Fallout: Beyond Equestria 71: The Top of the World (Part 13)

[2014-01-29 13:11:54] <Kkat> 3You are lead to where another ghoul lays on a bed, looking more irritated than sick.  A few other ponies hover about her with concerned expressions -- the caravan seems to have about ten ponies, including the ghouls and the foal.
[2014-01-29 13:12:02] <Kkat> 3Get_Lost approaches the ghoul "good morning, miss... how are we doing?" smiles friendly and studies the reaction
[2014-01-29 13:12:14] <Kkat> 3Noble_Heart stays back, allowing those better skilled with these things to deal with this.
[2014-01-29 13:12:22] <Kkat> 3The ghoul pegasus rasps.  She seems unable to speak.
[2014-01-29 13:12:31] <Kkat> 3CopyCat looks up at the Celestia statue, and smiles. "These are good ponies. I feel happy with them near." She closes her eyes, and takes a deep breath. CC is surrounded by bright, golden magic. "Like a warm breeze on a sunny day," she says, in Celestia's voice.
[2014-01-29 13:12:36] <Kkat> 3Bookwright "Well, I'll be danged. It's Ditzy Doo."
[2014-01-29 13:12:42] <Kkat> 3Noble_Heart frowns. "We are still concerned. But uncertain how to help on Our own..."
[2014-01-29 13:12:48] <Kkat> 3Bookwright "...Hold on, where's the Element? Where's the Element of Laughter?"
[2014-01-29 13:12:54] <Kkat> 3Shatara looks into the ghoul mare's eyes. His eyes drift to match hers.
[2014-01-29 13:13:01] <Kkat> 3Ditzy Do frowns, then stares down, looking deeply sad.
[2014-01-29 13:13:12] <Kkat> 3Lionheart answers loudly, "Somewhere in the zebra lands.  She told us it just... opened and fell off as she was flying.  We couldn't find it."
[2014-01-29 13:13:18] <Kkat> 3Noble_Heart blinks and frowns. "That is... Troubling. To say the least." She wasn't sure what that meant. She wasn't certain anyone would be sure what that meant.
[2014-01-29 13:13:24] <Kkat> 3"We have tried to tell her it mean's nothing," he booms.  "It does not mean she has become a bad pony."  To Ditzy, he insists, "You are still my star!"
[2014-01-29 13:13:30] <Kkat> 3Bookwright "I... have no idea what that could mean. Perhaps it found another bearer? The Elements of Harmony are an impenetrable mystery. I suppose Celestia might be able to tell us why. Hum."
[2014-01-29 13:13:36] <Kkat> 3Lionheart crouches down before her and nuzzles lovingly.  Everyone else watches on, their expressions betraying a dying of hope.
[2014-01-29 13:14:03] <Kkat> 3Fallout: Beyond Equestria, Session Seventy-One: The Top of the World (Part Thirteen) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LETrhOP90p4
[2014-01-29 13:14:11] <Kkat> 3--- Session Begins ---
[2014-01-29 13:14:58] <Kkat> 3A ghostly, constumed pony swoops in next to Golden_Dream and stares at the ghoul pegasus in front of them.  "...Whoa!..."
[2014-01-29 13:16:21] * Golden_Dream had been silent until now, mostly because of the shock that she wasn't immediately screwed. And then a few more minutes later, she began to think that what was in front of her could not possibly be a... Well, possibility.
[2014-01-29 13:17:49] * Golden_Dream proceeded to back away slowly. This can't be real. Something was up here. You do not meet heroes of Equestria with no strings attached. "Mare-Do-Well? Can you hear me?"
[2014-01-29 13:20:26] * Noble_Heart frowns and contemplates, something was definitely wrong, but it was well outside her usual areas of expertise. "This is... Unusual. We have never heard of anything like the loss of an Element of Harmony. But then We have also scarcely had an opportunity to see the Elements, or their bearers, at all."
[2014-01-29 13:21:05] * CopyCat was standing next to Golden_Dream as a carbon copy of Celestia, and she was pretty sure there weren't any strings attached to her either. "I can't sense anything from her at all," she says quietly.
[2014-01-29 13:22:57] <Kkat> 3Mare-Do-Well almost whimpers.  "Th-that's Ditzy Doo!?  Wh... what happened to her?"
[2014-01-29 13:23:43] * Bookwright "Um, I know a telepathy spell. It's great for breaking past communication barriers. And it would mean that Lionheart could speak without shouting."
[2014-01-29 13:24:09] * Golden_Dream frowns and leans towards the ghost. "She's been Ghoul'd. It's what happens when folk take to balefire in a weird way." She whispers.
[2014-01-29 13:26:33] * Noble_Heart frowns and tilts her head to one side. "It might be useful. Though possibly dangerous..."
