Fallout: Beyond Equestria 192: Black Rose (Part 10)

[2016-08-24 13:04:31] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Previously...
[2016-08-24 13:05:45] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Upon approach to Darkness Falls, the Crimson's Caravaners intervened in the attempted assassination of a wealthy pony carrying a briefcase with an odd, golden symbol.  They managed to save the pony's life, and capture the would-be assassin -- a griffin of the Black Talons, a mercenary group with no allegiances.
[2016-08-24 13:05:59] <Mare-Do-Well> 3The pony, as it turned out, was the representative of their mysterious client, and was on his way to Darkness Falls to meet with them.  He is now recovering from his injuries in one of their hotel rooms at the Lightbringer Inn in Darkness Falls, a town on the very border of the effects of Sunshine and Rainbows.
[2016-08-24 13:06:11] <Mare-Do-Well> 3 3Within the town of Darkness Falls, a second assassin made an attempt on the pony's life.  And again, the party was able to thwart the murder and subdue the attacking griffin, another member of the Black Talons.
[2016-08-24 13:06:14] <Mare-Do-Well> 3...
[2016-08-24 13:08:38] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Kid leaves the intimidation to Noble. Dark fur, red eyes, and towering over them does not a filly outscare. Instead, she splits her attention to the gentlestallion. "Effigy, right? Ya'll work for Golden Buckle. What'd they do?" She giggles a little at Mitzi's antics. If nopony else, she's alright. You know, for a Hellhound.
[2016-08-24 13:08:50] <Mare-Do-Well> 3itzi grumbles about the pencil; "Dis so much easier wit chalk." She tosses the broken half of the pencil away and just slaps her paw down on the line, leaving a large paw print there, probably taking up more than half the page. She looks to Effigy; "Dat gud?"
[2016-08-24 13:09:09] <Mare-Do-Well> 3The griffin snorts.  "You folks need to get your priorities straight."
[2016-08-24 13:09:16] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Shatara chuckles. "Theres a priority above getting paid? What kinda merc are you?"
[2016-08-24 13:09:25] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Effigy watches Mitzi struggle.  With the pawprint, he nods.  "That should do nicely."
[2016-08-24 13:09:40] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Mitzi gives a big, toothy, and probably frightening to small children grin.
[2016-08-24 13:09:57] <Mare-Do-Well> 3The griffin glares at Shatara.  "I mean, it would be nice if the right talon knew what the left talon was up to."
[2016-08-24 13:10:17] <Mare-Do-Well> 3"Or... maybe it does?"  She looks over the lot of you, her gaze lingering a moment on CopyCat and widening fearfully at Mitzi.  She focuses back on Shatara.  The griffin girl smirks.  "As a Black Talon, who hires me is between me and my employer.  But that's fine, considerin' I reckon my employer is here in this room."
[2016-08-24 13:10:42] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Noble_Heart chuckles politely, covering it with a forehoof briefly before she smacks the hoof back down on the flooring. "Now, now. No need to be rude to Our friends. If you have something to say you should really come out and say it. We have questions, after all. And you? You have answers." She lowers her head slightly to look the griffin in the eyes.
[2016-08-24 13:10:56] <Mare-Do-Well> 3CopyCat heads over to the griffin, all smiles. "I would like to get my priorities straight... what are my priorities?"
[2016-08-24 13:11:03] <Mare-Do-Well> 3The griffin frowns.  "You tell me.  Aren't you the one that hired me?"
[2016-08-24 13:11:04] <Mare-Do-Well> 3...
[2016-08-24 13:11:34] <Mare-Do-Well> 3"The ghouls of Equestria are being sustained by irradiated water that is hauled into the country from foreign lands by caravans.  But the trips are long and dangerous... and grow moreso every day.  Many good ponies have been lost trying to bring dirty water from the zebra lands.  Soon, it may become too dangerous to continue..."
[2016-08-24 13:11:41] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Effigy frowns, "Or the water may become too expensive for many ghouls to afford."
[2016-08-24 13:11:52] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Kid grumbles. "Look, is there a point t' this? What 'r we deliverin'? Some sorta balefire talisman or whatsit?"
[2016-08-24 13:11:58] <Mare-Do-Well> 3 3Effigy nods.  "Equestria would benefit greatly from having an irradiated zone within our borders.  One which provided life-giving irradiated water for the ghouls... and irradiated material we could use to fuel Red Eye's old radiation engines."
[2016-08-24 13:12:17] <Mare-Do-Well> 3"But thanks to the Gardens of Equestria, no such place exists here.  To create a new one, we would need a balefire bomb."
[2016-08-24 13:12:29] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Kid blinked. "... No. Nonononononono. No. No. You ain't suggestin..."
[2016-08-24 13:12:42] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Shatara slowly looks up from his rifle.
[2016-08-24 13:13:10] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Kid 's forehooves flop to her side, eyes kind of watering up a bit. "You are suggestin'. Aw, Celestia, you are suggestin' it." Why'd he go and suggest that they find a balefire bomb? Why them?
[2016-08-24 13:13:17] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Shatara ponders. "That would certainly explain why the Followers are hiring assasins against us..."
[2016-08-24 13:13:19] <Mare-Do-Well> 3...
[2016-08-24 13:13:47] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Through scattered cloud cover, the group can see into the shadowy bowl of the valley on the eastern side of the ridge.  There, within the dark valley, lies a massive shape -- black and ominous -- dotted with hundreds of small lights: the Enclave's remaining Thunderhead.
[2016-08-24 13:13:54] <Mare-Do-Well> 3It appears to be grounded, and has been turned into a fortress city here at the top of the world.
[2016-08-24 13:14:02] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Get_Lost stares at the thunderhead in awe "wow, i don't know what i would pay to have the chance to try and fix that"
[2016-08-24 13:14:17] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Bookwright shivers. "I don't want to find out. I don't even want to go near that thing."
[2016-08-24 13:14:32] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Get_Lost "are yo kidding me! that's... a mad scientist's wet dream! a damn flying fortress!"
[2016-08-24 13:14:56] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Get_Lost "i want to see what its power source is, check its engines, study how it flies, improve those guns!"
[2016-08-24 13:15:10] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Shatara can't help but stare in awe of the massive sky battleship.
[2016-08-24 13:15:17] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Get_Lost asks, "do you think they're recruiting?"
[2016-08-24 13:15:19] <Mare-Do-Well> 3...
[2016-08-24 13:15:33] <Mare-Do-Well> 3The Captain unfurls a map across the table and lays out a few markers, indicating a wide area of space between the Aerie and the peaks of the Dragonlands.  "This zone is where we need to get to.  It should all be within a day's travel, and anywhere within it will put is in range of the communications net."
