FoE PNP G-Platypus Session 39

[18:22] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  *****G-Platypus: The City of Broad Withers - Session 39*****
[18:23] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Progress.
[18:23] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  It comes in many forms. Personal. Technological. Political.
[18:24] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  But it comes about the same way. Somepony keeps putting one hoof in front of the other.
[18:24] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Somepony or ponies pick a direction, and go. Pressing onward toward their goal.
[18:25] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Perhaps out wastelanders are ponies like those.
[18:25] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  *****Session Start*****
[18:26] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  It's early afternoon. The negotiation team has returned from talks with the ghouls in the cemetery while the rest have been enjoying some amorous activites to pass the time. One pair on an operating table, much to the chagrin of Blackberry_Jam.
[18:29] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  North_Star_ is taking a nap after the stress of Cryptholme. Golden_Eye pops into the courtyard with a smiling Toil. Blackberry_Jam has just finished ensuring Slash drank all his RadAway like he was told.
[18:30] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Snack_Cake snuggles with Thunder_Strike.
[18:32] * Blackberry_Jam is still pretty disappointed in those two. On the operating table? Of all places! From then on, she'd resolve to find a comfier bed for them. But, there are more pressing matters. She couldn't just let North_Star_ sleep for a while. There was still a job to do!
[18:33] * Snack_Cake is sitting with Thunder_Strike, feeling guilty. She blames herself for making Blackberry_Jam angry!
[18:34] * North_Star_ naps peacefully on the floor for once in his life. One could speculate he's actually smiling and not dispencing justice, if he wasn't in another room.
[18:35] * Blackberry_Jam isn't angry, just disappointed. She gives North_Star_ a nudge. "Lying down on the job, I see."
[18:35] * North_Star_ wakes up with a grumble. "I thought you said I could have a nap, Doc.."
[18:39] * Blackberry_Jam clicks her tongue. "Don't think I ever said that. Did you forget about all the other things we need to do today?"
[18:40] * Golden_Eye is happy to see Toil smiling. "I'm glad that I could show you a nice time today. Unfortunatly, at some point I need to look for work."
[18:41] * North_Star_ sighs, rolling to his hooves. "No. I was just looking forward to a siesta."
[18:42] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Toil siezes Golden_Eye's chin in a hoof and brings it around before planting a deep, passionate kiss on him. After several long moments she pulls away. "Do what you have to, Goldie. I'm going to start scrounging furniture." With a smirk and a flash she's gone.
[18:44] * Blackberry_Jam lights a cigarette as she heads for the door to the car. "You can sleep when all those slaves have homes, and we take Fern and Arbor home."
[18:45] * Golden_Eye chuckles lightly and considers his works options, he has those bounties to start with. Back to the grind. At least now he has Toil to look forward to.
[18:45] * North_Star_ rises to his hooves and follows Blackberry_Jam, uttering words of agreement.
[18:47] * Blackberry_Jam bangs on the side of the car as she leaves. "Snack, Thunder, we're taking Fern and Arbor home!"
[18:47] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  There's a giggle and a green blur slaloms around Golden_Eye's legs. The patient form off Arbor trots in the direction of the green mass now trying to hid discretely behind the stallion.
[18:49] * Golden_Eye smiles wider and looks at Arbor. He doesn't move his legs.
[18:51] * Mister_Clacky|GM she smiles, nodding as she approaches. "Excuse me, I seem to have misplaced my filly. Have you seen her?" Her eyes glance behind Golden_Eye as she restrains a chuckle.
[18:54] * Snack_Cake smiles and brings Thunder along as she trots out, looking for Blackberry_Jam.
[18:55] * Golden_Eye gets the game and nods once with a smile. "I could have sworn I saw her speed past, but I didn't see where she made off to."
[18:56] * Blackberry_Jam is waiting outside with North_Star_, doing a little stretching. "On the road again, it seems."
[18:57] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Arbor smiles, walking in front of Golden_Eye. "Did she go this way?" Soft giggles move slightly around behind Golden_Eye opposite of Arbor's advance.
[19:00] * Snack_Cake trots next to Blackberry_Jam. "I'm glad to be helping them home... those fillies need all the happiness they can get."
[19:00] * North_Star_ nods, looking off into the distance. "Just can't wait..."
[19:00] * Golden_Eye chuckles softly. "Not sure, it's hard to tell. She's quite fast, that one."
[19:01] * Blackberry_Jam gives Snack_Cake a nod. "Yeah... they've earned it."
[19:01] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  "Maybe... she's on this side!" Arbor darts her head to look down Golden's other side, the giggles move to stay out of sight again!
[19:04] * Golden_Eye is quite happy to see a mother and filly playing. Happiness is a prized commodity in the wastes. He keeps still to let the filly have her fun.
[19:06] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Arbor smirks. "OR MAYBE SHE'S BEHIND YOU!" She leaps back, Fern squealing and darting between Golden's legs again, making to pass between his forelegs and out into freedom again!