[2014-01-29 13:28:02] <Kkat> 3One pony wearing a field medic outfit trots forward.  His saddlebags bear faded Ministry of Peace markings.  He approaches Bookwright and Noble_Heart.  "Calm Heart, Follower of the Apocalypse.  It's good to see others so far out here."  He glances back at Ditzy Doo then suggests, "May we talk?"
[2014-01-29 13:29:16] <Kkat> 3Mare-Do-Well nods.  "I heard of... there had been accidents..."  Her voice trails off.  "Celestia have mercy."
[2014-01-29 13:29:29] * Bookwright nods. "We'd better."
[2014-01-29 13:30:32] * Noble_Heart looks down to the other pony. "We are always willing to talk to those who wish it."
[2014-01-29 13:32:39] * Golden_Dream rubs her hooves in the dust. "Yeah. Sometimes, somethin' like this happens." At least she confirmed what she was seeing, but there still lay a nagging sense of doubt. It looks like she has to be the mare that brings bad news. "... If she's goin' feral, there's only one thing you c'n do." She said in a low, quiet tone, averting her eyes. This rose a painful memory in her.
[2014-01-29 13:32:48] <Kkat> 3Calm Heart leads Noble_Heart and Bookwright aside, over to the Big Macintosh plaque.  "I'm the personal physician of the family.  Have been for four years now," he begins.  "Your group, you are going into the zebra lands, correct?"
[2014-01-29 13:33:39] <Kkat> 3Mare-Do-Well asks the painful question, "What's that?"
[2014-01-29 13:34:13] * CopyCat approaches her catbird companion. "Shatara, I'm worried. I can usually sense things from a... friendly ghoul. But from her I'm getting nothing."
[2014-01-29 13:35:38] * Noble_Heart follows after Calm Heart. She nods her head and frowns. "That is Our goal, yes."
[2014-01-29 13:35:57] * Bookwright "We've been sidetracked a few times, but we're getting there slowly."
[2014-01-29 13:36:25] * Shatara nods quietly and drapes a wing over CopyCat. "I hope theres something we can do besides..." He gulps, and trails off. "...she seemed like a nice pony..."
[2014-01-29 13:36:30] * Golden_Dream tenses, mouth pressing shut. "Make it quick and painless."
[2014-01-29 13:44:49] <Kkat> 3Calm Heart nods.  "Look, I don't want to give the family any false hope.  So I need you to keep this under your saddles.  But Ditzy Doo's deterioration is atypical.  Yes, ghouls go feral all the time.  We had always hoped it would never strike Ditzy, but we realistically new that it was a possibility.  It's something the family has dealt with for a long time.
[2014-01-29 13:45:32] * CopyCat bites her lip. "But, what if she can be helped? What if there's something we can do? They said she had an Element of Harmony, what if we found that for her and it made her better? That's possible, right?"
[2014-01-29 13:46:20] <Kkat> 3Calm Heart continues, "Deterioration, degradation to a feral, it can start any time.  But it doesn't occur this /fast/.  I was with the family on the excursion across the border, and Ditzy Doo was fine when it began."
[2014-01-29 13:47:02] <Kkat> 3Mare-Do-Well turns and stares at Golden_Dream, her eyes wide.
[2014-01-29 13:47:54] * Noble_Heart taps her chin and frowns. "Then perhaps it is not as simple as that? It seems more likely to Us that this problem may relate to something different."
[2014-01-29 13:49:28] <Kkat> 3Calm Heart explains, "We all got separated in that jungle.  When we found each other again, Ditzy Doo had lost the Element of Laughter, and was already showing memory loss and personality changes."
[2014-01-29 13:50:19] * Bookwright "So... it's connected to her losing the element? Maybe? How long do you think she has?"
[2014-01-29 13:50:20] <Kkat> 3He glances back over his shoulder briefly.  "It's my belief that her condition was triggered by something she encountered there.  And, if that's true, there might be a counter-agent.  Restoring her is probably too much to hope for, but something to stop any further deterioration might not not be."
[2014-01-29 13:51:28] * Noble_Heart frowns and furrows her brow. "We do not like the sound of that... We do not know much about the Zebra lands. Though We would be happy to lend Our skills to the cause as best We can."
[2014-01-29 13:52:08] * Kkat 3nods, frowning.  "The loss of her element is almost certainly connected.  It seems extremely unlikely that you should stumble across it, but if you do, you will know you are in the right place."  He looks to both Noble_Heart and Bookwright earnestly.  "Truly, though, all I can ask is that you keep your eyes open."
[2014-01-29 13:52:39] <Kkat> 3"If, by miracle, you can find what caused this... maybe we can find a cure."
[2014-01-29 13:53:20] <Kkat> 3(That should have been "Calm Heart nods, frowning."