[2016-08-24 13:15:37] <Mare-Do-Well> 3She looks to the group.  "So, within that range, where do you need to go?  Give me a heading."
[2016-08-24 13:15:44] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Bookwright says, "Well, we have roughly two hundred non-combatants that we would like to get off our ship, and they all happen to be baby dragons. Are there any, er, enclaves in the Dragonlands that we can deposit the hatchlings at?"
[2016-08-24 13:15:52] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Mitzi glances at Hunter perched on her shoulder, wondering if that would be better for him. She was kind of attached, but technically speaking he wasn't really hers, or her kind.
[2016-08-24 13:15:58] <Mare-Do-Well> 3The Captain chuckles at the pun.  "If they are baby dragons, maybe you should find a dragon to give them too?"
[2016-08-24 13:16:07] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Major Fog Bank notes, "I'm certain you do not wish to leave them with the Enclave.  Although Doctor Sonica would adore the opportunity."  Mitzi growls loudly at the mention of that name
[2016-08-24 13:16:15] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Golden_Dream  very quickly replies with, "Well, tough for her." She nods. "Thanks fer' bein' understanding. Lemme show you where it's at..." She pops on her pipbuck and shows them her travel time.
[2016-08-24 13:16:17] <Mare-Do-Well> 3...
[2016-08-24 13:16:38] <Mare-Do-Well> 3The /Shadowbolt/ begins to move, picking up speed.  Below, a creature that is mostly a dragon lumbers out of the entrance.  Amethyst scales and ruby-spined, the dragon is covered in black vines that thread in and out of its body, covering him like veins, with bulges of oily pustules and black flowers.  The creature stares up at the ship and roars.
[2016-08-24 13:16:43] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Mitzi gasps and slips Hunter behind her. "Wut eez dat?!"
[2016-08-24 13:16:49] <Mare-Do-Well> 3The Stripeless react with horror to the sight below.  The translator turns to Shatara, speaking in griffin.  "It is the Black Plague of the Anulus Mortis!"
[2016-08-24 13:16:51] <Mare-Do-Well> 3...
[2016-08-24 13:17:27] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Dragon_Lord_Ember frowns.  Then turns to Mitzi.  "In the spirit of building alliances, I can do you a favor in return.  I will send Citrine Glow to accompany you as my ambassador from the Dragonlands."
[2016-08-24 13:17:33] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Citrine Glow looks shocked and a bit unnerved.  "but... um... my place is at your side!"
[2016-08-24 13:17:46] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Dragon_Lord_Ember tells her, "Yes, unless I need you be elsewhere.  And I think, for a small while, I do."
[2016-08-24 13:17:56] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Shatara says, "We've got an airship, we can come back anytime!"
[2016-08-24 13:18:05] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Citrine Glow looks concerned.  "But... how will you... without me... you can't even cook!"
[2016-08-24 13:18:11] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Mitzi looks to Citrine Glow, then smiles and extends a paw. "AMbassador eez important job, yes?"
[2016-08-24 13:18:23] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Dragon_Lord_Ember rolls her eyes, but smiles.  "I'm a Dragon Lord, and I am two and a half centuries old.  I am sure I can manage without my number one assistant... for a few weeks."
[2016-08-24 13:18:30] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Citrine Glow looks worried.  But nods.  Then offers Mitzi her hoof.
[2016-08-24 13:18:45] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Golden_Dream smirks. "Hey, at least you won't have t' cook while I'm around. Or clean. Or... Well, you can talk better than I can, prolly." She serious's up for a moment. "But, the argument you should make is, you know where we're goin', danger'll follow. We will protect her with everything we got."
[2016-08-24 13:18:51] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Mitzi shakes it firmly
[2016-08-24 13:19:06] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Dragon_Lord_Ember looks to Mitzi.  "Keep her safe.  She will be very helpful.  And she enjoys the benefit of being a crystal pony, and thus immune to the plague."
[2016-08-24 13:19:59] <Mare-Do-Well> 3...
[2016-08-24 13:20:12] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Dragon_Lord_Ember adds in, "We believe that the seraphs are zebras from the islands that ponies obliterated with the power of the sun.  Survivors... of a sort."
[2016-08-24 13:20:52] <Mare-Do-Well> 3"...Celestia One is flame and heat, overpowering brightness and searing light. But it's still a megaspell."  Bookwright shivers. "It's still hideously powerful magic shaped into a weapon of obliteration, the same as the balefire bombs. That it caused similar effects, similar undeaths, should come as no surprise."
[2016-08-24 13:21:07] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Noble_Heart looks up towards Dragon_Lord_Ember, nodding her head. "That seems consistent. The Celestia One, a light-based megaspell to focus the power of the sun into a beam of concentrated energy, was used to attack Zebra missile bases when the megaspell exchange began. To cut off their ability to launch an excess of balefire weapons."
[2016-08-24 13:21:16] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Citrine Glow says, "There's old stories that say that the seraphs are driven mad, searching the world for their shadows, which were burned off from them and became living things of their own."
[2016-08-24 13:22:29] <Mare-Do-Well> 3"All I can say for sure is that they are extremely difficult to kill," Dragon_Lord_Ember says.  "Artillery, claws and spikes just pass through them."
[2016-08-24 13:22:31] <Mare-Do-Well> 3...
[2016-08-24 13:23:03] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Fallout: Beyond Equestria, Session One Hundred and Ninety-Two: Black Rose (Part 10) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fus5O8SxUoo
[2016-08-24 13:24:05] <Mare-Do-Well> 3It is several hours later as the /Shadowbolt/ re-docks with the /New Cumulus/.
[2016-08-24 13:25:19] <Mare-Do-Well> 3The ship is lighter many, many baby dragons.  But has in exchange added a new passenger, the Crystal Pony named Citrine Glow.  An ambassador from the Dragonlands, there at the behest of Dragon Lord Ember.
[2016-08-24 13:25:43] * Get_Lost offers "or, we could avoid fighting them?"
[2016-08-24 13:25:50] * Noble_Heart stuck close near the crystal pony as they approached the Raptor.
[2016-08-24 13:26:27] <Mare-Do-Well> 3As the ship docks, Major Tripwire trots up to greet the ponies.  "The Captain would like to see you."
[2016-08-24 13:26:33] <Mare-Do-Well> 3--- Session Begins ---
[2016-08-24 13:26:51] * Mitzi gives a bit of a sigh, but doesn't regret leaving Hunter behind. For now at least, and it would keep him safe and see him looked after by one who knew better.
[2016-08-24 13:26:52] * Bookwright "All accounts that we've heard so far (and I'll grant that it's only one) have said they're simply not reasonable beings."
