/vx/ - Videogames and Paranormal

>>145000
"Heheh, that is rather cute reaction. Maybe sometime soon we will go into town and see if we can not find one for you to work for. I saw protests just some short few days ago outside city hall, if we get lucky and there is another protest maybe we will be able to ask one of protesters about subject."

>>145001 →
"Sounds like you can tackle just about any crime!" An idea suddenly pops into her mind. "You know, I've only just arrived but Baltimare's streets have an unsafe reputation and I've seen ponies act ugly.... You say Red Scabbard has a talent for confrontation. Could he give me some lessons in defending myself?"

>>145003
"Oh, I don't know if he's available right now for that. I think he's... not on the chief's good side and is working extra hours? We don't actually get overtime, which is not something to recommend this job over patrol duty. Anyways, I don't know where he's out to."

>>145002
"Oh. That's a good idea. I would say check with the unions, since they usually know but... they don't have those here anymore, do they?"

>>145004
"I would not know, I have not been part of union. It might still be possible some workers would know, if they would have been part of union."

>>145004
"Oh, he sounds like a really busy stallion. Even compared to the others." She smiles.
She thinks, Yes, I'm finally on the right track! And even if he's not here it won't be my fault for messing it up, though I still wouldn't get paid.

>>145005
"Hmmm... that's another idea. Ask workers directly, yes."

>>145006
"Well, we are all pretty busy. He's probably somewhere in the back. Anyways, that gun should be put up, and you should write a sworn affidavit about where and how you found it."

>>145007
A chill goes down Amber's spine. "A...sworn affidavit?
What's that?"

>>145008
"Oh, it's a paper where you make a statement sworn under penalty of perjury about what happened. It's intended to be used in the criminal prosecution."

>>145007
"What else were you thinking of doing?"

>>145010
"Well, i don't really know yet. Relax, and get acquainted with the city I guess."

"Oh, I see."
To herself: Oh no. Maybe sneaking in would have been better after all. Quick, keep talking!
Amber continues, "You said Red Scabbard doesn't have a good relationship with the chief? How come, was he lazy or somethin'?"

>>145011
The unicorn smiles warmly.

"That sounds like good plan. Need somepony to be your wingpony?"

>>144957 →
"Still worried?"

>>144746 →
See >>144900 →

>>145021
"Yes..." She confesses

>>145013
"Uh..." He taps his forehooves together

"Like, at a bar?"

>>145012
"I've said more than I should already. Just understand that he is here for a purpose. At least i think he's here. i haven't seen him in an hour..."

>>145022
She adopts a worried expression. "Oh, I do hope he's here--I mean, that he's okay. It's not good to be up so late, even for a detective. It sounds like a hard job."

>>145022
"Heh, well sort of. I was thinking in more general idea, like friend to go places with."

>>145022
"I wish I could help, but there isn't too much more I think I can provide."

>>145023
"That it can be. It definitely can be. Anyways, let's go put this away."

[1d20 = 3]

>>145024
"Oh. yeah. Sure." He places his hooves down next to himself (the glass long having been placed on the bedstand)

>>145025
"Oh, you've done plenty. I wish I could do more..."

>>145022
"That is what I am worried about," Iron agreed with a nod. "Even if they do focus solely on them, there is no guarantee they will not come for the other concrete jungle tribes."
The stallion soon turned pensive, wondering what other avenues he had to choose instead.

>>145026
Sensing he's a bit disappointed, Silver gives him a small squeeze around the shoulders, being careful for his injuries.

"But I can be your wingpony in bar too, if you want."

>>145026
Do her pupils narrow? Perhaps but in the dim lighting of the hallway it may be hard to see. "Oh, of course, of course." She will follow him.

>>145027
"Maybe... uh... Maybe try that 'friendship' thing? I've never cared for it but I've herd it's effective. Not as effective as Family, obviously, but they have that and you need something to counter it."

>>145028
"Heh, that's alright. What places are there to go around here, anyways?"

>>145029
"Alright, let me just take this."

He takes the gun

"And be on our way."

He starts to go to the right.

>>145030
Iron couldn't help but blink as he refocused on Sands' statement, looking rather unsure about that suggestion. "How would I go about doing that?" he questioned. "I do not have such things that I know of."

>>145031
"Uh... I don't really know, to be honest. I'm saying that when facing them it's best not done alone. It's better like back at that Prison, where you have other people to help fight them."

>>145030
Is it possible to turn left? If so she'll try to make her way down that way without him noticing.

>>145032
Iron scratched his head in a bout of hopeless thought. "So I should ask for fighting ponies in the street through this 'friendship' avenue?" he tentatively asked.

>>145033
He's not looking back, so yes, it is. Note that he physically possesses the gun.

Also, roll die

>>145034
"I... don't... really... know. Where did you find those ponies and that griffin the last time? And have you thought of hiding? Perhaps they won't be able to track you if you change your name.... well, I don't know if that would work, but... hiding is good."

>>145030
"I have not been to many places in city, but I have been to couple of bars and couple of nice restaurants."

>>145036
"Well, that's nice. Uh... Hey. Is the Occupational Government... well, we're not exactly entirely out of Blackhooves territory. Are they going to be able to find me here?"

>>145037
Silver shakes his head no.

"They will not. Even then, they have their hooves full trying to keep everything here from falling apart, so I do not think they will spend resources looking for runaway buggerer."

>>145035
Screw the gun, it's a liability if Amber held onto it anyway. [1d20 = 1]

>>145035
"If I hide," Iron prefaced, expression soon oozing determination "it is to heal my wounds and go back to my mission of putting the fear in the enemy's hearts like I was supposed to."
It soon dissipated when considering Sands' other, slightly
more appealing suggestion. "I... sometimes stumble into them," he admitted "mainly because of those Black Hooves folk. I have no idea where they are."

>>145025
"Well... I don't know if I could really replace him." She says, with a tinge of fear

>>145038
"They will absolutely send whole groups of armed police to your house back home if you don't show up to a recruiting office, or if the recruiting office rejects your request for deferment. Here, I suppose, the population won't just go along with it, and they know it. I think it will be better here. Better here, frankly, than probably any other ponish speaking area."

>>145039
Amber takes off down the hallway.

Then a wooden door opens right in front of Amber. It's one that opensthe other way causing Amber to hit the foreleg of whoever opened it, ruin into the narrow piece of wood, and force it open.

Roll two separate d20 dies

>>145040
"I'm just saying they are kind of scary themselves. Hiding is a viable option... I hope. Wait what? You found them through the blackhooves?"

>>145041
"The two times I met with them," Iron tried to recall "they were for work that organization couldn't officially do... or something."
He opted to shrug instead. "All I know is that it was quite profitable to loot the spots they have sent me to so far," he added.

>>145042
"Couldn't officially do? They're a terrorist organization. The only thing that separates them from those communist wackos who blow up subway trains is that they have more money. Wait. loot?"

>>145043
Amber hits the door with force. There is nothing broken... probably, but damn, she hit it squarely with her muzzle. Better feel to make sure there is no busted lip or chipped tooth. Amber is knocked back, though probably not off of her feet, and momentarily stunned.

>>145041
"You shouldn't focus on that aspect. What really matters is that you be there for him, even if that means filling a position. I think he will need some rest even after recovery. You might need to take the initiative and be in his spot for him."

>>145044
Iron blinked even further with a hint of disbelief at the unicorn. "You... do not remember how we took off with all the stuff from the place you were imprisoned?" he presented, slightly puzzled by her answer and considering how she actively helped transporting the stuff. "Granted, I doubt they would have simply let me take it without some negotiations, but I do not care for their political nonsense."