[2014-01-29 13:53:22] <Kkat> 3)
[2014-01-29 13:53:35] * Noble_Heart nods her head. "Do you have any idea how long it will be? We do not know how long Our task will take. If any amongst your company has a map or a PipBuck record, it would help a great deal as well."
[2014-01-29 13:54:47] <Kkat> 3Mare-Do-Well moves over to Ditzy Doo, staring down at her.  She tries to give her a winghug.
[2014-01-29 13:54:50] * Bookwright "The elements have taken the shape of pipbucks. It stands to reason they would have locator tags. Do any of you happen to have its tag?"
[2014-01-29 13:55:58] * Shatara nods a little to CopyCat, leaning on her some. "Maybe..."
[2014-01-29 13:57:51] <Kkat> 3The doctor shakes his head.  "They do, sort of.  The Elements of Harmony don't seem exactly compatible with normal Pipbucks, but they can track each other."  He frowns.  "If locating it was simple, we would have done so already.  But once we get back, we can ask Velvet Remedy to pinpoint its location.  Will you have any means by which we can contact you?"
[2014-01-29 14:01:04] * Noble_Heart frowns and contemplates that. "We would wonder how far the radio signal of the numbers station might reach into the zebra lands. This place controls it, does it not? If so, then perhaps that could be used to broadcast to us." She furrows her brow. "Otherwise, We are uncertain. Though Our companions do have PipBucks, We do not believe any Equestrian transmission equipment
[2014-01-29 14:01:04] * Noble_Heart reaches this far."
[2014-01-29 14:01:07] * CopyCat looks over at Ditzy Doo. Love for the stricken ghoul was plentiful among the ponies here and CopyCat soon felt the same way. "I promise that we will do all that we can to help her."
[2014-01-29 14:03:30] * Bookwright frowns in thought. "Any pipbuck that has any information stored on it at all would be easy for me to detect. But I have no idea if my 'locate records' spell would detect the Element of Laughter. It's not exactly a real pipbuck. I could definitely track it down with a detect magic spell, but that one has much less range than my record locating one."
[2014-01-29 14:06:38] * Noble_Heart tilts her head to one side. "Any indication of location would be useful. It would allow Us a starting point to search. But it would seem that communicating that information may be difficult." She sighed quietly. "We do not know of any easy way to send a message so far so fast..."
[2014-01-29 14:10:30] * Golden_Dream blinks. She remembered something about demons and eyes from the Enclave base. It swam in her head for a little while before shaking it off. "Hey. Do ya'll have equipment fer' trade?" She addressed not-possibly-Lionheart.
[2014-01-29 14:18:05] * Bookwright "Well, can you at least give us the location where you found her? That would give us a good starting point for finding the element. Also... can we speak with her?"
[2014-01-29 14:19:54] <Kkat> 3Silver Bell hugs her daughter, who keeps staring at grandma with confusing, hurt and aching sadness.
[2014-01-29 14:21:18] <Kkat> 3Lionheart holds Ditzy Doo, wrapping his bat-like wings across her ghoulish body.  The pegasus mare seems to take comfort in that, but her reactions to everyone else are distant and fogged with confusion and lack of recognition.
[2014-01-29 14:22:29] <Kkat> 3Silver Bell's husband puts a hoof on her shoulder.  His fellow sniper has already moved back to the windows, trying to keep an eye on everything south... which is every direction from here.
[2014-01-29 14:22:46] * Bookwright "Calm Heart, can we interview Ditzy Doo? I have a telepathy spell. If anything could improve communication, that would be it."
[2014-01-29 14:23:48] * Golden_Dream inhales. Oh, fuck this. If the mare's gonna die, hell if they're all gonna act like they're lost their wills to live. "Hey!" She stepped forward, voice sharp and loud. "Ah said, d' y'all have anythin' fer trade?"
[2014-01-29 14:24:12] <Kkat> 3Calm Heart notes, "If you can reach as far as Darkness Falls, we can communicate from there.  I believe they have a radio station."  At Bookwright's request, "That would be up to her."
[2014-01-29 14:26:11] * Noble_Heart furrows her brow and nods. "The difficult part is time. We are on a mission deep into the zebra lands. And to travel as far as Darkness Falls will take a great duration." She sighs quietly at the prospect.
[2014-01-29 14:26:19] <Kkat> 3Mare-Do-Well approaches Golden_Dream, but her call for trade makes the ghost pause.  Instead, she moves towards CopyCat and Shatara.  She focuses, attempting to make her voice heard.  A whisper on the wind.  "....Element of Laughter?  Like Pinkie....?"