[19:12] * Golden_Eye let's her through and watches where she goes.
[19:14] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Nearby in the courtyard, by Jack, a group of mares watch the show. Fern explodes out from under Golden_Eye and bolts for a line of cars, Railyard's shops. Arbor sighs. "Well... at least she'll wear out... eventually."
[19:17] <Golden_Eye> "I have to admit though, it's nice to see a foal having fun."
[19:18] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Arbor elbows Golden_Eye in the ribs. "You /could/ have grabbed her for me, you know." She chuckles. "You're a new face, you're running with Doctor Jam and them?"
[19:20] * Blackberry_Jam gives a loud yawn as she trots into the center of town.
[19:20] * North_Star_ follows alongside Blackberry_Jam, starting to wake up while he walks.
[19:20] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  About a dozen of the ex slaves lay in a ring beside Jack. Lariat and Chastity are among them.
[19:22] <Golden_Eye> "I make a point not to grab foals without permission. And, no. I came to town with them to find work."
[19:22] * Snack_Cake follows Blackberry_Jam, watching out for any of the rest of the ponies that will be joining them.
[19:24] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Arbor tilts her head. "But you were with them when they got us out?"
[19:26] <Golden_Eye> "I was working another job. It ended and I decided to help bring you all here."
[19:26] * Blackberry_Jam approaches the gathering of ponies with a smile. "Arbor! Fern!"
[19:27] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Lariat smiles to Blackberry_Jam. "Arbor's over there talking to your batpony. Fern... she ducked into that store." She points to Kaching's Kollectibles.
[19:29] * Snack_Cake is eager to spend some time with Fern. "I'll go get her." She gives Blackberry_Jam a smile and starts trotting over to the shop.
[19:30] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Arbor smiles at Golden_Eye. "So... you're a merc? Well, I'm sure my husband will want to reward you if Fern and I get home safe."
[19:31] * Blackberry_Jam goes wide-eyed. "Oh... Sweet Luna..." She exhales. "Thanks, Snack." She heads on over to meet Fern and "her batpony."
[19:33] * North_Star_ in the meanwhile, idles where he was, leaving him and Lariat in a moment of silence.
[19:33] * Golden_Eye thinks a moment. "That sounds reasonably. I've been protecting you along the way so far. The bounties can wait for the last leg."
[19:33] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Inside Kaching's Kollectibles, Fern is running a muck while the mustachioed stallion holds his head in his hooves. "Filly... don't touch that... or that... please, not that... /definately/ not that!"
[19:34] <Golden_Eye> reasonable*
[19:34] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Lariat gives North_Star_ a grin. "You folks seem to be gearing up for a move. That good news for us?"
[19:36] * Blackberry_Jam approaches Arbor and Golden_Eye with a smile. "Arbor, we've got some good news."
[19:36] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Arbor smiles sweetly. "Thank you... Mister...?"
[19:36] * Golden_Eye nods. "Golden Eye."
[19:36] * North_Star_ shares Lariat. "It's a chance to look for real estate. It's nothing for sure, but it's a step forward."
[19:36] <Golden_Eye> "Hello, Miss Jam."
[19:36] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  She looks him in the face, squinting, "So it is. Arboriculture, everypony calls me Arbor."
[19:37] * Snack_Cake gives a bit of a giggle as she trots inside to hear Kaching's pleading. "Fern?"
[19:38] <Golden_Eye> "A pleasure to finally meet you, Mrs. Arbor."
[19:39] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Fern giggles and turns to face Snack_Cake, she has a mask on... a pink mask... with two very large earholes and only one eyehole. She's compensated by wearing it offcenter.
[19:40] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Arbor chuckles. "I guess we weren't very polite company on the way over here." She turns to Blackberry_Jam. "What news, Doctor Jam?"
[19:41] * Blackberry_Jam keeps smiling. "We're ready to take you and Fern home. I know it's been hard waiting."
[19:42] * Snack_Cake is very confused at that mask. She pays it no mind, instead giving Fern a big smile. "You should put back the nice stallion's things, Fern. It's almost time to go! We're gonna take you home. Doesn't that sound nice?"
[19:44] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The filly sporting the crotchless panties on her head breaks the laws of medical science with her smile. "Daddy!" She sprints out the door!
[19:48] * Snack_Cake blinks. She calls after her, "Wait, Fern! You need to put that back!" Things are about to get very strange.
[19:50] * Blackberry_Jam turns to see the energetic filly dash towards her. She squints a little till she figures out what she's wearing. "What the..." Long pause. "...Fuck..."
[19:50] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slash moves up to North_Star_ and the mares. "'Can I talk to you a bit, North?"
[19:51] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Fern runs up to Golden_Eye, Blackberry_Jam, and her mother. "We're going home?!"
[19:52] * North_Star_ nods. "Sure, what's on your mind Slash?"
[19:53] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slash gives a polite nod to the mares and motions over his shoulder, he starts trotting a ways away out of earshot.