[2016-08-24 13:27:25] * Get_Lost "sure thing. captain it is"
[2016-08-24 13:27:31] * Noble_Heart regards the Major seriously, staying close-ish to Citrine Glow. She nodded her head in acknowledgement and waved a wing. "Then lead on."
[2016-08-24 13:28:27] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Citrine Glow is staring at the Raptor in amazement.
[2016-08-24 13:30:50] * Mitzi wobbles a bit, never quite able to stay upright on the flying boat. "Uh hate dis part," she grumbles softly
[2016-08-24 13:31:44] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Major Tripwire leads the group.  Star Dust falls in just behind him.  "Your ship is looking considerably less crowded," the major notes.  "I hope this means your mission was successful."
[2016-08-24 13:32:13] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Star Dust nods... then whispers in awe, "Dragons are *huge*!"
[2016-08-24 13:33:11] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Major Tripwire nods.  "Now you see why we had to create something as grand as the Raptors to combat them."
[2016-08-24 13:33:22] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Star Dust nods again.
[2016-08-24 13:33:45] * Noble_Heart follows along and nods in agreement at the observation. "They are also far more numerous than We would have expected. We can only assume that a mere fraction of their number supported the Zebras during the war. Or that they have had a considerable population boom since then."
[2016-08-24 13:34:08] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Citrine Glow pauses a bit.  "Wait," she says, looking at Noble_Heart.  "This... ship... was made to fight dragons?"
[2016-08-24 13:35:05] * Golden_Dream raises an eyebrow. "What, y'think that Equestria rolled over and keeled whenever they were attacked by 'em?"
[2016-08-24 13:35:09] * Mitzi shrugs. "Uh tink un as big as Ember cud match dis ship un on un. Und yu eez only un ship, while dey is many dragons. Uh wudeent pick fights."
[2016-08-24 13:35:17] * CopyCat bows towards Major Tripwire before following along briskly. "It was successful, indeed. While there we discovered the Dragon Lord who had gone to war with Equestria has been deposed. Dragon Lord Ember is much more amiable... and pretty, too."
[2016-08-24 13:35:18] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Major Tripwire continues to face forward, but addresses Noble_Heart.  "Our military history suggests it is the former."
[2016-08-24 13:36:04] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Star Dust backs CopyCat's assessment with a "yeah!"
[2016-08-24 13:36:06] * Noble_Heart looks down to Citrine Glow with a nod. "You know that when the previous Dragon Lord made his bargain with the Zebras that they joined the war against Equestria, yes?" She looked up and waved a wing at the Raptor before them. "Ships like this, though admittedly less patchwork, were constructed by ponies to fight the dragons supporting the Zebra war machine." She snorts in
[2016-08-24 13:36:07] * Noble_Heart some discomfort at the thought.
[2016-08-24 13:36:45] * Get_Lost offers "yeah but it only works in numbers. there aren't many left, so i don't think they are going to use them against dragons. also, there is no reason to." thinks about it "probably, at the mment these ships are waaaaaaay more rare than dragons themselves... i'd not risk them for any reason"
[2016-08-24 13:38:01] * Shatara nods in agreement.
[2016-08-24 13:38:18] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Captain Fianchetto is waiting for the group in a meeting room off the bridge of the /New Cumulus/.  As the group arrives, they can see the clouds and landscape moving through the huge windows as the Raptor turns north.
[2016-08-24 13:39:23] <Mare-Do-Well> 3"Welcome aboard," Captain Fianchetto says with amiable professionalism.  "If I might inquire, did all go well?"
[2016-08-24 13:39:36] * Mitzi looks to the pegasus ponies. "Dey also mentioned dere eez fire zebras."
[2016-08-24 13:39:38] * Bookwright "On the other hoof, the enemies the Enclave might be fighting probably aren't dragons. An anti-dragon airship is undoubtedly a powerful weapon in its own right, not just against dragons."
[2016-08-24 13:40:10] * Noble_Heart nods her head. "Better than expected, yes. We were hopeful that We might be able to borrow your line of communication to send a message back to Equestria. You have contact with the downed Thunderhead at Shattered Hoof, yes?"
[2016-08-24 13:40:22] * Get_Lost "yeah, we delivered the package and met some dragons." looks at th others "now we assault roam, i guess?"
[2016-08-24 13:41:28] * Get_Lost "didn't they lose a comm buoy? that could be a problem... well, i could try fixing that, with proper parts and a few hours"
[2016-08-24 13:41:58] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Captain Fianchetto nods to Noble_Heart.  "Indeed we have.  And we are in flight to rendevous with command back at Shattered Hoof.  We do hope you wouldn't mind joining us on the journey.  We know it is a detour away from your intended travel plans, but we hope we can make it worth your while."
[2016-08-24 13:42:24] <Mare-Do-Well> 3"And you, in turn," she admits, "May be able to help us."
[2016-08-24 13:42:29] * Bookwright "My understanding was that the communications buoy was exploded into tiny pieces. It might be hard to repair. But that doesn't matter because I have a spell that can un-explode it, for a while anyways."
[2016-08-24 13:42:36] * Noble_Heart frowns and contemplates that. "How long will the journey take? We are on a clock, though We admit that We do not know precisely how long that clock is..."
[2016-08-24 13:44:52] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Captain Fianchetto tells Noble_Heart, "A week, plus preparation time.  I'm afraid I cannot say how long that will take, but I assure you preparations will be done with military haste."
[2016-08-24 13:45:59] * Noble_Heart frowns and furrows her brow, checking the date on her PipBuck, and more precisely the date when it was first booted up. She was uncertain precisely how long they'd been lost in the mists around Vault LIV after all.
[2016-08-24 13:46:01] * Get_Lost ponders "a week is long..."
[2016-08-24 13:47:27] * Golden_Dream folds her legs. "Which means it'll take about half again as long as it needed to." She sniped with a coy grin. "I'm only goin' if th' Major and Star Dust is."
[2016-08-24 13:48:18] * Mitzi looks to Golden_Dream, pointing to the pegasus captain. "He eez een charge here?"
[2016-08-24 13:49:12] * CopyCat nods at Noble_Heart and Get_Lost, then looks at the Captain. "Before we make any decisions, how do you plan to make it worth our while? And what is it you would like us to help you with?"
[2016-08-24 13:49:29] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Turning to Get_Lost, Captain Fianchetto says, "We have spoken with the Generals Council, and it is their assessment that the E.L.R. needs to take action against this threat before it has a chance to grow or do more damage.  However, they are unwilling to commit an insufficient force to handle it."
[2016-08-24 13:50:20] <Mare-Do-Well> 3"We must reinforce our strength.  A single Raptor is not going to be sufficient to overcome Roam."
