure.
>>139341
Silver grabs Saltlick's rifle with his magic, and bashes the rifle's butt against the changeling's head once more for good measure.
>>139343
A heavily panting Silver gets off of the changeling imposter and looks over at the black colt.
"Help me drag this somewhere out of sight."
A heavily panting Silver gets off of the changeling imposter and looks over at the black colt.
"Help me drag this somewhere out of sight."
>>139344
"Where? Like a closet?"
It's a small bedroom. There is a window in the room (that can be covered with a curtain), but few other ways to look inside. There is a bed, a dresser, and a table on the other end, as well as a closet.
"Where? Like a closet?"
It's a small bedroom. There is a window in the room (that can be covered with a curtain), but few other ways to look inside. There is a bed, a dresser, and a table on the other end, as well as a closet.
>>139345
"That is good idea. We should also tie it up and gag it."
Silver bends down to look at the name and rank on the uniform.
"That is good idea. We should also tie it up and gag it."
Silver bends down to look at the name and rank on the uniform.
>>139346
Silver can look at it, but the black colt answers for Silver once he notices his intentions.
"Hazelred. Technical Private Hazelred."
The black colt helps shove a sock in its mouth - which may have been necessary just to keep it from choking on its own blood - and ties the creature.
Silver can look at it, but the black colt answers for Silver once he notices his intentions.
"Hazelred. Technical Private Hazelred."
The black colt helps shove a sock in its mouth - which may have been necessary just to keep it from choking on its own blood - and ties the creature.
>>139347
"Селестия, черт возьми. We will find you, Hazelred. I promise."
Once that's finished, he and the black colt drag the changeling into the closet, close it, and then Silver goes to check on Firm Heart.
"Селестия, черт возьми. We will find you, Hazelred. I promise."
Once that's finished, he and the black colt drag the changeling into the closet, close it, and then Silver goes to check on Firm Heart.
>>139348
Firm Heart is conscious, but breathing heavy. His lips are shrunken, almost like he's dehydrated. He is bleeding from the shoulder, although the wound is not very deep.
Firm Heart is conscious, but breathing heavy. His lips are shrunken, almost like he's dehydrated. He is bleeding from the shoulder, although the wound is not very deep.
>>139349
"He is changeling bitten alright, in both senses of word. Ugh...this was stupid plan on my part. Never should have put him in such danger."
"He is changeling bitten alright, in both senses of word. Ugh...this was stupid plan on my part. Never should have put him in such danger."
>>139351
"Yes, he will. Water and something sweet to eat will help, but to fully recover either he needs rest, or if we are lucky this fake Hazelred will have some changeling honey. Stay here with Firm Heart, I am going to go back out and check his bags."
Silver leaves the bedroom and closes the door behind him. He looks around for where they set Hazelred's bags.
"Yes, he will. Water and something sweet to eat will help, but to fully recover either he needs rest, or if we are lucky this fake Hazelred will have some changeling honey. Stay here with Firm Heart, I am going to go back out and check his bags."
Silver leaves the bedroom and closes the door behind him. He looks around for where they set Hazelred's bags.
>>139354
He nods, and the door is closed behind him. The bags lie between the entrance of the house, and a sofa, on the floor
He nods, and the door is closed behind him. The bags lie between the entrance of the house, and a sofa, on the floor
>>139355
Silver looks through Hazelred's bags for either a vial of changeling honey, or some kind of container the changeling might have been using to disguise the substance.
Silver looks through Hazelred's bags for either a vial of changeling honey, or some kind of container the changeling might have been using to disguise the substance.
>>139356
No honey, nothing out of the ordinary. Only a few salt crackers, a canteen, a pair of Automatic Rifle magazines, ten ammo clips, and the platoon's lone radio set and an extra battery for it.
No honey, nothing out of the ordinary. Only a few salt crackers, a canteen, a pair of Automatic Rifle magazines, ten ammo clips, and the platoon's lone radio set and an extra battery for it.
>>139357
Silver mutters a curse under his breath, though now he knows why they targetted Hazelred. He finds Brisbuck, and whispers to him.
"Technical Private Hazelred. Firm Heart got bit."
Silver mutters a curse under his breath, though now he knows why they targetted Hazelred. He finds Brisbuck, and whispers to him.
"Technical Private Hazelred. Firm Heart got bit."
>>139358
There is no stopping his ears from falling down, nor his hair from standing up.
"That's our only radio operator. And one of the very first soldiers to be examined."
There is no stopping his ears from falling down, nor his hair from standing up.
"That's our only radio operator. And one of the very first soldiers to be examined."
>>139359
"Explains why he was targetted. We will find him, but I just need you to keep soldiers calm and orderly while we sort things out in examination room."
"Explains why he was targetted. We will find him, but I just need you to keep soldiers calm and orderly while we sort things out in examination room."
>>139361
Silver pats the younger pony's shoulder.
"Do not worry about that right now. Focus on getting us through this."
Silver pats the younger pony's shoulder.
"Do not worry about that right now. Focus on getting us through this."
>>139365
It is so. The black colt is placing the imposter in the closet, while Saltlick has moved Firm Heart to the side of the bed
It is so. The black colt is placing the imposter in the closet, while Saltlick has moved Firm Heart to the side of the bed
>>139372
"Hmm...anypony have ideas on how to get Firm Heart out of here? He is in no shape to continue this, and I do not think I would put him through this again either way. I will continue examinations."
"Hmm...anypony have ideas on how to get Firm Heart out of here? He is in no shape to continue this, and I do not think I would put him through this again either way. I will continue examinations."
>>139373
The black colt nods
Saltlick:
"Keep ponies away from the living room and hallways, we can take him to the bathroom"
The black colt nods
Saltlick:
"Keep ponies away from the living room and hallways, we can take him to the bathroom"
>>139376
Direct the soldiers to temporarily keep out of the living room and hallways so Firm Heart can be put in the bathroom.
Direct the soldiers to temporarily keep out of the living room and hallways so Firm Heart can be put in the bathroom.
>>139377
This is done, with the house cleared, and Firm Heart moved to the bathroom, placed down in the bathtub
This is done, with the house cleared, and Firm Heart moved to the bathroom, placed down in the bathtub
File (): 71779C36317BF4F08F5C38E34D63DB05-92850.gif (90.7 KB, 320x320, 1568687357340.gif)
>>139378
Once he's safe in the bathroom, they reorganize the line of soldiers, and Silver enters the bedroom with Saltlick and the black colt.
"Alright, this should not be too hard...I hope. You two saw what Firm Heart did, think you can guide me through process?"
Once he's safe in the bathroom, they reorganize the line of soldiers, and Silver enters the bedroom with Saltlick and the black colt.
"Alright, this should not be too hard...I hope. You two saw what Firm Heart did, think you can guide me through process?"
>>139381
"Uh... The light is shined above, or maybe it was into the eyes.... I don't know the rest." Is as much as Saltlick can answer.
"Uh... The light is shined above, or maybe it was into the eyes.... I don't know the rest." Is as much as Saltlick can answer.
>>139382
"Ah, so it is just as I already knew. Good! Now, if I act as if something is off, like Firm Heart did, please interfere. While I think I can take more than he can, I would like to avoid getting changeling bitten if I can."
"Ah, so it is just as I already knew. Good! Now, if I act as if something is off, like Firm Heart did, please interfere. While I think I can take more than he can, I would like to avoid getting changeling bitten if I can."
>>139384
"Well, I don't know that he wasn't going to do more... but the creature attacked him."
Then they answer Silver
"Okay."
And Silver presumably starts again
[1d4 = 2]
"Well, I don't know that he wasn't going to do more... but the creature attacked him."
Then they answer Silver
"Okay."
And Silver presumably starts again
[1d4 = 2]
>>139386
The soldiers come in one by one. Some times they are silent, sometimes they ask questions.
"Okay, so what is this for?"
"So what do I do?"
"Is that it?"
One small snow white stallion even asks
"Are you looking for a Changeling?"
Silver doesn't detect any changelings in the first big batch. At least, he hasn't identified any, and none have revealed themselves.
The soldiers come in one by one. Some times they are silent, sometimes they ask questions.
"Okay, so what is this for?"
"So what do I do?"
"Is that it?"
One small snow white stallion even asks
"Are you looking for a Changeling?"
Silver doesn't detect any changelings in the first big batch. At least, he hasn't identified any, and none have revealed themselves.
>>139387
Silver does his best to answer their questions. As for the snow white stallion, the best he can do is to smile awkwardly and tell him the following:
"Everything will be explained once we have finished. Do not say anything to others to give them false impression of what is going on before then."
Silver does his best to answer their questions. As for the snow white stallion, the best he can do is to smile awkwardly and tell him the following:
"Everything will be explained once we have finished. Do not say anything to others to give them false impression of what is going on before then."
>>139388
Silver does not find any Changelings. Well... if there is a white spot in the pupil, that's something like a cataract, or other natural thing, right? They aren't Changelings? Are they?
Amber Grain intrudes inside the room
"Sir. One of the members of the Machine Gun Attachment has vanished."
Silver does not find any Changelings. Well... if there is a white spot in the pupil, that's something like a cataract, or other natural thing, right? They aren't Changelings? Are they?
Amber Grain intrudes inside the room
"Sir. One of the members of the Machine Gun Attachment has vanished."
>>139390
"Everypony else is accounted for. Except of course, Technical Private Hazelred." He answers, not happy with this predicament.
"Everypony else is accounted for. Except of course, Technical Private Hazelred." He answers, not happy with this predicament.
>>139391
"We need to hurry and finish. We do not have much time before changelings decide to do something. Keep close eye on our soldiers."
"We need to hurry and finish. We do not have much time before changelings decide to do something. Keep close eye on our soldiers."
>>139392
Silver finishes the set. Silver didn't detect any Changelings, assuming he knows exactly what a Changeling looks like. Brisbuck has the whole set at attention outside.
Silver finishes the set. Silver didn't detect any Changelings, assuming he knows exactly what a Changeling looks like. Brisbuck has the whole set at attention outside.
>>139393
He sighs, puts on the bravest face he can, and addresses the platoon.
"Soldiers, I am afraid I owe you explanation, and grave news to go along with it. Changelings have infiltrated Vale, and 332nd. What you just went through was test to sus out any disguised changelings. Those of you gathered here have passed. Technical Private Hazelred, as well as one member from our machinegun attachment who has already fled, have unfortunately been replaced. If we are to get through this alive and find our missing compatriots, I must have your complete cooperation and attention."
He sighs, puts on the bravest face he can, and addresses the platoon.
"Soldiers, I am afraid I owe you explanation, and grave news to go along with it. Changelings have infiltrated Vale, and 332nd. What you just went through was test to sus out any disguised changelings. Those of you gathered here have passed. Technical Private Hazelred, as well as one member from our machinegun attachment who has already fled, have unfortunately been replaced. If we are to get through this alive and find our missing compatriots, I must have your complete cooperation and attention."
>>139394
Some, perhaps even most, take the announcement stoically and accepting the situation. Some seem excited for potential combat, grabbing their rifles. And some are genuinely terrified. Silver can't see them shake from where he stands, but he can see ears drooping and hear gasps.
They all listen to him.
Some, perhaps even most, take the announcement stoically and accepting the situation. Some seem excited for potential combat, grabbing their rifles. And some are genuinely terrified. Silver can't see them shake from where he stands, but he can see ears drooping and hear gasps.
They all listen to him.
