FoE PNP G-Platypus Session 53

[18:26] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  *****G-Platypus: The City of Broad Withers - Session 53*****
[18:26] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Favors.
[18:26] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  A mostly forgotten currency in an Equestria where ponies don't trust each other.
[18:27] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Doing something nice for somepony for an unspecified nicity in the future? Perish the thought.
[18:27] <Mister_Clacky|GM> Or perish the pony for that matter, and dead ponies don't repay fovors.
[18:28] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Still, sometimes trust grows enough so that some of the niceties of the past can be honored.
[18:28] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Nicities like favors.
[18:28] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  *****Session Start*****
[18:29] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slash waits for the ponies to gather, ready to explain what he needs done.
[18:29] * North_Star has already been gathered, and is now oggleing one of the many shotguns in stock.
[18:30] * Blackberry_Jam mills about Slash and Slag's, checking the action on her own shotgun. North_Star need look no further than her hooves.
[18:31] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Indeed, all of the ponies are near enough for him to begin. "Simplest thing ever, yeah? Got a wagon on the train. Go a couple hours south with the train, make a stop to take off the wagon, head west. You'll be taking critical supplies to a pony I know. Deadly Nightshade."
[18:32] * Scrap waits with a smile on his face. He's happy to have the group altogether again. He looks at Canary. "So, who are you?"
[18:33] * North_Star looks up at Slash, "Sounds easy enough. What's Nightshade deal in, guns n' such?"
[18:33] * Snack_Cake thinks a pony with a name like 'Deadly Nightshade' doesn't sound like a pony she wants to meet.
[18:34] * Mister_Clacky|GM Scrap might remember Canary from back when Snack_Cake was origianally chased into Railyard.
[18:34] * Blackberry_Jam lights a cigarette. She's not at all surprised that Slash knows a pony named "Deadly Nightshade." Her eyes fall on Canary, curious as to why he's still following them...
[18:35] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slash "N' such, yeah. Don't open anything. But it probably won't explode... well... except for a couple things, but they are marked."
[18:35] * North_Star pauses for a second. "How bad of an explosion?"
[18:36] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  "Not bad." Slash grins. "Small powersource. Would take a hit just right to make it unstable enough to blow, roight?"
[18:36] * Blackberry_Jam looks from North_Star, to Thunder, to Scrap. She had confidence that at least one of them wouldn't open anything... right?
[18:38] * North_Star nods slowly. "We'll make sure something's covering that crate.."
[18:38] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slash continues. "The red box is lowgrade explosives. Smolder and pop, but nothin' too lethal."
[18:40] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slag gives Thunder and Snack_Cake a wink as she moves back behind the counter. Her offer would have to be rainchecked, it appears. Snack_Cake's blush was worth making the offer though.
[18:42] * North_Star nodded again. "Sounds easy enough, the route got any history?"
[18:42] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slash looks them over. "It's all loaded up, train's ready to leave the station just as soon as you are. I'd take this myself, but Slag is ridin' gunner and we cain't both be gone."
[18:42] * Canary is presently combing his mustache idly as he listens
[18:43] * Blackberry_Jam gags internally. Moustaches... were... Kaching might have ruined facial hair for her...
[18:43] * Scrap keeps looking at Canary. "Uh, hello?"
[18:44] * Canary blinks, "Oh, you were talking to me. I'm Canary."
[18:44] * Scrap smiles again. "I'm Scrap."
[18:45] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slash takes a step toward the door. "So... any questions? Daylight's burnin'."
[18:45] * Canary nods, "Nice to meet you. Have we met before?"
[18:46] <Scrap> "I remember seeing you before, but we never talked."
[18:46] * North_Star clears his throat. "Any history behind this route, Slash?"
[18:46] * Blackberry_Jam releases the bolt catch on her shotgun. "None from me." She trails her trail across Slash's side as she steps outside. A few smoke rings float from her mouth.
[18:52] * Canary nods to Scrap, "I couldn't remember clearly, but that's nothing new for me."
[18:55] <Scrap> "That's ok. I can forget things too."
[18:56] * Canary smiles, "THanks."
[18:58] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  "History? Just I have an arrangement with them. They're friends." Slash lets his tail return Blackberry_Jam's touch as he moves through the door out into the square.
[18:58] <Scrap> "Plus, I look different than I did before. I used to be a pegasus."
[18:59] * Canary blinks, "What are you now?"
[19:01] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slash looks back to North_Star a moment, taking it to give Blackberry_Jam an affectionate nuzzle. "Any other questions before you head off?"
[19:01] <Scrap> Canary can see that he looks very much like a zebra. His stripes give way to splotched looking black spots toward his back half.
[19:01] * North_Star follows Blackberry_Jam outside, kicking a stray rock back onto the road as he passes.
[19:02] * Blackberry_Jam returns the affections, smiling and making sure not to let her cigarette touch him.
[19:02] * Canary doesn't remember ever seeing a zebra before
[19:03] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Canary would have seen the former doctor of the town, and also the zebra mare, Nyota, whom he spoke to at length and did a tarot reading. But forgetfulness is his virtue
[19:04] * Canary 's virtue is forgiveness, largely because he doesn't remember past trasgressions well enough to hold a grudge
[19:04] * Blackberry_Jam 's virtue is let's get going, dammit. "Let's get this show on the road, ponies."
