[19:07]	Mister_Splendid	Loading...
[19:07]	Mister_Splendid	Trottingham palace remains the capital of the Monarchy, relatively untouched by the conflict that has ravaged other areas.
[19:07]	Mister_Splendid	Session 4
[19:07]	Mister_Splendid	  -> Coltriff Town
[19:07]	Mister_Splendid	 -> 1634 Hours
[19:07]	Mister_Splendid	Courtesy of Stony Pebble, Moon_Beam's Pipbuck has received an upgrade, and Amphora has had the fortune to receive some weapons training. Colquhoun and Lucria remain with the group where they were last.
[19:10]	Mister_Splendid	To Amphora, the elder stallion turns with a smile. "Like I said, lass. So long as you keep yourself from flinching you should be on your way to slinging guns like an Equestrian cowpony."
[19:10]	Amphora	gives a nervous little laugh.
[19:10]	Amphora	"I will do what I can, monsieur."
[19:13]	Amphora	taps her armored hoof on the floor as she once again browses his selection. What would she like?
[19:21]	Mister_Splendid	He clops his hoof. "Like I said! A lass like yourself could certainly use a decent weapon. Consider it a gift." He gestures at the selection before him, the same weapons he trained Amphora with. "Pick one." Amphora finds before her a top-break revolver, a varmint rifle, a magical energy pistol, and a recharger rifle.
[19:24]	=-=	ColquAFK is now known as Colquhoun
[19:26]	Moon_Beam	trots up to Amphora and Stony Pebble, observing from a respectful distance.
[19:28]	Mister_Splendid	Stony Pebble now turns to the batpony. "Now, so long as you promise me to keep a lookout for new wildlife and track it with that device of yours, we've a deal." He scribbles an address on a slip of paper and passes it to Moon_Beam. "Letters addressed to me will find me. Contact me when you find 10 new species, and perhaps I'll have something nice for you." He smiles. "Now, as for the skywagon."
[19:29]	Amphora	blinks. They all looked so... brutish! "I... I suppose... zat one." She points to the revolver. "It looks... not very complicated."
[19:29]	Moon_Beam	takes the piece of paper, looks it over, then tucks it into his saddlebags.
[19:30]	Moon_Beam	"I'll remind, again, that I am no biologist," he warns. "Any included notes may not be the most technical in that regard."
[19:41]	Mister_Splendid	Stony Pebble smiles at Amphora. "An excellent choice. It shan't let you down." He hoofs her the weapon, along with 30 rounds of .45 caliber ammunition. To Moon_Beam, he speaks. "Just do what you can and all will be well. But as for that skywagon?" He trots to the nearby desk, taking a map of the Isles and gesturing with his hoof. "In these woods about....here, is an old Braytish Army...
[19:41]	Mister_Splendid	...installation. Most of it old and rusted to hell, but there's still a fair bit of equipment that works." He gestures at the garage. "I picked most of it clean myself, as you likely might have guessed. But I do know that, along with a few odds and ends I never bothered taking, there is an old military skywagon in one of the garages."
[19:42]	Amphora	loads the weapon and carefully stows it in her bag.
[19:42]	Mister_Splendid	Where Colquhoun stands just outside, as the afternoon lights approach evening, the sea air around Coltriff is fresh and cool. A faint whirring behind alerts the griffon to one of the cylindrical robots of Stony's, which has stopped and now fixes its sensors upon the griffon.
[19:44]	Moon_Beam	"Why didn't you take it?" Moon Beam asks with a quirk of his brow.
[19:45]	Colquhoun	"Even the air here is... blegh."  He tugged gently at his armor, still never having felt quite right since arriving.  It might have been something as simple as the altitude compared to Trottingham, or just the general tempermant of the place that was making him itch so.  The whirring sound was a welcome distraction, as he looked toward the approaching robot.  "Hunh."  He looks toward
[19:45]	Colquhoun	it, giving it a quick once over from where he was standing, waiting for Moon_Beam and Amphora to be done in Stony's shop.
[19:46]	Mister_Splendid	"What use have I for a skywagon?" He asks of Moon Beam. "I've no kin who can use it, and these old wings of mine creak too much for me to use it properly. Believe me, boyo, if I were younger I very well might have." He jabs at his Pipbuck. "Why else would I ask such a task of you, eh?"
[19:48]	Moon_Beam	"I had to ask," the batpony replies. "Anypony can still scrap a wagon for parts. Especially the spark battery."
[19:49]	Moon_Beam	"And a military wagon would be liable to be equipped with other useful things. Armor, weapons. Rations, if it was being prepped."