[2016-08-24 13:51:12] * Golden_Dream mock strikes her hoof. "We, the Enclave generals, declare that someone else really oughta do something about this mess!" She looks around. "Sorry. Still not really over what happened over in Froggy."
[2016-08-24 13:52:32] * Noble_Heart scowls as she can't find the information and gives up in an annoyed huff. "A week in each direction, or a week total? It is important. One of Equestria's most high profile citizens is being held captive in Roam and We do not know how long she will remain safe, or intact."
[2016-08-24 13:53:38] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Captain Fianchetto tells Noble_Heart, "A week total, plus preparation time.  Which will certainly take several days.  Although I think your cyberpony could give a better estimate once we arrive."
[2016-08-24 13:56:16] * Noble_Heart sighs quietly at that. "Then We suppose that We can go along." She frowned at the thought, hoping this was not a mistake. They had made so many side-trips already.
[2016-08-24 13:56:33] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Captain Fianchetto says, "It is not the Enclave's way to commit only minimal resources to an effort.  It is a poor strategy to face the enemy with no more than is calculated to make success possible, forbid less."
[2016-08-24 13:57:11] * Get_Lost pouts "well, technically i am a cyberpony, but i' like to be called the group's medic, or the evil genius..."
[2016-08-24 13:57:29] * Golden_Dream raises an eyebrow. "Y'all got suitable food n' supplies to get along there?" Golden stood on her hind legs to try to rub Noble on the back of the neck. "Hey. Nobody's goin' nowhere. We ain't really on a strict time schedule. Ditzy will be fine."
[2016-08-24 13:58:03] * CopyCat smiles at Get_Lost. "The cutest evil genius in the land."
[2016-08-24 13:58:25] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Captain Fianchetto turns to Get_Lost, "Evil Genius it is, if you prefer.  We are really hoping we can count on your assistance and expertise.  The General's Council wishes to enlist your aid in making Thunderhead Lunar Rising airworthy again."
[2016-08-24 13:58:58] * Bookwright raises an eyebrow. "Now /that's/ a provocative name."
[2016-08-24 13:59:08] * Get_Lost is still a bit offended "i improved a power armor, you know..." anyway, if you need some sort of medical or technical help, i'm happy to help
[2016-08-24 13:59:19] <Mare-Do-Well> 3"If we are to advance on Roam, the Enclave Loyalist Remnants will do so with overhelming force."
[2016-08-24 13:59:42] * CopyCat blinks at the Captain's request, then braces herself for the wave of shared enthusiasm she was about to feel.
[2016-08-24 13:59:56] * Noble_Heart looks down to Golden_Dream with some concern. "Imagine being locked, alone, in a dark place, with no one to talk to, barely able to see, slowly starving to death day after day, week after week. How desperate, how lonely, how sad would you be? And how much would you want someone to come help you?" She sighed quietly. "We can do little about it. But it does not make Us happy."
[2016-08-24 14:01:10] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Captain Fianchetto asks Get_Lost, "Do you think you could help get the Thunderhead airborne again?"
[2016-08-24 14:01:18] * Shatara pomfs.
[2016-08-24 14:01:59] * TenMihara groans. "Great. Bigger flyeen boat."
[2016-08-24 14:02:06] <TenMihara> *Mitzi
[2016-08-24 14:02:49] * Get_Lost opens her mouth, then thinks for a moment, then closes her mouth and thinks a bit more "i... uh... yeah. i've seen it once already, it could be able to move again. airborne? depends on a lot of factors, but yes, it could be done, if the generators are still in good condition"
[2016-08-24 14:03:31] * Get_Lost "i'm... not an expert of cloud engineering, though... it could turn up... a bit messed"
[2016-08-24 14:04:03] * Get_Lost points a hoof at her cutiemark "and there will probably be some unexpected tradeoff"
[2016-08-24 14:04:33] <Mare-Do-Well> 3"They are," the Captain says.  "And the E.L.R.'s own engineers have been working continuously on it for... a significant amount of time.  We had repaired and rebuilt everything but a few key components that are beyond their technical expertise."
[2016-08-24 14:05:11] * Get_Lost "but yes, if we ignore safety, anything is possible" smiles. probably ignoring safety is not really an issue to her
[2016-08-24 14:06:35] * CopyCat smiles, vibrating slightly. "Indeed, Get_Lost's inventions often turn out more Fabulous than expected. Such as her suit of Princess Power Armor."
[2016-08-24 14:07:42] * Get_Lost whispers to copycat "except it drains the excess amount of needed power from the wearer itself... mostly leeching the host..."
[2016-08-24 14:08:42] * Get_Lost and continues, still whispering "and my translator robot is programmed to learn every language existent, but can't spek them..."
[2016-08-24 14:09:11] * Get_Lost then smiles at the captain "sure thing, i'll do it"
[2016-08-24 14:10:28] * CopyCat whispers back, "I'm sure it'll be fine. It's not like you'll make it unable to turn left or anything."
[2016-08-24 14:10:39] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Captain Fianchetto clops her hooves.  "Excellent!"
[2016-08-24 14:13:39] * Get_Lost smiles at copy "yeah! what could ever go wrong?"
[2016-08-24 14:14:45] * Noble_Heart ruffled her feathers slightly and contemplated this. She was not certain she liked this idea. But right now they did need the help. "We would like your assistance in finding a way to allow the S.P.P. towers to communicate with a radio broadcast and reception system in the dragon lands. We are aware this is a long distance to relay messages, but it may be of vital import to
[2016-08-24 14:14:46] * Noble_Heart the future of Equestria. And possibly the Zebras and Dragons as well. If you are really committed to the idea of overwhelming force."
[2016-08-24 14:16:37] * Golden_Dream slowly starts to frown. "Yeah. Then again, I'm pretty sure nobody's real happy, given the circumstances."
[2016-08-24 14:19:14] <Mare-Do-Well> 3The Captain nods.  "The only way I know how to do so is to deploy communications buoys in the space between to expand the communications net.  In return for helping get the Lunar Rising back into the fight, I am sure the Generals Council will be willing to allow usage of our communications net, albeit not on any military frequencies."
[2016-08-24 14:20:28] <Mare-Do-Well> 3"Additional buoys would need to be placed, however, to reach from Stalliongrad to Shattered Hoof, and from the edge of our communications net into the Dragon Lands."
[2016-08-24 14:21:55] * Noble_Heart nods her head at that. "Then it is something to be discussed with the Generalship, when we arrive." She was clearly uncomfortable with how things were playing out. But for the moment, it looked like things might work out. Maybe. HOpefully.