[19:05] * Scrap follows whenever they start moving. He answers Canary. "I'm a zebra now. Though my stripes are weird in the back."
[19:06] * Canary nods, "Spots do make pretty wierd stripes, yes."
[19:06] * Blackberry_Jam makes a beeline for the Caravan train after saying a quiet goodbye to Slash.
[19:07] * Scrap chuckles. "You know what I mean."
[19:07] * Snack_Cake waves goodbye to Slash and Slag as she heads off to follow Blackberry_Jam.
[19:08] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slash gives a quick wave and disappears into the store. Slag comes out after a moment in combat armor, her energy pistol in it's chest holster. She joins them at the caravan's train.
[19:09] * Canary raises an eyebrow at Scrap, "Why does everyone always assume that?"
[19:09] * Blackberry_Jam blinkies. "Didn't think you'd be joining us, Slag..." She looks over at Canary. "Or you..."
[19:10] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The half dozen pullers are stretching and preparing for the run out in front of the train. Mush is with them, Jimmy sitting near by talking at blistering speed as she prepares to go off to work.
[19:11] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slag nods. "Red Dot took a bad fall last run, they need somepony to ride gun, and Slash is a piss shot." She shrugs. "So it gets to be me."
[19:12] <Scrap> "Oh, sorry. I was raised by a zebra, I forget that not everyone else has seen any before."
[19:12] * Snack_Cake is a bit surprised, too.
[19:12] * Canary taps his head, "Memory loss. I might have seen one before for all I know."
[19:13] * Blackberry_Jam forces a smile. "Just, eh, be careful, all right?"
[19:13] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The train itself consists of a long harness system at the front for the pullers to strap into. A heavy metal wedge at the front that looks like it can take a shot or be a battering ram is supported by a pair of underslung wheels.
[19:14] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  There are three cars behind them. A cargo container with some kind of... thing... mounted on top, their lifeblood refrigerator car in the middle, and the flatbed with the wagon strapped to it at the rear.
[19:16] * Blackberry_Jam climbs on the train on the flatbed and sits on the edge, weapon in her lap.
[19:17] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slag climbs up on the first car. She hollars out, "Turret Test! Watch your heads!" She climbs into an odd metal sphere toward the front of the first car.
[19:19] * Canary goes cross-eyed trying to look at his own head
[19:20] * Scrap looks at Canary, not sure if he should say something. "Are you alright?"
[19:20] * Blackberry_Jam ducks down a little, glancing up towards Slag on the turret.
[19:20] * Canary blinks, uncrossing his eyes, "Trying to figure out how to watch my head. Maybe I can watch yours instead, and you can watch mine."
[19:20] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slag starts manipulating levers and the sphere lifts, attached to a repurposed bucket lift. The articulated arm swivels around, lifting and leaning this way and that as she checks all the hydrolics. The end is capped in an armored bubble, a quartet of miniguns mounted around it.
[19:24] <Scrap> "Um, I've never heard it phrased like that before. I've always heard 'I'll watch your back.' But sure, I'll watch out for you, if you watch out for me."
[19:24] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  There's a loud mechanical whir as she spools up the guns. She doesn't fire. Slag hangs in a harness inside the mostly 'bulletproof' glass bubble. She opens the hatch. "All clear! Strap on! Let
[19:24] * Canary points to Slag, "She said wat h heads, not back."
[19:25] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  's get moving!"
[19:28] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The pullers strap in, Mush giving her son a big hug and telling him if he gets crushed while she's gone she'll tan his hide before she gets situated. The half-dozen heavy pullers flip up some armor plate on their outsides for protection and then lean in. The caravan starts to inch forward, gaining speed as they pull.
[19:30] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The group sit on the flatbed by the wagon as they reach a good speed. Visibility isn't that good, but it's not a bad ride. They are quickly farther south than they've ever been, together anyway.
[19:32] * Snack_Cake sits snuggled up next to Thunder while they ride.
[19:35] * Canary engages Scrap in conversation, "So how come you're not a pegasus anymore if you were before?"
[19:40] * North_Star and his rifle keep watch over the passing scenery, north occasionally keeping his hat on his head with a hoof.
[19:40] * Scrap smiles again, just happy to be having a nice conversation. "I died and came back."
[19:43] * Canary whistles, "That's pretty impressive. How's you manage it?"
[19:46] * Scrap tilts his head, trying to think. "I don't know actually. I was dead and then they showed up somehow and then when we left, Splotches said I could come back in his body."
[19:47] * Canary nods, "Who's Splotches?"
[19:49] * North_Star huffs at the lack of anything interesting to look at and turns to Snack_Cake, "Hey, you alright back there, Cap?"
[19:49] <Scrap> "He was the town's doctor."
[19:54] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The scenery moves by at a quick pace as they talk.
[19:58] * Snack_Cake is resting with Thunder. She nods at North_Star. "Maybe just a little tired. It's been... pretty hectic."
[20:00] * Canary nods to Scrap, "What happened to him then?"