[19:49]	Mister_Splendid	He shrugs. "Plenty of spare parts around the base, lad. I wasn't left wanting with what I could carry." He leans against the wall. "But like I said. Nigh-on impossible to get inside. You know why?" He gestures at the robot by Colquhoun. "Because of those. The damned things are all over the base. Seems harmless, don't it? Don't let it fool you."
[19:50]	Amphora	slips outside and exhales hard. This was all rather exhilarating! She had a weapon now! Maybe she should write home about it? She takes another deep breath looks around outside.
[19:50]	Moon_Beam	"I have plenty of experience with robotics," Moon Beam assures. "Don't you worry."
[19:50]	Mister_Splendid	Amphora sees Colquhoun the griffon, and that odd cylindrical robot. It turns now to lock its sensors upon the Prench pony instead.
[19:51]	Amphora	takes a cautious step back and mutters a quiet "Merde!" under her breath.
[19:51]	Mister_Splendid	An automated, tinny voice emerges from the bot. "Would you care for some tea?"
[19:52]	Amphora	"N-Not from you..." She stammers.
[19:54]	Mister_Splendid	"Sure," he says to Moon_Beam. "But those nasty little buggers will shoot at anything that don't wear a Braytish Army uniform." He clops a hoof on the ground and touches his hoof in mock thought. "Now, if only you knew somepony who had any."
[19:54]	Colquhoun	Distracted for a moment by a fresh sound, one a bit closer, Colquhoun gives Amphora a curious look.  "Wonder'd where you two'd made off to.  Next time, might be best if ya'd at least leave me a note?"  He keeps a concerned eye on the robot, which then speaks.  Hearing Amphora reaction and presuming that it wasn't anything that he did, he responds "Oh, this?  Palace guard sentries...
[19:54]	Colquhoun	although think you're right, bloody things could never make a decent cup."
[19:55]	Moon_Beam	"Why do I get the feeling you just happen to have some on hoof?" the batpony asks the Airish pegasus.
[19:56]	Mister_Splendid	He chortles heartily, simply reaching into a nearby crate and lifting out several sets of military fatigues. "You're a bright one, boyo."
[19:58]	Mister_Splendid	The robot turns to Colquhoun, and repeats its query that it made of Amphora. "Would you care for some tea?"
[20:00]	Mister_Splendid	The robots are, for reference, of mostly cylindrical shape. Shaped much like the robobrains that Moon_Beam might be familiar with, they move on a pair of tanklike treads. The dome is made of brass, a number of small dishes and sensors peering from it. The rest of the chassis is made, curiously, from wood.
[20:00]	Colquhoun	"No, thank ya, mate, just had a cuppa on the way here.  Although, while you're at it, state your designation please."
[20:01]	Amphora	shudders. "Tea... from a robot... simply... outlandish..."
[20:02]	Mister_Splendid	The robot answers in kind. "I am a Prospero Class sentry. Serial number 4D90XC. My current function is to guard the premises."
[20:02]	Amphora	straightens herself and bows to Colquhoun. "I am so sorry... Monsieur... It was all so sudden and exciting! I must have forgotten to tell you..."
[20:07]	Colquhoun	"It's all right, given my... less than spectacular attitute about whatever it is were doing here, this city.  I'm more accustomed to pushing unicorns and griffons to their limits as an instructor.  Working with a team, especially a civilian one?  A little bit... out of my immediate circle of knowledge.  Although it'd be bloody easier is Lucria'd show up so more often."  He gives Amphora
[20:07]	Colquhoun	a soft nod, saying "Forgiven.  Now... here's my question; why is a Prospero Class sentry all the way here in Coltriff?"
[20:10]	Moon_Beam	"And what's it going to cost us to borrow them from you?" Moon Beam inquires, looking over the fatigues.
[20:11]	Amphora	has no idea what the heck any of the things Colquhoun is saying mean, but nods her head all the same.
[20:18]	Mister_Splendid	He flicks his tail. "I'm not going to lie, boyo. I like you, and you seem the decent sort. So I'm willing to let them go for a discount."  He leans back. "Enough uniforms for four at 1200 keys."
[20:20]	Moon_Beam	appears to think about it for a moment.
[20:20]	Moon_Beam	"I'll have to discuss it with the crew," he says. "I'll get back to you."
[20:21]	Mister_Splendid	"I'll be here."
[20:23]	Colquhoun	"Tell me, Prospero Class sentry, serial number 4D90XC, how did you come about to end up here?"
[20:24]	Moon_Beam	trots over to Amphora and Colquhoun. "So we have a few options for getting that skywagon," he says. "We can head into that military base and take the automated security head-on, or we can rent obscenely expensive uniforms from this guy that allegedly will have the security recognize us as Braytish military and waltz right in. Personally, given the pricetag, I'm inclined to go
[20:24]	Moon_Beam	for the former."