[2014-01-29 14:30:24] * CopyCat ear twitches at the ghostly sound. "Yes. I understand that Ditzy Doo became the new Element of Laughter because she kept her cheer despite the horrors she'd seen. She really is a strong pony."
[2014-01-29 14:33:12] <Kkat> 3Calm Heart nods.  "The Numbers Station?  We hadn't thought of that.  But we should be able to rig up some way of using it to send you messages.  It's on our way back to Equestria... I'll insist we make a stop."
[2014-01-29 14:34:23] * Bookwright "The best plan is the multifold approach, I think. We'll start searching for the Element around her last known location. If we don't find the element before you get back, we'll move on to Tragedy's End and set up communication."
[2014-01-29 14:36:45] * Noble_Heart nods her head and frowns. "We suspect that this will be for the best. Though it is likely We will have to backtrack to a place where communication is possible." She taps her chin. "How long has it been since this expedition departed Equestria? There are many Enclave below in a downed skyship who seem to believe that Lionheart has come to destroy them."
[2014-01-29 14:45:20] <Kkat> 3Calm Heart nods and pulls out a clipboard, sketching a crude map.  "We were separated in the jungle between the Dragon Lands and the Silos."  He adds some marks.  "Somewhere around this area.  Please, pardon my lack of artistic skill."
[2014-01-29 14:47:08] * Noble_Heart looks at the map and nods. "We shall do Our best to find what We can."
[2014-01-29 14:47:35] * Bookwright nods. "Alright, that's a good start. Do you have any pipbuck users among your number? It might be a good idea to copy location and tracking tags with us."
[2014-01-29 14:47:48] <Kkat> 3Calm Heart answers Noble_Heart, "This excursion has lasted just over a month.  We got separated on our way out though, about a week ago."
[2014-01-29 14:48:42] <Kkat> 3Calm Heart nods towards Lionheart, whose PipBuck is a permanent part of his foreleg.
[2014-01-29 14:48:51] * Noble_Heart nods her head and frowns. "We see." She tilted her head to one side. "We would recommend being very careful when you depart. No doubt the Enclave will be watching carefully."
[2014-01-29 14:50:31] * CopyCat trots over to the family group around Ditzy Doo. She approaches Silver Bell and Jingle Bell, addressing the young filly. "How are you doing, little one?"
[2014-01-29 14:50:36] <Kkat> 3After no one else answers, the goldenrod-coated pegasus flutters over to Golden_Dream.  "I guess I could do some trading.  What you folks need?"
[2014-01-29 14:51:19] <Kkat> 3Jingle Bell sniffles.  "I want gramma like she used to be."
[2014-01-29 14:52:31] * Shatara flutters off to help the snipers keep watch.
[2014-01-29 14:52:40] * Bookwright swallows nervously. "Mister Lionheart? Can we interview her?"
[2014-01-29 14:52:43] <Kkat> 3Mare-Do-Well is taking a good while processing the idea of Ditzy Doo as the new Pinkie Pie.  Then, "It fell off?"  She mutters, mostly to herself, "I... guess that makes sense?"
[2014-01-29 14:53:01] <Kkat> 3Lionheart looks up, booming, "Interview?"
[2014-01-29 14:53:05] * Golden_Dream stuck her chest out, mouth curling into a scrunched mess. Welp, there went that idea. When somepony finally did come along to trade in... What she kinda sorta thought was a trading caravan, she hopped on the opportunity. "Food, ammo, guns, an' maybe some armor in weird sizes?"
[2014-01-29 14:54:47] * Bookwright "Yes, with Ditzy Doo. I want your permission, and hers, to set up a telepathy spell. I can include four participants."
[2014-01-29 14:54:55] * Golden_Dream looks back at the ragged, knotted up example of rope she has. "Ah don't suppose ya'll got a grapplin' gun in th' back somewhere?"
[2014-01-29 14:54:58] * Noble_Heart looks to Lionheart. "Speak to her. Attempt to find out what has happened. We are concerned about her wellbeing." She looked to Lionheart's PipBuck. "We have two companions with PipBucks. Would you allow Our friends to copy the map from you? It may make finding where the Element of Laughter was lost easier."
[2014-01-29 14:56:08] <Kkat> 3The pegasus nods.  "We packed as an expedition rather than a trade caravan, but we... that is to say, Ditzy Doo insisted on overpacking.  As usual."  He looks out at the wagons.  "Once we get out of Enclave territory, I figure we're good to go, so shouldn't be a problem selling off the supplies we're not going to need."
[2014-01-29 14:57:12] * CopyCat smiles and gently pats Jingle Bell with her celestial wing. "Your grandmother is a very strong pony. She's also very lucky to have family like you to take care of her while she's sick." She leans down to the filly's level and looks her in the eyes.
[2014-01-29 14:58:18] <Kkat> 3The filly looks back into CopyCat's eyes.  "You look like Celestia."