[20:01] * North_Star slowly nods. "Yeah, sure has.." He keeps his eyes forward, towards the wasteland. "Fair to say this isn't the most normal caravan I've been aboard."
[20:04] <Scrap> "He passed on."
[20:09] * Snack_Cake nods again. "I'm a little worried... but we should be fine, right?
[20:09] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  They've been moving a while now. The ruined buildings seem to be getting taller. Snack_Cake's PipBuck lights a moment before a voice speaks out. "Snack_Cake 'D', you are being logged as entering the Downtown district."
[20:11] * North_Star was about to answer, until Snack's PipBuck spoke up. "Right.. That thing.."
[20:11] * Snack_Cake jumps a little bit in surprise. It's been a while since she's heard that voice. She mutters a quiet, "Oh no..." She doesn't really want to talk to him right now.
[20:12] * North_Star pats Snack_Cake's back. "Relax. He said 'logged', I'm sure it's just a bureacrat thing."
[20:13] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  TOMs artificial sounding voice continues. "Logging Snack_Cake 'D' as an available asset in district 'Downtown'."
[20:13] * Snack_Cake doesn't like the sound of that.
[20:14] * Canary nods, "I see. THat's too bad."
[20:15] * North_Star blinked. "Right.." Then he got an idea. "Hey, maybe he's got an eye on the route we're on."
[20:21] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  TOM's voice returns a few moments after his last. "Waht is your status, Snack_Cake 'D'?"
[20:22] * Scrap smiles at Canary. "Yeah, but he does get to be with his family now. And, I'm thankful for him giving me a second chance. I have to make sure to make the most of it."
[20:23] * Canary nods, "Always. My amnesia is sort of like a new lease as well."
[20:23] * Snack_Cake doesn't respond right away. She's dreading what he's going to tell her, but she has to say /something/ or maybe he'd do something even worse... She sighs. "...What do you want, TOM?"
[20:24] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  TOM replies, "Status update. What is your status and availability."
[20:24] <Scrap> "Do you think something bad happend to you before?"
[20:25] * Snack_Cake frowns. "Busy. I'm doing something important right now, TOM..."
[20:27] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  "Understood. No priority missions at this time. Do you require assistance?"
[20:30] * Snack_Cake sighs again. She glances at North_Star for a moment before responding, "...Do you have information about the area?"
[20:32] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  "Yes. Specific inquiry?"
[20:33] * North_Star looks up at Snack_Cake. "Let's try recent movement, mostly of groups and particularly large.. Things.'
[20:38] * Snack_Cake nods and repeats the question for TOM. "Any groups moving around together? Anything big... and possibly dangerous?"
[20:40] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  "No riot level activity detected. Citizenry acting within acceptable paramaters."
[20:43] * North_Star tilts his head and scratches his chin. "Well, take it with a grain of salt, no idea how accurate that could be."
[20:44] * Snack_Cake nods. "Well... thanks, TOM. Keep watching for that, alright?"
[20:46] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  "Affirmative. Logging request. Logging resource for second tier objectives at availability. Adding Snack_Cake 'D'
[20:46] <Mister_Clacky|GM>   to queue for evaluations."
[20:47] * Scrap falls silent. Canary must want to think.
[20:48] * Snack_Cake likes the sound of that even less.
[20:50] * North_Star doesn't like it either, "Well.. Could be worse.
[20:51] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The train starts to slow as they take a bend. It comes to a stop.
[20:52] * North_Star snaps to attention, looking around.
[20:56] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The turrent arm rotates and stretches over the refrigerator car. Slag hops out. "This is your stop."
[21:08] * Canary thinks about candy bars
[21:08] * Scrap walks over and sits next to Blackberry_Jam.
[21:13] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slag shimmies down the side of the refrigerator car and moves to the back of the flatbed car. She unlatches the back and kicks down the ramp. She looks over to Snack_Cake. "Lemme put the location on your PipBuck before you head out."
[21:13] * Blackberry_Jam looks up at Scrap. "What's up, Scrap?"
[21:13] * Scrap smiles. "Just happy to be back."
[21:13] * Snack_Cake nods and holds out her hoof for Slag.
[21:14] * Thunder_Strike is hoovering above everyone now.
[21:16] * North_Star makes sure his rifle is set before checking on the wagon.
[21:16] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slag looks up with mischief as she holds Snack_Cake's hoof. She looks between her and Thunder_Strike. "When you guys get back, you can always stay with me."
[21:18] * Thunder_Strike flys down to hug Slag. "Thanks." She says before flying back up keeping a watch out.
[21:19] * Snack_Cake is still way too embarrassed to ever agree to that. But she'd follow Thunder_Strike to the ends of Equestria... so she can follow her to Slag's place. She thinks.
[21:21] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slag chuckles. "You cuties just stay safe, alright?" She walks past, giving Snack_Cake a mischievious, whiplike smack on the flank with her tail.
[21:22] * Blackberry_Jam smiles right back. "Well... It's... good to have you back. We need all the level heads we can get on this venture..."
[21:23] * Thunder_Strike looks down at Snack_Cake. "You alright?"
[21:24] * Snack_Cake jumps in surprise and backs a bit away. She gives a little sheepish grin. "Just... a little surprised. And embarrassed. That's all." She sticks next to Thunder as she hops off to join the others.