[20:25]	Mister_Splendid	The bot answers. "I was found in derelict condition near the outskirts of Faxwood barracks. I was restored to working condition and reprogrammed by Mr. Stony Pebble."
[20:27]	Amphora	"It is... surprisingly cognisent of zat..."
[20:28]	Colquhoun	looks to Moon_Beam for a second, saying "How much is he asking for rental of military uniforms, one of which, I must say I'm still wearing?" then focuses back on the robot. "What were your orders prior to exiting the Faxwood barracks?"
[20:29]	Mister_Splendid	"I do not recall," the bot replies. "My mind was wiped during the reprogramming. I am, however, inclined to believe I was originally programmed to guard the perimeter of the Faxwood Barracks."
[20:29]	Amphora	finds the switching of conversations both rude and overwhelming. "'ow much is he asking? I could talk to 'im."
[20:31]	Moon_Beam	"Twelve-hundred keys for a set of four," Moon Beam answers. "That puts the split at three-hundred keys, which is almost all I've got right now."
[20:32]	Colquhoun	balks. "Bloody robbery. I've got the funds, but just to rent them? Might just as well purchase the damned things from him at that rate!"
[20:32]	Amphora	coughs. "Outrageous! For some dumb fabric. I will be back."
[20:32]	Moon_Beam	"Yeah. I wouldn't /buy/ one of those uniforms for that much, much less rent."
[20:34]	Colquhoun	looks back at the robot, a new question coming to his mind as Amphora heads back to the shop. "Okay... hypothesize with me for a minute, given your lack of memory. Try accessing your root programming files, and find your primary directives file."
[20:50]	Mister_Splendid	"Analyzing command.: A few whirring clicks sound from within the robot. Whatever Colquhoun said, he must have said something right, for the robot soon responds. "File located. Processing encryption." A few moments' silence, another whir, and then an answer. "Analysis complete. I was the unit assigned to guard the ammunition depot at Faxwood. When the megaspells fell overseas, the barracks...
[20:50]	Mister_Splendid	...were hit hard by the incoming fallout. Most soldiers stationed at the barracks perished. An officer of the Braytish Army directed me to send an audio message to Trottingham."
[20:51]	Mister_Splendid	Stony Pebble is still inside if Amphora would like to speak to him.
[20:51]	Colquhoun	"Please play that message, if you would.  Colonel Colquhoun, Braytish National Guard."
[20:58]	Mister_Splendid	The robot whirs and clicks. "You have identified yourself as a member of the Braytish National Guard. Please display your identification card."
[20:59]	Mister_Splendid	Colquhoun should have one on his person.
[20:59]	Amphora	steps in and clears her throat. "Monsieur?"
[21:01]	Mister_Splendid	Stony Pebble turns to Amphora. "Aye, lass? What can I do for you?"
[21:03]	Amphora	"My friends 'ave told me zat you can give us uniforms to sneak into a base to... do... zomething... And it will cost us 'ow much?"
[21:05]	Mister_Splendid	"Like I said to your winged friend back there, 1200 bits."
[21:05]	Mister_Splendid	*keys."
[21:09]	Colquhoun	provides the robot with his ID.
[21:17]	Mister_Splendid	The robot whirs and clicks. "Identification confirmed. Braytish National Guard. You are not authorized to hear this message."
[21:20]	Colquhoun	A soft chuckle comes from the griffon's throat as he looks to Moon_Beam. "Semantics..."  Returning to the sentry, he responded "Look, bucko, I'm as close as you're gonna get to a Braytish Military officer out here. You have information, I require it.  Play the message, now."
[21:20]	Mister_Splendid	Colquhoun reckons that his identification is, unfortunately, simply below the required pay grade.
[21:22]	Mister_Splendid	The robot whirs and clicks. "You are not authorized to hear this message," it repeats. "I may only play this message to the Chief of the National Guard, or to a member of the Royal Family."
[21:24]	Colquhoun	"All right, then... we're going to have to go about this in other ways.  I'm not sure, but there might be a way to mask my identification to make the sentry think that it's somepony else of higher rank.  Or... Moon_Beam, how good is your Braytish history?"
[21:24]	Amphora	frowns. "Is zere any reason that zey are so expensive?"
[21:26]	Mister_Splendid	"Well, lass, they're pristine condition. Just as good as they were 200 years ago. And honestly, lass, I already am giving you a discount. Those are worth 500 keys apiece, no less."
[21:26]	Moon_Beam	gives Colquhoun a look. "I'm from halfway around the globe, and I'm not a historian by trade," he responds flatly.