>>139395
"There is not much time, but we will get through this. Vale can not fall into Changeling hooves. Now, first I will expect you all to remain in your squads until this has been settled. Second, do not let your squadmates leave your sights. Third, we will use code phrase to distinguish ourselves from any changeling infiltrators. It will be in two parts, phrase and counterphrase. For phrase, you tell your fellow platoon member 'klutsy', and for counterphrase, they will reply 'draconequus'. Memorize this. Only use it when necessary to avoid changelings picking it up and using it to trick us. If other pony fails to use counterphrase, assume they are disguised changeling. Finally, I want all of you to ready yourselves and perform these tasks I am going to give you to their letter. C Squad and our machinegun attachment are going to be watching and guarding town hall, where much of 332nd has been occupying. A Squad, you will take equipment to fix telegraph line on top of feed store, then you will join C Squad and machinegunners. B Squad, you, myself, Liuetenant Brisbuck, and Sargent Amber Grain will go into town hall and confront Captain Forrester. Understood, Soldiers?"
"There is not much time, but we will get through this. Vale can not fall into Changeling hooves. Now, first I will expect you all to remain in your squads until this has been settled. Second, do not let your squadmates leave your sights. Third, we will use code phrase to distinguish ourselves from any changeling infiltrators. It will be in two parts, phrase and counterphrase. For phrase, you tell your fellow platoon member 'klutsy', and for counterphrase, they will reply 'draconequus'. Memorize this. Only use it when necessary to avoid changelings picking it up and using it to trick us. If other pony fails to use counterphrase, assume they are disguised changeling. Finally, I want all of you to ready yourselves and perform these tasks I am going to give you to their letter. C Squad and our machinegun attachment are going to be watching and guarding town hall, where much of 332nd has been occupying. A Squad, you will take equipment to fix telegraph line on top of feed store, then you will join C Squad and machinegunners. B Squad, you, myself, Liuetenant Brisbuck, and Sargent Amber Grain will go into town hall and confront Captain Forrester. Understood, Soldiers?"
>>139396
"Sir, yes sir!"
While Brisbuck is content to more or less go along with this, he still feels the need to override Silver on one thing
"But first, we have a wagon filled with a belt-fed machine gun, two automatic rifles, a 2-inch mortar, and two dozen rifle grenades near the hotel that we are not leaving unattended."
"Sir, yes sir!"
While Brisbuck is content to more or less go along with this, he still feels the need to override Silver on one thing
"But first, we have a wagon filled with a belt-fed machine gun, two automatic rifles, a 2-inch mortar, and two dozen rifle grenades near the hotel that we are not leaving unattended."
>>139397
He nods, grateful for the reminder.
"Of course. Machinegunners, go and fetch that wagon and bring it along with you to C Squad. Unless Lieutenant Brisbuck or Sargent Amber Grain have anything they would like to add, I believe you are all dismissed. You know what to do."
He nods, grateful for the reminder.
"Of course. Machinegunners, go and fetch that wagon and bring it along with you to C Squad. Unless Lieutenant Brisbuck or Sargent Amber Grain have anything they would like to add, I believe you are all dismissed. You know what to do."
>>139398
So it begins. Now the question becomes where to set up around Town Hall, where to confront Forrester... and to wait for the pieces to fall in place
So it begins. Now the question becomes where to set up around Town Hall, where to confront Forrester... and to wait for the pieces to fall in place
>>139399
Silver instructs them to set up outside the front of town hall, and for them to try to keep themselves in inconspiculous locations such as alleys and side streets, and for sharpshooters and scouts to get onto as high a ground as they can, such as on the rooftops.
As for Captain Forrester, Silver hopes he can draw him out into the open, where they stand a better chance, but failing that he might just have to face him in the town hall.
Silver instructs them to set up outside the front of town hall, and for them to try to keep themselves in inconspiculous locations such as alleys and side streets, and for sharpshooters and scouts to get onto as high a ground as they can, such as on the rooftops.
As for Captain Forrester, Silver hopes he can draw him out into the open, where they stand a better chance, but failing that he might just have to face him in the town hall.
>>139400
A squad goes off for the telegraph line along with Salt Litck, while C and B squad go to pull the contents of the wagon. At least it's still there so far, but the platoon is getting looks from members of the 332nd already.
A squad goes off for the telegraph line along with Salt Litck, while C and B squad go to pull the contents of the wagon. At least it's still there so far, but the platoon is getting looks from members of the 332nd already.
>>139401
"They know we know," Silver utters under his breath, as he helps his troops move the wagon and get set up outside town hall.
"They know we know," Silver utters under his breath, as he helps his troops move the wagon and get set up outside town hall.
>>139406
He nods, and goes off, leaving Silver to himself. A section from C squad goes over to the sheriff's office, while another goes to the adjacent Courthouse, along with the one machine gun team. Already, a pony or so from the 332nd questions the deployment, but a squad sargent claims this is standard garrisoning of the town until further instructions are received. Getting behind the Townhall seems to require more ponies, and Brisbuck seems to want to wait for the completion of the task of A Squad.
He nods, and goes off, leaving Silver to himself. A section from C squad goes over to the sheriff's office, while another goes to the adjacent Courthouse, along with the one machine gun team. Already, a pony or so from the 332nd questions the deployment, but a squad sargent claims this is standard garrisoning of the town until further instructions are received. Getting behind the Townhall seems to require more ponies, and Brisbuck seems to want to wait for the completion of the task of A Squad.
>>139407
Silver follows this instruction from Brisbuck. Not only does he think it's a wise decision, but he wants the colt to get some experience commanding the platoon.
Silver follows this instruction from Brisbuck. Not only does he think it's a wise decision, but he wants the colt to get some experience commanding the platoon.
>>139408
The sun is low on the horizon. It will set soon.
A squad arrives, and seems to move in to a house just behind the town hall.
The sun is low on the horizon. It will set soon.
A squad arrives, and seems to move in to a house just behind the town hall.
>>139411
"Of course, but let us focus on task at hoof first. If you are ready, let us take B squad inside."
"Of course, but let us focus on task at hoof first. If you are ready, let us take B squad inside."
>>139412
B Squad is composed of its sergeant, a peach unicorn named Hartley armed with a submachine gun, along with the black colt who is the squad machine gunner, a smaller purple unicorn who is the assistant machine gunner, and three other ponies who act as scouts or riflestallions. Besides these is the rifle section, including a corporal and private Frostbark, who total six stallions with rifles. Twelve ponies, one light machine gun, one submachine gun, and ten rifles, of which two are grenade capable and one possesses a scope.
B Squad is composed of its sergeant, a peach unicorn named Hartley armed with a submachine gun, along with the black colt who is the squad machine gunner, a smaller purple unicorn who is the assistant machine gunner, and three other ponies who act as scouts or riflestallions. Besides these is the rifle section, including a corporal and private Frostbark, who total six stallions with rifles. Twelve ponies, one light machine gun, one submachine gun, and ten rifles, of which two are grenade capable and one possesses a scope.
>>139413
Silver addresses the squad before they proceed.
"Alright Soldiers, this is it. Remain calm and cool, follow our lead, and we will come out of this alright. Ready?"
Silver addresses the squad before they proceed.
"Alright Soldiers, this is it. Remain calm and cool, follow our lead, and we will come out of this alright. Ready?"
>>139419
Silver advances slowly, along with his squad.
"Captain Forrester? We need to talk, there is something gone wrong in Vale."
Silver advances slowly, along with his squad.
"Captain Forrester? We need to talk, there is something gone wrong in Vale."
>>139419
There are many parts of the Town hall building, including a pair of offices off to the left, a kitchen, bathroom facilities, a big room with tile floor that seems to be used for food... But it's the main hall, and the stage behind it, which takes up half of the building. That, presumably, is where Silver and company go.
The room is darker than when Silver first entered there a couple hours before with the setting of the sun, and Silver ca see that objects are moved somewhat on the stage. Or, more likely, Silver takes notice of things on the stage he had not before: a few cardboard boxes, and a table. At the table sits Captain Forrester, hat removed. The greyish white stallion sits upright, leaning over a set of papers, looking down at them, and holding a pen through magic embrace. Standing, reservedly, to either side, are two guards, all with weapons, though none brandishing them threateningly. Two carry carbines, and two carry submachine guns. One of the submachine guns is a Changeling model and issue.
Behind Silver and the group, on the opposite side of the hall, at the very end of a row of seats, are a group of soliders reclining in their seats, the exact numbers hopefully being counted by the corporal, but hard for Silver to discern at the time. They sit down and don't carry their weapons, but Silver can see rifles - full sized rifles, not carbines - to their sides.
Forrester looks up with yellow-green eyes:
"Yes, Sargent Sword? Given that your platoon is still here at dusk, I would have to assume something is wrong, to disrupt your march to the frontline."
There are many parts of the Town hall building, including a pair of offices off to the left, a kitchen, bathroom facilities, a big room with tile floor that seems to be used for food... But it's the main hall, and the stage behind it, which takes up half of the building. That, presumably, is where Silver and company go.
The room is darker than when Silver first entered there a couple hours before with the setting of the sun, and Silver ca see that objects are moved somewhat on the stage. Or, more likely, Silver takes notice of things on the stage he had not before: a few cardboard boxes, and a table. At the table sits Captain Forrester, hat removed. The greyish white stallion sits upright, leaning over a set of papers, looking down at them, and holding a pen through magic embrace. Standing, reservedly, to either side, are two guards, all with weapons, though none brandishing them threateningly. Two carry carbines, and two carry submachine guns. One of the submachine guns is a Changeling model and issue.
Behind Silver and the group, on the opposite side of the hall, at the very end of a row of seats, are a group of soliders reclining in their seats, the exact numbers hopefully being counted by the corporal, but hard for Silver to discern at the time. They sit down and don't carry their weapons, but Silver can see rifles - full sized rifles, not carbines - to their sides.
Forrester looks up with yellow-green eyes:
"Yes, Sargent Sword? Given that your platoon is still here at dusk, I would have to assume something is wrong, to disrupt your march to the frontline."
>>139421
Silver maintains a firm, unshaken tone in his voice, though even he recognizes that they are currently surrounded.
"Indeed Sir. We have located source of telegraph line problem. It is clearly work of saboteur."
Silver maintains a firm, unshaken tone in his voice, though even he recognizes that they are currently surrounded.
"Indeed Sir. We have located source of telegraph line problem. It is clearly work of saboteur."
>>139423
"Indeed, we think it is work of anarchist rebels, or changeling saboteurs. Either way, it is clearly deliberate attempt to cut communication of our Frontline forces in area from Command in Wald, and as such we are to remain here to garrison and guard Vale from any future attempts."
"Indeed, we think it is work of anarchist rebels, or changeling saboteurs. Either way, it is clearly deliberate attempt to cut communication of our Frontline forces in area from Command in Wald, and as such we are to remain here to garrison and guard Vale from any future attempts."
>>139424
He raises an eyebrow
"Is that what you were told to do when you left Wald? Garrison a location until further notice when a line is cut?"
He raises an eyebrow
"Is that what you were told to do when you left Wald? Garrison a location until further notice when a line is cut?"
>>139493
"No, that is what we were told to do by Command when we fixed telegraph line just now. Vale is too important to let rebels or Changelings get hold of, so our platoon is to garrison Vale. This brings me to second item: Command was most concerned with your lackadaisical methods of protecting Vale. You missed several important telegraphs while line was out, you did not send out repair teams to locate source of outage and fix it despite having more than enough supplies, and Vale is improperly garrisoned for being such important location. They have decided to transfer command of Vale Garrison to our own Lieutenant Brisbuck."