>>145041
"I know, that is why you are safe here. They are already having to deal with Celestialist loyalists in Stableside and Communists and other related groups here, if they tried to institute draft they would be dealing with mass revolution. Best they can do is to try to get ponies to willingly join up in army, or to colonize griffon lands they have taken over."

>>145044
Amber falls back on her haunches and hold a fetlock up to her muzzle. She shuts her eyes and whines softly.

>>145045
"That's true." She says calmly.

"Still, I... i don't know how well I can fill that spot."

>>145046
"I mean you could do it again if only they could be beaten. What can we take from this group of griffins?"

>>145047
"Yeah, that's right. I almost wish they would try. Then again, that last Princess tried it here and they went along with it."

>>145048
"Are you alright miss?" Amber hears a voice that is at once deep in origin, but nasally and raised higher than it ought to be. She feels a hoof... or something softer than a hoof(?) placed on her.

>>145049
"Maybe one of those magical friendships some ponies like to ramble about with Germane," Iron offered with a shrug. "I did sign up for this to secure Cauldron's business' supplies, after all."
The stallion soon smiled with a hint of mischievousness. "I do have to admit that not having to search for the targets makes things a lot easier," he confidently asserted. "All I need is a spot to lure the would-be assassins in, a place to restore my health and a way to travel from one spot to the other without much risk."

>>145049
"That was different. That was our own Princess reluctantly calling upon her ponies in defense of our nation against invader, one who would have truly enslaved us to far greater degree than any Black Hoof or Il Duce or other fascist regime. Black Hooves are from foreign nation fighting foreign wars, and they are reason why Equestria is split in half and why Chrysalis still holds power. The owe nopony any loyalty here in Equestria, save for those few who were maligned by both Harmony and Communism, like Dark Star."

>>145049
"It might take some time, but you wouldn't be in the position to take that spot if you weren't supposed to."

>>145050
"No. It doesn't make it easier at all. You do not want them to find you. They won't give you heads up, and they won't give you a chance to fight back. They will stop an automobile outside your apartment and start shooting. Or follow you home, and as you are opening the door, start shooting. Or wait until you are eating dinner at a restaurant with your zebra friend, and shoot you from behind. Or wait until you are on the subway... and stab you. And then they'll run away. It could happen any time."

>>145051
"Defense of the Nation? Heh. That's what makes it alright? Do you think the Princess is the only one proclaiming 'defense of the Nation'? You should have seen the articles they made us run in Freeside. When Sicameon landed troops on the mainland, in the Colony, there was absolute hysteria and outrage that we were being invaded! Every indiscretion by the invading soldiers, every single tipped over rock, or whatever. It was all published. Then they'd call to expand the age range for the draft. It was the patriotic duty to defend the homeland against griffin invaders. It got so much worse when Aquellia invaded New Freeside. The island, they didn't come near my town, not that I would have opposed them. But I think it genuinely scared them. That was when they eliminated all deferments for the draft, eliminated all limits on terms of service, and loosed the medical requirements. They made a big deal about how Equestria supported the Aquellians. They called it a 'betrayal of Ponykind'. They must have realized that a third of their army is griffins, because the next day they sent a request to have any future publication change those words to 'a betrayal of Faustian Civilization', the same thing in different words. Then when Equestria declared war - and I assure you they denying publishing of any paper that suggested New Mareland declared war by sending its forces into Lushi - they called it a 'war of independence' against the colonial something or other. And of course even before the war started the made a big deal about the war against the Marehobdhi, or about the wars Aquellia and Wingbardy waged against their neighbors. They said New Mareland needed to expand to secure its supply lines and export markets, like it were a matter of national survival.

I have not the slightest bit of doubt that over somewhere in the Changeling Lands, those poor fools are absolutely convinced that the war against Equestria was necessary for national survival. Any war can be twisted in such a way. And I don't doubt either that these wars really are necessary for the survival of the ruling classes, who can forestall revolution at home by stealing from those abroad. But the ponies, griffins, and drones who fight them? Well, they don't always survive."

He is silent now

>>145052
"How would I know when I'm ready?" She asks

>>145053
"I get that," Iron prefaced with a nod "but considering I can most likely survive the initial attack and fight back if they are forced to rely on less powerful weapons and out in the open. This is why I need to have a place to restore my health in a different, secret location at hooves' reach so I can recover from that and repeat the process. With enough tries and after beating the best teams they can muster, they will most likely relent out of shame and fear."

>>145053
Silver is silent and a little stunned during the outburst. His response is considerably shorter in comparison.

"...it was actually defensive war. And, unless you are saying it would have been better to surrender and submit to atrocities that are going on in Western Equestria now, we really had no choice in matter. I know what kind of propaganda Black Hooves might have pumped out, but it truly was war of survival for us."

>>145054
"No. If they fail to beat you, they'll probably just run away. If you want to scare them, attack them. Let them feel unsafe anywhere near this town."

>>145055
"I have friends - had friends - who told me the same thing, and joined the Army. Communist Party members who opposed the Blackhooves takeover and supported the Aquellian Revolution. They say things like 'we have to stop Beakolini,' or 'Aquellia betrayed the Revolution' - they did, in fairness - and 'have became Imperialistic', or 'Chrysalis would have won anyways, we are saving half' and other such rationalizations of someone who has made a very bad choice and knows it. We should have waged war against the Blackhooves, against the Princesses... The drones would have joined in doing the same, if only we provided the example."

The way he says the last sentence is peculiar, like he's run out of energy. He says it as if with little faith in his own words - or at least, that his words will be believed. They are thrown out, almost in afterthought.

>>145056
The big unicorn actually does feel a little bad for Clip. And, whether or not he would believe it, Silver does agree with that last sentence. He gives his newfound friend a real, proper hug.

"That, I believe."

>>145056
"What if I capture them instead?" Iron offered as a compromise. "Surely, if I get enough of their ponies hostage, they will relent, right?"

>>145058
"Where are you going to put them?"

She tilts her head after saying this

>>145057
The young stallion has his forelegs between his two hindlegs as he sits upright. He accepts the hug. He has a decent amount of fur, and feels a bit lankier than the more muscular and slightly younger Loputu.

>>145059
"Uh..." Iron trailed off, unsure himself. "...maybe in an abandoned building?"
He was admittedly grasping at straws on this point, mainly because he didn't think it that far through.

>>145060
"Well, maybe I can help with that, maybe. I'm not saying you should call Customs, but if you did, I think they could help send them away."

>>145061
"If you can set the price to pay for trying to get me, do so," Iron agreed, nodding with her idea without really understanding what she was offering right now. "Any blow to their morale is a win in my leaf."

>>145062
“Uh, sure...” she shakes her head.

“Why were you doing this in the first place? Something about helping the zebra?”

>>145063
"Yes," Iron confirmed. "It is to secure the trade route for Cauldron's business."

>>145053
"You probably won't know until you are already doing it for a while."

>>145059
"Hmm. If you do not mind me saying, you seem rather...well, soft, for lack of better word."

>>145064
She breathes out, and then sits down against the couch on the far side.

"Very well.. I'm a part of it now, though I'm not really sure why I agreed to go along in the first place."

>>145065
"Perhaps... I'm still worried. All of that knowledge. Our culture. Legends and folklore. Stories from long ago."

>>145066
He answers, although probably still in Silver's embrace

"I prefer to think of it as compassion."

>>145067
"Did you learn any?"