[21:27]	Amphora	scoffs, and looks closely at the uniforms in question. "'ave you 'ad trouble selling zem at zat price?"
[21:28]	Colquhoun	"Let's try a different tack.  Sentry, do me a favor... I'm a little bit rusty on the hierarchy from Trottingham as of late, could you tell me who the current Chief of the National Guard is?"
[21:30]	Mister_Splendid	The sentry whirs and clicks. "Chief Verdant Green," it replies. "My systems indicate that the chance he is living today is 0.00001%."
[21:31]	Mister_Splendid	Stony Pebble answers Amphora. "I suppose I have," he says. "Not exactly a market for it."
[21:32]	Colquhoun	"Well, that sort of narrows down the options for you to play your message now, doesn't it?"  He sighs at Moon_Beam.  "I'm open to suggestions--last I knew the Queen Mother wasn't here on holiday and not sure that any of your royalty would count toward getting this thing to answer."  Back to the sentry.  "Are there any circumstances as to which you would play the message for any surviving
[21:32]	Colquhoun	officer of the Braytish Military?"
[21:33]	Amphora	"Zere's a reason for zat... Zere's not a /single/ pony looking to buy zese. Even still, we are only allowed to rent zem? Does zis not sound preposterous to you?"
[21:34]	Mister_Splendid	He chortles. "Well, no. I'm selling it for 1200, darling." He smiles. "Unless you can convince me otherwise? Humor me. Why should I let them go for less?"
[21:35]	Mister_Splendid	The robot whirs in thought briefly. "Negative," it answers. "I may, however, relay the message to the Queen of the Isles."
[21:39]	Colquhoun	"This is fantastic if I were in Trottingham."  He pauses in thought for a second, figuring he can try another tack that might be effective.  "I am the envoy of the Queen of the Isles.  You may trust the message with me.  I will see that she receives it."
[21:43]	Mister_Splendid	"Negative," the bot replies. "My primary directive remains the guarding of these premises for Mr. Stony Pebble. What I can do is provide an encrypted copy of the message. I will require a device that carry one."
[21:44]	Moon_Beam	"I can handle that," Moon Beam states.
[21:45]	Mister_Splendid	The bot turns to Moon_Beam. "Please ready the device. Message transmitting."
[21:45]	Moon_Beam	brings up his PipBuck's data registry.
[21:46]	Colquhoun	looks to Moon_Beam, nodding. "Proceed."
[21:47]	Mister_Splendid	Sure enough, a new audio file appears on Moon_Beam's Pipbuck. Simply titled 'Encrypted Note', playing the file causes only an odd series of warbles and clicks to be heard. There's no way for even this device to decrypt it.
[21:50]	Colquhoun	"Well, thank you Sentry.  Before we go, is there any information you have regarding the Faxwood Base? I'm still waiting for my data files to arrive from Trottingham, but you know... paperwork and bureaucrats arguing over nonsense..."  He looks to Moon_Beam, saying softly "What's the chance of you making heads of tails of that message before we leave?"
[21:52]	Mister_Splendid	"I am afraid I have no information to give," the sentry replies. "Whatever knowledge I have of the barracks was wiped when I was reprogrammed."
[21:53]	Colquhoun	"Might need to talk to Mister Stony, then... who better to get the information from than the programmer?"
[21:53]	Colquhoun	says thsi to Moon_Beam
[21:54]	Moon_Beam	"Without an encryption key, I'll need to spend time manually decoding the entire file," Moon Beam mutters back. "I sincerely doubt I'll make any significant headway in that little time."
[22:01]	Colquhoun	"Maybe we won't need to wait that long.  I think it's time I met this Mister Stony and had a chant about this sentry robot."
[22:02]	Moon_Beam	"Well, you have fun with that. I'm not really sure why you care this much about a 200-year-old message, though," Moon Beam comments. "I'm more concerned with getting that skywagon."
[22:03]	Mister_Splendid	Amphora soon comes out of the garage and shakes her head. "I am afraid could not convince 'im," she says, regret tinging her voice.
[22:05]	Colquhoun	"It's got information about what happened on the base, as well as ways to get us there without getting shot to pieces in the process."  Looking to Amphora, he frowned.  "Time for some different type of negotiations, then."
[22:06]	|<--	Amphora has left irc.canternet.org (Connection closed)
[22:08]	Moon_Beam	"I really don't think we need to negotiate that hard for those uniforms," Moon Beam says. "If he wants to price 'em up so high, let him. We can just scrap those bots as easy as sneaking past them."
[22:09]	Mister_Splendid	 > End Session <