1580 replies and 20 files omitted.
>>162692Silver is damn near mesmerized by this mystery gun. If he was shocked at how the city has developed, and how the cars look sleeker and more colorful, then it's nothing compared to this tool of war. He's not even sure if it fires bullets anymore. With the practiced movements of an experienced soldier he puts on the flak vest and helmet and takes the small radio (
"Does it even work if it is that small?") and gas mask. The last item he takes is the rifle, and as he gets in the car he can't help but inspect it closer, feel its weight in his magic, and inspect the intermediate-sized magazine and fire selector.
>>162698Outside, or rather, across the street.
>>162699The fire selector is a button that can be pressed in on either side of the rifle. These are "R" and "A".
The magazine is curved, can fit... 20 rounds? And the top of the action is fitted with a charger guide to allow it to be reloaded with stripper clips. The charging handle of the gun is above the forearm, and before the optic.
>>162700"R" and "A"? What do these mean? Silver lets out, addressed to no one in particular, "What kind of strange rifle is this...?"
>>162700At least they're not far, and Amber won't be alone. She hurries to them.
>>162701Spec is driving now, opposite to the main flow of traffic. While the lane leading out of the city and down the penisula is thick with cars, the other lane is clear. To be sure, cars sometimes drive in the other lane, and Spec drives off the road more than once, though the sides of the road are often filled with pedestrians walking away from the city. The sirens continue blaring.
Spec, however, hears Silver
"Oh, you haven't seen the new battle rifle? That's a Lavender Machine 2, Caliber .277, Model Year 1020. Or an M20. The 'Jenny'. 'R' is repetition, or single shot. 'A' is full auto."
Looking down at the rifle, Silver can almost hear the trumpets dancing around as he holds it
>>162702Amber is being followed.
>>162703Not good, and the whole group wouldn't be able to evade effectively. Amber steers away from the party and, after a short while, ducks into an alley.
>>1627031020. Silver has a bit of an idea of the future time period he's in. He hopes Spec is paying attention and isn't running over anypony trying to flee the city.
"'Jenny'. Full auto, intermediate cartridge, twenty round magazine...it is amazing how far firearms have advanced from Lavender Rifles we used in War just few years ago."
>>162704Another roll, dexterity modifier
>>162705Spec is doing well enough, maneuvering past pedestrians and automobiles. Silver can see there are a few more schools here, and many more single family houses. The amusement park on the pier is still very much there, and with a new rollercoaster. Bird move in the sky.
"If, anything the Lavender was out of date decades ago. They just delayed replacing them for cost reasons. I would recommend keeping it on single fire. It's got quite a kick."
>>162707Amber delicately moves into a flock of griffins leaving the station, moves off the to side as a train horn provides a distraction, and slips away into the alley.
>>162706Silver nods, and sets it to R. If it wasn't for the threat of WMDs smuggled in by changelings, he would like to see this future come about.
"Not as if that stopped you from becoming most lethal sniper in all of Equestria's armed forces, Spectral Streak. 'White Death'. I remember how number of soldiers I trained in boot camp asked about you."
>>162708What is this roller coaster of luck? Amber has managed to escape her pursuer. Now, to get back to her friends….
She'll go to the other side of the alley and see what's there, hopeful making a wide circle is possible.
>>162709Spec's right eye turns towards Silver, and he smiles
"Heh"
It's the first time Silver has seen him smile in... a
very long time. He does not say anything.
>>162710It's Felderklied who comes out first, followed by Erich, and then finally Helder.
Felderklied:
"Did you get it?"
>>162711Nodding, Amber says, "Yes, all the books are here, and a few clothes. And I have my instruments."
>>162711That smile...it brings him back to a time when both he and Spec were much younger, and less scared by what they have lived through. He can't help but share in this smile, even if its for only for the moment.
>>162711>>162713"So, this 'Project Heaven's Fall' or what have you...it is what White Light was working on, yes? Before Equestria fell?"
>>162714"Huh?" He turns his head to Silver, confused.
"Oh, before the West was lost? No. I don't think so at least."
>>162720"I hope it is not...ability to wipe out entire cities, just like that...no one should have that power. Especially not Changelings..."
>>162721"No, not the Changelings, Just the First Council and the Pony Populist Party. What the Changelings have is something else."
>>162723"I have heard, or at least know basics. Some kind of mass-incindiary weapon."
>>162724"Something like that. Something I wouldn't want them using in the city."