[2016-08-24 14:22:03] * Get_Lost "and i promise not to hack them!" smiles and adds under her voice "again"
[2016-08-24 14:22:29] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Star Dust raises a hoof.  When the Captain acknowledges her, she suggests, "We may not need to extend buoys to Stalliongrad if we can link the Final Echoes Numbers Station to our network."
[2016-08-24 14:26:06] <Mare-Do-Well> 3...
[2016-08-24 14:26:17] <Mare-Do-Well> 3The first day's journey is uneventful.
[2016-08-24 14:26:37] * Mitzi finds herself getting a little antsy. She didn't doubt that what her friends were discussing was important, but most of it was things above her understanding, leaving her feeling she could be doing something else to help.
[2016-08-24 14:27:31] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Mid-morning on the second day, an alarms sounds through the Raptor... a triple-whoop that is then silenced.
[2016-08-24 14:28:31] * Mitzi was about to start making inquiries about a couple ponies but the shrill alarm causes her heckle to rise.
[2016-08-24 14:29:34] <Mare-Do-Well> 3The pegasi all jump to alert.  And remain guarded in the quite minutes that follow.  Several run off towards the hanger or observation deck.
[2016-08-24 14:33:23] * Noble_Heart sits up abruptly at the sudden alarms. She scrambled from her resting place with the kind of speed and panicked lack of concentration on her surroundings that come from someone who's been exposed to similar tests in the past, and still remembers the reactions if not the specific reasoning. "Bomb shelters! Get to safety!" It takes a moment once she was up to realize that
[2016-08-24 14:33:24] * Noble_Heart no, there was not an air raid going on, infact if anyone were air raiding anyone, it would be them doing it. Slowly calming she headed towards the observation deck to find out what was going on.
[2016-08-24 14:34:01] * Get_Lost used the time she had to wander around and study the funamentals of a flying ship
[2016-08-24 14:34:24] * Mitzi follows the general flow of movement, though she didn't necessarily know it led to the observation deck.
[2016-08-24 14:34:31] * Get_Lost thus, she's somewhere around the airship asking herself what is going on and where is everypony
[2016-08-24 14:37:31] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Through the slanted windows of the observation deck, the ponies (and Mitzi) can see an airship to the north, a splash of warm colors against the stark whites and blues of the rising Frozen North.
[2016-08-24 14:37:44] * CopyCat wants to be where the ponies are, and ends up on the observation deck like a big green swan amidst a gaggle of military-uniformed ducks.
[2016-08-24 14:38:45] * Get_Lost ends up with the others, eventually
[2016-08-24 14:38:51] * Noble_Heart peers out into the distance, trying to see more of the ship. She frowned slightly, it was strange seeing an airship so far out. And concerning.
[2016-08-24 14:40:53] * Bookwright stands next to Noble_Heart on the deck, peering out at the distant airship. "Think it's a pirate?"
[2016-08-24 14:41:56] * Noble_Heart ruffles her feathers. "Possibly? It is far from Roam. And from The Silos. It might be refugees. We found some frozen in the fallen SPP tower, remember? Those fleeing the realms of Roam." She tried to get a better view of it in the distance. "We do not suppose anyone brought binoculars?"
[2016-08-24 14:41:58] * Get_Lost smiles joining the others "sup girls, what's going on?"
[2016-08-24 14:43:13] * Get_Lost "nope, sorry. got heat vision, magic fluctuation vision, x-ray vision, nocturnal vision, nut little to no magnifying capacity at all. sorry"
[2016-08-24 14:43:50] * Bookwright reseats his glasses. "Nope. Just these glasses."
[2016-08-24 14:43:58] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Binoculars are passed around.  The ship distinguishes itself from the great variety of airships that the Crimson's Caravaners have seen before in several ways.
[2016-08-24 14:44:01] <Mare-Do-Well> 3The airship has a crafted balloon designed to look like the head of an ursa major.  It is powered by twin sets of very large propellers working off of a pair of classical /Super Speedy/ engines.
[2016-08-24 14:44:58] <Mare-Do-Well> 3The entire ship looks luxurious, like a yacht rather than a ship of war, complete with picture windows on the cabin and plenty of golden trim.
[2016-08-24 14:45:26] * Get_Lost "wow, i like that! seems a bit like those rotors i was working on... plus a balloon."
[2016-08-24 14:45:50] <Mare-Do-Well> 3It also looks *new*.  Like it was constructed entirely within the last decade, rather than cobbled together from scraps scavenged from the past.
[2016-08-24 14:46:16] * Shatara sizes up the suspiciously shiny skyship.
[2016-08-24 14:46:18] * Noble_Heart peers at it with some confusion. "That... Is not a Zebra ship. We believe it may be of Equestrian origin." She frowns and furrows her brow at the thought. Then something occurs to her. "Perhaps it is from the Crystal Kingdom?"
[2016-08-24 14:46:30] * TenMihara eventually wades her way through the little ponies to the observation deck, siddling up next to Copycat, who stands out amidst the flock
[2016-08-24 14:46:54] * Golden_Dream takes a quick look around. "Whatever it is, It's the fanciest thing I ever been in. And I've been in th' Crystal Castle."
[2016-08-24 14:47:05] <Mare-Do-Well> 3The sides of the airship are adorned with golden symbols, and the rigging is drapped with fluttering flags.  Flags bearing the colors of the New Canterlot Republic.
[2016-08-24 14:47:17] <Mitzi> *Mitzi did that
[2016-08-24 14:47:43] * Mitzi tilts her head, ears flopping. "Fancy skyboat."
[2016-08-24 14:48:39] <Mare-Do-Well> 3The /New Cumulus/ is adjusting course to intercept.
[2016-08-24 14:50:49] * Noble_Heart frowns. "We should be prepared to greet newcomers." She moves down towards the hangar where their ship was docked.
[2016-08-24 14:52:22] * Bookwright "That ship has NCR flags. Now that's interesting."
[2016-08-24 14:52:31] * Golden_Dream snorts. "Hopefully, they're the sort that know their head from their ass and don't have a great view of the stick what's up there."
[2016-08-24 14:52:42] * Get_Lost whispers to the others "keep an eye open for bugs."
[2016-08-24 14:56:21] * CopyCat nods at Get_Lost. "Will do."
[2016-08-24 14:56:51] * Golden_Dream nods. "Good. 'Cause yer th' only one that can tell." She whispers.
[2016-08-24 14:57:10] <Mare-Do-Well> 3As the /New Cumulus/ draws close, the group picks up a public radio transmission.  The /New Cumulus/ is hailing the yacht.
[2016-08-24 14:57:48] * Noble_Heart tunes in her radio as she watches the approach. This was concerning, possibly.
[2016-08-24 14:57:48] * Golden_Dream quickly turns her pipbuck to the radio signal. Let's see what they're saying.