[21:25] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slag climbs back up and gets in her ball. It tracks around to look out over where they are heading, just in case there was trouble nearby. The wagon is tied down, it won't take long to undo. It was heavy for Slash, so both yokes might need to be used to pull it.
[21:27] * North_Star whistled to the rest for help with the wagon.
[21:28] * Thunder_Strike hugs Snack_cake softly. "Dont be embarrassed. Even if we do go visit slag. It doesnt neccesarily mean we're gonna do what your thinking about." She says trying to cheer her up.
[21:31] * Snack_Cake returns Thunder_Strike's hug. "I just... don't know if I'm comfortable with another pony."
[21:31] * Blackberry_Jam nods to Scrap. "Let's chat up front."
[21:35] * Scrap nods. "Ok."
[21:39] * Snack_Cake trots over toward the front with the others. "What can I do to help?"
[21:41] * Blackberry_Jam slips into a harness and adjusts it accordingly. "There's only two yolks, Snack. North and I can handle it."
[21:43] * Scrap is walking to the yolk when Berry says that.  He looks at North_Star to see if he wants to pull.
[21:45] * North_Star looks over at Scrap. "I'll pull if you don't want to, Bucko."
[21:46] <Scrap> "Well, I thought maybe Berry and I could talk."
[21:47] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slag calls out from her turret. "Make sure you put the ramp up when you get the wagon off! I don't wanna have to come back down there!"
[21:47] * Snack_Cake gives a little frown. "Oh... alright. Is there anything else I could do?"
[21:49] * North_Star looks between Berry and Scrap. "Alright, have at it then." He says as me moves to get the wagon ready to move.
[21:50] * Scrap smiles as he straps himself in.
[21:51] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The knots come off quickly and they soon have the wagon off and the ramp raised. The pullers start moving the train, it quickly gains steam and starts moving away. Snack_Cake's PipBuck shows they should head due west.
[21:51] * Thunder_Strike looks at Snack_Cake and whispers. "Then we won't go stay the night. You can have me all to yourself." She says smiling. Then goes to help anyway she could.
[21:53] * North_Star pats Snack_Cake on the back. "You've got the map, you stick towards the front."
[21:55] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  They continue moving along the marked path. A few things move in the shadows, but nothing approaches them. The ruins here are taller than in the north, blocking out more of the sky. Thick black lines trace paths along some of the surviving structures. The Critter frees itself from Thunder_Strike's bag and flies alongside her.
[21:58] * North_Star takes the vantage point of atop the cargo, shooting glances at the shadows around.
[22:00] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Snack_Cake's PipBuck crackles. " Snack_Cake 'D'. Tagging Delta priority mission at marked location."
[22:01] * North_Star snaps his attention towards Snack_Cake, wondering what TOM is going on about now.
[22:02] * Snack_Cake gives a sigh and checks her PipBuck map again.
[22:05] * Thunder_Strike looks at the nameless critter a moment then back out to the surroundings.
[22:05] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Snack_Cake can see a marker placed southwest of their current destination.
[22:08] * Snack_Cake glances worriedly at North_Star and Thunder_Strike. "He's put a marker on my map..."
[22:09] * North_Star looks back up at the area around them. "Task at hoof, Snack."
[22:10] * Scrap looks over at Blackberry_Jam as they walk. "So, are you feeling better?"
[22:11] * Thunder_Strike looks at Snack_Cake then flys down to her.
[22:12] * Blackberry_Jam nods slowly. "I finally got some alone time. I... I feel amazing."
[22:14] * Snack_Cake isn't suggesting they go see what it is... she's asking what she should do! Whenever TOM directs them somewhere, it's almost always bad...
[22:14] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The location marked is somewhat close to where they are going, but farther. It looks like more information on the 'mission' would be a click away.
[22:15] * Scrap 's smile widens. "That's good. I'm glad I could keep them away from you so that you could have it."
[22:16] * Blackberry_Jam chuckles softly, hiding a frown. He wasn't there for her episode... Best keep it that way.
[22:19] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The group soldiers on. It's starting to turn to dusk, the grey of the daytime sky darkening.
[22:20] * Blackberry_Jam ends in a smile that's a bit genuine. "Thank you for that, Scrap. It means the world to me."
[22:21] <Scrap> "If there's any other way I can help you, let me know."
[22:22] * Blackberry_Jam 's smile widens around her cigarette. "I will."
[22:23] * Snack_Cake hestantly checks what TOM wants her to do.
[22:24] * North_Star keeps his sharp vigil, looking around as the wagon rolls along.
[22:25] <Canary> Canary perks his head up, having been dozing off, "Are we there yet?"
[22:25] * Blackberry_Jam takes an uneccessary look around. "No."
[22:26] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Snack_Cake reads that there has been an unauthorized attempt to enter a Prism storage space at the location. Investigating the space is a delta level priority mission.
[22:26] * North_Star looks over at Canary. "'Ey. Don't think we've met properly before.
[22:26] * Thunder_Strike lands next to snack_cake. " you ok? Youu seem more nervous than usual."
[22:27] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The critter lands on Snack_Cake's back, joining her with Thunder_Strike
[22:27] <Canary> Canary looks at North_Star, "Nor do I. Name's Canary."