>>162725"Indeed. That is why we are here to stop them. You know where they are, Spec?"
>>162712Helder and Erich look through the items
Helder:
"What about my clogs?"
Erich:
"You can get over it." He pauses and looks at the items. "At least this original print is saved. I definitely wouldn't want the Imperials finding this one." He holds up a book, and looks to the side. "One set of clothes will... work."
Felderklied
"What about any of my items?"
Felderklied is holding a rag to her wound, and is clearly in pain, rocking.
>>162728To Federkleid: "I'm sorry. I didn't know where your things were, and if I had carrying them out would have been troublesome. We should get to a doctor…."
>>162730Looking forward to seeing you again, Spark!
(You) are all cute ponies
>>162742N-no u!
>>162730hopes>>162726"No." He says
"That's why we need the radio. They'll reveal themselves, unfortunately."
The road merges into north Cowtown past where the peninsula meets northern Baltimare. The streets are congested with automobiles, which are far more numerous than Silver ever remembers them being. There are hundreds of them, with their green, red, blue, yellow, and white colors and smooth curves. There are also a few more houses along this way than Silver can recall. Some of the traffic moves east onto the peninsula, but some of it moves north along the roadway.
Spectral Streak turns left.
"But the best bet is they'll be somewhere along... here."
>>162743Silver pulls out the radio, and gives it a look over.
"I will follow your lead, Spec."
>>162744Turn the knob to turn on the radio, and also to tune into specific channels. Hold down a button to speak into it.
The car slows down as it comes into a section with shops on either side, alternating with town houses or close single family homes. Silver can see ponies crowded along the side of the streets moving. Earth ponies dominate, although there are some unicorns, pegasi, and even bat winged ponies, with the latter two sometimes flying in the air. Some ponies seem joyful. Some are concerned, or scared. Some are confused. Some are bored, or move around as if it's a normal Monday. Silver passes a pair of mares shouting "woo, death to the Changelings!" who roam about, as well as an older stallion who shouts "the end is neigh. You should have listened!" Both are moved along by ponies in blue or green uniforms, with both a few Baltimare PD officers helping to move along the flows of citizens, and several ponies in what Silver can recognize as the "Homeguard" which he is now evidently a part of. Some of these ponies seem to be standard reservists, but many are beyond drafting age (30s), and even wear military medals. The sirens have stopped, and now speakers play music. National music, with trumpets and drums.
>>162745Silver has a worried look on his face as he witnesses the mood of the ponies pedestrians they pass by.
"I am concerned these ponies have mostly forgotten what hell we went through last time we fought war against Changelings. How many truly know what this means and how it will affect them?"
>>162746Spectral Streak looks forward
"Most of them didn't experience the War that directly. Not the way we did. It was far away, until it shook their windows, and came through their front door. I think that's why the evacuation has so many of them startled. Really puts a damper on the mood." He pauses, glances over to Silver, and then looks forward. "I haven't forgotten. I hope we send hell back."
>>162747"I hope so too. This war, it feels different from first one. I cannot tell if it is good different or bad different, but it will be."
>>162748"We have the intiative. We chose the moment. I'd say that's a good different." He says, and flips the knob on the radio. Quickly sounds flow through.
From static, there is the sound,
"Air reserves in the air."
"Hey, Meadow Brook bridge coming in?"
"Yeah, uh, no problems yet. A bit of congestion but nothing's blown up yet."
"Keep it up. Just keep it open."
A couple police cars move on the opposite side of the road, moving to a branch of the roadway that splits north on one of the thoroughfares out. There's a diner over on the right side, and a grocery store on the left, and a couple ponies in uniform on the street, one directing traffic, and another on the side. There are more pedestrians and automobiles here, so Spectral Streak slows down.
>>162749Silver keeps his eyes out for any suspicious activity, not wanting the Changelings to catch him and his team unaware. With all of this commotion they have plenty of opportunity to try to slip by unnoticed.
"What is plan when we encounter them? Do we try to capture one alive for interrogation, or no prisoners?"
>>162750"Depends on what kind of information we can get out of them, and how long it will take to get it."