[2016-08-24 15:00:45] * Get_Lost listens to the transmission too
[2016-08-24 15:01:56] * Bookwright "Credits to carrots it's an ambassador vessel. I wonder who they're reaching out to?"
[2016-08-24 15:04:11] * Noble_Heart frowns. "There is the Crystal Empire out here. Perhaps that is their goal?" She contemplated. "Or perhaps they are seeking a means to reach the Enclave."
[2016-08-24 15:05:15] * Bookwright "It could be either. Let's hear what they have to say."
[2016-08-24 15:05:57] <Mare-Do-Well> 3As the group tune in, they hear a strangely familiar voice, "Hail, /New Cumulus/.  This is the /Golden Ursa/, on a diplomatic mission for the New Canterlot Republic."
[2016-08-24 15:07:14] <Mare-Do-Well> 3From the Raptor, "This territory is under the authority of the Enclave Loyalist Remnants.  Cast anchor and prepare to be boarded."
[2016-08-24 15:08:28] * Get_Lost "well, i'd put that in a different way, you know... like... using diplomacy?"
[2016-08-24 15:08:29] * Golden_Dream feels the hair on the back of her neck stand on end. [This is a trap.] She thinks.
[2016-08-24 15:09:15] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Meanwhile, the pegasi on the observation deck are conversing with surprise and concern.  Territory doesn't really seem to be the issue.
[2016-08-24 15:10:09] * Noble_Heart frowns and looks out at the ship again. "It is new. That is certain. We did not think that the New Canterlot Republic had airships." She listened carefully to the voice if it spoke again. Something was concerning about all of this. She turned to depart the observation deck. "We think it is time to meddle in the affairs of nations."
[2016-08-24 15:10:13] * Get_Lost "aaaah... guys, remember when somepony tried to put thing so that the pegasi exploded that ship? this looks like another makeshift diplomatic incident in fieri..."
[2016-08-24 15:10:52] * Get_Lost "do you think that the captain will let us go and investigate first? so we can avoid problems?"
[2016-08-24 15:11:12] * Golden_Dream raises her hoof. "Let's get this ship away and send out a small team to see what's up. That sounds smart, right?"
[2016-08-24 15:11:19] * Shatara hmmms. "Maybe we should ask our hosts to holdoff on the agressive application of authority for a bit..."
[2016-08-24 15:11:22] <Mare-Do-Well> 3"As you wish," the voice from the /Golden Ursa/ says.  "However, be aware that we are in communication with the New Canterlot Republic.  Any untoward actions will have undesired reprocussions.  For everypony's sake, let us all be civil."
[2016-08-24 15:12:38] * Bookwright "I think civility is probably the least concern we're going to have in this encounter."
[2016-08-24 15:12:45] <Mare-Do-Well> 3One of the pegasi nearby can be overheard asking if it wouldn't be better to just shoot the ship out of the sky before those aboard can pass on the existence of a functional Raptor to a rival nation.
[2016-08-24 15:15:04] * Mitzi immediately turns to the pegasi who suggested that, sensative ears twitching, and growls.
[2016-08-24 15:16:51] * Noble_Heart heads towards the bridge. Intent on having a conversation with the captain.
[2016-08-24 15:16:55] * Bookwright shrugs. "It was going to happen at some point anyways. They manged to hide in the clouds for centuries. That they kept a few even through Sunshine and Rainbows should be no surprise to anyone."
[2016-08-24 15:18:43] * CopyCat eh-hmm's diplomatically, speaking out loud roughly in the direction of the pegasus. "I believe that airship has already sailed."
[2016-08-24 15:19:52] * CopyCat then promptly goes to follow Noble_Heart with the intention of instilling everypony with the understanding that making friends was the desirable outcome here for all involved.
[2016-08-24 15:19:58] * Get_Lost "vopy, you need parlay for the gala dress or i can send her taking a couple of shots of that ship?"
[2016-08-24 15:20:12] <Get_Lost> *copy
[2016-08-24 15:20:46] <Mare-Do-Well> 3The pegasi flinches back from Mitzi.  Another nearby points at the hellhound and alicorns, saying "I don't think secrecy is the agenda anymore."
[2016-08-24 15:21:11] * Mitzi nods agreement with CopyCat, "Eef yu du tings like dat, ponies will hate yu even more den dey already do."
[2016-08-24 15:22:01] * Shatara helpfully suggests. "Maybe we could try to get in touch with them, and find out what they're up to?"
[2016-08-24 15:23:34] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Noble_Heart and CopyCat are able to swiftly locate Captain Fianchetto.  But the captain is on the control deck, where they are not permitted access.  Instead, Major Fog Bank comes out to meet them on the Captain's behalf.
[2016-08-24 15:24:14] * Get_Lost "yeah, also, there's a decent cchance that this is a set-up for a diplomatic incident by roam, you now..."
[2016-08-24 15:24:22] <Get_Lost> *know
[2016-08-24 15:24:42] * Noble_Heart looks down to the Major with a serious expression. "We would like to formally request permission to be a part of the diplomatic envoy you are presently planning to send to greet these ambassadors from Equestria."
[2016-08-24 15:25:56] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Major Fog Bank nods to the alicorns.  "Certainly, on one condition."  He looks to CopyCat.  "In return, we request you discern the true intentions of those aboard that ship."
[2016-08-24 15:27:16] * Noble_Heart frowns at that and contemplates it, then nods her head. "We should rather like to know the answer to that as well. This is a long way for the New Canterlot Republic to send an airship. Especially considering We were unaware they had airships at all."
[2016-08-24 15:28:33] <Mare-Do-Well> 3"Agreed," the major says.  "And the timing is highly suspicious.  Of the possibilities that have occurred to the Captain, several are unpleasant.  The worst of which is that if the zebras can make ships that are invisible, surely they can make ships that appear as other ships."
[2016-08-24 15:29:52] * CopyCat bows her head at Major Fog Bank in agreement. "Very well. I shall be glad to promote understanding between our parties." She then adds, "Even more important if this turns out to be part of a changeling plot."
[2016-08-24 15:30:30] <Shatara> "Things looking like other things definitely sounds like a bugpone talent..."
[2016-08-24 15:30:41] * Bookwright sniggers to himself. Either way, Get_Lost is sure to get lots of photos.
[2016-08-24 15:31:08] * Noble_Heart scowls at that and nods her head. "That... Seems likely. Especially as the Changelings have such position in their society." She nods her head. "We agree to your terms."
[2016-08-24 15:31:24] <Mare-Do-Well> 3"At best, they could be new water scavengers.  In which case, we shall turn them back the way they came.  Gruffly, if necessary."
[2016-08-24 15:33:35] <Mare-Do-Well> 3...