"No, that is what we were told to do by Command when we fixed telegraph line just now. Vale is too important to let rebels or Changelings get hold of, so our platoon is to garrison Vale. This brings me to second item: Command was most concerned with your lackadaisical methods of protecting Vale. You missed several important telegraphs while line was out, you did not send out repair teams to locate source of outage and fix it despite having more than enough supplies, and Vale is improperly garrisoned for being such important location. They have decided to transfer command of Vale Garrison to our own Lieutenant Brisbuck."
>>139494
"Heh, all orders from Brigadier General and up must be written on signed orders." He is smiling, though there is something unusual in it
"Are you who you claim you are?"
"Heh, all orders from Brigadier General and up must be written on signed orders." He is smiling, though there is something unusual in it
"Are you who you claim you are?"
>>139495
Silver maintains his stoic expression, and appears unfazed by the Captain's accusation.
"You will have to bring this up with Command yourself when you go to receive your new orders, but for now you have been ordered to turn over all documents and orders related to defense of Vale to Lieutenant Brisbuck and to cede Town Hall to him and our Command Squad."
Silver maintains his stoic expression, and appears unfazed by the Captain's accusation.
"You will have to bring this up with Command yourself when you go to receive your new orders, but for now you have been ordered to turn over all documents and orders related to defense of Vale to Lieutenant Brisbuck and to cede Town Hall to him and our Command Squad."
>>139496
"I repeat" he now says more angrily and forcefully
"All orders issued from the Brigadier General and up must be in writing and signed"
The ponies at the far end have taken notice, and stand up
"I repeat" he now says more angrily and forcefully
"All orders issued from the Brigadier General and up must be in writing and signed"
The ponies at the far end have taken notice, and stand up
>>139497
The unicorn does not give ground.
"Sir, I must request you calm yourself. These are not my orders I am giving you."
The unicorn does not give ground.
"Sir, I must request you calm yourself. These are not my orders I am giving you."
>>139499
"Actually, that brings me to final item. Due to threat that this sabotage was performed by Changeling Infiltrators, and that they may have replaced members of our platoons, Command has ordered both of our platoons to perform mandatory testing to determine if any changelings exist."
"Actually, that brings me to final item. Due to threat that this sabotage was performed by Changeling Infiltrators, and that they may have replaced members of our platoons, Command has ordered both of our platoons to perform mandatory testing to determine if any changelings exist."
>>139501
"Our medical officer, Firm Heart, is most qualified to do so, however it is likely any member of our platoon would be suitable candidate as it is unlikely there are many if any at all who are Infiltrators. Command mentioned that it would be preferable that it was not performed by any members of 332nd, however, as you have been here longer and there is greater chance of Infiltrators among your ranks."
"Our medical officer, Firm Heart, is most qualified to do so, however it is likely any member of our platoon would be suitable candidate as it is unlikely there are many if any at all who are Infiltrators. Command mentioned that it would be preferable that it was not performed by any members of 332nd, however, as you have been here longer and there is greater chance of Infiltrators among your ranks."
>>139503
"As I said, it was sent through telegraph from Wald. This testing is non-negotiable, Sir, and we are under strict orders to place any who decline under arrest."
"As I said, it was sent through telegraph from Wald. This testing is non-negotiable, Sir, and we are under strict orders to place any who decline under arrest."
>>139509
"Hmph! Then let's go see this alleged telegraph. These sorts of things leave paper trails, and I'm sure the ponies at the office will be willing to help. As for any 'testing,' we have a couple medical personnel of our own who are trained to help."
"Hmph! Then let's go see this alleged telegraph. These sorts of things leave paper trails, and I'm sure the ponies at the office will be willing to help. As for any 'testing,' we have a couple medical personnel of our own who are trained to help."
>>139516
Silver motions for his squad to back out and step aside to allow for the Captain and his soldiers to exit the building.
Silver motions for his squad to back out and step aside to allow for the Captain and his soldiers to exit the building.
>>139518
The captain stands up, staring back at Silver and Brisbuck to Silver's side
"Stallions! Up!" Forrester calls out to the ponies at the back, who pick up their rifles and stand up. Two of the ponies in Forrester's guard detail move forward, going to the door and through it. The other two ponies move around to Forrester's side.
The captain stands up, staring back at Silver and Brisbuck to Silver's side
"Stallions! Up!" Forrester calls out to the ponies at the back, who pick up their rifles and stand up. Two of the ponies in Forrester's guard detail move forward, going to the door and through it. The other two ponies move around to Forrester's side.
>>139519
Silver waits for Captain Forrester himself to leave before he follows. He makes sure he has his flashlight at the ready, and keeps it out of sight.
Silver waits for Captain Forrester himself to leave before he follows. He makes sure he has his flashlight at the ready, and keeps it out of sight.
>>139520
The two guards who move through yell "clear," and Forrester moves across the stage, onto a set of stairs at the far left end that takes him down to ground level. His other two guards follow quickly behind. Forrester slowly exists the building, before saying "follow them" to the troops in the back.
The two guards who move through yell "clear," and Forrester moves across the stage, onto a set of stairs at the far left end that takes him down to ground level. His other two guards follow quickly behind. Forrester slowly exists the building, before saying "follow them" to the troops in the back.
>>139521
Silver follows Forrester with the rest of his squad in tow. He waits until the Captain and his men are in the area in front of the town hall before he tries to get his attention.
"Captain Forrester?"
Silver follows Forrester with the rest of his squad in tow. He waits until the Captain and his men are in the area in front of the town hall before he tries to get his attention.
"Captain Forrester?"
>>139524
Forrester is at a distance, and reflexively closes his eyes. His eyes look sort of like a dog's eyes in the night, or that of a cat, glowing back.
Forrester is at a distance, and reflexively closes his eyes. His eyes look sort of like a dog's eyes in the night, or that of a cat, glowing back.
>>139525
Silver's eyes widen as he quickly calls out to the gathered ponies.
"Forrester's a changeling!"
Silver's eyes widen as he quickly calls out to the gathered ponies.
"Forrester's a changeling!"
>>139527
Ponies hold up their weapons from every corner.
Forrester yells back, and looks again at Silver Sword
"I am nothing of the sort, you imposter!"
Ponies hold up their weapons from every corner.
Forrester yells back, and looks again at Silver Sword
"I am nothing of the sort, you imposter!"
>>139528
"You can not fool us! You and your ilk sabotaged line to Wald to cut off Frontline forces from Command! You had our radio operator Technical Sargent Hazelred replaced!"
"You can not fool us! You and your ilk sabotaged line to Wald to cut off Frontline forces from Command! You had our radio operator Technical Sargent Hazelred replaced!"
>>139529
"You are yourself replaced!" He yells out
Silver is present himself with Salt lick and Amber Grain, as well as the 12 members of B Squad. Across the Street, at the Misfortune County Court House and the roof of the Sheriff's Office, Silver knows there are two machine guns and rifleponies. Inside the Town Hall and exiting are eight ponies of the 332nd. With Forrester are still his four guards, two armed with submachine guns.
Forrester draws his pistol.
"You are yourself replaced!" He yells out
Silver is present himself with Salt lick and Amber Grain, as well as the 12 members of B Squad. Across the Street, at the Misfortune County Court House and the roof of the Sheriff's Office, Silver knows there are two machine guns and rifleponies. Inside the Town Hall and exiting are eight ponies of the 332nd. With Forrester are still his four guards, two armed with submachine guns.
Forrester draws his pistol.
>>139530
Silver draws his rifle and levels it at Forrester.
"Surrender Changeling! Our entire platoon has been tested, there are no more of your Infiltrators among us, you can not fool us!"
Silver draws his rifle and levels it at Forrester.
"Surrender Changeling! Our entire platoon has been tested, there are no more of your Infiltrators among us, you can not fool us!"
>>139532
Forrester's small group backs away, a little down the road,
Forrester yells back,
"You are the infiltrator here!"
Now, guns are leveled
Forrester's small group backs away, a little down the road,
Forrester yells back,
"You are the infiltrator here!"
Now, guns are leveled
>>139533
"You are surrounded! Put down your weapons and surrender, and you will be given fair treatment!"
"You are surrounded! Put down your weapons and surrender, and you will be given fair treatment!"
>>139534
A grin comes across his face
"That, I know is not true"
From down the valley, a distant rumble, like thunder, comes from the dark clouds on the horizon that begin to obscure the setting sun
A grin comes across his face
"That, I know is not true"
From down the valley, a distant rumble, like thunder, comes from the dark clouds on the horizon that begin to obscure the setting sun
>>139536
"You think yourselves masters? Gardeners of nature? No. That would be to leave the weeds in control. And you have less control than you think."
Roll Initiative
"You think yourselves masters? Gardeners of nature? No. That would be to leave the weeds in control. And you have less control than you think."
Roll Initiative
Initiative set for all involved
Forrester:
[1d20+2 = 21]
Guards
[1d20+2 = 9]
[1d20+2 = 10]
[1d20+2 = 13]
[1d20+2 = 10]
Forrester's Troops
[1d20 = 16] [1d3 = 1]
[1d20 = 11] [1d3 = 2]
[1d20 = 6] [1d3 = 2]
[1d20 = 14] [1d3 = 2]
[1d20 = 12] [1d3 = 2]
[1d20 = 15] [1d3 = 2]
[1d20 = 3] [1d3 = 1]
[1d20 = 14] [1d3 = 2]
Saltlick
[1d20+2 = 12]
Amber Grain
[1d20+2 = 8]
Squad Sargent
[1d20+1 = 19]
Black Colt
[1d20 = 9]
B Squad Rifle ponies:
[1d20 = 2] [1d20 = 17]
[1d20 = 1] [1d20 = 8]
[1d20 = 16] [1d20 = 2]
[1d20 = 11] [1d20 = 8]
[1d20 = 13] [1d20 = 4]
C Squad
[1d20-2 = 7]
[1d20-2 = 5]
[1d20-2 = 15]
[1d20-2 = 0]
Forrester:
[1d20+2 = 21]
Guards
[1d20+2 = 9]
[1d20+2 = 10]
[1d20+2 = 13]
[1d20+2 = 10]
Forrester's Troops
[1d20 = 16] [1d3 = 1]
[1d20 = 11] [1d3 = 2]
[1d20 = 6] [1d3 = 2]
[1d20 = 14] [1d3 = 2]
[1d20 = 12] [1d3 = 2]
[1d20 = 15] [1d3 = 2]
[1d20 = 3] [1d3 = 1]
[1d20 = 14] [1d3 = 2]
Saltlick
[1d20+2 = 12]
Amber Grain
[1d20+2 = 8]
Squad Sargent
[1d20+1 = 19]
Black Colt
[1d20 = 9]
B Squad Rifle ponies:
[1d20 = 2] [1d20 = 17]
[1d20 = 1] [1d20 = 8]
[1d20 = 16] [1d20 = 2]
[1d20 = 11] [1d20 = 8]
[1d20 = 13] [1d20 = 4]
C Squad
[1d20-2 = 7]
[1d20-2 = 5]
[1d20-2 = 15]
[1d20-2 = 0]
>>139539
>>139538
A cacophony of noise erupts, with Forrester the first to discharge his gun, followed by the squad sergeant, who fires his submachine gun at the guards, then ponies from Forrester's troop, who aim them at the squad members
Silver is shot at by Forrester's pistol
[1d20+4 = 19]
And a guard's carbine
[1d20+3 = 13]
Then a rifle
[1d20 = 17]
>>139538
A cacophony of noise erupts, with Forrester the first to discharge his gun, followed by the squad sergeant, who fires his submachine gun at the guards, then ponies from Forrester's troop, who aim them at the squad members
Silver is shot at by Forrester's pistol
[1d20+4 = 19]
And a guard's carbine
[1d20+3 = 13]
Then a rifle
[1d20 = 17]
>>139539
B Squad exchanges with the guards
[1d20 = 20] [1d20 = 9]
[1d20 = 18] [1d20 = 20]
[1d20 = 3] [1d20 = 15]
[1d20 = 20] [1d20 = 6]
While the reserve troops of Forrester shoot back
[1d20 = 12]
[1d20 = 4]
[1d20 = 9]
And three at the squad leaders
[1d20 = 19]
[1d20 = 15]
[1d20 = 17]
>>139538
Silver is hit by Forrester's pistol
[2d6 = 10]
And a soldier's rifle
[2d8 = 4]
B Squad exchanges with the guards
[1d20 = 20] [1d20 = 9]
[1d20 = 18] [1d20 = 20]
[1d20 = 3] [1d20 = 15]
[1d20 = 20] [1d20 = 6]
While the reserve troops of Forrester shoot back
[1d20 = 12]
[1d20 = 4]
[1d20 = 9]
And three at the squad leaders
[1d20 = 19]
[1d20 = 15]
[1d20 = 17]
>>139538
Silver is hit by Forrester's pistol
[2d6 = 10]
And a soldier's rifle
[2d8 = 4]
[1d20+10 = 26]
>>139541
They hit Silver good, but he's still standing. He aims his rifle at Forrester, and fires.