One police car pulls over on the side of the road, and a pair of ponies get out, one carrying some kind of shotgun, and the other some kind of carbine. They go into the grocery store. The other car pulls over into a parking space along the east/opposite side by the diner, and one officer pony gets out of the driver's seat, and then from the right passenger's seat. In the middle of the square, a uniformed reservist directs a car to move left and north, and then starts to move over to the right police car. Traffic isn't quite at a gridlock here, but it's not moving terribly quickly either. Spectral Streak has been heading into the city on the mostly clear right lane, but it's not uncommon at all for cars to move into this lane to get around traffic, slowing his speed significantly. From inside of the grocery store, a pair of pegasi run out at high speed, carrying a number of what seem to be cans. Spectral Streak takes the moment to pull over on the right towards the other green uniformed officer who stands near the diner on the south side of the block.
>>162751Silver is somewhat disgusted by the actions of the two pegasi.
"Ugh. Looters. It is last thing we need now."
>>162752"Hey, take them down!" He shouts to the green uniformed pony, who considers crossing the street. One officer by the grocery store starts to move to follow him, while the other two across the street get back in the car.
Overhead, Silver hears a roar. It seems that planes are passing by.
>>162753There you go. Silver silently cheers on the police as he looks up at the planes, curious what they're doing.
>>162754Two of them, bright and shiny aluminum with swept wings and yellow wingtips and bands. They are flying low and fast, though they are gaining in altitude. Silver can see at this distance that the planes are loaded with numerous rockets under their wings. There is no buzzing sound, but rather a roar as they pass by.
>>162755"Huh, planes with rockets. And they are quite loud. Looks like they might be on patrol. What are warplanes doing out here?"
Silver returns his attention back to ground level and his surroundings.
>>162756Spectral Streak:
"Patrol? Maybe. But you can't blow it up if it isn't on the ground."
After a pause
"The whole military was supposed to be doing training exercises before deploying to combat operations in Kiria. Somehow I don't think that's going to happen."
The police car makes a sharp u-turn, cutting across traffic to pull around back south. One of the officers on the ground starts running after the pegasi, although the unicorn is a bit grounded. relative to his quarry.
>>162757"They will certainly be making long trip to frontline. But you make good point. You think these changeling agents will be choosing military targets? Target infrastructure? Civilian population?"
>>162758"According to the briefings I got at least, it's assumed they'd target infrastructure, industry, and military targets. In Baltimare, that means the naval base and harbor, but also things like-"
ClangSilver hears glass shattering as the police car turned south goes right back into the intersection and runs into the front of another car, partly pushing it aside, and stopping the police car perpendicular to the line of traffic. Soon enough, both doors swing open. The wreck is basically right in front of both of them, as Silver and Streak are parked just off to the side from the right lane of the intersection.
>>162759Silver leans slightly to look at the wreckage right in front of them. He's very grateful it's not them who got involved, but he hopes everypony's alright.
"...at least police are already at scene of accident."
>>162760The green uniformed traffic cop goes over towards the driver's side door, and stops next to it. He looks in and says
"Are you alright?"
The officer on the other side opens the door and gets out of the vehicle.
And then, from the driver's side door, there is a
BANGAnd
"
Tatatatatatatatatatatatatat"
The officer on the other side stands up, and fires a machine carbine right into the car that is hit with full auto.
[1d20+5 = (13+5) = 18] >>162761>>162760The traffic director is shot right in his front with a sidearm by the driver.
>>162761>>162762Silver shouts out to the surrounding ponies urgently once the gunfire starts. He gets out of the car with his rifle pointed towards the driver's window.
"EVERYPONY DOWN!"
Can Silver attack yet, or does he have to wait?
>>162763They've absolutely chosen their actions, so... yes.
The Jenny's optic has an arrow that comes down from the top, and converges down on the target.
[1d20+10 = (5+10) = 15]>>162764Silver focuses the Jenny's optic on the driver of the car, and squeezes the trigger.
>>162765A crisp pull, and a
bang. About half the recoil of the old Lavender, although the Jenny is shorter and lighter. The shell rotates in the air as it is ejected, and the gun is immediately ready to be fired again.
Hit.
>>162767Another shot
[1d20 = 14]Spectral Streak looks up and over at the car, and takes a moment to pull out his own Jenny, and
Bang Bang Bang Bang[1d20+5 = (4+5) = 9][1d20+5 = (9+5) = 14][1d20 = 1][1d20 = 9]On the other side, there is
Tatatatatatatat. He seems to target the other green uniformed officer.