>>145067
"No no, your compassion is good thing, I am not talking about that. I am talking about you physically. Your long mane, soft fur, slim supple frame...I can see why that one stallion took liking to you. You are very attractive stallion."

>>145068
"Well.. yes. I know some of the myths and legends. He's been teaching me for years now."

>>145069
"Oh. Ha. You think really think so?"

>>145070
"Then not all will be lost when he leaves."

>>145070
He pulls back out of the embrace slightly to get a better look of the young stallion. He still has his forelegs around him, though.

"Oh, very much so!"

>>145071
"Perhaps" She says, sitting down on the floor

>>145072
He is smiling, and blushes

"Thanks"

>>145073
"If you do not mind me asking, are you really attracted to other stallions? Or do you like mares? Both?"

>>145073
"Does that put you a bit at ease?"

>>145074
He pulls his lips back and up for a toothy smile, moves his head back slightly, and his ears move down

"More of... stallions..." he says quietly, and looking away

>>145075
"A... little bit, maybe..."

>>145076
"Glad to hear it."
Spark smiles.

>>145076
Silver smiles, lets go of his small stallion companion, and stands up off of the bed.

"And what do you think of me?"

The elder unicorn performs a macho pose to flex and show off his muscles to Clip, and even underneath his thick and fluffy winter coat it's clear he's a strong one.

"I know I am getting little 'long in tooth' as saying goes, but I would like to think I am still in better physical shape than most ponies half my age."

>>145078
"Heh. Not terrible for an old stallion."

>>145076
"So, what kind of stories have you learned?"

>>145080
"Oh, stories from when the world was young. Stories of folk heroes. Things of that nature. From before when the ponies came."

>>145079
"Heheh. More than that, I have hardly slowed down step in my age. I am still just as numble and dexterous as I have always been, despite my size."

He slides his forehooves in front of him to stretch out, face down and ass up. It's a shame Clip is facing Silver's side, no doubt it would be quite a show to be behind him. He then stands up on his forelegs while sliding his hindlegs behind him, bending his back and placing his hips right on the floor.

>>145082
"Heh. I suppose that is pretty good, for that age."

>>145081
"What was it like before ponies?"

>>145084
"There's been entire eons in the time before. Whole tribes have come into being and faded away. And yet so much of it is the same. It all follows the same cycles."

>>145085
"Has there been a war like this one too?"

>>145083
Whether it's the drink or something else, Silver does feel rather comfortable showing off with his newfound friend.

"We have not gotten to best part, yet. Jubee can attest to this, but I am far from shooting dust yet. I remain very health, very productive, and very well endowed."

He turns away from Clip, swinging his hindquarters from side to side at him. With his short, simple tail it's not difficult for Clip to see the productive organs hanging like perfectly ripe, juicy fruit between his legs, if he chose to.

>>145086
"There have been many wars. The Great Horned Serpent, for one, was the source of much chaos. It's minions must still be fought, even now."

>>145087
He blinks

"Mr. Sword, you're trying to seduce me, aren't you?"

>>145088
He turns his head around to look at Clip behind him with a smile.

"No, just curious whether you would find somepony like me attractive or not."

>>145089
"Oh. Uh, maybe."

>>145090
He turns around to properly face Clip.

"Sorry if I made you uncomfortable."

>>145091
"It's fine" he says, covering his face with a hoof

>>145092
Silver's smile gets just a little wider and a bit more mischevous.

"But if I was trying to seduce you...would it have worked?"

>>145093
"Uh....."

>>145094
Silver trots up to Clip, putting a hoof on the one covering his face and gently (yet firmly) moving it out of the way.

"Well?"

>>145049
Amber opens her eyes to see the origin of the voice. "I think so," she says softly. "I just wasn't looking where I was going, sorry...."

>>145067
"I assume it is because you have little choice in the matter," Iron mused pessimistically, sighing softly. "It is either us building a living through extreme danger or doing it alone."

>>145095
He only has a wide, toothy, awkward smile in silence

>>145096
Looking down at Amber is a tall, brown furred diamond dog with a relatively long muzzle and pointy ears.

"Be careful. There is not much light. Sorry for opening the door."
He rubs the back of his head, and then leans down offering a paw.

>>145097
"Well, now I'm not so sure you should do it alone. Take the fight to them, bring help, and most of all, end it."

>>145098
"Hardest part is getting that help," Iron pointed out with a frown and a frustrated pout. "The first and third thing I can definitely take on."

>>145098
"Did you like small show I gave you?"

>>145100
"Well, do that pony thing and get some friends"

>>145100
Uh... I was... not expecting it"

>>145098
A little bit more hope of finding Scabbard died, seeing that instead of the stallion she had run into a diamond dog instead. "It was my fault, really." After a bit of hesitation she takes his paw and returns to being back on her hooves. "You must be...Tracker, yes?" she asks.

>>145101
"Heh, it does not answer question."

>>145102
Can roll another die

He pulls her up. "Yes. No 'e', just 'kr'"

The pink mare runs over
"Are you okay?!"

And after another moment, Stalwart arrives

"What are you doing over here."

>>145103
"Uh... heheh"

>>145099
"Well, do that pony thing and get some friends"

>>145104
"Would you like more of show?"

He smiles seductively down at Clip.

>>145105
Iron huffed softly. "Easy to say," the stallion grumbled with a bit of frustration at the seemingly important yet practically impossible task "but hard to do."

>>145107
"Well, best you get on it."
From within her mane, she pulls out a lighter, and a cigarette. She lights it with a 'ching.'

>>145106
"...."

>>145108
Iron simply opts to look to the roof in contemplation, unsure of where to even start finding those supposed 'friends' for this sort of gig.
Maybe try the fighting arena? he figured in his head, a bit unsure. Perhaps some of them would like to beat griffons for reasons.

>>145108
"You know, it is hard to figure out what you want when you do not say anything."

>>145109
She takes the cigarette, takes a puff, and looks out the window.

“I’d go out tonight, if I hadn’t been stabbed.” She says

>>145110
“I’ll... well, I don’t know you very well...”

>>145111
Iron takes a quick check on his body to see just how visibly stabbed he was, now that Sands reminded him of it.

>>145112
Iron has been stabbed something like four times (admittedly not especially severe stab wounds, but wounds nevertheless) plus a number of bruises from being punched, and many tears in the flesh from birdshot pellets.

>>145111
"You can always say no, it will not bother me."

>>145113
That answers that, Iron mused with a sigh, feeling himself unable to properly 'make friends' with his current look.
What pony could possibly want to establish a relationship with a physically scarred stallion in the middle of the night? It is more likely another band of bandits would try to remove whatever few possessions he had in person rather than finding a miraculous would-be friend willing to take down a gang he's probably not even familiar with.

>>145115
On the one hoof, Iron has found fighting buddies before. on the other hoof, Iron has also been mugged before. Tavern doesn't always hurt, but it's dangerous to go outside.

White Sands has returned to her bored and displeased expression, again looking outside.

>>145114
"Uh.... not right now"

>>145116
Guess I will have to wait, Iron muttered, displeased himself at this rather unfortunate outcome.
However, he soon realized something that may cause a bit of friction if he doesn't address it now, as he turned to Sands once again. "Are you sending the smoke outside?" he tentatively asked.

>>145116
Silver nods.

"Alright then, not right now."

He offers him a hoof to get up off of the bed.

>>145104
[1d20 = 13]
"Oh, I hope my snout isn't too badly bruised! But it's still not as injured as my dignity...." she whimpers.

>>145117
“Huh?” She has to turn her attention to Iron

“Oh. No.”