[2014-01-29 14:58:46] * CopyCat nods. "Well spotted. Now, do you promise to look after your grandmother the best that you can?"
[2014-01-29 14:59:14] * Bookwright floats his spare plasma pistol to Golden_Dream. "Here, get us some ECPs for the mounted weapon."
[2014-01-29 14:59:42] <Kkat> 3The filly sniffles, rubs her nose, and cocks her head.  "Yes."  Then asks.  "Are you Celestia's granddaughter?"
[2014-01-29 15:00:42] <Kkat> 3The pegasus shakes his head.  "Got a crossbow.  Might be able to rig up a grappling gun with one."
[2014-01-29 15:01:37] * CopyCat chuckles lightly. "You could say that, I suppose. But I would have to ask Noble Heart to be sure."
[2014-01-29 15:02:33] <Kkat> 3Lionheart nod, looking to Ditzy Doo for final say.  The ghoul's gentle facade changes, and she lets out a rasping hiss as Bookwright gets closer.
[2014-01-29 15:02:51] * Golden_Dream gets a little shifty-eyed. This... Was her opportunity to actually help the Crystal Kingdom out. "Hey. After we do business, I got a place I want y' t' swing by. You'll be safe, you'll be protected, but do not let on yer headed that way when y'r gettin' out of Enclave territory, an' do not head there 'till we meet again. Y'gottit?"
[2014-01-29 15:03:04] * Bookwright stops.
[2014-01-29 15:03:31] <Kkat> 3The pegasus mulls that over before nodding.
[2014-01-29 15:04:02] * CopyCat pulls herself up to full height in front of Jingle Bell. "In the name of my grandmother, I promise that we will do everything in our power to save yours."
[2014-01-29 15:04:16] * Bookwright "Ditzy... I promise this can't hurt you. It's just telepathy. We can talk to each other, with our minds. Is-is that okay with you?"
[2014-01-29 15:04:21] <Kkat> 3The pegasus asks, "Don't go there until after we meet again?  That might be a while.  Are these folks in need of supplies?"
[2014-01-29 15:05:40] <Kkat> 3Ditzo Doo's expression is fearful, but she doesn't move from Lionheart's side.
[2014-01-29 15:05:58] * Bookwright takes a single step forward.
[2014-01-29 15:06:01] * Noble_Heart frowns and furrows her brow. "We do not think this is a good idea, Bookwright."
[2014-01-29 15:06:12] <Kkat> 3Silver Bell moves closer.  "Mom, it's okay," she coaxes.
[2014-01-29 15:11:52] * Golden_Dream breathes in. "Yep. But... I dunno." She kicks up a little bit. "Somethin's... Somethin's wrong here, an' I'm gonna figure what it is out before sendin' trouble their way. They spent too much time in trouble fer me t' wanna send some their way, alright?" She shook her head before putting on a stern expression. "Anyway, now see here, this here's a wonderful li'l pistol, shoots small energy...
[2014-01-29 15:11:54] * Golden_Dream ...cells and turns 'em into bolts a' purple liquidy death. I'm askin' fer it's price at around seven-fifty caps..." She proceeds to be a hard sell and a hard buy. The deals where both sides were doing their jobs, she learned, is where both sides feel like they're getting screwed out of caps.
[2014-01-29 15:14:44] <Kkat> 3The pegasus nods, looking slightly displeased by the response.  Then, at the list, he swoops out towards the front doors.  "Follow me."
[2014-01-29 15:17:06] * Bookwright tries to radiate sincerity.
[2014-01-29 15:17:32] * CopyCat looks back down at Jingle Bell. "How was that? Regal enough? I've been trying to work on being more like a princess."
[2014-01-29 15:24:43] <Kkat> 3Jingle Bell smiles.  "Yeah.  That's not bad."
[2014-01-29 15:26:13] * Noble_Heart eartwitches at CopyCat's talking, chuckling quietly a few moments.
[2014-01-29 15:26:21] * CopyCat grins. "Thank you. But now for the most important question... have you ever wanted a pony ride from a princess?" She winks.
[2014-01-29 15:28:46] * Bookwright steps closer to Ditzy Doo, trying to appear nonthreatening.
[2014-01-29 15:31:12] <Kkat> 3Ditzy Doo goes stiff, staring at Bookwright dangerously.
[2014-01-29 15:31:30] * Bookwright backs off. "Alright then. I won't push it."
[2014-01-29 15:31:53] * Bookwright "Miss Doo, I swear to you we will find your Element and return it to you."
[2014-01-29 15:32:31] * Noble_Heart frowns and tilts her head to one side. She backs away slightly and looks towards Calm Heart. "She was not like this at all before being lost?"