[19:53] * Golden_Eye keeps quiet, but wonders why the filly is wearing panties of any variety on her head.
[19:53] * Blackberry_Jam leans down, coughing a little. "Fern, can you take off that... mask?"
[19:53] * Snack_Cake trots after that runaway filly! She mutters all kinds of apologies. "I'm sorry! I told her to put them back!"
[19:54] * North_Star_ follows Slash, only giving a passing thought to the fact that Slash is walking away from the mares.
[19:55] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Arbor applies her hoof firmly to her forehead. Fern cocks her head at the request, causing an eye to get covered. "Why. I'm the Filly Bandito!" She gives her best stern glare.
[19:57] * Blackberry_Jam clutches her chest. "Ack! The bandito strikes!" She slumps to the ground, groaning. "Before I die... I must... know... who's behind... that... mask..."
[19:58] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slash turns to face North_Star_. "What do you know about the slaves' skillsets?"
[19:59] * North_Star_ blinks twice before the revelation hits him. "Not a thing." He sighs. "Shit."
[20:00] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Fern peels the pink, frilly, crotchless panties off her face, tossing them to Golden_Eye to hold. "It's me!" She tackles herself into the space between Blackberry_Jam's forelegs.
[20:02] * Snack_Cake giggles at Blackberry_Jam's drama. "I didn't know you were an actress, Berry!"
[20:02] * Golden_Eye catches the panties and starts walking to the store. "I'll take these back."
[20:03] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slash frowns. "Well. You've got what, two dozen to place? I've got some work for two or three that are literate."
[20:04] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Fern twists. "Hey! He said I could have them if I put them on!"
[20:05] * Blackberry_Jam hugs Fern tight, smiling wide to Snack_Cake. "Now Fern, Mr. Kaching was just saying that to be nice. He really does need those back."
[20:07] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Fern rubs her forelegs together. "Ok... he didn't say that... he said I could have them if I left. And I left!" Her lower lip sticks out in a pout.
[20:08] * Blackberry_Jam boops Fern on the nose. "Come on, let's get you home. Care for a ride?"
[20:08] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Fern huffs. Forelegs crossed defiantly. "I wanna mask!"
[20:10] * North_Star_ smiles at Slash. "Now that's exactly what I wanted to hear."
[20:10] * Golden_Eye walks into Kaching's. He briefly thinks to himself that Toil would look good in these, but lets go the thought as he approaches the counter. "I came to return these."
[20:11] * Blackberry_Jam gives the filly a devious smirk. "Well, I could wrap you up like a mummy. That's like  a mask, and it's /very/ scary."
[20:13] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slash brings a hoof to his chin. "Dining car could use another waitress. Probably get two or three on with the caravan as guards if any have combat experience. Keep me or Slag from having to rotate in. Heck, maybe some of them have /real/ skills."
[20:14] * North_Star_ nods, looking back at hte group of ex-slaves. "Unfortunately, I'm not going to be around ot hold interviews.."
[20:16] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Fern shakes her head. "Nuh-uh. When Clover dressed me up as a mummy she tied my mouth shut and I couldn't talk the /whole time/!"
[20:19] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Kaching looks up from his hooves, seeing an unfamiliar batpony, of all things, standing in his shop with his merchandise. "Kaching's Kollectibles, you have my panties." He winces. "Not.. my panties... the panties that belong to me..." Winces harder. "Belong to the store... to be sold... to mares..."
[20:20] * Blackberry_Jam purses her lips in thought. "And what if /we/ dress Clover up like a mummy when we get back to your house, huh?"
[20:20] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slash cocks a brow, eyeing North_Star_. "You're taking them with you to Tressel, yeah?"
[20:21] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Fern's eyes light up with the promise of mischief."Really?"
[20:22] * North_Star_ scratches his head. "I didn't exactly plan for it. It's a bit of a risk, bringing all them along for a trip we'll just have to bring them back from, most likely.
[20:23] * Snack_Cake smiles at Fern's excitement. She trots over to Arbor and whispers, "She's such a sweet little filly."
[20:23] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slash rubs his neck. "I guess I could interview them, maybe get Miss Priss to help."
[20:23] * Blackberry_Jam gives an affirmative nod. "Absolutely."
[20:24] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Arbor smiles. "Well, her full name /is/ Sugar Fern. Should have named her Firecracker... but it just wouldn't have worked with the green coat..."
[20:25] * North_Star_ pats Slash on the side. "You'd be doing me a favor with that, Slash."
[20:26] * Golden_Eye ignores Kaching's shiftiness. "Yes. That filly ran out with them, I'm simply here to return them."
[20:30] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Kaching recovers a bit when Golden_Eye doesn't think anything of it. He glues on a smile. "Thank you. That's a high quality item. All the sex appeal with none of the issues of lost access.
[20:31] * Blackberry_Jam rises, dusting herself off and placing Fern on her back. "All right then," she nods to Arbor. "Ready?"