>>139541
They hit Silver good, but he's still standing. He aims his rifle at Forrester, and fires.
>>139541
A submachine gunner is struck repeatedly by the squad leader's bullets and is downed. The other submachine gunner, and both carbine carriers are shot in the head by great shots from the riflestallion privates of B Squad. Only a few bullets are shot at all, including one carbine shot that misses Silver
The troops inside the building shoot through the glass and out the door, missing any rifle squad members.
Unfortunately, every single leader of Silver's section is hit by these troops, including Silver himself (already calculated)
Amber Grain
[2d8 = 10]
Saltlick
[2d8 = 7]
And the submachinegun wielding squad sergeant
[2d8 = 14]
>>139543
>>139542
Silver hits Forrester forcibly in the chest, but has not downed him
A submachine gunner is struck repeatedly by the squad leader's bullets and is downed. The other submachine gunner, and both carbine carriers are shot in the head by great shots from the riflestallion privates of B Squad. Only a few bullets are shot at all, including one carbine shot that misses Silver
The troops inside the building shoot through the glass and out the door, missing any rifle squad members.
Unfortunately, every single leader of Silver's section is hit by these troops, including Silver himself (already calculated)
Amber Grain
[2d8 = 10]
Saltlick
[2d8 = 7]
And the submachinegun wielding squad sergeant
[2d8 = 14]
>>139543
>>139542
Silver hits Forrester forcibly in the chest, but has not downed him
>>139544
>>139542
At this point, the black colt, firing the machine gun from his shoulder in an unaimed attack, fires it inside the building at the reserve troops
A marksstallion's bullet hits one of the guards, but it's overkill
From across the street, the machine guns open up, albeit perhaps too close for comfort
>>139544
The squad sergeant is downed
>>139542
At this point, the black colt, firing the machine gun from his shoulder in an unaimed attack, fires it inside the building at the reserve troops
A marksstallion's bullet hits one of the guards, but it's overkill
From across the street, the machine guns open up, albeit perhaps too close for comfort
>>139544
The squad sergeant is downed
>>139543
>>139542
The guards fall to the ground, but as they do, green magic envelopes them, as if it burns away their coats, and leaves charred blackness behind. All four are Changelings, lying bleeding a bluish blood on the ground, and with strangely red colored blood spatters on the wall from where they've been hit in the head.
Forrester turns, and runs
>>139542
The guards fall to the ground, but as they do, green magic envelopes them, as if it burns away their coats, and leaves charred blackness behind. All four are Changelings, lying bleeding a bluish blood on the ground, and with strangely red colored blood spatters on the wall from where they've been hit in the head.
Forrester turns, and runs
>>139548
>>139547
Hit, and, Hit.
Forrester falls down. B Squad focuses on pulling away and out of the line of fire from across the street.
Far off in the distance, another "thunk," "thunk," and "thunk."
But it's what's above that gives the most cause for concern. A terrifyingly loud, almost ripping-sound comes from a room on the left side of the second floor of the town hall. Silver can see the barrel sticking out. It's a machinegun. Belt-fed. Changeling model. The angle isn't shallow enough to aim at Silver and B Squad; instead, it takes aim at C Squad and the machine gun detachment across the street.
>>139547
Hit, and, Hit.
Forrester falls down. B Squad focuses on pulling away and out of the line of fire from across the street.
Far off in the distance, another "thunk," "thunk," and "thunk."
But it's what's above that gives the most cause for concern. A terrifyingly loud, almost ripping-sound comes from a room on the left side of the second floor of the town hall. Silver can see the barrel sticking out. It's a machinegun. Belt-fed. Changeling model. The angle isn't shallow enough to aim at Silver and B Squad; instead, it takes aim at C Squad and the machine gun detachment across the street.
>>139549
Silver shouts out to B Squad.
"TOWN HALL, SECOND FLOOR, LEFT SIDE! SOMEPONY GRENADE THAT GUN!"
He quickly rushes out to the downed squad sergeant.
Silver shouts out to B Squad.
"TOWN HALL, SECOND FLOOR, LEFT SIDE! SOMEPONY GRENADE THAT GUN!"
He quickly rushes out to the downed squad sergeant.
>>139550
Brisbuck yells
"C squad! Suppressive fire!"
And then less loudly, looking back,
"B Squad - back up, out of the line of fire! Grenadiers, upfront!"
Silver leans down to find the sergeant is down, and Amber Grain and Saltlick are badly wounded.
From inside, a trooper pops off a shot at Silver
[1d20 = 19]
Brisbuck yells
"C squad! Suppressive fire!"
And then less loudly, looking back,
"B Squad - back up, out of the line of fire! Grenadiers, upfront!"
Silver leans down to find the sergeant is down, and Amber Grain and Saltlick are badly wounded.
From inside, a trooper pops off a shot at Silver
[1d20 = 19]
>>139553
Silver is the most wounded pony on the field, bleeding out from three wounds.
The loud, ripping sound flings out mass numbers of bullets at the forces across the street, while a lower "tat-tat-tat" and an even lower "dakka dakka dakka" come from the belt fed machine gun and light machine gun of C Squad respectively. Silver can see green tracers fly, and red tracers fly back. This exchange leaves the lower level entrance of the town hall less covered, and bullets fly out of here. The unicorn uses his magic to replace the magazine of the machine gun the black colt carries, and he aims in around the inside of the hall. The cream colored pegasus hugs the wall next to the entrance, and with his wing, tosses in a grenade, while a purple unicorn follows quickly behind doing the same
[1d20 = 3]
[1d20 = 19]
Silver is able to drag the Sargent aside
Silver is the most wounded pony on the field, bleeding out from three wounds.
The loud, ripping sound flings out mass numbers of bullets at the forces across the street, while a lower "tat-tat-tat" and an even lower "dakka dakka dakka" come from the belt fed machine gun and light machine gun of C Squad respectively. Silver can see green tracers fly, and red tracers fly back. This exchange leaves the lower level entrance of the town hall less covered, and bullets fly out of here. The unicorn uses his magic to replace the magazine of the machine gun the black colt carries, and he aims in around the inside of the hall. The cream colored pegasus hugs the wall next to the entrance, and with his wing, tosses in a grenade, while a purple unicorn follows quickly behind doing the same
[1d20 = 3]
[1d20 = 19]
Silver is able to drag the Sargent aside
>>139554
Once the Sargent is out of the line of fire, he looks to see how Amber Grain and Saltlick are doing.
Once the Sargent is out of the line of fire, he looks to see how Amber Grain and Saltlick are doing.
>>139555
These ponies are wounded, but upright.
One of the grenades tossed in through the broken window bounces against some object inside, and explodes almost in the door frame, spreading shrapnel outwards in a pattern that makes B squad fall prone.
From the upstairs window, a submachine gun is stuck out and aimed downwards. The creature, leaning its head out, fires
[1d20 = 6]
These ponies are wounded, but upright.
One of the grenades tossed in through the broken window bounces against some object inside, and explodes almost in the door frame, spreading shrapnel outwards in a pattern that makes B squad fall prone.
From the upstairs window, a submachine gun is stuck out and aimed downwards. The creature, leaning its head out, fires
[1d20 = 6]
>>139559
One goes wide, right past the room, while another goes through the window and seems to detonate on the ceiling
The black colt nevertheless fires his automatic rifle in bursts in the direction of the room
Silver runs towards the captain, who manages to turn towards him, and level his gun
One goes wide, right past the room, while another goes through the window and seems to detonate on the ceiling
The black colt nevertheless fires his automatic rifle in bursts in the direction of the room
Silver runs towards the captain, who manages to turn towards him, and level his gun
>>139566
Silver’s rifle misses, gets caught in the band that keeps Forrester’s pack on his shoulder, and falls the ground when Silver tries to pull it back
Forrester shoots again
[1d20+3 = 23]
Silver’s rifle misses, gets caught in the band that keeps Forrester’s pack on his shoulder, and falls the ground when Silver tries to pull it back
Forrester shoots again
[1d20+3 = 23]
>>139573
Forrester is knocked down, to the ground.
Silver can see his cost burn away in bright green light, revealing one of the parasitic, black pony imitators in his place.
Forrester is knocked down, to the ground.
Silver can see his cost burn away in bright green light, revealing one of the parasitic, black pony imitators in his place.
>>139575
At B squad, Brisbuck gives a command, filling in fir the Sargent
“Machine gun! Covering fire! Rifle section, forward!”
B squad advances inside the town hall, the black colt firing from the hip
At B squad, Brisbuck gives a command, filling in fir the Sargent
“Machine gun! Covering fire! Rifle section, forward!”
B squad advances inside the town hall, the black colt firing from the hip
>>139579
The entryway has been shot to pieces by multiple machine guns and two grenades. On the floor lay the bodies of three changeling drones, fallen in strange ways or curled up, and wearing Equestrian uniforms.
What is more disturbing is the presence of two pony bodies in Equestrian uniform, never turning into drones. One lies on his back, the other on his side, with a hoof pressing holding his chest.
There are no more gunshots from within town hall
The entryway has been shot to pieces by multiple machine guns and two grenades. On the floor lay the bodies of three changeling drones, fallen in strange ways or curled up, and wearing Equestrian uniforms.
What is more disturbing is the presence of two pony bodies in Equestrian uniform, never turning into drones. One lies on his back, the other on his side, with a hoof pressing holding his chest.
There are no more gunshots from within town hall
>>139581
Private Low Glow, 332nd supply company
He seems to have suffered shock and died from multiple rifle rounds - probably originating from a machine gun
Private Reed Wringer, 332nnd supply company
He seems to be gone or nearly so. He has several bullet wounds, and shrapnel as well.