[2014-01-29 15:36:06] <Kkat> 3Lionheart is staring at Ditzy Doo in concern.
[2014-01-29 15:36:27] <Kkat> 3Silver Bell looks at Bookwright sadly.  "I-I'm sorry."
[2014-01-29 15:40:12] * Bookwright shakes his head. "It's not your fault. But it could be mine. Does she react like this to other unicorns?"
[2014-01-29 15:42:20] <Kkat> 3Silver Bell's husband looks over the goods that Golden_Dream is selling and they haggle a lot before settling on an amount of 1350 caps.
[2014-01-29 15:43:56] <Kkat> 3He starts counting caps.  "Now, do you folk want to buy anything?  Or just looking to lighten your load?"
[2014-01-29 15:44:44] <Kkat> 3Silver Bell frowns.  "She..."  She whispers, "She nearly attacked Jingle once.  Back in the jungle."
[2014-01-29 15:46:37] * Golden_Dream smirks. "Yeah. Y'said y' got yerself a crossbow on'y?"
[2014-01-29 15:47:09] * Golden_Dream goes on with the shopping list they need.
[2014-01-29 15:47:20] * Noble_Heart taps her chin and sighs quietly, furrowing her brow.
[2014-01-29 15:47:41] <Kkat> 3He nods.  "Yep."  He starts opening up one of the wagons.
[2014-01-29 15:51:03] * Bookwright looks thoughtful. "What about you, Silver Belle?"
[2014-01-29 15:53:26] <Kkat> 3Silver Bell shakes her head.  "No."
[2014-01-29 15:54:17] * Bookwright "This is very confusing. Maybe she's experiencing post traumatic stress disorder?"
[2014-01-29 15:55:18] * Noble_Heart chews her lower lip. "We are uncertain. We imagine that We shall find more when We investigate where she was lost."
[2014-01-29 15:57:44] * Bookwright "We'll try to find it as soon as we can. And as soon as Golden_Dream is done giving away all our stuff for no money."
[2014-01-29 16:00:24] <Kkat> 3Bell's husband lays out a crossbow with a bolt magazine mod, 20 ECPs, a .45-70 Speed Loader and 25 .45-70 ammo.  "I'm afraid I'm fresh out of ECMs."  He pulls out a sack.  "We've got a few dozen old MREs, so how many do you want.  Don't have any water to sell... but..."  He looks around at all the snow.
[2014-01-29 16:01:26] * CopyCat naturally assumes Jingle Bell's silence is simply a sign of how much she wanted a ride, so she picks Jingle Bell up and places the filly on her back. Then she trots around giving Jingle Bell a fun ride!
[2014-01-29 16:03:09] * Golden_Dream smirks. "I like stockin' up. How much fer a dozen?"
[2014-01-29 16:03:27] * Bookwright bites his lip to prevent stupid grinning.
[2014-01-29 16:04:26] <Kkat> 3Jingle Bell eeps and squees.
[2014-01-29 16:08:03] <Kkat> 3The pegasus does a count.  "Well, looks like I'll be getting our caps back.  Actually comes out to more than what you just made, but I'm willing to do a straight trade for it."
[2014-01-29 16:09:13] <Kkat> 3Jingle calls out to her father happily, "I'm riding Princess Celestia!"
[2014-01-29 16:10:31] * CopyCat trots all around the room, making sure to bob a curtsy at the Celestia statue. She takes Jingle Bell on a magical tour of the building... much to the surprise of the rest of Ditzy's group. She hadn't looked like the princess when she entered the building...
[2014-01-29 16:13:06] <Kkat> 3Jingle wheees!
[2014-01-29 16:14:55] <Kkat> 3After making the sale, the pegasus looks at what armor he has.
[2014-01-29 16:17:46] <Kkat> 3"We didn't exactly pack much in the way of extra armor, but we should have something..." he says, burying himself in the wagon until only his tail and wiggling hindhooves are visible.  He resurfaces, pulling a mesh-weave cloak in his teeth.  "Goff thiff though."  He spits it out.  "I figure you could make fine use of that.  And, if not you, a friend."
[2014-01-29 16:18:26] * CopyCat passes by Golden_Dream, giving her the old revolver etc. that was being sold. She also gives Kid the 100 caps she's been carrying around out of habit. She does not give Kid Jingle Bell. Then she heads back inside.
[2014-01-29 16:20:50] * Golden_Dream looks it over and suppresses her urge to squee. "Hmm. Somethin' this condition..." She said with a stony, almost snooty expression. "I'll prolly take it off yer hooves."
[2014-01-29 16:31:59] <Kkat> 3"You work for Crimson, don'tcha?" he says as he scoops up 265 caps from Golden_Dream and pushes over the mesh-weave cloak.  "Shouldn't be letting these things go for so cheap, considering you folk are supposed to be rivals and all.  But Ditzy Doo doesn't... or at least didn't... buy into that whole rivalry thing."