>>145118
He looks at Silver for a moment, then pulls a foreleg out from between his legs, and extends it to Iron

>>145119
“I can understand that. It’s alright.” Trakr says

“That’s the wrong hallway.”
The mare says

“Yeah, how’s you end up that way? It’s this way.”
Stalwart says.

[1d20 = 9]

>>145120
"You should probably ask Cauldron about putting the smoke in here," Iron suggested. "I do not want to breed hostility between the closests thing I can consider as friends right now."

>>145120
"I'm sorry. I was...I was looking for the bathroom," she says, wincing.
Oh, how I hate lying! she thinks to herself. But if they knew what I was here for they would lock me up and throw away the key. Being alone in the bathroom is my last chance of finding Scabbard, or getting out before it's too late.

>>145120
Silver levitates Clip's drinking glass out and places it on the end table with the other before pulling him up into a standing position.

"Guess we have something to look forward to someday, maybe."

This twink stallion is almost unreasonably cute.

I will try to make it tomorrow.

I will not be available for a while, not until Tuesday.

>>145121
"Not much breeding going on for sure" She seems to grumble to herself.

She complies with Iron's request, raising her left hoof, and smashing the end of the cigarette against her nail. She returns to the look of bored irritation.

>>145156
Oh god, that caught me guard. Delightful giggle.

Iron's eyes widened considerably at Sands' remark in awe at what she just grumbled as he glanced over to where Cauldron might be.
H-how oddly specific, Iron mused in his head, the tiniest bit uncomfortable as he tried to figure out how to interpret such a statement.

>>145158
Black Cauldron has left the room. There is a smell of cigarette smoke. White Sands looks bored.

>>145126
"Uh... Sure...." He has a wide, awkward smile

>>145159
Feeling he should do something to stave the unicorn's boredom, Iron decides to start some pressing conversation up. "So," he started with a neutral, professional tone "are you planning on taking off on your own after your wounds heal?"

>>145160
She turns her head up, examining Iron with skepticism

"Why do you say it like that?"

>>145161
"Because this is a low point where one's loyalty is tested," Iron replied neutrally. "I do not wish for you to go, of course, but you have plenty of incentive after what just happened."

>>145162
"Go?" She says

"Getting up and moving around is the last thing I want to do. I feel sore." She leans back, and tilts her head back, mouth open and eyes closed. "But it looks like your zebra friend is offering a place to stay."

Then she hold her head up, and looks to Iron with a half smile
"Unless you want to rent a hotel room again."

>>145163
Iron couldn't help but smile a little, too, yet he wasn't about to separate from Cauldron just yet. Not after feeling she was unintentionally roped up into this. "I am a bit concerned with moving about while being a target," he admitted with a weak smile. "I could give you some money if you wish to move there while I deal with this gang business."

>>145164
She raises her left hoof to near her face.

"Hmmm... I'll think about it."

>>145165
Seeing her considerating brightened the native's smile, relieved to hear her words. "Perhaps you want to cuddle a bit?" he suggested without a hint of lewd behavior on his tone. "I may be out for a while without your soft coat."

>>145166
"Well.. I suppose I've nothing better to do at the moment."

She has a mischievous smile, and starts to roll her body over, as if to present her side to Iron.

>>145167
Iron's mood lifted further, getting off the sofa excitedly to properly and gently press his chest against her backside as his forelegs draped around her fluffy crest. His lower half, meanwhile, wasn't quite sure what to do, leaving his hindlegs next to hers, yet judging by how he sunk his snout into Sands' mane, I doubt he's too worried about it.

>>145168
"Hehe" She gives a light giggle, indeed being as soft as she looks. She rolls still more - or the top part of her body, at least - to open her forelegs to Iron, and allow her to move a foreleg around him.

>>145169
Iron couldn't help but chuckle a bit as well, face getting a bit red when Sands' foreleg wrapped around him as well as one could while behind somepony.
Yet, despite this, he simply decided to softly stroke her mane with one foreleg while the other snuck over her body to hold hooves with her just to add a bit of extra intimacy.

>>145159
What's the current time?

>>145173
1PMish, maybe?

>>145175
Hmm...this means Silver has some time left to spend before his date with Jubilosa. He looks at Clip.

"Is there anything else you would like to do, or should I leave you to get acquinted with house?"

>>145176
"Well, at some time, I'd like to meet with anyone in printing, or journalism, you know? If you can find free journalists. Not official."

>>145177
"I have some time before my date with Jubee. We can go and see if we can find someone if you want."

>>145178
"Do you know anyone?" He says with a hint of excitement

I can play a bit if that's possible.

>>145182
"Not personally, no...but we can go find someone, together."

>>145183
[1d20 = 2]

>>145184
“We should do that some time. There should be plenty. It’s a big city. I think many sympathize with the movement,” he says, somewhat excitedly.

>>145187
"You do not want to now?"

>>145188
"Sure. Now." The colt stands up, having some pain on his bandaged chest, and needing to reposition his injured right, hind leg.

>>145183
>>145122
Stalwart raises an eyebrow, and tilts his head.

But past him, at the entryway, the door opens.

Amber is no longer the most interesting pony in the room

>>145189
Silver holds onto Clip as he does so, looking worried for him.

"Are you okay?"

>>145190
"Aside from - uck! - the obvious, yeah. Why wouldn't I be."

>>145191
"Alright. Let us go then, perhaps slowly at first."

>>145192
He can't move his head all the way down to his chest. But he tries to look down.

"Well... maybe you're right."

>>145189
Amber gets back up on her hooves and tries to remain as inconspicuous as possible, looking to see what changed.

>>145193
The unicorn helps Clip to trot out of the room and down the stairs.

>>145194
Two ponies enter. One, a stallion. Earth pony? Hard to tell at this angle. Olive green, wearing a black jacket. A smaller mare behind her. Scrawny, kind of greyish-lavender coloring, with thin webbed wings. She wears the same jacket, and stays behind.

Stalwart turns around to face them, as does Trakr

>>145195
Clip slowly follows after Silver

>>145196
Amber slowly backs away toward the main hallway, but stays close enough to hear what they might say.

>>145197
The stallion announces,

"This is Officer Swift Soul of the Order Police of the State Security Administration. We have reason to believe that your office has information that can help us in our investigation."

It's Stalwart who volunteers an answer. It's only him, Trakr, the mare, and Amber anyways.
"Investigation into what, precisely? Do you handle actual crime now?"

"Investigation into collaboration between criminal syndicates and foreign hostile actors to commit acts of terrorism against the State and populous."

Stalwart and Trakr move forward to meet the Swift Soul, who himself moves further into the room. The mare at the doorway remains still. Her slit eyes are fixed on Amber.

>>145198
Her mouth gapes open. Wait, these are different police? That's awfully confusing! Wait...these are the occupiers. She freezes in her tracks, feeling a sudden chill as the batpony stares at her. Could it be the same one from the store? Their muted colors makes it hard to tell them apart!

>>145196
"After we return home, you really need to rest. I know of a superb potion maker named Black Cauldron, maybe I can get potions to help cut down on pain and help to heal from her."

>>145088
I don’t have free time just yet, but I really want to learn more about this. Can’t wait.

>>145208
As if on cue Oh, you think you're the only one who can derail and obstruct other people's threads with unwarranted drama?
[

>>145206
Tomorrow I really will have time to play, so let’s aim for then.