>>162768>>162767Two shots hit the side of the vehicle, one goes wide and hits a car in the back, and one hits the driver
[2d8 = 5] [1d20+10 = (8+10) = 18]>>162768>>162769Silver likes the feel of this Jenny. He aims again at the driver and gives her a little squeeze.
>>162770>>162771A squeeze, and the officer falls back in his seat. In a green flash he becomes black, with blue eyes and blue-green blood from visible wounds.
The other assailant seems to crouch down behind the vehicle, trying to take cover.
>>162768>>162772The driver earlier fired a single bullet right through the center of the windshield of Streak's vehicle.
>>162773Silver advances on the vehicle, keeping his weapon trained on the it as he tries to get into view of the other attacker. With hoof signals he tells Spec to keep him covered.
"Just surrender, changeling, you are surrounded, and out of hope. Give up and we will do you no harm."
>>162774The alleged officer moves the carbine up through the now shattered window, and attempts to blind fire at Silver
[1d20 = 14][1d20 = 19][1d20 = 17][1d20 = 19][1d20 = 2] >>162775With a
tatatatat, Silver is, unfortunately, hit several times
[2d6 = 8] >>162775>>162774>>162776The flak jacket mitigates, but does not stop Silver from being hit by carbine rounds.
[1d20+10 = (15+10) = 25][1d20+10 = (4+10) = 14]>>162777The pain is great but he hardly falters, and now he knows where the assailant roughly is. He squeezes off a couple of rounds from his Jenny in response.
>>162778The rounds go right through the door.
One hit, one miss.
>>162780He is hit.
Spectral Streak has gotten out of the car, presses a button on the gun, holds it up, and,
"
Pow Pow Pow Pow"
He fires the Jenny fully automatic into the car police car from what is a very short range, firing through the door.
>>162781Can Silver move to be in view of the changeling assailant, then attack?
>>162782By moving around the car either in front or behind it, yes.
[1d20+10 = (19+10) = 29][1d20+10 = (19+10) = 29]>>162783In that case, Silver moves around the front of the car into view of the changeling and fires two rounds at almost point blank.
>>162784He seems to have been hit by at least one of the bullets Spec fired. However, Silver unambiguously hits the drone, who is already leaning against the car door.
>>162786The officer burns in green fire, revealing a black insect that falls over onto his belly.
>>162787With the last enemy defeated, he rushes around to check on the wounded pony.
>>162729"Yes. Soon. I still need clothes because otherwise I look like I just got shot." She looks over the items. "And since I don't have any here, I'll have to borrow these." She picks up Erich's set.
"Hey!" Erich objects
"You can shut up. It was your poor hiding that got got us in this situation."
"That's my one set. Be careful not to ruin it." He says
Federkleid makes some remark, but Helder speaks directly to Amber.
"There is a veterinarian directly along the way out, on one of the only roads that goes to the river. Discretion can never be guaranteed but... At least it's not far out of the way."
(You) are all cute ponies
>>162807Amber nods in agreement back at Federkleid. "We'd better not lose any more time. Let's get patched up as quickly as possible."
>>162821"Now... How to get there?"
>>162820N-no u!
scrunch>>162788He is lying on his back, still breathing. He is shot somewhere in the chest. His lungs may or may not have been penetrated.
>>162830"Going there all as a group would be suspicious, especially if we don't have a pet. We should take the back alleys," Amber says.
>>162832"…I think that's best?" Amber says hesitantly. "The automobile might attract too much attention and we couldn't go down the alleys with that. It's not too far, is it?"
>>162833Helder answers
"Could be a whole mile, I think. To the veterinarian"
>>162834"We need to take the car," Amber concedes with sadness.
>>162835would definitely pet the little ponyHelder:
"I don't like the risk... But you two are wounded." He says
>>162836"If it makes you more comfortable, Hederkleid and I could take the car while you two meet us there later. We would need to stay at the office for a little while at least."
>>162839"I think you would know that better than I, I'm just a humble musician."
>>162840He blinks
"Stronger together. The car is this way."
Presumably, the small group leaves the shop, and hurries across a street to get back to the car.
>>162841"You're right." Amber looks around to make sure they're not being watched before getting in the car. She will not be driving this time.
>>162846Amber and the group cross the street, and quickly enter the car, placing what remains of the luggage in the back, with Federkleid and Amber, with Erich riding shotgun and Helder driving….
And then Amber seeds a police officer walking right by the car.