[2014-01-29 16:32:11] <Kkat> 3"It's her way to treat everypony like a friend.  So it's our way too."
[2014-01-29 16:33:14] <Kkat> 3He glances back towards the window where his friend is keeping an eye Enclave-ward with the sniper rifle.  "Well, at least, as long as a pony don't give us reason not to."
[2014-01-29 16:33:50] * Golden_Dream grumbles. "Oh, don't worry. After this friggin' job, ah'm retirin'. Ah signed on t' deal with yer average raider or 'sprite nest, not t' leave th' fuckin' country."
[2014-01-29 16:34:50] * CopyCat pops her head back outside. "That's very kind of you. I shall follow your example and not charge you for these Princess Rides."
[2014-01-29 16:36:06] * CopyCat only manages to keep a straight face for a few moments before chuckling.
[2014-01-29 16:38:51] <Kkat> 3The pegasus smiles.  "It's not so bad.  As long as you have a sense of adventure."
[2014-01-29 16:39:12] <Kkat> 3Jingle, meanwhile, demands, "Now fly!"
[2014-01-29 16:40:51] * Golden_Dream just gives him a hopeless look. "Ah don' have a sense of adventure! I jus' have a gun and th' knowhow t' use it, and I ain't stupid when it comes t' findin' stuff on th' trail! Curiosity tend t' get y' killed!" Or worse.
[2014-01-29 16:41:55] * CopyCat giggles, "At once, your highness," and takes off. She stays close to the ground and flies back inside if there is enough room in there.
[2014-01-29 16:51:17] <Kkat> 3The squees of Jingle can be heard all about the Sentinel.
[2014-01-29 16:52:40] <Kkat> 3The pegasus chuckles.  "Didn't you ever read Daring Do books when you were growing up?"
[2014-01-29 16:55:32] * Golden_Dream pff's. "Wull, yeah. Duh. Books're expensive, but mom made sure that I got some fun readin' in me. Th' difference between me'n her is that she got plot armor an' I don't!"
[2014-01-29 16:56:41] <Kkat> 3The pegasus smiles, "But aren't you at least a little excited to be going where Daring Do had her adventures?"
[2014-01-29 16:57:33] <Kkat> 3"Yes!" insists Mare-Do-Well in Golden_Dream's ear.
[2014-01-29 16:58:02] * Golden_Dream half-lids her eyes. "I was excited once. And then th' boat I was on near exploded. Kinda puts things in perspective."
[2014-01-29 16:58:49] <Kkat> 3The pegasus nickers and flaps his wings.  "Then you just got to get your excitement back!"
[2014-01-29 16:58:52] * Noble_Heart walked down towards where Golden Dream was trading, listening curiously. She smiled a bit. "We do not believe you would have left home if you did not have some sense of adventure. And you are most skilled and willing to find places to take what you can."
[2014-01-29 17:01:11] * CopyCat takes Jingle Bell up to join Shatara and the other snipers. "Look what I've got, Shatara! Isn't she adorable? Can we keep her?"
[2014-01-29 17:01:17] * Shatara turns and blinkblinks. "Uuh, I don't thinkthey'd take kindly to carrying their foals off into the sunset..."
[2014-01-29 17:02:29] * Golden_Dream pointed. "Hey, no. Ah have a need t' get money on th' quick, and a filly 'o my particular talents an' my age can only get a job doin' some desperate work." She frowns a little. "... 'Sides, I didn't leave home, home left me." She murmured.
[2014-01-29 17:02:47] * CopyCat scratches her chin. "Hmm... you bring up a good point."
[2014-01-29 17:03:32] * Noble_Heart moves closer to nuzzle Golden Dream. "Perhaps. But you are here now. There is no reason not to enjoy the presence of friends and the chance to see things which few other ponies have ever seen."
[2014-01-29 17:06:15] * Golden_Dream shook her head. "Alcohol is slow. I need money quick. Takes at least a couple months t' get a batch done, and movin' it around ain't good fer it." She rose an ear. "Y' seem t' think that just 'cause ponies haven't seen it means it's somethin' that needs gettin' seen. You n' me have very different ways a' seein' what we're doin'."
[2014-01-29 17:06:26] <Kkat> 3Jingle giggle.  "No, silly Celestia.  I have to stay with mommy."
[2014-01-29 17:06:46] * Golden_Dream nuzzles back, rolling her eyes.
[2014-01-29 17:09:04] * CopyCat sighs. "Well I suppose you're right. That just means we'll have to have more fun now." She takes off again to fly another circuit.