[2016-08-24 15:36:00] <Mare-Do-Well> 3An away team is assembled to board the /Golden Ursa/.  Major Tripwire leads the team.  Star Dust is one of those tapped for it.  Noble_Heart and CopyCat are invited along.  Star Dust asks if they have suggested bringing any of the others as well, emphasizing that Major Tripwire would have to approve them.
[2016-08-24 15:39:47] * Noble_Heart makes the recommendation to bring Golden Dream and Bookwright, as both have prior experience dealing with both Changelings, Spirits and Diplomacy.
[2016-08-24 15:43:57] * CopyCat suggests Get_Lost for her ability to appraise the technology and worksponyship of the vessel when they board. Although when asked, Get_Lost preferred to stay on the Raptor. She was, after all, going to be vital to getting the Lunar Rising airborne again and it would not be wise to expose her to undue risk.
[2016-08-24 15:48:19] * Golden_Dream looks at Mitzi. "I volunteer her on th' grounds that she's big n' terrifyin' and that'll make any convincing that needs to happen easier."
[2016-08-24 15:48:23] * CopyCat also suggests Shatara as being one of the more level-headed members of the group and someone she trusted to have her back, and Mitzi since negotiations always seemed to go more smoothly with the hellhound at her side... Mitzi seems to have other plans, however. Plans that did not involve boarding an airship that could lurch uncomfortably in the wind.
[2016-08-24 15:49:02] * Golden_Dream steps up with Noble and takes her place on her back as a mobile hug-turret.
[2016-08-24 15:49:40] * Mitzi shakes her head. "Dis sky-boat at least eez big und has walls. Uh'm not sure I'd not fall off dat un."
[2016-08-24 15:50:05] * CopyCat also mentions (to her friends, not Major Tripwire) that somepony staying behind to keep an eye on Get_Lost and the /Shadowbolt/ would also be a good idea.
[2016-08-24 15:50:17] * Get_Lost stays on the raptor. is not really the pony you want in a diplomat mission, even if it is to alderaan
[2016-08-24 15:50:19] * Shatara is happy to come along to help. Is good at watching backs.
[2016-08-24 15:50:20] * Bookwright agrees to come with when asked. "I was hoping to go along. I'm looking forward to hearing news about the NCR. It's been a while."
[2016-08-24 15:50:54] * Noble_Heart crouches down to allow Golden Dream to accompany them.
[2016-08-24 15:52:51] * CopyCat offers to do the same for Bookwright, if he chooses not to fly under his own power.
[2016-08-24 15:54:14] * Bookwright accepts CopyCat's offer. "I think I'd rather keep that particular spell as an ace. Likewise that I can teleport."
[2016-08-24 15:56:33] * CopyCat adjusts her feathers after Bookwright boards CopyCat airways and gets ready to join Noble_Heart, Shatara, and the Enclave pegasi as they take off.
[2016-08-24 15:59:50] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Major Tripwire looks over the assembled pegasi and Equestrians and nods.  "Just to be clear, a friendly hoof outstretched and another on your weapon.  We don't want a situation here if we can avoid one.  But we have plenty of reason to believe that this isn't what it seems."
[2016-08-24 16:01:28] <Mare-Do-Well> 3"Personally, I'm hoping they're just water caravaners, and we can send them galloping back to the NCR with a minimal show of force," he says.  "We do still have a standing arrangement with the Water Merchants, and the Enclave are loyal to their allies."
[2016-08-24 16:02:20] <Mare-Do-Well> 3"But if this should turn out to be a Roaman trick, be prepared for anything."
[2016-08-24 16:02:24] * Golden_Dream smiles. "Y'know, them's the exact words m' dad always told me. Startin' t' think it was from you." She frowns. "But understand me n' th' Water Merchants ain't really on good terms."
[2016-08-24 16:03:34] * CopyCat nods to the Major. "Right."
[2016-08-24 16:04:48] * Noble_Heart nods her head. "We shall be on Our best behavior."
[2016-08-24 16:08:51] * Golden_Dream huffs. "I'll jus' shut up and let th' pretty princesses do th' talkin'.
[2016-08-24 16:10:18] <Golden_Dream> Me? I'll be there in case spirits make an appearance. Or in case we need t' disarm a bomb."
[2016-08-24 16:10:20] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Minutes later, the group is traversing the short distance to the yacht.  From this angle, the golden emblem on the side of the ship is more visible, and looks familiar.
[2016-08-24 16:13:07] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Waiting on deck are a quintet of figures: two griffins in N.C.R. armor, a finely-dressed elderly woman.  A goldenrod stallion with a quaffed mane confined to a medical chair.  And a familiar-looking gentlestallion.
[2016-08-24 16:16:09] * Noble_Heart descends towards the deck with grace and dignity, touching down with a light clatter of hooves upon wood.
[2016-08-24 16:17:45] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Several of the Crimson's Caravaners recognize the gentlestallion, even though they only met Effigy once.  It was a memorable meeting.
[2016-08-24 16:18:56] <Mare-Do-Well> 3((coiffed))
[2016-08-24 16:19:51] * Golden_Dream definitely does not. She does, however, think to think. [Hey, mind making a quick scan of who's thoughts you can pick up, Copycat?]
[2016-08-24 16:21:22] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Effigy clearly recognizes the Crimson Caravaners.  And turns, whispering to the stallion in the medical chair.
[2016-08-24 16:22:12] * Shatara glances over the gathered pones and catbirds. "Seems rather elaborate to be a trick..."
[2016-08-24 16:22:47] * Mitzi starts asking around the ship now that she's had a little more time to get used to travelling in it. Her lack of balance didn't seem quite so bad when there were walls to support herself against. She starts making inquiries after a few specific ponies. Sonica, whose name she has a hard time mentioning without growling, Wind Weaver, and the leader of their group.
[2016-08-24 16:22:52] * Bookwright whispers back, "Especially considering that I recognize one of them..."
[2016-08-24 16:24:43] <Mare-Do-Well> 3As Noble_Heart lands on the deck, bringing Golden_Dream with her, a very faint and translucent Mare-Do-Well shimmers into view.  In a voice only they can hear, she says, "Hey guys... wow, you look totally different than I remember..."  She looks back and forth.  "I brought reinforcements.  Sort of."
[2016-08-24 16:26:00] * Mare-Do-Well 3looks a bit hesitant and possibly ill-at-ease with that last bit.
[2016-08-24 16:26:46] * Golden_Dream tries not to have tears in her eyes. Gets them anyway. She mouths out, "You gimme a hug right now miss."
[2016-08-24 16:28:27] * Mare-Do-Well 3steps forward.  "Would if I could, Kid," she says, waving a hoof through Golden_Dream.