[20:31] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slash puts his hoof down. "I'll set it up with Miss Priss. We'll interview them all tonight and I'll make sure they have a place to sleep. You all can figure out what you willdo with them long term when youget back from Tressle.
[20:32] * Snack_Cake smiles. "I think you can have green firecrackers, but I think Sugar Fern is a lovely name anyway."
[20:34] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Arbor nods. "I've been ready to go home for a while." She smiles. "Where's the rest?" Fern walks around on Blackberry's back, there's pockets and saddlebags to explore!
[20:35] * Golden_Eye doesn't smile and puts them on the counter. "Yes. A useful item in certain circumstances."
[20:36] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Kaching gives Golden_Eye a slimy smile. "Stud like you, I'm sure you can think of a mare to model them for you. How about it? 15 caps since you were kind enough to walk them back. That's half off!"
[20:36] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  "If they don't work, I've got all kinds of intimate wear for mares."
[20:41] * Blackberry_Jam hollars over to North_Star_, letting him now that it's time to get his ass in gear.
[20:42] * Snack_Cake is ready to set off!
[20:42] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Arbor falls into step with Snack_Cake and Thunder_Strike. Enjoying letting somepony else handle her little bundle of energy. North_Star_ is still standing with Slash in conversation.
[20:50] * North_Star_ gives Slash a nod of approval, looking over at Blackberry. "The caravan calls."
[20:50] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Kaching keeps his slimy grin in place, he leans in conspiritorially, "I also have a fine selection of restraints. Perfect for the rowdy prisoner /or/ lover."
[20:51] <Golden_Eye> "10 and I'll make sure to be back later. I need to get the details on a job first."
[20:51] * Blackberry_Jam waves North_Star_ in the direction they're headed and starts trotting. "Now Fern, be careful with those things. That bonesaw is sharp." She cautiouns as the filly digs around in her things.
[20:51] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  He contemplates for a second, "Alright. 10 caps it is." He hoofs over the panties for the caps.
[20:52] * Golden_Eye gives him the 10 and heads out, stowing the panties.
[20:53] * North_Star_ gives Slash a wave before trotting to catch up to Blackberry_Jam.
[20:55] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Fern digs around for a bit. She said to be careful, that's permission. It's a lot harder without Snack_Cake's organizer thingy
[20:56] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  She digs... spying a box. A Snack! She pulls out the box of crackers, giving it a shake.
[20:58] * Blackberry_Jam double-takes. "Fern, honey, put that away, please."
[20:58] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Fern frowns. "Fiiiine... but I want a snack..."
[20:59] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slash heads over toward the sleeping car.
[21:00] * Blackberry_Jam smiles wide. "Well, hold on!" She picks up the pace to a canter and catches up with the resident snack dispensery.
[21:02] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The group all arrive at the north gate!
[21:02] * Golden_Eye stops at the door then heads back to the counter. "Before I leave, I would like to see your stock."
[21:03] * Snack_Cake smiles at Fern and Blackberry_Jam as they trots up. "Hello Fern! Are you having a good time with Auntie Berry?"
[21:03] * Blackberry_Jam gives a snort and a smile. "Don't make me feel old, Snack."
[21:05] * Snack_Cake giggles. "Aw, don't be that way! You're a natural at this, Berry!"
[21:05] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Kaching smiles. "Certainly." He waves Golden_Eye over to a fold out chest. He opens it, expanding it to several times its closed size, and shows off his very extensive collection of mare's wear.
[21:05] * North_Star_ catches up to the group, keeping in a yawn.
[21:05] <Golden_Eye> "Do you have any toys?"
[21:06] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Fern hugs Blackberry_Jam's neck. "Auntie Berry is great! She's like... a Great Auntie Berry!"
[21:06] * Blackberry_Jam groans, turning away. "Oh Luna... I'm old... I'm so old..."
[21:07] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Kaching nods. "Some, those are harder to come by. But as it turns out, I've found a supplier that can do custom orders." He pulls out a heavy looking black case. He opens it to show a half dozen long, slender objects on a bed of felt.
[21:11] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Arbor trots over to North_Star_ while the mare's deal with her filly. "I think we're just waiting on your batpony friend. Thank you, by the by."
[21:12] * Snack_Cake decides to help out Blackberry_Jam. "You hungry, Fern? I think I might have a nice, delicious snack for you..." She digs into her saddlebags, eventually pulling out an apple for Fern!
[21:12] * North_Star_ gives Arbor a smile, "It weren't nothing special, Ma'am."
[21:12] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Kaching points out the differences between them. Size, speeds, rabbit or no, textures, and all that. He quotes prices between 40 and 75 caps.
[21:13] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Fern smiles great big, then tilts her head. Her brain not comprehending. "Umm... are you ok, Miss Sugar Lady Snack_Cake?"
[21:16] * Blackberry_Jam gives a little chuckle. "Yeah, Snack. Apples keep the doctor away, and we don't want that, do we?"
[21:16] * Golden_Eye gets a higher end one and heads out to meet back up with Arbor after paying.