[22:28] * Snack_Cake shows Thunder_Strike the map marker and the description of the 'mission'. "This is what has me worried."
[22:29] * North_Star nods. "North Star. You any good in a scrape?"
[22:29] * Thunder_Strike looks at it. " oh. Your pipbuck is still tied into the prism network?"
[22:30] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The group can see the buildings open out. There is the remains of a park up ahead. The map would indicate that their destination is at the top of the rise in the distance. A old brick structure can just be made out at this distance.
[22:30] <Scrap> "Hey Blackberry_Jam, did you save anything of mine? North gave me some stuff, but he didn't give me my cloak or the Lord of the Reins."
[22:31] * Blackberry_Jam blinks slowly. "If I recall... were buried you with your cloak." She grows somber. "Didn't expect you to need it again."
[22:32] * North_Star breaks the conversation to get up on his hind hooves and take a look around the new surroundings.
[22:32] * Scrap smiles and nods. "I understand. And, thank you. It was nice of you to stitch my head back on and bury me. I might not have had my head in the spirit world if you hadn't." He chuckles a bit.
[22:33] * Blackberry_Jam gives a wry smile. "Yeah... As for the Lord of the Reins, I put it on the bookshelf back in the car. Should be there when we get back."
[22:33] * Canary nods to North_Star, "Yes." He gestures to the Brush Gun on his back, and the blades on his forelegs.
[22:35] * Snack_Cake nods to Thunder_Strike. "Yeah... it's this." She indicates the PCI module plugged into the PipBuck. "I can't get it out, no matter how hard I try."
[22:36] * Thunder_Strike thinks. " we could look into that when we get this task done with.
[22:37] * Scrap smiles and nods again. "I'll get it when we get back."
[22:41] * Blackberry_Jam spits out her spent cigarette. "So... why's Canary here? I figured he'd gotten out while he still could..."
[22:42] * North_Star looks down at the front of the wagon at the mention of Canary. "You've met before?"
[22:42] * Canary looks to Blackberry_Jam, "I'm here because... I dunno. Just seemed like a place to be."
[22:43] * Blackberry_Jam didn't know they were being eavesdropped on! "We met him before we met you. He helped us.... Well, Snack, out of a jam in the graveyard." She says the last part quietly. She levels her eyes at Canary. "And promptly disappeared."
[22:43] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Those looking toward the hill can see a few forms moving quickly into the building. Blackberry_Jam's eyes catch sight of a hooded and cloaked figure moving down, sticking to cover through an old playground
[22:45] * Blackberry_Jam turns to Scrap quickly. "Hold up... Somepony's moving." She sloooowly undoes her harness, shrugging off the yoke. Se stares at the last place she saw the figure. "That way..."
[22:45] * North_Star got off his behind, taking his rifle in his hooves. He follows Berry's stare and brings the rifle sights up to get a better look.
[22:45] * Scrap follows suit, looking in the indecated direction.
[22:47] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  They've stopped the wagon right before the park. There is a voice that calls out from hiding up at the playground where Blackberry_Jam saw the figure duck. "I don't know you, but I know the wagon. What do you want!"
[22:47] * Blackberry_Jam calls back. "Just passing through... Does this wagon normally want something?"
[22:49] * Snack_Cake doesn't see anything! She still looks around though, a little confused and nervous.
[22:50] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Snack_Cake may not see anything, but looking at the PipBuck she can tell this is the marked destination from Slash and Slag. The female voice responses, it sounds angry or on edge. "How'd you get the wagon!"
[22:51] * Blackberry_Jam frowns. "Slash, from Railyard, sent us to deliver some guns and explosives, if you have to know." It may not occur to the angry mare, but she is wearing Hack's courier scarf.
[22:51] * Snack_Cake turns on her EFS. This sounds like trouble. "Berry... this is the place."
[22:52] * North_Star takes the hint, lowering his rifle.
[22:53] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  "Guns and explosives?" The voice sounds confused. "How do I know you're from Railyard?"
[22:54] * Blackberry_Jam tugs the scarf around her neck. "This, maybe? How do you want us to prove it?"
[22:54] * North_Star leans against one of the crates, "We're looking for a 'Deadly Nightshade', you know 'er?"
[22:55] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  "Railyard doesn..." She pauses when she hears North_Star. "I do. It's me. So... Slash gave you my name?"
[22:55] * North_Star nods. "Little hard to bring something to somepony without a name."
[22:56] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The shadow in the playground steps a bit closer, black on black, an outline againstthe darkness.
[22:56] * Snack_Cake adds, "We're here to protect the wagon! They needed the help for this run..."
[22:56] * Blackberry_Jam frowns a little. "Yeah. I owed Slash a favor, and here we are. Are you allowed to tell us what you're doing with all these?"
[22:57] * Canary looks at Blackberry_Jam, "I did disappear. Can't really say why, but it seemed more pertinent at the time. Now I'm back and this feels like it's important."
[22:58] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  A young mare, fifteen or sixteen steps out from the darkness. She's black, almost to the point of being blue. A shock of bright green mane peeks out from under her black cloak.