Private Low Glow, 332nd supply company
He seems to have suffered shock and died from multiple rifle rounds - probably originating from a machine gun
Private Reed Wringer, 332nnd supply company
He seems to be gone or nearly so. He has several bullet wounds, and shrapnel as well.
>>139582
"I am sorry, soldiers."
Silver stands up from the bodies, and calls out into town hall.
"B Squad, report!"
"I am sorry, soldiers."
Silver stands up from the bodies, and calls out into town hall.
"B Squad, report!"
>>139587
"Yes, plenty more."
As B Squad stands there, they can hear the words
"Don't shoot" calling from the left
"Yes, plenty more."
As B Squad stands there, they can hear the words
"Don't shoot" calling from the left
>>139589
Silver sees, coming through the doorway, three ponies wearing Equestrian non-combatant uniforms, trying to hold hooves up. One has a carbine on his back, two are completely unarmed. Two are bleeding, one from a scratch on the face, and another more heavily from under the uniform on the chest.
"Us" A white earthpony answers
Silver sees, coming through the doorway, three ponies wearing Equestrian non-combatant uniforms, trying to hold hooves up. One has a carbine on his back, two are completely unarmed. Two are bleeding, one from a scratch on the face, and another more heavily from under the uniform on the chest.
"Us" A white earthpony answers
>>139590
Silver pulls out his flashlight, and trots slowly towards the three ponies.
"Stay right where you are, and do not move until I tell you to. I am going to check if you are changelings."
Silver pulls out his flashlight, and trots slowly towards the three ponies.
"Stay right where you are, and do not move until I tell you to. I am going to check if you are changelings."
>>139592
They pull their hooves in the air, though the last one cowers
Yellow eyes, partly reflective
Dark red eyes, blinks
Steel Grey, seems to reflect back blue under the eye whites
They pull their hooves in the air, though the last one cowers
Yellow eyes, partly reflective
Dark red eyes, blinks
Steel Grey, seems to reflect back blue under the eye whites
>>139593
Silver turns off his flashlight, and nods. He tells the first one, with yellow eyes, to go join B Squad, but keeps the other two for a moment longer. He starts by talking to the red eyed one.
"I need you to keep your eyes open. It will only take second."
Silver turns off his flashlight, and nods. He tells the first one, with yellow eyes, to go join B Squad, but keeps the other two for a moment longer. He starts by talking to the red eyed one.
"I need you to keep your eyes open. It will only take second."
>>139594
The first one stands there, looking at Silver for a moment, and then runs off into the squad of soldiers he was shooting at not two minutes ago
The second one tries to speak back to SIlver
"Wah"
He lowers a hoof, evidently to hold onto his chest (which is bleeding), and staggers. But his eyes are open
The first one stands there, looking at Silver for a moment, and then runs off into the squad of soldiers he was shooting at not two minutes ago
The second one tries to speak back to SIlver
"Wah"
He lowers a hoof, evidently to hold onto his chest (which is bleeding), and staggers. But his eyes are open
>>139597
"Clear."
He looks back at B Squad.
"He needs first aid, stat!"
He now looks back at the third pony, the grey eyed one, and looks seriously at him.
"I want you to be completely honest with me: are you changeling?"
"Clear."
He looks back at B Squad.
"He needs first aid, stat!"
He now looks back at the third pony, the grey eyed one, and looks seriously at him.
"I want you to be completely honest with me: are you changeling?"
[1d20-1 = 9]
>>139599
Sense Motive: Silver looks carefully at him for any sign of him lying.
"Are you sure? If you are, and you come out voluntarily, I promise you will be treated fairly."
>>139599
Sense Motive: Silver looks carefully at him for any sign of him lying.
"Are you sure? If you are, and you come out voluntarily, I promise you will be treated fairly."
I like this combat sequence, it reminds me of Post Scriptum. Check out Vade's videos with German comms/English subtitles if you can, they are really immersive.
>>139604
Silver considers it for a second, but ultimately decides to concede and accept it as an aberration in testing.
"Alright. My apologies, we are just under lot of stress right now. Go ahead and join others."
Silver considers it for a second, but ultimately decides to concede and accept it as an aberration in testing.
"Alright. My apologies, we are just under lot of stress right now. Go ahead and join others."
>>139609
The red eyed pony has to get in line, with the squad sergeant, Saltlick, and Amber Grain being injured
The red eyed pony has to get in line, with the squad sergeant, Saltlick, and Amber Grain being injured
>>139610
"Alright then. We will make our way towards upstairs room, checking rooms along way. When we get outside room, we will give them chance to surrender, and if they do not, we will toss grenade inside. Understood?"
"Alright then. We will make our way towards upstairs room, checking rooms along way. When we get outside room, we will give them chance to surrender, and if they do not, we will toss grenade inside. Understood?"
>>139611
"Sir, yes sir!"
B Squad advances into the dinning room - finding nothing, though some cots are on the floor. Nothing, down stairs office. Nothing in the bathrooms, or the other downstairs office.
On to upstairs. It's a narrow hallway not everypony can fit through
"Sir, yes sir!"
B Squad advances into the dinning room - finding nothing, though some cots are on the floor. Nothing, down stairs office. Nothing in the bathrooms, or the other downstairs office.
On to upstairs. It's a narrow hallway not everypony can fit through
>>139614
Silver instructs a grenadier to go first, with Silver behind him. Once they get to the doors of the room, Silver calls out.
"Anyone alive in there?"
Silver instructs a grenadier to go first, with Silver behind him. Once they get to the doors of the room, Silver calls out.
"Anyone alive in there?"
>>139615
Silver pokes his head out to see a door on the right side, a door on the left, and a couple doors in the center
Silver's question is answered with a "ching-ching-ching-ching-ching" from the right
Role for reflex
Silver pokes his head out to see a door on the right side, a door on the left, and a couple doors in the center
Silver's question is answered with a "ching-ching-ching-ching-ching" from the right
Role for reflex
>>139616
>>139618
>>139617
When Silver and the grenadier get up to the second floor, they are shot at from a blind-fired submachine gun out the door from the office on the far right, and a grenade is tossed at them.
Silver evades all bullets, while the grenadier is hit with one. Silver dives into the stairwell, and is not hit from any shrapnel, while the grenadier tries to jump back into the stairway
[2d6 = 6]
[1d6 = 1]
>>139618
>>139617
When Silver and the grenadier get up to the second floor, they are shot at from a blind-fired submachine gun out the door from the office on the far right, and a grenade is tossed at them.
Silver evades all bullets, while the grenadier is hit with one. Silver dives into the stairwell, and is not hit from any shrapnel, while the grenadier tries to jump back into the stairway
[2d6 = 6]
[1d6 = 1]
>>139622
One rushes past, jumping over Silver, with a rifle grenade on his gun. As he rushes into the hall, there is more blind fire. There is a "thunk" and then a loud BANG as a rifle grenade is shot and detonates at ranges too close for comfort.
One rushes past, jumping over Silver, with a rifle grenade on his gun. As he rushes into the hall, there is more blind fire. There is a "thunk" and then a loud BANG as a rifle grenade is shot and detonates at ranges too close for comfort.
>>139623
Silver flinches somewhat, and starts talking once the ringing starts to subside.
"Sweet Celestia, soldier, I meant throw pineapple, not rifle grenade. You okay?"
Silver flinches somewhat, and starts talking once the ringing starts to subside.
"Sweet Celestia, soldier, I meant throw pineapple, not rifle grenade. You okay?"
>>139625
"Just nevermind. Come on!"
Silver pushes past the soldier to get to the room with the blind firing submachine gunner.
"Just nevermind. Come on!"
Silver pushes past the soldier to get to the room with the blind firing submachine gunner.
>>139626
Silver presumably kicks open the door, which itself is shot through with several bullet and shrapnel holes. Silver can see this room was a large sized office, with several; photographs on the walls, a couple book shelves, and a hardwood desk.
Books from the shelves have fallen to the ground. Some a shredded. The desk is moved at an odd angle, and is torn in many areas. There is a distinct hole in the wall above the desk, with broken bits of glass, parts of a wooden picture frame and the like strewn across the floor, along with so many papers. on the left side is a window, with a torn up chair propped up next to the window, and a turned over table to its left. The window is completely shattered, there is a large hole in the cieling with insulation hanging down, as well as part of a vent, and a large, belt-fed machine gun lies across the chair, with a number of empty cases to its right. Portions of the wall are penetrated with bullets, with paint coming off, while other portions are chipped.
Hanging over the Machine gun is a dead changeling drone with a Changeling style helmet, and no uniform. He bleeds blue on the foor. Next to him is another in an Equestrian uniform who also fell on his belly, and is holding what looks like a replacement barrel. This second one is covered in white drywall, which can also be found to a degree on the first one, but this one is covered almost like he fell asleep in snow. To the left of both is a dead changeling in Equestrian uniform who lies on his back, and has more than one noticeable bullet wound. He has a Changeling style bolt-action rifle next to him. between these three and the desk is a changeling lying on his belly and bleeding on the floor. He wears no uniform, and has an ammunition belt across his back, with an Equestrian carbine rifle beside him.
But most concerning is an alleged pony - a tan unicorn - in a bloody, Equestrian uniform, wearing a helmet and lying on his back. He looks to have fallen against the desk, then fallen off of it. In front of him is a Changeling style submachine gun, which he is reaching towards.
Silver presumably kicks open the door, which itself is shot through with several bullet and shrapnel holes. Silver can see this room was a large sized office, with several; photographs on the walls, a couple book shelves, and a hardwood desk.
Books from the shelves have fallen to the ground. Some a shredded. The desk is moved at an odd angle, and is torn in many areas. There is a distinct hole in the wall above the desk, with broken bits of glass, parts of a wooden picture frame and the like strewn across the floor, along with so many papers. on the left side is a window, with a torn up chair propped up next to the window, and a turned over table to its left. The window is completely shattered, there is a large hole in the cieling with insulation hanging down, as well as part of a vent, and a large, belt-fed machine gun lies across the chair, with a number of empty cases to its right. Portions of the wall are penetrated with bullets, with paint coming off, while other portions are chipped.
Hanging over the Machine gun is a dead changeling drone with a Changeling style helmet, and no uniform. He bleeds blue on the foor. Next to him is another in an Equestrian uniform who also fell on his belly, and is holding what looks like a replacement barrel. This second one is covered in white drywall, which can also be found to a degree on the first one, but this one is covered almost like he fell asleep in snow. To the left of both is a dead changeling in Equestrian uniform who lies on his back, and has more than one noticeable bullet wound. He has a Changeling style bolt-action rifle next to him. between these three and the desk is a changeling lying on his belly and bleeding on the floor. He wears no uniform, and has an ammunition belt across his back, with an Equestrian carbine rifle beside him.
But most concerning is an alleged pony - a tan unicorn - in a bloody, Equestrian uniform, wearing a helmet and lying on his back. He looks to have fallen against the desk, then fallen off of it. In front of him is a Changeling style submachine gun, which he is reaching towards.
>>139630
The alleged pony sits up, baring its gritted teeth at Silver. It magically undoes its pouch.
The alleged pony sits up, baring its gritted teeth at Silver. It magically undoes its pouch.