>>145223
Hopefully we can play tomorrow

>>145224
Is still a pretty pony

>>145209
Are you okay?

u are also a pretty pony

>>145170
The mane is messier and rougher than when they left in the morning, full of more knots, and drizzled by salt water air. Yet under the ruffled surface, it still feels like fine silk, with a hint of peach smell.

Iron’s body now contacts her long, sleek back and it’s fuzzy fur, the full length of her body pressing against a significant length of his.

Her hoof touches his

>>145205
“Well I had a couple potions when they brought me into the hospital.” He looks down at his chest. “But uh.z yeah. Potions are good. Let’s do that.”

>>145230
Silver looks for a taxi in the neighborhood with Clip, despite how uncommon they are in this particular area.

>>145088
"The Great Horned Serpent?"

>>145234
“Yes. A terror, and source of much chaos from the beginning of the earth. Fortunately he is no more, at least in physical form.”

>>145233
As usual, it’s a while before the first taxi passes, and that one continues driving. But the second one answers and pulls over.

>>145235
"What kind of chaos?"

>>145237
“Wickedness. I suppose you ponies would call it ‘disharmony.’”

>>145238
"Well, I am just curious. Did the serpent do anything in particular that you might say was strange?"

>>145236
When the pair get in, Silver decides to take a chance on whether there will be protesters today.

"To city hall, please."

>>145239
“Strange? I’m not sure what is strange. But you needn’t worry about him.”

>>145241
"I suppose. What drove him out of physical form?"

>>145240
And the ponies are off towards city hall.

Roll die

>>145242
“A hero of our people. The Trickster. Nanabush.”

>>145243
"Can you tell me more about this hero?"

>>145244
“Well, there’s a legend about it. About the slaying. And many other legends. That is, if you wish to hear it.”

>>145246
There is indeed a healthy array of protestors with varied signs outside of city hall. In fact, they occupy much of the square before the city hall, with a few uniformed soldiers taking position along the roads around the square.

Signs vary from “down with the occupation,” “death to collaborators,” “no pedophiles in government,” “no more weapons of war,” “reinstate CAN,” “Peace, Bread and Land,” and “support our brothers and sisters in Manehattan”

>>145245
"I would love to."

>>145248
“Well...” she looks around, sits down, wraps her tail around herself, and wriggles both ears while smiling.

“I suppose I recall the story. Alright.”

The others in the room - Petal, Ply Press, the Doctor, and Makade, dong explicitly cease their own conversations to hear Waabishki speak. But they do not continue them either, and the room is left in silence as she behind her story:

“One day, after a long and troubled journey, Nanabush returned home to find his cousin missing. Calling his cousin’s name and looking around, he was horrified to see the slithering tracks of the Great Horned Serpent, and knew his cousin had been seized. He picked up his bow and crossed rivers and mountains pursuing the trail, which lead him finally to the shores of a dark and gloomy lake the Lake of Demons. Through the troubled waters Nanabush could see the home of the Horned Serpent, and the terrible, evil spirits who served the Serpent. At the center of the mass of evil spirits was the Horned Serpent himself, coiled around the dead body of Nanabush’s cousin. His eyes were a malign, glowing red, his head the color of blood, and his scales every shade. Nanabush resolved he would get revenge upon the Great Serpent.

He ordered the clouds to clear, the winds to be still, and the sun to shine upon the water with all its brightness. In this way he would boil the water and force the serpent to the shore to cool off, where he would set up the next stage of his trap. Taking his bow and arrow, he set up next to a clearing by the lake where he expected the serpent would lay, disguising himself as the broken stump of a withered tree. The sun shone down from the cloudless sky, and under the stilled winds and stagnant air the lake became troubled with bubble and foam. A serpent peeped his head above the water, then another. Not hearing Nanabush’s footsteps, they agreed Nanabush must be sleeping, returning to the lake with a hiss. The water boiled and waves crashes against the shores, until the Great Horned Serpent rose out of the water - his crest glistening, and his scales blinding, reflecting the light like a sleet covered forest under the winter sun. He made his way to the shore, followed by demonic serpents that soon covered every part of the shore.

The serpents knew Nanabush was cunning. They saw the withered stump, and suspected it could be one of Nanabush’s disguises. A serpent wrapped its tail around the stump to drag it into the lake. It’s tail pricked Nanabush’s sides, and he could barely refrain from crying out in pain. But he held firm and kept silent. The serpent moved on. The Great Serpent moved into the forest, wrapping his body around trees, and his many companions likewise found shade, save for a live sentry, who listened for the pawsteps of Nanabush.

Yet Nanabush was patient, waiting until all of the serpents were asleep, and the sentry looked another direction. In silence, Nanabush carefully pulled an arrow from his quiver, drew his bow, and aimed it right at the heart of the Great Serpent.”

Waabishki acts out the scene, sitting in her hind quarter, and miming the act of pulling an arrow and drawing a bow, closing an eye as if to look down the arrow. She shifts the two toes of her paw, and says,

“The arrow found its mark. The monster awoke with a cry that shook the mountains and startled the beasts sleeping in their caves. The Great Horned Serpent plunged into the lake, followed by its companions, who howled with terror and anger. At the bottom of the lake still lay the body of Nanabush’s cousin. The serpents tore it to pieces, and those pieces toss to the top of the water. The Great Serpent knew he wound die soon, but he, and all his minions, would destroy Nanabush. With the pounding of their tails they caused the waters to swell and rise, crashing against the shore with the sound of thunder. The waters flooded over the land, carrying rocks and trees, and on the crest of the highest wave rode the wounded Great Horned Serpent.

Nanabush fled. He thought of his pups. So he ran through the villages, shouting that they must flee to the mountains, as the Great Horned Serpent and his flood would soon be upon them. The wolves gathered up their pups and fled to the mountains, while Nanabush continued his flight, past the foothills, far north of Gitche Gumee, and to the northern mountain where he found many wolves, creatures, and animals taking refuge. Yet the waters continued to rise, covering the valleys, the plains, the low hills, and the mountains, until only the high northern mountain remained above water. So he gathered timber, and built a raft upon which the creatures and animals placed themselves. The high mountain too soon flooded, and they were left alone upon the water, floating for many days.

But the waters subsided, and the mountains, then the hills, the plains and the valleys appeared through the water. And when it was all gone they knew that their troubles were over, for the Great Horned Serpent was dead; his body sealed away under the waters. His minions fled back to the bottom of the lake, where they remain to this day for fear of Nanabush.”

She leaves the room in silence for some moment, looking out at the other creatures.

>>145249
"Now that's a hero story. I think that was the best one I have ever heard."

>>145251
The Doctor remarks to himself.
“Pretty sure Celestia controls the sun and the pegasi the wind.”
But Waabishki does not seem to hear if, smiling with pride.

“Yes, he is very important to our people, and such stories are an important part of our culture, passed down orally from generation to generation.”

>>145252
"So what happened after the flood? Did Nanabush retire? Did he have more adventures?"

>>145253
“Nanabush would have many more adventures, yes, though he mourned the loss of his cousin. The world has not flooded, nor is it troubled by the Great Horned Serpent’s physical presence, sealed away in the lake. Yet the spirit of the serpent troubles us still, and the demons must be threatened into staying away. That is why the Thunderbird must take flight every year. To do battle with the encroachment of corruption and discord.”

>>145254
"Can you tell me more about the Thunderbird?"

>>145255
“Nanabush knew the demons still posed a threat. He knew he could not be everywhere forever to protect the Ma’iignan from the spirits. That is why he created the Thunderbirds. One for each direction, North, South, and West. They are large, creatures with spiritual powers who protect the Ma’iignan from the underwater spirits, and who punish those who transgress too far. He endowed them with his power to create storms and lightning, and move the winds.”