>>162847"I cannot believe we're not allowed to board!" Amber exclaims, making sure her wound is not visible. "The trains are never delayed like this, what do you suppose happened to warrant this?" She hopes the others get the hint.
>>162850The officer looks over at Amber, nods, and walks on his way into the train station.
Helder waits a moment, and puts the car in reverse, then drives off.
>>162851Phew….She can't wait until they get to their destination. It should be a short ride, but a stressful one.
>>162852It turns out, a car having significant damage from wrecks driving on the road isn't that uncommon, or at least isn't unusual enough to turn any heads.
The location is lumber framed with a white plastered wall, a second floor and a very high roof. Helder pulls in, and then decides to pull back out and around the location. There are many trees nearby and a field with cows. It seems they have already moved further away from town.
>>162853"Make sure the car is not visible from the street," Amber cautions. Relieved, she gets out and waits for the others before going into the clinic.
>>162854Helder is ahead of them, parking in the back.
A griffin comes out and greats them, evidently a slightly below middle aged griffin with yellow feathers, wearing a vest and hat with glasses.
Federklied is the first to great him, followed by Erich. He opens the door, and the group is invited inside.
>>162855"Good day to you sir. Could you help us? We got in a small altercation."
>>162856He looks over to Amber, and then down at the wound, if it isn't covered with clothing
"And here I thought you had slipped and fell on some bullets." He looks over at Erich
"Should I be concerned?"
He answers
"No, well, we're leaving. They may be others looking for us. I know we're asking for much, but... for old times sake."
The veterinarian turns and moves over to Federklied
"Alright.. let's get you stitched up and stop the bleeding."
>>162857Amber follows the good doctor and waits for Federklied to get patched up first, knowing that she took a worse hit. It still hurts for Amber though, especially without the imminent worry of getting caught.
>>162858Amber enters an entry foyer with a hat rack and a wooden store for shoes. Multiple items of furniture like benches and counters are overly covered in white paint. There is a doorway going further in, and a narrow wooden staircase going up. However, it is the next room over that has a bed, a sink, cabinets, windows and restraints allowing it to be useful for medical procedures on smaller animals and griffins. This is where he takes Federklied.
"They got you good. I don't have any plasma. You'll have to just take the blood loss. This will stop the external bleeding, and keep you from getting infected."
Erich stays with Federklied as the doctor works on her. Amber and Helder can stay in the entry foyer if they like, or go into the other room if they like while they wait.
>>162859It's humble compared to the palace, but it's better than nothing. Amber has a look into the other room, trying not to get herself concerned about the medical procedure. She doesn't go far into the room but stays by the threshold.
>>162830"This is too much for me to fix with what little I have..." He calls out, "I need help with this one, he needs doctor immediately!"
>>162864Roll for luck
>>162860The walls of the room are not adorned with the homely paintings of a griffin's residence, nor the diagrams of dog anatomy you'd expect in a veterinarian's office. It seems that this would be used for smaller livestock like goats, but not for something like a cow.
He does what he can to remove the bullet and sow up Federkleid. It's Amber's turn now.
>>162866Amber goes to the doctor and lies down, uneasily staring at him.
>>162867He takes a look at the wound.
“Rather nasty. There’s a little morphine.”
He takes out a hypodermic needle, and injects it into Amber. Has she ever felt it before? It’s not pleasant. But Amber is and has experienced worse. He takes a wet rag, wipes the wound, and applies iodine.
She starts to become numb, but not before he tries to stick forceps into the wound.
This is unpleasant. >>162868Amber squirms her neck and hisses, but otherwise tries to remain still. She looks up and focuses at the ceiling instead of looking at the procedure.
(You) are all cute ponies
>>162874>>162871Hello!
>>162872No u!
>>162890Soon
>>162891N-no u!
blushes>>162870A pony along the street on the southside side, a greenish earth pony, yells out "I'm a doctor!"
>>162868He has to move around in the wound, clearly not accomplishing what he wanted to accomplish the first time. But after the passage of still more seconds, he finds what he wants. He wipes the wound, and starts to stitch Amber up, applying many stitches. Eventually, Amber is sewn up, and a bandage is applied over the wound.
>>162894Silver hurriedly urges the doctor over.
"He is hurt bad, shot in chest."
>>162894>Hello!As a regular lurker I expect everypony to come back soon.
>>162895>>162895The doctor moves forward one pace and stops, as if hesitating, or awaiting confirmation that it is indeed he who is called over. But he quickly enough crosses the street towards Silver
"Let me see" He starts to crouch down towards the downed home guard pony
>>162896Huzzah!