[21:17] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Kaching slips it in a nice felt pouch for storage and hoofs it over. The group is now actually, truly together at the north gatehouse.
[21:18] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Fern nods. "I like Great Doctor Great Auntie Berry."
[21:18] * Golden_Eye approaches Arbor. "When are you setting out?"
[21:19] * Blackberry_Jam gives Fern a slight smile. "Even if they do keep me away, Fern, they're still very tasty and very good for you. Try a bite."
[21:21] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Arbor smiles, looking over to Golden_Eye. "Speaking of, here you are. I think we're heading out."
[21:21] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Fern takes the apple. "Thank you." She bites into it, smiling. She likes apples, they just aren't cake."
[21:22] * Snack_Cake rolls her eyes. She was trying to keep Fern from being hyper the whole way. She smiles when Fern takes it. She does relent a little though, and offers the filly a sparkle-cola too.
[21:23] * Blackberry_Jam just keeps smiling. This filly just radiated happy, and it was starting to take over.
[21:23] <Golden_Eye> "Hmm, where are you going to?"
[21:27] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Fern squees as she takes the cola. She balances the half eaten apple between Blackberry_Jam's shoulders. She dives into Blackberry's saddlebag again. She slips a bit of surgical tubing into the swiftly opened soda and drinks some down, head bobbing back and forth happily.
[21:28] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Arbor replies, "Tressle, my husband and other daughter are there."
[21:29] * Blackberry_Jam blinky blinks. "F-Fern... That... Uh..." Does /nopony/ around here have respect for sanitized surgical equipment?
[21:30] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Fern is too busy being adorable to learn about sterilization!
[21:31] * Golden_Eye thinks a moment. "There's one more thing I need to do before I leave, but I don't need to keep you from your family anymore. Go ahead and get started without me, I can catch up to you."
[21:31] * Blackberry_Jam holds up a hoof in protest, but just sighs. "Well, I guess it's a straw now."
[21:33] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The group stands at the gate, the cemetery standing off to the east side of the road, their route stretching north then tucking west. Fern sips happily, oblivious. Arbor nods to Golden_Eye, "Alright. I'm sure you'll be able to catch up."
[21:38] * Golden_Eye nods and takes off, heading for the apartments to see Toil one more time before he has to leave.
[21:41] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Toil is laying on a couch she's brought up from a lower level.
[21:43] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Sheriff Caboose stands at the gate house with his deputies, he tips a hat as the group near him. "Safe travels, folks."
[21:44] * North_Star_ gives Caboose a wave as he passes.
[21:44] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slash passes into view, waving as he steps out to collect another ex-slave to interview. "Be careful, yeah?!"
[21:45] * Blackberry_Jam tips her beret a little before setting her eyes forward. "All right Fern, let's get you home."  She discretely blows Slash a kiss and a wink as she takes her first steps out.
[21:46] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Slash smiles big then turn to usher Chastity in for her interview.
[21:47] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The group is off, the open, rubble strewn, bombed out road under their hooves.
[21:50] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The cemetery, and Cryptholme (still rolls of the tongue) in the distance, looming to their right.
[21:55] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The group make it past the cemetery with no problems, approaching the blocked road and the alleyway detour
[21:55] * Snack_Cake sticks with Fern and Blackberry_Jam, spending some fun time with the filly.
[21:58] * North_Star_ keeps his eyes open for any of the local wildlife.
[22:03] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The group walk along the road. The ground under Blackberry_Jam gives way. Fern, with almost unbelievable reflexes, jumps off her back to latch on to Snack_Cake while BJ falls. She falls gracefully, however, and isn't hurt.
[22:05] * Blackberry_Jam gives a surprised shout as she falls into the sinkhole. "What the heeeeell!" She lands a little hard, but stands up and shakes herself off. Brushing the dust from her shoulders, she looks up, to gauge how far she's fallen.
[22:05] * Snack_Cake gives a loud gasp! "Berry! Are you okay!?"
[22:05] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The dust settles and Blackberry_Jam is at the bottom of a sewer, the ponyhole cover having given way. She's about 15 feet down.
[22:05] * North_Star_ looks over at the hole Blackberry made, peeking in. "You alright, Doc?"
[22:07] * Blackberry_Jam snorts some dust from her nostrils, only to breathe in a wiff of sewer air. "Nothing injured... just my pride." She mutters.
[22:07] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Golden_Eye spent a bit of time with Toil, but with his wings has made up the time. He nears the group just in time to see the road give way and Blackberry_Jam fall in.
[22:07] * Blackberry_Jam gives this place a good look around. If there was a ponyhole, there was probably a ladder nearby.
[22:09] * Golden_Eye seeing her fall in, speeds up in case she needs help getting out. "Are you alright? I can help you out." As he gets over the hole.
[22:09] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  There is about five feet of ladder hanging down from the surface, the rest of the rusted ladder lies twisted on the ground.
[22:09] * Blackberry_Jam is thankful to see one of the flyers up there. "Yeah, that'd be great, Goldie." She reaches a hoof up to him. "Smells like shit down here..." She mutters.