>>139634
Silver shoots the creature in its belly, which is enough to make it slink over to its side. A green fire comes down it, burning away and revealing a changeling drone with a large number of open blue wounds. the end of a Changeling-style grenade pops out of its open pouch
Silver shoots the creature in its belly, which is enough to make it slink over to its side. A green fire comes down it, burning away and revealing a changeling drone with a large number of open blue wounds. the end of a Changeling-style grenade pops out of its open pouch
>>139636
A soldier cone and peeps into the mess of the room
“I hope they’ll forgive what we’ve done to the mayor’s office” he says
A soldier cone and peeps into the mess of the room
“I hope they’ll forgive what we’ve done to the mayor’s office” he says
>>139637
"Offices can be rebuilt, but ponies can not be brought back from dead. I think they will not mind."
He looks back to the soldier.
"Tell rest of B Squad to finish performing sweep of town hall, then meet me outside. Our work is not finished yet."
"Offices can be rebuilt, but ponies can not be brought back from dead. I think they will not mind."
He looks back to the soldier.
"Tell rest of B Squad to finish performing sweep of town hall, then meet me outside. Our work is not finished yet."
>>139638
"Sir, yes sir!"
He goes off to meet with other soldiers
But outside, Silver can already hear rifle shots, then machine gun fire
"Sir, yes sir!"
He goes off to meet with other soldiers
But outside, Silver can already hear rifle shots, then machine gun fire
>>139640
Silver can hear it from the direction of the back of town hall; i.e., A company.
Does Silver go outside before the full clearing of the building?
Silver can hear it from the direction of the back of town hall; i.e., A company.
Does Silver go outside before the full clearing of the building?
>>139644
Going down the central hallway of town hall, silver sees a hallway that leads to a door. Peaking out the door onto the street, silver can see that A company, stationed in the second floor of the small brick fire station across the street, is engaged in fire with other enemies, hard to see from that location
Going down the central hallway of town hall, silver sees a hallway that leads to a door. Peaking out the door onto the street, silver can see that A company, stationed in the second floor of the small brick fire station across the street, is engaged in fire with other enemies, hard to see from that location
>>139645
Silver advances towards the fire station, trying to get in contact with the ponies or not-ponies inside.
Silver advances towards the fire station, trying to get in contact with the ponies or not-ponies inside.
>>139647
He was going to have B Squad search town hall, then meet him outside. If A and C squads weren't engaged in combat, he'd have them sweep the town while B Squad and the machinegun attachment rounded up the wounded and dead.
He was going to have B Squad search town hall, then meet him outside. If A and C squads weren't engaged in combat, he'd have them sweep the town while B Squad and the machinegun attachment rounded up the wounded and dead.
>>139648
Uh, well B squad is still in town hall, C squad and the machine gun section is unengaged, and A squad is engaged behind the town hall in the fire station.
Uh, well B squad is still in town hall, C squad and the machine gun section is unengaged, and A squad is engaged behind the town hall in the fire station.
>>139649
Eeyup. And now he's heading to see whether the ones in the fire station are ponies or changelings.
Eeyup. And now he's heading to see whether the ones in the fire station are ponies or changelings.
>>139651
In that case, it is probably best that he stay in town hall and assist B Squad until he has covering fire.
In that case, it is probably best that he stay in town hall and assist B Squad until he has covering fire.
>>139661
From his position in the office on the far end Silver can see that there are four doors. Two on the right, one on the left, and one at the end.
From his position in the office on the far end Silver can see that there are four doors. Two on the right, one on the left, and one at the end.
>>139663
This room looks to be a mundane bathroom with a single toilet, blue tile floors, a basket and a window on the far side. It's a narrow room.
This room looks to be a mundane bathroom with a single toilet, blue tile floors, a basket and a window on the far side. It's a narrow room.
>>139665
Technically this is the second door on the left, as the staiwell Silver came in from is also on the left.
This is a narrow supply closet that wraps around, with stacks of paper, a set of pens, a simple paper cups among other things.
What is less in-place, is what lies down on the ground: a green sleeping bag that looks to be full. It lies in such a position that it takes up essentially the full space between shelves.
Technically this is the second door on the left, as the staiwell Silver came in from is also on the left.
This is a narrow supply closet that wraps around, with stacks of paper, a set of pens, a simple paper cups among other things.
What is less in-place, is what lies down on the ground: a green sleeping bag that looks to be full. It lies in such a position that it takes up essentially the full space between shelves.
>>139667
It seems to be completely zipped up and full. It's the standard cotton and nylon bag issued to the Equestrian Army.
It seems to be completely zipped up and full. It's the standard cotton and nylon bag issued to the Equestrian Army.
>>139669
Silver cannot make out many details through the thin, nigh transparent covering of silk that encases what is before him. Yet what Silver can gather is that under the layer of white-tinted gossamer is a light brown unicorn with his eyes closed and mouth open - technical private Hazelfront.
Silver cannot make out many details through the thin, nigh transparent covering of silk that encases what is before him. Yet what Silver can gather is that under the layer of white-tinted gossamer is a light brown unicorn with his eyes closed and mouth open - technical private Hazelfront.
>>139670
"Private!"
Silver is relieved that he's found his missing private, but figures that until the town is secure it is not a good idea pulling him out just yet. He whispers to Hazelfront before zipping him back up.
"I am coming back for you."
Next, he tries the second door on the right.
"Private!"
Silver is relieved that he's found his missing private, but figures that until the town is secure it is not a good idea pulling him out just yet. He whispers to Hazelfront before zipping him back up.
"I am coming back for you."
Next, he tries the second door on the right.
>>139671
This room is marked "records" above the door, and inside are a number of file cabinets, shelves, and cardboard boxes
This room is marked "records" above the door, and inside are a number of file cabinets, shelves, and cardboard boxes
>>139672
Interesting. He definitely marks this room for further inspection later, as the records may hold things of value. For now, however, he inspects the room on the end.
Interesting. He definitely marks this room for further inspection later, as the records may hold things of value. For now, however, he inspects the room on the end.
>>139673
Silver enters this room to see:
A pair of desks, each facing towards the center. A wall that seems to hold a black, telephone switch board with cables (albeit now many applicable holes), a pair of telephones, a chair near the entrance, an over turned chair near one of the desks, an upright chair by the other desk, and windows on each side of the room. Both desks have papers on them, while one has a headset, and another has an apple core on top. The room smells of cigarette smoke.
Silver enters this room to see:
A pair of desks, each facing towards the center. A wall that seems to hold a black, telephone switch board with cables (albeit now many applicable holes), a pair of telephones, a chair near the entrance, an over turned chair near one of the desks, an upright chair by the other desk, and windows on each side of the room. Both desks have papers on them, while one has a headset, and another has an apple core on top. The room smells of cigarette smoke.
>>139674
Silver curses himself somewhat for not knowing how to contact command using telephones. Doing so would undoubtably be so much faster than telegraphs.
Silver curses himself somewhat for not knowing how to contact command using telephones. Doing so would undoubtably be so much faster than telegraphs.
>>139677
It seems to be from the direction of the desk on the left. No creature is visible popping out from behind the desk... yet.
It seems to be from the direction of the desk on the left. No creature is visible popping out from behind the desk... yet.
>>139678
Silver calls out to the desk, and whoever may or may not be behind it.
"Whoever you are, come out slowly and put your hooves where I can see them."
Silver calls out to the desk, and whoever may or may not be behind it.
"Whoever you are, come out slowly and put your hooves where I can see them."
>>139679
A beige furred pair of ears pop up, and then a muzzle and dark blue eyes. Then a thin pony sits up, hooves raised. The form is decidedly female, her hair is back and she wears an Equestrian Army uniform.
A beige furred pair of ears pop up, and then a muzzle and dark blue eyes. Then a thin pony sits up, hooves raised. The form is decidedly female, her hair is back and she wears an Equestrian Army uniform.
>>139682
He nods again.
"Okay. Now, here is what I am going to do. I am going to come over there, and test you to see if you really are pony or not. Regardless of what test shows, even if it turns out you are changeling, as long as you stay still and do not try anything you will not get hurt. Understand?"
He nods again.
"Okay. Now, here is what I am going to do. I am going to come over there, and test you to see if you really are pony or not. Regardless of what test shows, even if it turns out you are changeling, as long as you stay still and do not try anything you will not get hurt. Understand?"
>>139685
Behind Silver, rising up from the second desk is another pony; a pegasus mare with a bright dandelion coat and a brown mane tied in a pony tail. She, too, wears an Equestrian Army uniform and no hat.
Behind Silver, rising up from the second desk is another pony; a pegasus mare with a bright dandelion coat and a brown mane tied in a pony tail. She, too, wears an Equestrian Army uniform and no hat.
>>139687
Silver may want to be careful as to where he stands, as the desks are perpendicular to each other and it's easy for Silver to be blind to one while facing the other.
Silver may want to be careful as to where he stands, as the desks are perpendicular to each other and it's easy for Silver to be blind to one while facing the other.
>>139688
I assume there is a spot Silver can back up to where he has some measure of view of them both?
I assume there is a spot Silver can back up to where he has some measure of view of them both?
>>139689
Without them moving? Silver can move to the entry door, or maybe even to either of the windows, but it will place him at a distance from at least one of the two ponies, wherever he moves
Without them moving? Silver can move to the entry door, or maybe even to either of the windows, but it will place him at a distance from at least one of the two ponies, wherever he moves
>>139690
Silver backs up to the entry door, turning to aim first at earth pony, then the pegasus, and back again.
Silver backs up to the entry door, turning to aim first at earth pony, then the pegasus, and back again.
>>139691
The earth pony is very frightened, with the dandelion pegasus having a more blank expression
The earth pony is very frightened, with the dandelion pegasus having a more blank expression
>>139692
Once he's back to the entryway, he keeps the two in his sights.
"Okay, slight change of plans. I am going to call for assistance, then I will test you two..."
He calls out into the hallway while maintaining line of sight.
"I got two non-combatants here. Second floor, last room. If anypony can hear me, I need assistance."
Once he's back to the entryway, he keeps the two in his sights.
"Okay, slight change of plans. I am going to call for assistance, then I will test you two..."
He calls out into the hallway while maintaining line of sight.
"I got two non-combatants here. Second floor, last room. If anypony can hear me, I need assistance."
>>139693
Enthusiastically, a pair of ponies come over from the office on the far side. It looks like several members of the squad, including the two grenadiers Silver came with, have gone to the office taken up by the machine gunner's nest. Now, two rifle ponies come into the room, with fixed bayonets.
Enthusiastically, a pair of ponies come over from the office on the far side. It looks like several members of the squad, including the two grenadiers Silver came with, have gone to the office taken up by the machine gunner's nest. Now, two rifle ponies come into the room, with fixed bayonets.
>>139695
"Uh huh"
"Yes sir"
They respond, nodding, and clearly unsettled by the situation, as two rife stallions come forward, and point their bayonets towards the mares.
"Uh huh"
"Yes sir"
They respond, nodding, and clearly unsettled by the situation, as two rife stallions come forward, and point their bayonets towards the mares.
>>139697
He eyes are magenta. She narrows her eyes, but does not close them. There is no visible abnormality.
He eyes are magenta. She narrows her eyes, but does not close them. There is no visible abnormality.
>>139698
"Clear."
He motions for the riflestallion to let her go before he goes to check the earth pony.
"Clear."
He motions for the riflestallion to let her go before he goes to check the earth pony.
>>139699
He drops his rifle down, and the dandelion Pegasus stands up.
Looking into the earth pony's deep blue eyes, there is no unusual coloration, though the bright light turns her whites yellow. She does not flinch
He drops his rifle down, and the dandelion Pegasus stands up.