>>145247
Silver smiles at Clip.

"Remember what you said earlier, about movement here in Baltimare?"

>>145257
"How did he create them? Was it his own magic, or did he have artifacts that gave him more power?"

>>145258
“Yeah. It looks like we found them. Well, we certainly found something.”

>>145259
“Through powers of his own. It’s his connection with the power of life, and of the power of the spirit. It’s.... it’s kind of like you ponies. But, well, more so.”

>>145260
"You want to go check things out?"

>>145260
“Have there been others to have incredible powers as well?”

>>145262
“Not.... not so many. Not now, certainly.”

>>145261
“Well...” he looks over at the group, and pulls his lips back in an awkward smile.

“Maybe... I’m... not so good with meeting people.”

>>145263
“Maybe you just need to find out how to use them again.”

>>145264
Silver smiles more at him.

"That is what friends are for, right? I can help get you started with talking to them if you want."

>>145265
“Oh... well, things are not like that anymore. That was an older era, closer to the creation, where monsters were bigger and the spirit and earth closer together.”

>>145266
“Um.... sure” he replies

>>145267
“What drove the spirit apart?”

>>145268
“They are not apart. Not quite. Not really. But it is much easier to forget, as so many of the great creatures are gone now, or hide away in their own corners. The world is older now, as are those who live upon it. So it is easier to forget the connection between spirit and earth. And many do.”

>>145267
Silver nods at him, and pays the cab driver. He and Clip get out and approach the protest.

“So, the Thunderbirds would be more connected to the spirit, right?”

>>145270
It’s a few bits. The driver takes it and hastily drives away.

The ponies move in closer to the crowd, which for its part scarcely takes notice of them. To be sure, an eye of two glances at the two approaching ponies, but no one says anything good or ill towards them, nor otherwise reacts, although one pony decidedly moves out of the way.

>>145271
“Yes, certainly. Like a bridge between spirit and the material.”

>>145272
“What if we were to talk to them? Maybe they could help end this war so we could go back to being closer to the spirit?”

>>145273
“They are spirits of the sky realm. They have been known to cast boots of lightning at troubled makers, yes, but it is their duty to keep the malevolent spirits at bay, and to serve as guardians against spiritual threats.” She pauses for a moment, looking up and out.
“I wonder sometimes if it’s too much for them.”

>>145274
“Then they should be willing to talk if it means lightening the work load.”

>>145275
“You.... want to try to find one?” She asks, tilting her head

>>145277
“Why not? If we have a chance to push back the changelings with the help of spirits, then we might as well take that chance. I’m quite certain the spirits won’t want them destroying their sacred places.”

>>145272
Silver taps the shoulder of one of the protestors.

>>145278
All of those listening seem at least somewhat unsettled at the suggestion, except for Maakiade, who seems more angry.

Ply Press is the first to speak
“Uh, careful what you say about the Changelings.”

“Contracting spirits to fight for you? The wishful thinking of those who are by nature slaves. The freedom of a people is won by its own force of arms, or it is not won at all, lest your liberators come back around to enslave you. To place faith in spirits would be foolish even if such things existed, and they decidedly do not.”

Waabishki bares her teeth at Makade, but when he finishes, she turns to Spark and says,

“Neither the doubles nor the spirits are to be taken lightly. They are, well, they are like bears. You must either leave them alone, or if you must disturb them, treat them with the utmost respect.”

>>145279
Reddish colored stallion, approximately the color of the inside of of a grapefruit. He turns to Silver.

“Huh? What do you need?”

>>145280
"Excuse me, I saw all of signs here and was curious why you all have gathered here. What are you protesting?"

>>145280
“Why respect changelings when they don’t respect the spirits? That’s like asking me to respect the forest and the arson equally.”

>>145281
The stallion takes a moment to respond, but does answer

“The complacency of the SDP. They just let imperialists exploit the the lower classes here and... everywhere, while nothing changes. Add to that one of their members is a sex offender and who knows who else is... We need something new, more effective.”

>>145287
"Oh, you are talking about Comte Burgher? Yes, I heard about that, it is terrible."

He looks around at the gathering.

"How in Equus did you all manage to organize protest of this size?"

>>145288
"Organize?" A smile grows across the stallion's face, and he raises a hoof towards the other ponies in the crowd with him

"This is not some organization. This is spontaneous. Likeminded ponies who come together all at once to express their grievances, and to show those in power that they will not be silent."

>>145289
Silver follows his hoof.

"Huh. That is impressive! I would have thought there was newsletter or paper involved."

>>145290
He seems to point non distinctly into the crowd

"No, if the paper had organized this, I assure you, it would be much larger than this. It could be the whole city."

>>145291
Silver's eyebrows raise.

"Paper is that big?"

>>145282
"No, that's... that's not what it means to respect something. To respect is not to honor. To respect is to acknowledge something's power and place, and to not act the fool around it. You must respect fire, or else you will surely be burned. You must respect the forest, or else you will get lost and die. You should revere fire and the forest, for both have their place here on this earth, and both give life to what is around them in their own way, even if the two conflict sometimes and have different ends. But you absolutely must respect them, as you will be punished if you do not. When the Changelings came, and intruded into our territory, they did not respect us, and... Maakade? Would you care to explain?"

In a moment, Makade explains,
"They came in their standard formation, approaching from the south. Somewhat spread out, with scouts ahead, and a deeper line that allowed for reinforcement in the event of an ambush. They had forest colored uniforms, though that is of only so much use when moving forward, and of course their magical disguises are less useful in an empty forest. They made three incursions in total, towards our camp and I believe somewhere further east and north. They did not respect us. They believed that we had nothing more than knives and bows and arrows. What they did not appreciate is just how silent a bow can be, or a knife can be, when dropping out of a tree, or a bush. They assumed that the small slices caused by said arrows were minor wounds to be bandaged. I don't think they knew anything of the paralyzing venom of the wasp, or how it could be applied to blades and arrows, or the wooden stakes left in pits and covered with leaves.

As for firearms, I don't believe they thought we'd have any at all. I'm not sure that a single one of the conscripts we were up against had handled a firearm outside of the military, and I'm frankly not sure they even fired them much in combat. Certainly none of them had scopes on their rifles, or had trained much for marksmanship. They were not hunters, who in teams, tracked, hid from, cornered, and killed animals in those forest since they were young. We were hunters.

They assumed that as soon as they found cover, got their bearings, and shot back at us that we'd run away. And you know what? They were right. You see, I do respect the Changelings, for even though I did not fight in frontline combat for very long I did learn much. I know they have machine guns, mortars, artillery, and planes. That they have ways of dealing with such inferior forces. And I, leader of the hunting party, had no intention of staying around long enough for them to bring those advantages into play. What the Changelings did not expect, I assume, is that we'd attack again. And again. And again. Not head on, mind you, but a well placed shot from a distance, or an arrow in the back of a straggler. They could walk the exact same path returning home that they used before, and find traps of wooden stakes.

We evacuated and moved our village. We can afford to do so with our mobile construction. It was only on the second day that they used their greatest advantage. A sentry, seeing a bear roaming around, and seeing it behaving oddly, thought it had distemper or hydrophobia, and shot it. And it turned out to be one of the doubles in disguise. If only that that scout had lived around bears, and knew how they behave near settlements, he would have found our camp and we'd be none the wiser. They could have placed planes on us."