[22:12] * North_Star_ waves a hoof in front of his face. "Yeah. Smells like it up here too."
[22:12] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Fern cowers on Snack_Cake's back, curling up protectively as she hears something below. The rest can hear several high pitched chirps and what could be the flap of wings.
[22:13] * Blackberry_Jam blanches at the flapping. "Goldie... sooner rather than later!"
[22:13] * Snack_Cake says nothing, but scrunches her nose. She glances back at Fern with a frown. "Are you okay, Fern?"
[22:14] * Golden_Eye grabs her hoof to pull her up.
[22:14] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Fern hugs Snack_Cake's neck. "Something's down there..."
[22:16] * Snack_Cake gives Fern a reassuring smile! "Don't worry. You'll be alright. We'll make sure you stay safe!"
[22:16] * North_Star_ draws his rifle, walking around the hole to judge where the flapping his coming from.
[22:19] * Golden_Eye starts to pull Blackberry_Jam out.
[22:21] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Golden_Eye wraps his strong forelegs around Blackberry_Jam and zips her out with no apparent effort.
[22:22] * Golden_Eye sets her down on the side of the hole. "You alright?"
[22:22] * Blackberry_Jam lands on her hindhooves and draws her weapons, further blowing some dust from the optic. "Right as rain... I probably smell like a sewer, though."
[22:23] * Golden_Eye draws his rifle and looks back in the hole.
[22:23] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The noise is still approaching,but hasn't yet appeared. It's hard to see down the pony sized hole.
[22:27] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The flapping and chirping comes from the south in the tunnel. There's little light spilling in from up on the surface down the small cavein. The group can't yet see what's coming
[22:28] * Blackberry_Jam pokes North_Star_ with a hoof. "I don't suppose you have any grenades or dynamite left?
[22:28] * Golden_Eye looks the rubble for a piece or pieces that he can use to block the hole. "Get something to plug the hole with."
[22:28] * North_Star_ looks over at the Grenade Rifle, tucked away over his shoulder. "You sure you wanna test the integrity of a sewer that fell apart under you?"
[22:29] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The group is right by the rubble blockage of the road, there's copious amounts of sheet metal, rebar, and busted concrete nearby.
[22:31] * Blackberry_Jam notes the direction of the sewer, then notices Golden_Eye looking for scrap. "Well, the idea was to /run away/ but plugging it works. Everypony grab a piece!" She says, taking some sheet metal and dragging it over.
[22:32] * Golden_Eye helps out, fitting it over the hole.
[22:32] * North_Star_ was hoping for some food, but takes some steps back, keeping his rifle pointed towards the hole.
[22:33] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The group gets the hole covered with sheet metal and weighted down with concrete. Shortly after muffles screeches and scratching can be heard below, but the rubble barrier doesn't even shift.
[22:34] * Blackberry_Jam keeps her weapon pointed at the makeshift sewer cap once she's helped cover it. "So... anypony know what the hell those things were?" She asks, looking towards North_Star_, in particular.
[22:35] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Fern holds onto Snack_Cake's neck, not likingthe sounds one bit.
[22:36] * Golden_Eye lowers his rifle, seeing that the cover is holding.
[22:37] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  North never got a look at them, just some noise. The clicks and wings could have been mutated insects of some kind, but that doesn't work with the screaches. He can't put his hoof on it.
[22:37] * Snack_Cake keeps back away from the hole with Fern. She hopes Blackberry_Jam understands why she doesn't help with the hole. "Don't worry, Fern. We're all here."
[22:38] * North_Star_ slings his rifle, not taking his eyes off the cover. "If I had to guess, something territorial and would've picked you as a nice snack." He draws his revolver with his tail as a precaution. "But what doesn't?"
[22:38] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  As another muffled screech assaults the groups ears, Blackberry gets to wondering if they weren't bloodwings.
[22:39] * Blackberry_Jam coughs a little, the stink of the sewer lingering in her nostrils. "You think..." She hacks a little, spitting on the ground. "...those were Bloodwings?"
[22:40] <Golden_Eye> "As long as that holds, we fortunatly don't need to find out."
[22:40] * North_Star_ nods. "Sounds about right." He points a hoof back on the road to Tressle. "We should get moving, on light hooves."
[22:41] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The screeches fade as whatever it was loses interest. The group slips into the alley detour, heading toward Tressle. Arbor walks beside Snack_Cake as Fern continues to cling to her. She feel's safe with the nice pink pony.
[22:42] * Snack_Cake has no objections with getting out as fast as they can.
[22:42] * Blackberry_Jam is a little on edge, now. She's much more careful with her steps, looking at the ground in front of her intently.
[22:43] * Golden_Eye flies above the party.
[22:43] * North_Star_ takes up the rear as usual, constantly looking over his shoulder for anything else out to kill the group.
[22:45] * Snack_Cake comforts Fern as best she can. She even offers to let the filly listen to the radio!