[22:59] * Blackberry_Jam dismisses Canary's delayed response. "Sure, sure." She looks this mare over, reminded of Slash's old color. "So... here you go?"
[22:59] * Snack_Cake is a little concerned. This mare seemed a bit young to be getting a shipment of weapons...
[23:00] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The mare bites her lip. "Can you bring it up? I can't really pull it myself."
[23:00] * Blackberry_Jam slips back into the harness and nods. "So, let me ask again, what are you doing with all these, exactly?"
[23:01] * North_Star settles his hoof onhis rifle again, looking up towards the building again.
[23:01] * Scrap straps in again, ready to pull.
[23:02] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  She starts heading up the hill. "He always sends us stuff this time of year." As the group follows here, a large shape disappears behind the house at the top of the hill.
[23:03] * Blackberry_Jam repeates. "And what do you do with it?" She asks, nodding to Scrap and pulling.
[23:03] * North_Star steadies himself as the wagon is pulled again, keeping watch on the building.
[23:03] * Scrap starts pulling.
[23:06] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Deadly looks back. "I pass it out." She scampers up toward the building. When Snack_Cake looks at her EFS, she can see the young mare showing green, and quite a few other green signals coming from the direction of the house.
[23:06] * Blackberry_Jam raises a brow. "To... whom?"
[23:08] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Deadly smiles. "To all of them." She knocks on the door. "It's friends, open up." There's a sound of a latch sliding open and the door cracks. "Come on in." She slides into the lit interior.
[23:09] * Snack_Cake is a little bit calmer now. She's definitely relieved that they're not dangerous ponies!
[23:09] * Blackberry_Jam can't exactly follow... Is the door large enough?
[23:10] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Blackberry_Jam and Scrap would have to unhook from the wagon. It's a normal doorway. The invitation seemed to be for all of the group.
[23:12] * Blackberry_Jam does so, following them in. Her weapon is still on her back, safety on, though.
[23:12] * North_Star hopped down from the wagon, glancing over at Deadly before following Blackberry_Jam inside.
[23:14] * Scrap follows Blackberry_Jam because that's what this group does.
[23:15] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Inside is one large room. A table is sat in the middle, long enough to seat two dozen ponies. Bunkbeds line the sides and there's a well-built kitchen nook to the side. There's over a dozen foals inside, varying greatly in age. Deadly levitates her cloak from her, a large red vegetable prominently displayed on her flank with a big green leaf sticking fromthe stem. "Best behavior, we have guest!"
[23:16] * Snack_Cake heads on inside, tugging Thunder_Strike behind her. When she sees all the foals inside, she goes wide-eyed.
[23:16] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Outside, Snack_Cake, Thunder_Strike, and Canary can see a large something looming in the darkness and heading back toward them.
[23:16] * Scrap looks around. She gives foals the weapons?
[23:17] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Snack_Cake and Thunder_Strike saw that jsut as they entered.
[23:17] * North_Star tilts his head, looking around. "So... Orphanage?" He guessed, looking over at Deadly.
[23:18] * Snack_Cake stops and looks back.
[23:18] * Blackberry_Jam rubs her neck. "Foal soldiers...?"
[23:19] <Scrap> "Do you give them the weapons?"
[23:21] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Deadly tilts her head. "I don't know what you're talking about with all this gun talk." She turns back to the foals. "Let's see those teeth. You should all have brushed by now." The foals line up in a semicircle and smile so she can walk and check each one. It is nearly bedtime for them.
[23:21] * Canary blinks at that, "Wait, foal soldiers? Who uses foals as soldiers?"
[23:22] * Scrap blinks. "We brought you weapons though... right?"
[23:22] * Blackberry_Jam is thoroughly puzzled. What kind of orphanage needs weapons-grade explosives?
[23:23] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Deadly finishes with the foals. She turns back as heavy metallic footfalls can be heard passing by the door.
[23:23] * North_Star looks over his shoulder, wondering what the noise is about.
[23:24] * Thunder_Strike stands next to snack cake staying quoet for now.
[23:24] * Scrap looks back. That sounded like someone in a heavier armor.
[23:24] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  She looks to Scrap and Canary. "Shhhh!" She turns back to the foals. "Is everypony ready for bed?" The mass gives a range of responses from "Yes, Miss." to "Sleep is stupid!" North_Star just catches the tail end of something large and robotic move past.
[23:25] * North_Star blinks, but shrugs it off for now, reasoning that it shouldn't be anything to fret over since no one has so far.
[23:26] * Snack_Cake is a little bit more nervous, again. She does think the foals are adorable, though.
[23:28] * Scrap still looks at the door. It did move past though.
[23:28] * Blackberry_Jam looks over her shoulder, too. What was everypony looking at?
[23:29] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Deadly looks them over. "Alright, before we go to bed though, everypony close your eyes. No peeking." She trots back through the group to the doorway. Her horn lights and boxes start levitating in. Notibly the one with the power source and the red one aren't among them. She places a box in front of each foal.
[23:30] * Scrap watches the boxes move past and keeps out of their way.
[23:32] * Blackberry_Jam watches intently... What the hell was going on here?
[23:32] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The foals fidget nervously. Another pair of boxes is floated to the center of the table. "Remember! No peeking! I'm watching you Nimble Noose!" The chastised colt covers his eyes better. Deadly moves over to one of the boxes. She motions to the other. "Somepony be a peach and open that one."