They should be here Soon(TM)
>>162897As he does so, Silver takes guard and looks around, keeping his rifle at the ready in case there are other Changeling Infiltrators around.
>>162898On the southside, two earth ponies look on at the scene while a bat pony crosses the street. Spec moves in towards the eastside along the street to what seems to be another downed officer. Two ponies approach the vehicle that was hit and then shot at, where blood and shattered glass is all that can be made out from Silver's position with the police car between them. Silver can see that the shotgun wielding police officer from the first vehicle has scurried past the downed the home guard, turned the corner, and is rapidly converging on the location of the machine carbine-wielding officer, who stands in the entry threshold of the grocery store. His carbine, though not raised, is held at the ready, and he looks directly at Silver's position. Silver likely locks his blue eyes to the officer's green as he looks around.
On the northside, cars have moved or even crashed into each other after the shooting started. But only one off-white colored mare is interested in assessing the damage of a fender bender. Everypony else has backed up, gotten back along the road, and started northward. More or less the same story is true of the road east, which has started to clear. A pair of ponies on the sidewalk north by the diner walk slowly, looking on at the scene, while another two lope northward.
>>162899In a firm voice, Silver tells the two approaching ponies, "Move along, civilians, this is issue for Police and Homeguard. Unless you are here to help wounded ponies, continue to make your way along designated evacuation route."
To the officer looking out at the scene, Silver locks eyes with him, and gives him a nod as if the situation is returning to normal.
>>162900The civilians linger, and then move along. The one officer continues eye contact, looking rather afraid, if anything, and does not cease this expression with the nod. Facing Silver, he backs into the entryway of the grocery store as his partner approaches him. The partner looks over to the officer, then turns around and looks at Spec, and then at Silver, and then moves inside of the grocery store.
>>162901Silver turns to the doctor.
"How is he?"
>>162894Whether it being a dream means the sensation is muted, or if it feels just as it should, it's enough to give Amber a fear of doctors. The end can't come soon enough, and after the veterinarian finishes she shakily sits up.
>>162903Amber is sewn up. She feels sore, and not in that pleasant way when she went to sleep. Nevertheless, it is done.
>>162902"He is... he needs more attention" He says. "He's losing blood"
Spec walks over
"We need to clear the streets. Now."
>>162904Amber thanks the doctor, though her eyes betray misgivings. She asks the others, "Glad that's over…how are we going to proceed now?"
>>162905Helder:
"It's... some miles down the road to the river through wilderness and farms."
>>162906She grumbles. "Do you want to take the car there before we have to go the rest of the way on hoof–er, paw?"
>>162907“It’s a long ways, so I think we should. Even though… it’s not as safe as driving in the city. Not by any means.”
>>162909"What do you mean? Are there bandits on the road?"
>>162904Silver nods to Spec.
"We also need to get this pony to hospital where they can help him better. Think we can get somepony to take him there?"
>>162910"Well... Yes. And rebels against the government, sometimes, which can be the same thing."
>>162911The doctor replies:
"They evacuated the hospitals last night. Those are closed."
>>162912"Hmmm..."
The changelings were wearing clothes, right?
>>162914Silver goes to the fallen changelings, ripping off clean strips of cloth to use to at least halt the bleeding. He then brings them over to the doctor.
"It is not exactly hospital-grade, but this should keep him from bleeding to death for now. He needs proper medical attention, probably from evacuation facilities outside of city. Assuming they have set those up."
There might be a Spark tomorrow.
>>162928>Nigger dream fillyI can't argue against that.
>>162933Back to the Everfree Forest, zigger.
>>162912"But
we're against the government, won't they leave us alone then?" Amber asks, sounding dismayed.
>>162944"We represent the old government, the one they hate. If they don't know who we are, they may be friendly, or they may try to rob us regardless."
>>162915He takes the pieces and immediately applies them to the wound.
"I don't know. I'm sure the clinics are already overflowing."
He presses down on the wound to apply more pressure
"And here I thought the pause on elective surgeries meant I had a day off."
Spec comes over
"We need to reopen this road."
>>162948Silver looks over at his son and nods. He goes over to the changelings' vehicle, moving the body in the drivers seat over and putting the other body in the backseat. Once that's done, Silver tries to drive the car out of the way of the evacuating civilians.