[22:49] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Fern soon relaxes, the radio station playing a nice instrumental number.
[22:49] * Blackberry_Jam looks relieved to arrive at Tressle, visible relaxing as soon as her hooves touch the bridge.
[22:52] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The gate is open, a mare sitting with a rifle in the lookout. She waves.
[22:53] * North_Star_ waves back, tucking his revolver away in it's holster.
[22:54] * Blackberry_Jam returns the wave too, a smile on her lips.
[22:55] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The familiar mare hops down, moving over toward the group, and North_Star_ in particular, with a sway in her hips. "Hey, Lawpony, welcome to Tressel."
[22:56] * North_Star_ smiles at the mare. "Been too long."
[22:58] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Lilac gives a big smile. "I'll show you around. See the sights and whatnot."
[22:59] * Blackberry_Jam keeps on trotting, then. She has her eyes peeled for potential projectile fillymedics, or Cask. Whichever comes first.
[23:00] * Golden_Eye puts his rifle away and following Arbor in, dropping down to walk.
[23:00] <Golden_Eye> follows*
[23:01] * North_Star_ waves a hoof towards Arbor. "Ah'm afriad work comes first. Speaking of which, Cask hasn't been around lately, has he?"
[23:02] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  A ways inside a large blue stallion is holding his hoof up to a filly in a paperbag beret, a pink cross colored on it. She's wrapping his hoof. The stick of a sucker bobs around the corner of her mouth as she scolds the stallion. "Do you thhink I'm made of bandagesh? Be careful of spinthers! I don'th have thime tho fixth you all the thime!"
[23:03] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Lilac nods, "Yeah, they moved into the third shack on the left." She points.
[23:04] * North_Star_ nods. "Meet you at the saloon?" He asks Lilac, giving as warm a smile as he could.
[23:05] * Blackberry_Jam stops in her tracks as she spies Clover's get-up. "Well... I'll be damned..." she mutters, trotting forward a little. "Excuse me, Ms." She says, staying out of the filly's line of site. "But you look just like this mare I know. The resemblance is uncanny."
[23:06] * Snack_Cake sticks with Arbor, until she makes sure Fern makes it to the rest of her family safe and sound.
[23:07] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Lilac smiles. "Sure, Law. I'll be there." She trots toward the watering hole, hips swaying.
[23:08] * North_Star_ turns to catch up with Blackberry_Jam.
[23:09] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Clover turns, the sucker threatening to fall from her mouth as she sees here. "Docta Jam!" She throws herself at Berry. Arbor stands back, smiling and tearing up.
[23:12] * Blackberry_Jam oofs as she falls back, smiling up at her imposter. "Docter Clover!" She gives the filly a little nuzzle and hugs her for a second before she says, "As much as I'm happy to see you, you should really save your hugs for her." She points to Arbor, still smiling.
[23:12] * Golden_Eye stands a little back, letting them have their moment.
[23:14] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Clover looks up, jaw dropping fully and spilling the sucker to fall on Blackberry_Jam's neck. She sprints forward. "MOOOOOMMAA!!!" Arbor plants her back hooves and catches the projectile in a massive hug, raining kisses down on her.
[23:15] * North_Star_ makes sure he's clear of the ballistic filly, the scene bringing some warmth to his croggity old heart.
[23:15] * Blackberry_Jam peels the sucker from her neck and climbs to her hooves. Her smile has never been wider.
[23:16] * Snack_Cake smiles at the heartwarming moment! She lets Fern down to join her family in celebrating their return.
[23:19] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Clover weeps into her mother's chest. "I-I-I missed you! I was s-s-so worried!" She bawls as her mother gently strokes her mane. Fern trots over and rears, wrapping her forelegs around Clover's back and resting her head on her shoulder.
[23:20] * North_Star_ walks over to Jam's side, still watching the tearful reunion.
[23:21] * Blackberry_Jam gives North_Star_ a slight smile. She looks like she's trying really hard to hold back tears. "Beautiful, isn't it?"
[23:21] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  There's a deafening howl from the far side of the bridge, followed shortly after by the sound of heavy paw's and hooves scrabbling to get out of the way.
[23:22] * North_Star_ chuckled, knowing that howl well. "It's only going to get better."
[23:23] * Golden_Eye looks in the direction of the howl and paws.
[23:24] * Blackberry_Jam claps North_Star_ on the back, then looks to the sky. "Scrap, I hope you're seeing this." she says quietly.
[23:26] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The giant canine tripod barrels through the quickly parting crowd. Cask chasing after Mr. Wiggles as he clears a path and makes a beeline for his missing family. He skids to a halt just in front of them, dropping his chest down in the classic play stance. Fern turns and launches herself onto his head. "Mr. Wiggles!"
[23:28] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Cask catches up shortly after, walking the last several steps to Arbor as Clover's tears stop falling. "Arbor." She smiles and he steps forward to kiss her fiercely. "I love you..." His eyes mist and she spares a hoof to wrap around his neck.