Makade pauses, and Waabishki starts again,
"To disguise one's appearance… That's one of the powers Nanabush had. I assure it, the trickster is very much to be respected. As for the spirits... well, have you seen lightning? Or a tree struck by lightning? If you have, you have an idea of what the Thunderbird may summon at will."

>>145297
"I think we have different understandings of the word respect then. I acknowledge their skill and weaponry, as they might acknowledge your own, but I do not respect them. To respect something means to give it a higher standing. The changelings are not to be respected in such a way. They will gladly attempt to destroy the spirits, even if such a thing is not possible, and everything you find sacred and holy, even if it was to seal their own destruction. So, for your sakes as well as their own, why would we not stop them? Why would we respect those that don't know respect themselves?"

>>145298
Waabishki, sitting besides the couch, is silent to Spark’s words. It is a silence that is soon filled with Makade’s invective:

“Of course the Changelings are terrible for you. You’re a pony. The world was yours just a few short years ago. In the thousand years since the ponies came here, they have pushed us wolves back to the recesses of the forest, and torn up a part of that for farming and to dig holes. They take us from our homes, they litigate who gets royalties for lumber sales to not pay us for cutting down the forest, and on top of all of that they have the audacity to serve those of us who venture out with draft notices. What, precisely, is new to us about the Changelings that we don’t have with ponies? The strong do what they will and the weak suffer what they must. It’s a grave misfortune to no longer be the strongest, isn’t it?”

Ply Press frowns

Waabishki looks up, and says at a low volume
“I don’t think Miskobag’s affliction is natural....”

Makade sighs, and says,
“I saw the Equestrian front melt like wax. I don’t think we can stop them. Not really, anyways. We can’t hold out forever while we need antibiotics, lamps, salt, and bullets. We should negotiate while we are in a position of relative strength.”

>>145299
"And your offer? That you will stop guerilla warfare? Do you think that will be a good bargaining chip when they could just burn anywhere they believe you to be, setting you back each time much more than you can them, all the while you run lower and lower on spots to hunt and gather resources. The plan to secure yourselves is to ask them politely to stop?

I don't really care if you see me as only a pawn of the former government that failed. You should see them as the ones that are more powerful than what I was once part of and ones even less likely to offer you any beneficial trade that doesn't involve your slavery. If you didn't have it well under ponies, what chance is there if you didn't help the new order fight them?

To deal with them is to allow them to be stronger when your whole strategy towards them is to keep them from gaining strength around you. If it becomes too costly to stay, then it is too costly to trade with you. So your only other option is to trade with those that are the enemy of your enemy and find the means to make it really uncomfortable to keep staying around here."

>>145302
Hello!

>>145300
To this, he has a one-word response:
“How?”

>>145302
Hi there!
>>145303
"That's something I'm working on."

Okay, Maakade’s response in >>145299 is something he’s brought up before and Spark answered before. It’s not really relevant to the line of conversation and it’s rather offensive when spoken in front of his step-parents. I’m striking >>145299 and replacing it with the following:

>>145298
Waabishki is silent for a moment. She replies:

“I wonder... I wonder if they already have tried. They found something in the woods. And it disfigured them.”

>>145305
"Maybe. But they won't stop so easily. Eventually their whole might will be turned to trying to destroying something they can't understand. That is something we should avoid allowing to come to pass."

>>145306
“That is why it is best to stay out of their sight. Remain unnoticed. Our interactions with the outside have brought us harm.”

>>145307
“Well, you can’t just disappear. You are in their territory now. They will eventually expand to your homes and you will either be captured or forced to flee forever. You can achieve a degree of isolation only by choosing to forgo it for now, and end the crisis that threatens your way of life.. How can you stay out of sight when they are at your gates?”

>>145308
"And how do we end the crisis, exactly?" She asks

>>145309
“We have to convince the changelings to abandon their post so close to your forest and move on to someplace easier to manage.”

>>145310
"How?"

You know who's cute?

(You)

>>145199
Officer "Swift Soul," the olive green pony, moves a step forward. No horn nor wing is visible from his stance by the door, with his body ever so slightly angled to the left. But as he moves forward, Amber can see that any conclusion that he is an earth pony was too hastily made, as a feathered wing can be seen close to his previously hidden left side that has no extant counterpart on his right.

Stalwart moves closer to the stallion, and now Trakr moves to Stalwart's side, both confronting the new stallion.

The lilac-purple pony does not move forward, instead occupying the doorway, with her webbed-wings partly unfolded, the "wrists" and the scrawny bones angled upwards in a point. She does not enter the conversation, but hangs back in reserve. Her slit, ice-water eyes are the only pair to focus on Amber at any point during the room's invasion, and thankfully the lack of focus - for surely those slit-pupils can focus - implies more idle curiosity than inquisitive purpose. Her attention moves to the other mare in the room, the pink assistant, who moves around and closer to Trakr.

The conversation continues, evidently a debate over the jurisdiction of an investigation. There are many words exchanged, but the pertinent points are these:

For Stalwart,
"We already have several officers assigned to the Comte investigation who have done much work on the case. We possess the evidence gathered at the scene. Furthermore, this is a criminal investigation, and the Baltimare district as a self-governing autonomy, is allowed to make and enforce it's own criminal laws an procedures. To interfere with a criminal investigation is to infringe on that autonomy."

And for Swift Soul,
"This is hardly a criminal investigation alone, as we have reason to believe that Comte was involved in a conspiracy with the local criminal syndicates to import arms to facilitate an armed uprising."

These words trouble Stalwart greatly, as they understood to be 'magic words,' giving the officers power to attach themselves to any investigation. Trakr protests that 'these are the same claims used in Manehattan," to which Swift Soul replies 'what of it? That doesn't make them any less true.' Stalwart's rebuttal centers on demanding to know precisely what these 'reasons to believe' are, to which Swift Soul replies that they keep their sources secret for obvious reasons.

Swift Soul, however, has one more argument:
"This may be a criminal case. But it is a criminal case where the defendant is a member of the government, and one who previously approved the budget of the police and the appointment of the chief. Besides, further investigation may implicate other members of the government as co-defendants." This line is delivered with a smile. "There is a clear conflict of interest, and the investigation must be handled by an outside party."

These words trouble Stalwart perhaps even more than the former. He rebuts that the Police Department is a completely separate institution, with the role of the council in approving the budget and confirming appointments being so tenuous a connection as to create no meaningful conflict. Besides, he's been removed from the council, so there is nothing for him to do in retaliation against the police now. And what of possible other members of the government being implicated? Well, though it's alleged that 'ponies unknown' were involved along with Comte, that is all they are. Unknown. There's not any particular reason to believe the co-defendants were in the government or the SDP coalition, save for the fact that such people were among Comte's closest associates.

The argument drags on, but it's clear that the new officers have an edge, and Stalwart and Trakr are fighting a holding action. The latter two physically move back as the argument drags on, with the two new officers entering further into the room.

>>145312
gasps

is cute

Things are starting to get interesting. A hero story, conflicting desires, and cute ponies and wolves. I should be able to continue it tomorrow.

>>145311
"Well, a war isn't won in a day. It will take some time and effort, but I believe the opportunity will reveal itself sooner rather than later. Their operation at their mine already had one major set back. Another one or two might just convince their superiors that they are needed elsewhere."

>>145322
She blinks and shakes her head
"An attack? That could provoke them."

Makade butts in:
"We don't have the resources."

>>145326
"It will only provoke them if they figure out it's us. They already know there are monsters among them, so if they think they are under attack by something beyond their control, they will leave. And as for resources, breaking things tends to not cost too much. You just have to find the right tools."