>>162949Moving the body is inconvenient to say the least, and the door on the car does not fully close. Nevertheless, the car, needing to be moved from its position locked into the other car, moves a little to the left and across the street. There is not much room to dump off a vehicle, but fortunately parking spaces on the side of the road still exist, and it may be dumped off next to a corner drug store.
>>162948"You're right. I hadn't thought of that. Are you sure it's too late to sneak onto the next train?"
>>162950Silver just needs to move it out of the way, but maybe it would be better to be just a bit farther away from prying eyes. Silver parks the car at the drug store, and returns to see if anything else needs to be done to restore the flow of traffic.
>>162951Federklied answers instead of Helder
"It worked out
so well the last time."
Helder:
"We'd have to hide and wait them out... but if the inquisition is involved, they may be checking in Griffenhiem."
>>162952Yes. The other car is in the road.
>>162953"I thought as much. We'll have to take our chance along the road and in the swamp."
>>162953Whelp, time to move that one to the side of the road.
>>162954Helder:
“But it may be possible to wait and sneak around.”
Erich:
“I don’t intend to give the inquisition a second chance to get us. They’ll come in greater numbers next time, and won’t let us get the jump.”
>>162956"I doubt they would take one of their kind dying well…we need to head north whatever the hazards. Anything we should consider before we set out?"
>>162955Silver goes to the vehicle to see that the hood is penetrated several times, the windshield is shattered, and slumped forward over the steering wheel is a middle aged unicorn stallion. Laying back in the passenger seat is a unicorn mare, who has multiple bloody wounds. Her neck is twisted back, and to the side, with her mouth partly open and muzzle slightly off to the right of the edge of the seat.
>>162957Helder:
"Nightfall."
>>162958Oh...oh no...Silver checks for a pulse for both of the ponies.
>>162959The mare is definitely dead. The stallion seems to have a weak pulse.
>>162958"Do you mean we should go then, or that nightfall has a certain risk?"
>>162960Poor mare...he locates the wounds on the stallion and puts pressure on them to try to keep him from bleeding out completely. Silver yells out to anypony who can hear and help him.
"WE HAVE WOUNDED HERE!"
>>162961"Night gives cover" Helder says. "Both for us, and for bandits"
>>162962Spec comes over, as does the doctor. There is more than one bullet wound.
>>162963"At least we don't have much to lose to thieves. If we were weighed down with gold coins I would be more worried. And where would we hide until nightfall?"
>>162964"A barn, a farm house... here."
>>162963"He is hurt bad, help me stop bleeding." He looks over at the mare slumped over dead in the backseat. "His friend did not make it..."
>>162966The doctor leans over, and checks the stallion
[1d20 = 13] >>162967>>162966Doctor:
"Maybe... He needs emergency care to say the least."
Spec:
"We need to move this car and get traffic started."
>>162967>>162968"Then help me with this stallion."
>>162965She looks at the others. "Are you in favor of hiding there and leaving in the evening?"
>>162970[1d2 = 1][1d2 = 1][1d2 = 2]>>162969Spec and the doctor drag the stallion out of the seat. In doing so, they take along quite a bit of shattered glass. He's clearly lost a lot of blood as well, with it covering the seat.
>>162971>>162970Helder and Erich would rather hide and wait, while Federklied wants to move immediately.
>>162972"I would rather leave before they can get anywhere close, but I'll go with the judgement of you two so let's find a place to lay low."
>>162971Silver quickly moves the car out of the way after they remove the stallion, then quickly returns to help stop the stallion's bleeding.
>>162973And now the first question:
Where would Amber want to hide?
>>162974The doctor tries to stop the bleeding, doing all he can
[1d20+5 = (18+5) = 23] >>162975>>162974"He's... I wouldn't say stable, but he hasn't gone into shock" The doctor stands over the stallion.
Spec, with Silver's help, puts the car into neutral, and rolls the car out of the road.
The flow of cars is able to resume.
>>162975How big is the farmhouse? It's a more obvious place to search, whereas the barn might offer more places to hide.
>>162976Once they've pushed the car out of the way, Silver engages the car's parking brake. He turns to Spec.
"These radios, are they on closed frequency, or can we call someone for help with wounded and deceased?"
>>162977What they are in is a bit larger, although that does mean it has extra rooms.
>>162979Oh, it's the veterinarian's? Amber asks him if he would be so kind as to hide them, and if he has any hidden sheltering spots like a cubbyhole or loose floorboards.