[23:29] * North_Star_ sighs, wallowing in old memories of a better time for him.
[23:31] * Golden_Eye watches the scene with a smile. Seperations are horrible, but reunions are magical.
[23:31] * Blackberry_Jam watches the scene, no longer trying to hold back the tears. It has been a while...
[23:33] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Fern hops off her canine taxi and latches onto Cask's leg. "Daddy, daddy, daddy, daddy!" He opens his leg to sweep her into the hug, the two fillies sandwiched between their loving parents. Mr. Wiggles makes his way to them, bathing the fillies' faces with big, wet licks. The 'ewww' and squeal, breaking into giggle fits.
[23:34] * Snack_Cake has a huge smile. She's very glad that she helped reunite this family. She trots over to Thunder, giving her a nice, strong nuzzle. She keeps watching the family.
[23:37] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The reunion eventually breaks as Cask pulls back and strokes Arbor's cheek again. He turns to the group. "Thank you, so much. I..." Tears trace tracts down his cheeks. "I'm whole again... thank you all."
[23:39] * Blackberry_Jam looks straight down at their hooves, tears running fown her face.
[23:39] * Golden_Eye smiles and nods. "You're most welcome, sir."
[23:40] * North_Star_ looks over at Blackberry_Jam, giving her a gentle nudge.
[23:41] * Snack_Cake gives Cask a warm smile. "It was our pleasure. We could /never/ just sit around and leave your family out there..."
[23:42] * Blackberry_Jam manages to choke out a soft "You're welcome."
[23:43] * North_Star_ tips his hat. "Just doin' what comes natural."
[23:44] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Cask blinks to clear his eyes. "You're always welcome here, you'll always drink free, and I'll do whatever I can for you. I'll see to a proper reward." Arbor slips up beside him, working her way under a foreleg. He hugs her fiercely.
[23:46] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Meanwhile the fillies chase Mr. Wiggles, and sometimes the reverse, back through the gate to play under the watchful eyes of the tower guard that replaced Lilac.
[23:47] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Arbor kisses his cheek. "I'm going to watch the girls play, you take care of them." She turns and heads after the fillies.
[23:50] * Blackberry_Jam eventually wipes the tears from her eyes and approaches Cask and Arbor.
[23:50] * North_Star_ walks alongside, making sure his rifle is secure around him.
[23:50] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Cask smiles, Arbor is only a short way away, watching the fillies through the gate.
[23:51] * Snack_Cake watches from Thunder's side. She'd give the world for those fillies. She can't resist their adorable charm.
[23:53] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  The fillies tumble and roll around, roughhousing their giant canine protector. Cask walks up to Blackberry_Jam, a smile on his lips. "I can never thank you enough, but I can try.
[23:54] * Blackberry_Jam shakes her head a little. "No, no... Cask. Thank you."
[23:57] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  He laughs, despite the tears still pooling in his eyes. "Me? I won't hear of it. Let's get you ponies to the house and a reward dug up. Then it's to the bar to drink until you've had your fill twice!"
[23:59] * North_Star_ smiles a little. "Hard to say no to that kind of reward."
[00:00] * Blackberry_Jam lowers her head, and a sad smile creeps on to her face. She lets Cask lead the way. "I just wanted to thank you for letting me watch that. When I look at the four... five." She smiles at the dog. "...Of you, I see my family. And seeing you all so happy to be together..." She cries again, but is still smiling.
[00:00] * Golden_Eye follows along, keeping quite, but still with a smile on his face.
[00:05] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Cask stops, he doesn't know her well, be he knows when a mare needs a hug. He drapes a foreleg over Blackberry_Jam's withers and gives a quick squeeze. He lingers a moment to see if she needs a shoulder or not.
[00:09] * Blackberry_Jam lowers her head further. "Thank you... Now let's keep going... I'd hate to keep these two waiting."
[00:10] * Golden_Eye chuckles softly. "Nonsense, I can wait."
[00:12] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Cask leads you to his new home. Tressel has had to expand off the bridge itself some with it's increase in population. His house is outside the west gate, his still not having any place on an old tressle.
[00:13] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Cask disappears into the back and comes out with a chest, sitting it down in front of him.
[00:13] * North_Star_ gathers the group around the chest, intently curious.
[00:14] * Blackberry_Jam eyes it with a grin. She's still wiping the tears from her eyes.
[00:14] * Golden_Eye is also curious and waits patiently.
[00:15] * Snack_Cake sits and watches curiously.
[00:20] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  Cask smiles. "Caps hardly can say thank you like you deserve, but it's one way I can say thank you." He pulls the lid off to show neat rows of caps. Four thousand in all.
[00:20] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  *****Session End*****
[00:21] <Mister_Clacky|GM>  1000 XP for avoiding a fight with bloodwings and completing the Slaver Arc fully. The group gains 3 karma for bringing a family back together.
[00:22] <~Blackberry_Jam>  Blackberry_Jam receives an Academy Award for her role as "Danger Desparado."