[23:33] * North_Star steps forward, moving to the other box.
[23:35] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  When North_Star opens it, he finds an array of pointed paper hats and such. Deadly opens her box and discards it levitating out a large cake. Her magic grabs at North_Star's box and places a colorful cloth down and a pointed hat at each seat. Small plates float over from the kitchen. "Open you eyes everypony. Happy Birthday!"
[23:36] * North_Star takes a step back, letting what just happened sink in while something of a smile broke out on his face.
[23:37] * Scrap smiles at the scene. Birthdays are fun.
[23:38] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The foals open their eyes and begin to maul the boxes. Two or three toys in each box.
[23:39] * Blackberry_Jam blinks. She blinks a lot... "Toys..."
[23:40] * North_Star starts lowly chuckling. "A birthday. We just delievered a birthday."
[23:40] * Snack_Cake is definitely surprised. But she smiles. A birthday?
[23:40] * Canary looks relieved
[23:40] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Deadly looks over to them. "And you were almost late."
[23:41] * North_Star rubs the back of his head. "Well, we had to settle some things before leaving. Sorry."
[23:43] * Blackberry_Jam 's face is grinning wide. "Beautiful."
[23:43] * Thunder_Strike looks at the foals and giggles.
[23:44] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Deadly smiles and clears her thoat. A serving knife levitates in her grasp. "I don't suppose anypony wants cake?" A chorus of 'Me!'s erupt.
[23:48] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Deadly starts cutting the cake and preparing the place settings. "Have you all eaten yet? I can offer you a real meal, or cake." She smiles back at the group. The loud trundling gait passes by the door again.
[23:48] * Blackberry_Jam raises a brow. "I think some food could do us good."
[23:49] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Deadly nods. "Cake or something more substantial?" She sets out another placesetting.
[23:50] * Snack_Cake giggles a bit. She loves this bit of happiness they brought to these foals! "I'd love to stay for a while!" She smiles at the mare. "I can help you make something, if you need me to!"
[23:51] * North_Star looks over at the cake, "I think I'd like a bit of cake, personally."
[23:51] * Scrap is smiling wide at the thought of having some cake.
[23:52] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Deadly cuts the large sheetcake into enough for everypony to have a slice. They are even rather sizable! "Plenty of pure water to go with it, spigot's in the kitchen."
[23:53] * North_Star takes a slice for himself, "Thank you kindly, Ma'am."
[23:54] * Canary smiles, "I like cake."
[23:54] * Blackberry_Jam bows. "Anything more substantial?"
[23:54] * Thunder_Strike smiles and takes the slice aswell. " yes thank you."
[23:56] * Scrap happily takes his. "Thanks!"
[23:56] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Deadly nods. Once the foals and guests are served she waves Blackberry_Jam over to the cupboard. "We've got plenty of vegetables from the guarden." She opens it, showing off plenty of vegetables. The tomatoes look particularly big and juicy.
[23:56] * Blackberry_Jam takes an offered tomato and chomps right into it.
[23:59] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Blackberry_Jam finds it to be amazingly tasty and radiation free!
[23:59] * North_Star digs into his slice of cake.
[23:59] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The foals are very busy digging messily into their cake.
[00:00] * Scrap digs into his cake as well.
[00:00] * Snack_Cake gladly has a slice of cake. And maybe some vegetables. She is curious though... "You grow your own vegetables?"
[00:01] * Blackberry_Jam smiles, her mouth full of tomato. "Delicious."
[00:01] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Deadly nods. "Yep. Full garden. We've got a well, water comes up clean and radiation free."
[00:02] * North_Star nods. "Impressive."
[00:02] * Thunder_Strike smiles. "Neat." She is still with Snack_Cake
[00:04] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  There's a bit of a commotion when one of the colts steals a bite of a younger filly's plate, but one of the older foals baps him on theback of the head and gives the filly a portion of their cake to quiet her tears. Deadly starts pumping water, getting cool, clear, unradiated water for everypony.
[00:04] * Blackberry_Jam swallows the remains of the tomato and looks around at the foals. "This is really something, Ms. Nightshade."
[00:05] * Snack_Cake isn't sure about asking this, but... "Do you think... we might be able to have some seeds? I cook, but it's hard to find decent ingredients."
[00:06] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Deadly smiles. "Sure, I can spare some. Get seeds out of everything we eat, right?"
[00:08] * Snack_Cake smiles. "Thank you! You're very generous!"
[00:08] * Thunder_Strike finished the slice a cake. " that was a good cake."
[00:08] <Canary> Canary enjoys his share
[00:08] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The foals seem to agree, their cake disappearing fast. They dive back on the toys, playing amongst themselves.
[00:09] * North_Star finished his slice of cake as well, looking over at the foals again.
[00:10] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Deadly shakes her head. "Think nothing of it. I mean it, we really /do/ get plenty of seeds from all the vegetables we eat, and we've been storing since my grandmother took over this place."
[00:13] * Blackberry_Jam rolls her shoulders. "I figure there's some way to repay you for this... Any medical emergencies?"