>>162978"There's a couple channels open for the Homeguard" he answers
>>162980The griffin raises an eyebrow
"What kind of trouble did you get yourselves into? I... suppose you could stay, if for a bit to compensate the trouble. I have a few cabinets, and a loft on the north part of the building."
>>162981Silver pulls out his radio.
"We need to radio for medic. I would suggest letting them know about active Infiltrators in city, but we do not know who is listening."
>>162981>griffons have eyebrows"Is that all?" Amber sounds disappointed by the lack of secret spaces, but unwilling to appear ungrateful, she continues, "Thank you very much. We're bureaucrats of the old government, and although we haven't done anything to warrant it, we're being hounded by the police. We won't be here long at all, just a few hours."
>>162983For good measure, roll diplomacy
"Within the house, yes. This is not a smuggler's den."
>>162982And the radio is already full of chatter
"Meadowbrook bridge, almost secure. We have casualties, but the bridge is intact. Not available for through traffic right now, continue to move around."
"How long until clear?"
"Uh, a few minutes, I think."
"More shots, central plaza. Not sure if they're guarding anything. Requesting support."
"Just leave'em there."
"Has anyone heard anything out of the Regional Transport Ministry?"
"They should be evacuated like everyone else."
"Not if you want the trains to run. I'm getting silence."
"They probably left already."
"Last of the buggers on the bridge killed. They overturned a car, this may take a while. Keep traffic diverted."
It goes on like this.
>>162984Where is the group currently at?
>>162985North Cowtown. A little bit inside the city from the peninsula.
>>162984[1d20+4 = (19+4) = 23]"It wouldn't be worst thing if we split up. No offense, but I would rather shelter in the barn."
>>162986Silver calls over the radio.
"Two Infiltrators dead in North Cowtown. Traffic flow restored. Need medical for two severely wounded civilians and transport for one dead."
>>162987Now who could say no to those puppy dog eyes?
"Okay... you can stay in the barn." The veterinarian says
>>162988In answer,
"Copy that. we'll see who's around. All evacuees from there proceed towards Northpoint."
>>162989"Thank you." Presumably, the others will rather stay in the comfort of the house. Amber picks up her instruments and carries them with her to the barn, where she looks for a place out of view.
>>162989Silver motions to the traffic as he yells out.
"ALL CIVILIANS, PLEASE CONTINUE PROCEEDING TOWARDS NORTHPOINT!"
After this, he turns to the doctor.
"I am sorry to ask this of you, but do you think you can keep these two alive until medics arrive? We need to regroup with other Homeguard and help defend city."
>>162991Pedestrians simply walk across the street, turning their heads to look by with great concern at the damaged cars and at the scene. They quickly trot through the intersection. Cars need a moment to adjust to the situation, but start to speed through, and horns blare as cars try to move past pedestrians, and go north. The streets are backed up as far as Silver can see.
"I, I don't know. We need to get out o here." He says with some fear
Above, a fighter plane roars by at low altitude, going west and into the city.
>>162992Silver puts a hoof on the doctor's shoulder to calm him.
"It will be alright. There are police and Homeguard nearby to keep everypony safe, and medics will be arriving soon to help these two. You can leave if you want, but these two need help if they are to survive until medics arrive, and you are only one here who can do that."
>>162993"Uh, okay. But they need to be taken north." He says
>>162994Silver nods.
"Medics will take them north. I imagine they could also give you ride north out of city as well, if you ask."
>>162995He nods. Slowly
"Alright."
He looks down at the worse of the two ponies, and tries to apply pressure.
>>162996"I wish you luck, doc."
Silver turns to Spec.
"Alright, you are leader. Where to?"
>>162997He picks up the radio, and turns it on.
"Couple bugs cleared on Falabella. Civilian and Homeguard casualties, but traffic is moving now. Need help in north Cowtown?"
A voice replies. The accent is strong
"Buggers are comin' out like a light shined on cockroaches. We got 'em spooked. Anyone need any help?"
Reply, strange accent:
"We have attempted sabotage at the Six Sister's Oil refinery, uh, the Celestial Oil plant. Trying to cause a backup."
In a Mareland accent,
"Couple got by at WMARE Television station, eastside. Trying to sabotage communications."
>>162998"Hmm, if that oil refinery backs up, effects could be devestating. What do you think?"
Looking forward to playing again!