Looking into the earth pony's deep blue eyes, there is no unusual coloration, though the bright light turns her whites yellow. She does not flinch
>>139700
"Clear."
He motions for this riflestallion to let her go as well.
"I am deeply sorry for such rude welcome, but we are currently still in middle of combat zone. Platoon Sargent Silver Sword."
"Clear."
He motions for this riflestallion to let her go as well.
"I am deeply sorry for such rude welcome, but we are currently still in middle of combat zone. Platoon Sargent Silver Sword."
>>139701
"Uh, Private Primrose"
She tries to stand up on her feet, and smiles awkwardly back at Silver
"Uh, Private Primrose"
She tries to stand up on her feet, and smiles awkwardly back at Silver
>>139703
Her expression is still a little blank. She blinks, and answers
"Private Thistle Brush, Sir."
Her expression is still a little blank. She blinks, and answers
"Private Thistle Brush, Sir."
>>139704
He speaks briefly to the two riflestallions.
"Our missing Technical Private is in storage closet, couple of rooms over. Tell either Amber Grain or Brisbuck so we can retrieve him once town is secured."
He turns back to the two mares.
"You two aware of what is going on?"
He speaks briefly to the two riflestallions.
"Our missing Technical Private is in storage closet, couple of rooms over. Tell either Amber Grain or Brisbuck so we can retrieve him once town is secured."
He turns back to the two mares.
"You two aware of what is going on?"
>>139705
"Damn... Sir, Yes Sir." One of the two rifle stallions answers. They leave the room.
Thistle Bush starts to answer
"Well... the phone lines went out. We only had some paperwork that could be done, but we came up here anyways to get away from the stallions. A combat platoon showed up... Then bullets started to fly and we hid under our desks."
"Damn... Sir, Yes Sir." One of the two rifle stallions answers. They leave the room.
Thistle Bush starts to answer
"Well... the phone lines went out. We only had some paperwork that could be done, but we came up here anyways to get away from the stallions. A combat platoon showed up... Then bullets started to fly and we hid under our desks."
>>139706
"Sounds right. That combat platoon is us, we just came up from Wald today. Changelings infiltrated significant part of 332nd, including replacing Captain Forrester and his guards. Seems your desire to keep away from platoon's stallions kept you both from being replaced."
He looks at the telephone switchboard.
"I assume it was this morning when you last checked telephone lines. I sent A Squad to repair sabotaged lines just before shooting started. Can you check them now? We need to get message to Command immediately about our current situation."
"Sounds right. That combat platoon is us, we just came up from Wald today. Changelings infiltrated significant part of 332nd, including replacing Captain Forrester and his guards. Seems your desire to keep away from platoon's stallions kept you both from being replaced."
He looks at the telephone switchboard.
"I assume it was this morning when you last checked telephone lines. I sent A Squad to repair sabotaged lines just before shooting started. Can you check them now? We need to get message to Command immediately about our current situation."
>>139707
“Well, they stopped working sometime last night. I’m not sure if they work to The Front. Maybe they work now, I don’t know.”
Thistle Bruah puts on a head set, and goes to the board, placing the wire in one slot.
“Busy”
Then another
“This one, I think leads back to the Quartermaster in Wald...”
She tries another one
“Something seems off. Not like the line is down, but there is more traffic than the lines can handle...”
“Well, they stopped working sometime last night. I’m not sure if they work to The Front. Maybe they work now, I don’t know.”
Thistle Bruah puts on a head set, and goes to the board, placing the wire in one slot.
“Busy”
Then another
“This one, I think leads back to the Quartermaster in Wald...”
She tries another one
“Something seems off. Not like the line is down, but there is more traffic than the lines can handle...”
>>139708
Silver trots up to Thistle Brush, and points to the last one she tried.
"Where does that go?"
Silver trots up to Thistle Brush, and points to the last one she tried.
"Where does that go?"
>>139709
“That line was supposed to go to the state capitol in Chemeketa, but it’s rewired to the Front.”
“That line was supposed to go to the state capitol in Chemeketa, but it’s rewired to the Front.”
>>139710
It takes a second for that to sink in, and when it does it sinks like a rock dropped into a lake. Silver feels like his heart has stopped for a few moments before he comes back and looks at Private Thistle Brush. He looks like he's seen a ghost.
"Private...that line leads from Front to here, and this is primary point of communication between Front and Command. There is only one reason I can think of why that line is overwhelmed with traffic..."
It takes a second for that to sink in, and when it does it sinks like a rock dropped into a lake. Silver feels like his heart has stopped for a few moments before he comes back and looks at Private Thistle Brush. He looks like he's seen a ghost.
"Private...that line leads from Front to here, and this is primary point of communication between Front and Command. There is only one reason I can think of why that line is overwhelmed with traffic..."
>>139711
Thistle Brush hasn’t smiled the whole time Silver has been there, and she doesn’t start now.
“I’m guessing it’s not because they are wondering when the next shipment of carrots will arrive.”
In the silence that follows, the distant thud and thunder creeps into the room.
Thistle Brush hasn’t smiled the whole time Silver has been there, and she doesn’t start now.
“I’m guessing it’s not because they are wondering when the next shipment of carrots will arrive.”
In the silence that follows, the distant thud and thunder creeps into the room.
>>139712
He looks up at the sound, knocked out of his semi-trance and into action. He knows what that thunder means, now.
"Changelings are making their assault on our lines now. They sent Infiltrators ahead to sabotage telegraph and telephone lines so Command would be deaf. Private, patch us in with Wald, immediately. Tell them to either get in touch with Command or find somepony who can, Changelings are attacking now."
He looks up at the sound, knocked out of his semi-trance and into action. He knows what that thunder means, now.
"Changelings are making their assault on our lines now. They sent Infiltrators ahead to sabotage telegraph and telephone lines so Command would be deaf. Private, patch us in with Wald, immediately. Tell them to either get in touch with Command or find somepony who can, Changelings are attacking now."
>>139713
Her eyes widen, and she is silenced for a moment, before answering Silver.
“Uh, you can only do so much here. The lines rewired here are for speaking to the supply chain on the Front and the quartermaster in Wald. If you want to try more general lines, I think you may have more luck at the Lunar Telephone and Telegraph Office here in town. The lines that run along Old Mecca’s Trail, and along the railroad line from Benson - I think that town is even closer to the front - are all routes through there before going east to Virtue and the Wald. Unless you want to speak with the Quartermaster.”
Her eyes widen, and she is silenced for a moment, before answering Silver.
“Uh, you can only do so much here. The lines rewired here are for speaking to the supply chain on the Front and the quartermaster in Wald. If you want to try more general lines, I think you may have more luck at the Lunar Telephone and Telegraph Office here in town. The lines that run along Old Mecca’s Trail, and along the railroad line from Benson - I think that town is even closer to the front - are all routes through there before going east to Virtue and the Wald. Unless you want to speak with the Quartermaster.”
>>139716
"Then get in touch with him. Every pony we can contact about this is one more chance we can stop this assault before Changelings destroy us all."
"Then get in touch with him. Every pony we can contact about this is one more chance we can stop this assault before Changelings destroy us all."
>>139717
“Uh, okay. I can try. They may not like to hear it. They are already afraid to send trains through. Now they will be even more afraid, but they will have no choice.”
“Uh, okay. I can try. They may not like to hear it. They are already afraid to send trains through. Now they will be even more afraid, but they will have no choice.”
>>139718
"Please, do so Thistle."
He looks to Private Primrose.
"Primrose, is there anything you can do about line from Front, any way to sort out traffic so we can get some idea of what is going on?"
"Please, do so Thistle."
He looks to Private Primrose.
"Primrose, is there anything you can do about line from Front, any way to sort out traffic so we can get some idea of what is going on?"
>>139719
“I think the telephone office has the main line, so it’s possible to tap into people’s conversations there. I don’t think we can do it here. Maybe if we call somepony will have the time to tell us?”
She gives a toothy smile that’s a bit nervous.
“I think the telephone office has the main line, so it’s possible to tap into people’s conversations there. I don’t think we can do it here. Maybe if we call somepony will have the time to tell us?”
She gives a toothy smile that’s a bit nervous.
>>139721
She places the line in the appropriate slot in the board, puts on the headset, and moves the rotary several times, before waiting ona response.
“Hello? Hello? Yes, we know about the water shortage. Oh. Well, sorry to hear about that, but can we get a situation report? Oh. Well I know you’re busy. Yes. I understand. Thank you.”
They are not on the line a full minute.
She turns to Silver
“The Changelings have begun a mass scale bombardment across the entire line. There is no assault yet, but they are expecting a night attack, or an attack at the break of dawn. That is all they could tell me.”
She places the line in the appropriate slot in the board, puts on the headset, and moves the rotary several times, before waiting ona response.
“Hello? Hello? Yes, we know about the water shortage. Oh. Well, sorry to hear about that, but can we get a situation report? Oh. Well I know you’re busy. Yes. I understand. Thank you.”
They are not on the line a full minute.
She turns to Silver
“The Changelings have begun a mass scale bombardment across the entire line. There is no assault yet, but they are expecting a night attack, or an attack at the break of dawn. That is all they could tell me.”
>>139724
"Relay that information to Quartermaster so he may send it to Command. They have been in dark for far too long."
Silver lets out a sigh of relief.
"So, our death is not imminent. Given circumstances, I will take it."
"Relay that information to Quartermaster so he may send it to Command. They have been in dark for far too long."
Silver lets out a sigh of relief.
"So, our death is not imminent. Given circumstances, I will take it."
>>139726
"No, A Squad is still in combat with them. I am waiting for B Squad to finish sweep of building before joining them...or at least finding out which group is actualy A Squad and which are changelings."
"No, A Squad is still in combat with them. I am waiting for B Squad to finish sweep of building before joining them...or at least finding out which group is actualy A Squad and which are changelings."
>>139728
"Good idea. I am going to go check on troops. Lock this door after I leave. So you know we are ponies when we return, we will say 'klutzy' through door, to which you will reply 'draconequus' to let us know you are ponies. Understood?"
"Good idea. I am going to go check on troops. Lock this door after I leave. So you know we are ponies when we return, we will say 'klutzy' through door, to which you will reply 'draconequus' to let us know you are ponies. Understood?"
>>139730
"Klutzy, draconequus. It is sign and countersign we are using to distinguish ourselves as being ponies, not changelings. Memorize it, please."
"Klutzy, draconequus. It is sign and countersign we are using to distinguish ourselves as being ponies, not changelings. Memorize it, please."
>>139737
"That is not good sign."
Silver goes to where the former mayor's office, to see how much of B Squad is there.
"That is not good sign."
Silver goes to where the former mayor's office, to see how much of B Squad is there.
>>139738
There are quite a number of squad members there, about six in total, a couple of whom talk together, while the others rumage through the possessions of the Changeling machinegun nest. The Changeling with the carbine lying on the ground has stopped breathing, and seems to have a couple new blue-knife wounds in his body. One of the squad members wears a belt of Changeling machinegun ammunition like it's an over priced scarf while going to the opera.
There are quite a number of squad members there, about six in total, a couple of whom talk together, while the others rumage through the possessions of the Changeling machinegun nest. The Changeling with the carbine lying on the ground has stopped breathing, and seems to have a couple new blue-knife wounds in his body. One of the squad members wears a belt of Changeling machinegun ammunition like it's an over priced scarf while going to the opera.
>>139742
Silver goes downstairs to find Brisbuck in the dining area, above a few of the wounded soldiers and speaking to the cream colored pegasus.