>>145327
“How then do you do it?” She asks

>>145328
“Very carefully.”

Have I already said that (You) are a cute pony? Oh well, it bears saying again.

I got this weekend free. I hope for lots more character interaction and adventure!

>>145342
The wait for the weekend is tough. But it is worth the wait.

>>145350
Right there with you.

>>145294
He gives a sort of smile, and moves his head back
"Yes, the movement is that big. The whole city could rise. Perhaps they will again, one day."

>>145359
Silver looks around to make sure it's unlikely for authorities to overhear, then he looks at the pony he's talking to.

"Do you happen to know anything about paper? My friend here used to work in his own local paper, and he is looking to get back into work."

>>145360
Armed soldiers aren’t that far away, but the presence of many other ponies shouting makes it unlikely they’d hear anything. It’s impossible to tell exactly [i]who is standing in the crowd, and whether there are any unclothed police among them. The pony Silver is speaking to seems to recognize this, as he physically takes another step back and seems reticent to speak. Paper Clipping, however, burst forward and starts speaking.

“Ah great! You think you can help me find the papa’? I was an edita’ back in... back in my home town and, well, okay I wasn’t an edita’ I was a typesetta’ but uh, but I’m a pretty good typesetta’. You know I’m really impressed by the movement you’ve got here. You know, this is more than I could see back home. Folks back home wouldn’t even do a third of this, coming out here and making noise-“

>>145361
Silver motions to Clip.

"He is rather enthusiastic."

>>145229
Iron sighed contently at the touch, soon actively seeking out more to hold properly as he focused on long, slow strokes along her mane, up to the end of her crest.
Meanwhile, his hanging hindlegs soon snuck its way in-between Sands' own legs just to feel more of that cuddle-inducing fluff as he closed his eyes, thoroughly enjoying the moment for how long they could do it.

>>145368
Sands raises her eyes at the movement of Iron's legs, but her face returns to a sly smile. There is plenty of mane, which flows down and covers her shoulders. She tries to settle into this position.

[1d5 = 5]

>>145369
Iron gave Sands ample time to properly settle into it, as he soon stopped her mane caressing to instead rub her bountiful chest fluff instead.
All the while, he simply relaxed himself into it, breathing softly as he enjoyed the limited time he had with White's body until he had to go to war again.

>>145370
And there is indeed quite a bit of fluff there on her chest, as this small unicorn is surprisingly fluffy.

Looking away from Iron, she says
"This floor is a hard, don't you think. Doesn't your friend have a bed we could lay on?"

Sorry for being awful at keeping up

>>145316
Amber weighs her options. On the one hoof, the entry of these new officers creates a new, albeit uneasy, distraction for the police who have all but forgotten by Amber. On the other, trying to slip away might bring more attention to herself if noticed, especially by that―that bat with her keen eyes.

She decides to not turn away just yet but back up to be the furthest away from the rest, yet not so fast to be suspicious. She looks about nonchalantly, knitting her brow so as to look like she's thinking about the conversation rather than searching for a corner to round.

>>145371
Such a question caused Iron to creak an eye open to look at Sands in order to answer her question. "I have not asked for that," he admitted gently, soon turning his head towards the couch "but the couch should prove quite adequate."

>>145372
Hello

[1d20 = 5]

The two new ponies advance further into the room, renewing demands to be shown certain notes and evidence. Again they allege various insidious conspiracies, and the police in the room allege the only conspiracy is against Baltimare.

>>145373
She moves away, and looks back to Iron frowning. After a moment, she says
"Alright"
And gets up

>>145374
For a second, Iron felt a tiny bit of dread at Sands' hesitation, but it soon vanished at her agreement, soon standing up and also picking up the mare by sneaking himself under her and standing up.
If successful, he'd soon carry White towards their intended destination and carefully place her there.

>>145375
The size difference between Iron and Sands does not help him here, with her being taller than her, even with her thin body. Still, with brute force he can place her body over his, and carry her the twelve feet or so to the opposite side of the room. The couch is narrow, scarcely enough for the two of them. They will have to cram themselves tight together on the couch, or maybe even (partly) on top of each other.

>>145376
Seeing this, Iron stood next to the couch as he thought for a moment. "...do you prefer to be the top?" he soon asked Sands with a pensive tone.

>>145377
"I suppose" She answers, a little more pleased after Iron asks this question

>>145378
Hearing this, Iron carefully takes his time on getting in the couch with Sands on top of him, allowing her to choose what sort of treatment she could do to his mostly exposed body as he settled down on his belly.

>>145379
Sands lets Iron get on the bed before making her move. She moves over, eyes a small exposed portion of the couch, and then uses these as footholds as she jumps up onto the bed. She moves to stand over Iron, spreading her legs and looking down to find exactly the position she wants. Then she lays down over him, paying little attention to the position of his legs, leaning against the back of the couch. She folds her hind legs in, and then her forelegs, positioned a little back from his head, and with room to look at him. She rather snug now, with her tail folded in and hanging off the side of the couch, and her mane flowing down and making contact with Iron. He can feel her chest pressed against his, and almost the whole weight of her body. She's like a heavy, fluffy pillow, really. She wears a smug expression, looking down at Iron.

>>145374
Amber doesn't wait to see the argument become heated, as she turns the corner back into the hallway and walks away as inconspicuously as possible. She looks behind her to see if she's been noticed.

>>145382
Move silently hopefully this is the right one: [1d20+3 = 22]

>>145383
Amber slips off silently, moving away at a critical moment when the bat is distracted by the other mare. The bat is then pushed away by a new pony entering the room who causes some commotion, but nevermind that. Amber slips away, presumably down the hallway behind her

>>145380
Iron couldn't help but chuckle lightly at the smug Sands currently laying inbetween his body and the couch's backrest, enjoying the comfy pillow as he haphazardly spread his legs out to fully allow his upper portion to land against the couch without disturbing the cat-posed mare on top of him.

>>145384
Now then, where to find a detective, particularly one tucked away somewhere? She heads down the hall stealthily but quickly, looking at the nameplates of doors with lights on behind them and trying to see through their windows.

>>145385
The couch is almost small for Iron, but he is able to stretch his legs out and over the side. Sands moves a foreleg forward, and then a hindleg, both on her right side, hanging out over Iron. She moves in to make herself comfortable.

>>145386
Well, let's see

Malt Tease... That one is closed. Then there's Great Warmth, Mold Dune, Fillipe Marshmellow... Okay, all of these offices are closed with the lights off. Ah, here's one with someone in it... Wait. It's the griffin. At least she's occupied with... paperwork?

>>145387
Is there another hallway or intersection at the other end of the building?

>>145388
Yes. It ends in a "T", with hallways offshoot to both the left and right

>>145389
Amber goes that way then and peaks around the corner, looking both ways.

>>145390
Roll die
A light on in one room to each side

>>145387
Iron does the same while allowing Sands' own attempts, breathing contently as he closed his eyes once again. He had to admit, however, that he missed having his hold on her hoof, but it was negligible compared to White's own comfort for tonight.

>>145393
No effect.
Yet

>>145392
She lays her head down on Iron's chest and neck, and now besides his head, up against the back of the couch

>>145394
Amber softly makes her way to the right side doorway. Should I roll for move silently?

>>145395
Yes.

>>145394
Feeling this, Iron slowly turns his head towards Sands' and plants a little peck on her cheek before softly nuzzling it.

>>145397
Amber moves around silently past the door, she sees inside another bat

[1d20+5 = 6]

>>145398
She smiles, though her eyes are closed. She remains still