[00:17] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Deadly waves a hoof dismissively. "You're doing if for Slash, yeah? We don't need any repayment for that. We're the ones who are thankful." She turns to the playing foals. "Alright! Let's go outside!"
[00:18] * Snack_Cake is with Blackberry_Jam on this. "You're sure? We /want/ to help."
[00:19] * Blackberry_Jam nods, smirking. "And I must say, proper teeth brushing is impressive."
[00:19] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Deadly smiles, ushering the foals outside. "I won't turn down help, that's for sure, but you don't /owe/ us." She heads outside, levitating the big red box off the wagon.
[00:21] * North_Star turns and follows the young crowd of foals outside.
[00:22] * Thunder_Strike thought it was the foals bed time. But she doesnt question and follows too.
[00:22] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Around the outside of the building a large robot is heading up toward them. It's got six heavily armored legs and an torso that rises up. A pair of thick arms hang off it's thick chest. It looks vaguely like a preying mantis, but with real arms instead of scything blades.
[00:23] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Deadly levitates the red box over to the robot, who takes it and turns to head back down the hill a ways.
[00:25] * Snack_Cake watches the robot in awe.
[00:26] * North_Star looks up at the robot, then over to Deadly once again. "Friend of yours?"
[00:26] * Blackberry_Jam turns to see this robot, and is... well... certainly impressed. Shocked maybe? "That's... wow..."
[00:27] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Deadly nods. "A mutual friend fixed it up to protect the place." There's a high-pitched shriek of feedback and then the robot starts playing a recording of the happy birthday song.
[00:27] * Scrap watches it "sing" with his jaw a little slack.
[00:28] * North_Star winces at the sound of feedback, "Well then, not a bad setup."
[00:28] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  At the end of the song, there is a spark near the box. A moment later the box starts spewing fireworks up into the sky. The foals ooo and ahhh.
[00:31] * Blackberry_Jam chuckles a little. "Does it have a name?"
[00:32] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Deadly smiles, watching the fireworks herself. "Nanny."
[00:32] * Blackberry_Jam wouldn't think of "Nanny" for an semi-exploding praying mantis robot.
[00:32] * North_Star keeps himself from laughing too loudly.
[00:32] * Thunder_Strike watches the display then nudges Snacky. "Whered uh... the critter go." She asks then adds. " he/she really needs a name
[00:33] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  It /does/ need a name! It had been sticking to Snack_Cake's back, but has ended up back in Thunder_Strike's pack at the sounds of the fireworks.
[00:34] * Thunder_Strike looks back at the pack feeling weight in it now. "You ok little guy?"
[00:35] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  When Thunder_Strike peeks in, he's got his wings up over his ears.
[00:35] * Snack_Cake leans against Thunder_Strike. "At first I just kinda thought we'd all get together and think of one... but it just sort of slipped my mind."
[00:37] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The box of fireworks soon blasts itself out. Nanny starts ambling back up the hill, discarding the box. Deadly looks to the foals. "Alright, my little ponies, time for bed. Off you go!" They complain a bit, but obey.
[00:38] * Thunder_Strike smiles then looks at snacky. "He doesnt like the noise though."
[00:39] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Deadly smiles as the last of the foals make their way inside. She watches them into bed, each makes a stop to pick up a new favorite toy to take with them. She looks back at the group. "We've got plenty of beds, they might look a bit small, but they work just fine for ponies up to Slash's size. You shouldn't travel this late at night."
[00:40] * Blackberry_Jam smiles as the foals scamper off, nodding sagely. "That's very kind of you."
[00:40] * North_Star tips his hat. "Thank you, Ma'am. It's appreciated."
[00:41] * Snack_Cake smiles right back at Thunder_Strike.
[00:41] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  "Friends of Slash and Slag are friends of ours." She leads the way back in, yawning herself. She quickly points to several open beds and slips into one herself.
[00:42] * Thunder_Strike looks at snacky. "How about fidget?" She says following them inside
[00:42] * Scrap smiles at her. "You're a nice person, Deadly. Thank you."
[00:43] * Snack_Cake glances at Blackberry_Jam, then back at Thunder_Strike. "Well... I was thinking it should be something Berry would like. To help her get along with him better."
[00:44] * North_Star hangs his hat on one of the bed posts and gets himself set to turn in for the night.
[00:44] * Blackberry_Jam flops down in one, smiling.
[00:45] * Snack_Cake lies down with Thunder_Strike as they talk.
[00:45] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Snack_Cake and Thunder_Strike would find that a /very/ tight squeeze. They are, after all, hardly bigger than a foal's bed. They are bunkbeds though, so they could easily do top and bottom.
[00:46] * Thunder_Strike lies in the bed nearest hers. yeah I guess.
[00:47] * Snack_Cake woud gladly take a bottom bunk. Thunder_Strike can fly so a top bunk is easy for her!
[00:47] * Scrap finds a bed for himself and lies down. This turned out to be a nice day.
[00:48] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The group can hear steady plodding of mechanical steps outside the building. There's a slight squelch as Nanny's speakers come on. Music starts to play. "Hush now, quiet now..."
[00:48] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  *****Session End*****
[00:49] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  1000 xp for the delivery. The group gains 1 karma for bringing the party.