Silver goes downstairs to find Brisbuck in the dining area, above a few of the wounded soldiers and speaking to the cream colored pegasus.
>>139744
Silver learns from the Cream colored pegasus - who seems to have taken over Salt Lick's role as messenger - that Changelings in the town have set up more defensive positions in the easterly part of the town.
Silver learns from the Cream colored pegasus - who seems to have taken over Salt Lick's role as messenger - that Changelings in the town have set up more defensive positions in the easterly part of the town.
>>139745
Silver nods, and asks the cream colored pegasus a question.
"What is current status of A Squad?"
Silver nods, and asks the cream colored pegasus a question.
"What is current status of A Squad?"
>>139747
Silver nods, and looks at both the pegasus and his Lieutenant.
"Once you are done receiving reports, I have information to give to you, Lieutenant."
Silver nods, and looks at both the pegasus and his Lieutenant.
"Once you are done receiving reports, I have information to give to you, Lieutenant."
>>139749
"We found telephone switchboard and two army telephone operators upstairs who managed to avoid changeling replacement. We discovered that Changeling forces initiated bombardment of our Frontline to prepare for their big assault either tonight or tomorrow morning. These Infiltrators were sent ahead to deafen Command as to their plans. I am also afraid that it appears telephone and telegraph lines have gone down again just now."
"We found telephone switchboard and two army telephone operators upstairs who managed to avoid changeling replacement. We discovered that Changeling forces initiated bombardment of our Frontline to prepare for their big assault either tonight or tomorrow morning. These Infiltrators were sent ahead to deafen Command as to their plans. I am also afraid that it appears telephone and telegraph lines have gone down again just now."
>>139750
His eyes go wide.
"Then I think you know what we must do. We need to push them out of their positions."
His eyes go wide.
"Then I think you know what we must do. We need to push them out of their positions."
>>139751
"Indeed. And if I may, I think we may have just kind of equipment we need for such endeavor in our wagon. I wonder if they know we have mortar."
"Indeed. And if I may, I think we may have just kind of equipment we need for such endeavor in our wagon. I wonder if they know we have mortar."
>>139754
"Use teams as necessary to scout out the Changeling positions. Use any firepower necessary to dislodge them and remove them from the town. And above all else, keep the telephone, powerlines, and roadways clear of all Changelings for use in defending The Front"
"Use teams as necessary to scout out the Changeling positions. Use any firepower necessary to dislodge them and remove them from the town. And above all else, keep the telephone, powerlines, and roadways clear of all Changelings for use in defending The Front"
>>139757
"Thank you, Sir."
Silver trots over to the sitting Amber Grain.
"How are you doing, Sargent? I saw you got hit during earlier engagement."
"Thank you, Sir."
Silver trots over to the sitting Amber Grain.
"How are you doing, Sargent? I saw you got hit during earlier engagement."
>>139759
Silver smiles at that last bit of news.
"Good. Think you are up to leading soldiers, or do you still need more rest?"
Silver smiles at that last bit of news.
"Good. Think you are up to leading soldiers, or do you still need more rest?"
>>139760
“Somehow, I don’t really think rest is an option for any of us at this point.” He pushes against the ground, attempting to stand up
“Ugh! Umph!”
With difficulty, he stands up.
“I think you need medical assistance yourself, Sargent.”
“Somehow, I don’t really think rest is an option for any of us at this point.” He pushes against the ground, attempting to stand up
“Ugh! Umph!”
With difficulty, he stands up.
“I think you need medical assistance yourself, Sargent.”
>>138272 →
"We are boarding a train so we can slip past patrols. After all, only approved passengers make it on the train, and you fit the criteria we need to get on it."
"We are boarding a train so we can slip past patrols. After all, only approved passengers make it on the train, and you fit the criteria we need to get on it."
>>139762
“Uh... okay.. I’ll leave the infiltration fo you, though.”
He seems unsure.
Spark now has the task of getting himself, another pony, and at least one wolf on a train without being noticed or seeming out of place.
“Uh... okay.. I’ll leave the infiltration fo you, though.”
He seems unsure.
Spark now has the task of getting himself, another pony, and at least one wolf on a train without being noticed or seeming out of place.
>>139761
"Probably."
He looks down to the multiple bleeding bullet wounds across his body, staining his uniform crimson.
"Hurts like hell, but it is nothing I have not dealt with before."
"Probably."
He looks down to the multiple bleeding bullet wounds across his body, staining his uniform crimson.
"Hurts like hell, but it is nothing I have not dealt with before."
>>139766
Waabishki is left silent for a moment, and Maakade’s eyes go wide.
Makade: “I am not so sure the doubles will be happy to see wolves from the north forest.”
Waabishki is left silent for a moment, and Maakade’s eyes go wide.
Makade: “I am not so sure the doubles will be happy to see wolves from the north forest.”
>>139765
Silver nods.
"That I have been. For your first time, you are holding up rather well. I am impressed!"
Silver nods.
"That I have been. For your first time, you are holding up rather well. I am impressed!"
>>139771
Spark nods and turns back to the doctor.
"We are going to need some crates big enough for our wolf friends, some blankets for them to rest on, and some documents to say the contents are of a medical nature."
Spark nods and turns back to the doctor.
"We are going to need some crates big enough for our wolf friends, some blankets for them to rest on, and some documents to say the contents are of a medical nature."
>>139771
"Changelings have bombarded our Frontline in preparation for their assault. We have orders from Lieutenant Brisbuck to drive changelings here in Vale from their defensive positions using any necessary force, and to patrol telegraph lines, power lines, and roads to prevent further Changeling sabotage from cutting Front off from Command."
"Changelings have bombarded our Frontline in preparation for their assault. We have orders from Lieutenant Brisbuck to drive changelings here in Vale from their defensive positions using any necessary force, and to patrol telegraph lines, power lines, and roads to prevent further Changeling sabotage from cutting Front off from Command."
>>139774
“Uh, well we have... what will fit a wolf? Especially without hurting their necks.”
He goes back to his office, and looks through the back.
“Uh, well we have body bags and coffins. That will fit them, at least.”
>>139775
“So it’s true. We should have expected a massive assault after uncovering their misinformation campaign.”
“Uh, well we have... what will fit a wolf? Especially without hurting their necks.”
He goes back to his office, and looks through the back.
“Uh, well we have body bags and coffins. That will fit them, at least.”
>>139775
“So it’s true. We should have expected a massive assault after uncovering their misinformation campaign.”
>>139776
"There have been rumors of it for while. Turns out, they were true. That thunder we heard when we began our assault was sound of changeling artillery in distance."
"There have been rumors of it for while. Turns out, they were true. That thunder we heard when we began our assault was sound of changeling artillery in distance."
>>139776
"Well... I suppose they wouldn't be much interested in searching coffins. That could work if you can drum up some fake death reports and certificates."
"Well... I suppose they wouldn't be much interested in searching coffins. That could work if you can drum up some fake death reports and certificates."
>>139779
"That's the spirit. But remember, you have a cargo of wolves inside, and they best be comfortable as you can afford to make it. Unhappy wolves tend to not be pleasant if you can imagine."
"That's the spirit. But remember, you have a cargo of wolves inside, and they best be comfortable as you can afford to make it. Unhappy wolves tend to not be pleasant if you can imagine."
>>139779
Silver nods.
"Anyways, if you were up to it, we have two tasks we can split between us. One of us assists in dislodging changelings, other leads team to patrol area."
Silver nods.
"Anyways, if you were up to it, we have two tasks we can split between us. One of us assists in dislodging changelings, other leads team to patrol area."
>>139784
"Though we will still need a few regular supplies to keep the sick one well through the trip. We will also need to be able to check in on them. We can't have them suffocate or go thirsty."
"Though we will still need a few regular supplies to keep the sick one well through the trip. We will also need to be able to check in on them. We can't have them suffocate or go thirsty."
>>139785
“We need to be in the same car, or at least access the same car. They will have to get out during the trip.”
“We need to be in the same car, or at least access the same car. They will have to get out during the trip.”
>>139786
"What if other changelings see them and report it? They could have drones waiting at the station we arrive to and arrest us. We need to be able to quarantine the car or something."
"What if other changelings see them and report it? They could have drones waiting at the station we arrive to and arrest us. We need to be able to quarantine the car or something."
>>139787
“Have them place the coffins in the baggage car, or a freight car. That should be mostly safe. I think...”
“Have them place the coffins in the baggage car, or a freight car. That should be mostly safe. I think...”
>>139791
“Well, the term would be a ‘resident,’ a student who has graduated medical school and is now learning the trade. But I doubt the Changelings will be so savy to know that.”
“Well, the term would be a ‘resident,’ a student who has graduated medical school and is now learning the trade. But I doubt the Changelings will be so savy to know that.”
>>139792
"Then the last issue I can think of is how do we move the coffins into the more equipped medical facility once we arrive. It might look strange that we are bringing coffins in there."
"Then the last issue I can think of is how do we move the coffins into the more equipped medical facility once we arrive. It might look strange that we are bringing coffins in there."
>>139794
"Not off hoof... I would have to think up something. Perhaps it was a request to move the bodies directly from the hospital to the coffins. Perhaps I will just have to smooth talk it by."
"Not off hoof... I would have to think up something. Perhaps it was a request to move the bodies directly from the hospital to the coffins. Perhaps I will just have to smooth talk it by."
>>139790
"Patrol along telegraph and power lines. Somewhere along them changelings sabotaged them, and we need to find where they are broken and keep changelings from destroying them permanently."
"Patrol along telegraph and power lines. Somewhere along them changelings sabotaged them, and we need to find where they are broken and keep changelings from destroying them permanently."
>>139799
"Good. I will lead rest of our troops in breaking changeling defenses. Do not be startled if you hear mortar fire in town."
"Good. I will lead rest of our troops in breaking changeling defenses. Do not be startled if you hear mortar fire in town."
>>139803
He blinks. “We could catch the 11:55, maybe, as it stops in town.”
>>139804
And now, Silver Sword has to decide where to send the squads. The road north of the town hall is Whinnington. The town hall faces Old Mecc’s trail, and so does the courthouse north of it. North of Old Mecc’s Trail is main street, which the courthouse is backed to. The way to Wald is East, the way to the Frong is West.
He blinks. “We could catch the 11:55, maybe, as it stops in town.”
>>139804
And now, Silver Sword has to decide where to send the squads. The road north of the town hall is Whinnington. The town hall faces Old Mecc’s trail, and so does the courthouse north of it. North of Old Mecc’s Trail is main street, which the courthouse is backed to. The way to Wald is East, the way to the Frong is West.
>>139806
They go back up to the clearing, to find all three sitting down in front of Miskobag, who is still on the sled.
They go back up to the clearing, to find all three sitting down in front of Miskobag, who is still on the sled.
>>139808
Waabishki stands up, then Makade. Waabishki takes the sled.
“Good.” She says with a rope in her mouth. “Let’s go then.”
Waabishki stands up, then Makade. Waabishki takes the sled.
“Good.” She says with a rope in her mouth. “Let’s go then.”
>>139805
Silver leaves B Squad under the command of Amber Grain, as well as leaving the exact performance of the task to his discretion. He does suggest to start with patrolling the way to the Front first since the remaining changelings have taken up defensive positions in the East.
Silver leaves B Squad under the command of Amber Grain, as well as leaving the exact performance of the task to his discretion. He does suggest to start with patrolling the way to the Front first since the remaining changelings have taken up defensive positions in the East.