[2014-01-29 17:09:13] * Noble_Heart smiles to Golden_Dream. "In truth We do not know what We will find. But that is the point of exploration, is it not?" She stands up straight and looks up towards the pegasus. "We are curious as to what you have found in the zebra lands as well."
[2014-01-29 17:11:26] * CopyCat and Co swoop past the little group of traders. "Wheeee!"
[2014-01-29 17:11:30] <Kkat> 3The other sniper, a dark grey stallion with a bright blue mane who has been silent until now, lifts his weapon onto his back and trots up to Shatara.  "How far in are you lot intendin' t' go?"
[2014-01-29 17:11:52] <Kkat> 3Jingle "Wheeeee!"s with CopyCat
[2014-01-29 17:12:23] <Kkat> 3Silver Bell claps for her filly from the doorway, enjoying seeing the child's cares washed away.
[2014-01-29 17:13:34] * Shatara shrugs a little in response. "Dunno. Till we find what we're looking for, I guess."
[2014-01-29 17:15:53] <Kkat> 3The goldenrod pegasus nods.  "We never go too far in.  There is a large lake of irradiated water several days across the border.  We usually get our supplies there.  Sometimes, we will dare as far as the Silos."
[2014-01-29 17:16:36] * Golden_Dream raises an eyebrow at the pegasus. "Y' run int' any Zebras?"
[2014-01-29 17:16:40] <Kkat> 3He adds, "You've got to be careful flying if you get too deep into the zebra lands.  We tend to take as much of the journey on hoof as we can.  Avoid... aerial preditors."
[2014-01-29 17:16:58] * Bookwright approaches. "What are these silos, and why do you pronounce the word like it's capitalized?"
[2014-01-29 17:17:05] * Kkat 3nods.  "You're going into the zebra lands.  Count on it."
[2014-01-29 17:17:18] <Kkat> 3The pegasus nods.  "You're going into the zebra lands.  Count on it."
[2014-01-29 17:18:02] * Noble_Heart frowns and taps her chin. "Yes. What are these silos? They sound important."
[2014-01-29 17:18:05] * Golden_Dream churns that thought around. "Any chance ya'll got a Zebra t' Equestrian phrasebook or somethin'?"
[2014-01-29 17:18:18] <Kkat> 3He turns to Bookwright.  "It's the closet major zebra settlement to the border.  Largely civilized."
[2014-01-29 17:18:36] * Shatara blinks. "'Largely'?"
[2014-01-29 17:19:41] <Kkat> 3The grey pegasus stallion looks to Shatara, "Keep clear of the Dragon Lands.  Stick closer to the shores."
[2014-01-29 17:20:11] <Kkat> 3He adds, "What my friend means by 'largely' is that the Silos are home to pirates."
[2014-01-29 17:20:55] * CopyCat turns to her passenger. "Yarrr?"
[2014-01-29 17:21:14] <Kkat> 3Jingle nods solumnly.  "Yarr."
[2014-01-29 17:21:41] <Kkat> 3Jingle then whispers something to CopyCat.
[2014-01-29 17:22:54] * Noble_Heart frowns and furrows her brow. "That sounds dangerous indeed. Why is it called the Silos?"
[2014-01-29 17:23:20] <Kkat> 3The pegasus chuckles.  "Because they're silos."
[2014-01-29 17:23:23] * CopyCat nodnods and whispers back.
[2014-01-29 17:23:38] * Golden_Dream gives Noble an incredulous look.
[2014-01-29 17:25:48] <Kkat> 3The pegasus finishes recovering the trade wagon.  "Anything else we can help you with?  If you want to spend the night here with us, the Sentinel is a safe location to rest.  Lionheart will keep an eye on Ditzy Doo all night, and the place is a stronghold."
[2014-01-29 17:26:38] * Noble_Heart frowns slightly. "We are still concerned about the Enclave trying something. They seemed hopeful to catch their 'demon' while he was resting..."
[2014-01-29 17:27:22] * CopyCat is immediately curious. She hovers closer to the ponies on the ground. "Soo... just out of interest... what's a Zigga-What?"
[2014-01-29 17:38:03] <Kkat> 3The goldenrod pegasus, Jingle Bell's daddy, laughs a little at the question.
[2014-01-29 17:39:02] <Kkat> 3"She means ziggarat," he explains.  "Jingle thinks they're called zigga-whats."
[2014-01-29 17:41:42] * CopyCat holds her head up high. "Well, I think they're called zigga-whats too. Much better than naming them after some strange rodent."
[2014-01-29 17:48:39] <Kkat> 3The afternoon swiftly falls to evening and night, the stars twinkling down from the black satin sky above, staring at the ponies in their stone fortress build at the very top of the world.
[2014-01-29 17:48:47] <Kkat> 3--- End of Session ---