[2016-08-24 16:29:48] * Noble_Heart blinks in some surprise. That... was definitely not expected. It seemed extremely improbable that the changelings would know anything about Mare-Do-Well or her lack of presence with the group...
[2016-08-24 16:31:06] * Golden_Dream jangles the remaining seeds in front of her. "That's fine. Keep tryin'."
[2016-08-24 16:31:38] * CopyCat scans the surface thoughts of the various ponies on deck for anything untoward, getting nothing from the non-ponies, of course. Upon noticing Mare-Do-Well, she can't help but smile joyfully at their ethereal friend.
[2016-08-24 16:32:49] * Noble_Heart smiles slightly at Mare-Do-Well. "How did your plan fare?" She takes another look at the surrounding locals with some curiosity. "It seems you found some ears which would listen at least."
[2016-08-24 16:32:58] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Major Tripwire lands forward of everyone and begins to trot forward.  The NCR griffons close the distance to meet him.  One of them, in a gruff voice, proclaims, "Excuse us.  We didn't know the Enclave still existed as a formal political entity."
[2016-08-24 16:36:05] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Mare-Do-Well makes hug-like motions to Golden_Dream, then to Shatara, CopyCat and Noble_Heart.  "Well, the seeds sure worked.  Kinda missed out on most of what happened between then and now though.  Shortly after Celestia and Luna took the Elements, requiem claimed me.  I was asleep until somepony set the whole of Everfree on fire!"
[2016-08-24 16:37:16] * Shatara attempts a sympathetic pat on where goastdashie would be.
[2016-08-24 16:40:08] <Mare-Do-Well> 3After a little asking, Mitzi gets directions towards Doctor Sonica's lab.  And a suggestion that Wind Weaver is likely nearby, probably cleaning something.
[2016-08-24 16:41:09] <Mare-Do-Well> 3As Major Tripwire and the NCR griffons begin to talk at each other, CopyCat scans the surface thoughts...
[2016-08-24 16:41:30] * Mitzi looks appreciative and makes her way down to the lab. She enters without knocking. Criminals like Sonica did not deserve that courtesy.
[2016-08-24 16:42:35] * Bookwright "Hold on, 'set the Everfree on fire'? You've been awake for twenty years and you only just came to see us?"
[2016-08-24 16:42:41] * Noble_Heart looks in the direction of the political conversation. "We have also been busy. We found a home for all those baby dragons. And have been getting some help from the Enclave. It is perhaps not the wisest choice, but at the moment We have few other options."
[2016-08-24 16:42:48] <Mare-Do-Well> 3   Major Tripwire is really hoping that this is just caravaners... but doesn't really think so.  Too fancy.  He's thinking this is official NCR, and that it says a lot about the nation that they would put so much effort into making their airship pretty rather than well-armed.
[2016-08-24 16:43:08] * CopyCat hovers in the air as they converse with their ghost pal. "Going to sleep for that long is probably for the best. So long spent alone..." she shivers, bodily, giving Bookwright a very mild case of turbulence.
[2016-08-24 16:44:36] <Mare-Do-Well> 3  Most of the pegasi have thoughts of disquiet and alertness.  One buck is directly hostile towards the NCR, thinking continuously about how they killed his parents, who were Enclave bomber-wagon pilots during the civil war.
[2016-08-24 16:45:04] <Mare-Do-Well> 3   Star Dust is paying more attention to her new Equestrian friends, and the conversations they seem to be having with thin air.
[2016-08-24 16:45:10] * CopyCat huffs, "She wouldn't know the exact date we set out, would she, Bookwright? And if she had known that's a very long time to forget anything other than broad details. News of Ditzy going missing might have been her first indication that it was the right time at last."
[2016-08-24 16:45:34] <Mare-Do-Well> 3   Mare-Do-Well's thoughts cannot be read, but this isn't unexpected.
[2016-08-24 16:46:07] <Mare-Do-Well> 3   One of the griffons is mentally calculating the level of threat to the NCR that a functional Raptor poses.
[2016-08-24 16:46:38] * Noble_Heart looks towards Bookwright. "Frankly, it is amazing that her timing was this close. It has only been a few days since the Goblet was used. Obviously, she could not have arrived before she left, or it would have happened already. But to have managed to arrive at such a close time window is impressive." She furrows her brow at that.
[2016-08-24 16:47:30] <Mare-Do-Well> 3   The other griffon is more focused on performing the diplomatic dance with these "Gawd-dammed" pegasi so that they can get on with their mission.  The fate of Equestria and the New Canterlot Republic is at stake.
[2016-08-24 16:47:34] * Bookwright wants to protest, but he knows Noble_Heart is right. He still pouts a bit though.
[2016-08-24 16:48:01] <Mare-Do-Well> 3   The finely-dressed elderly woman has no thoughts that CopyCat can discern.
[2016-08-24 16:49:51] <Mare-Do-Well> 3   The well-groomed stallion in the medical chair is very surprised, albeit pleasantly so, that the Crimson's Caravaners are here.  His mind is running through several potential ways to interrupt the governmental types and refocus this meeting.  This could be fortuitous.  Also, he wants his bomb.
[2016-08-24 16:50:12] <Mare-Do-Well> 3  Effigy, like the elderly woman, has no discernable thoughts.
[2016-08-24 16:51:28] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Copycat cannot read the thoughts of the griffons either.
[2016-08-24 16:52:30] * Golden_Dream inhales. And gives a long, grave exhalation, rubbing her neck. She then proceeds to start chuckling to herself, with this almost grave expression on her face. "So. It's been a while... Um." Shit, she forgot his name. FUCK. Keep going, you still have a shot of sounding badass.
[2016-08-24 16:53:05] * Noble_Heart smiles to Mare-Do-Well. "We realize this might be an odd request, but would you mind taking off your mask? We would like to see your face again for a reunion."
[2016-08-24 16:53:45] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Mare-Do-Well looks sheepishly to Bookwright.  "I looked for you first thing.  But I realized pretty quick that you might not even be born yet.  I didn't know when I was, or when you were compared to me."
[2016-08-24 16:56:34] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Doctor Sonica looks up at the intrusion.  So do a half-dozen other pegasi, including Wind Weaver, who is mopping a spill.  After a wide-eyed moment of dire concern, Doctor Sonica puts on a bright smile and in an insufferably sweet voice, calls out.  "Mitzi!  Come to see momma?"  She used to call herself that, as if her subjects were her children.
[2016-08-24 16:57:18] * Mitzi pointedly ignores the doctor and trots over to Wind Weaver. "How have dey been treateen yu?"
[2016-08-24 16:57:50] * Mare-Do-Well 3looks anxiously towards the Enclave pegasi and then up at the Raptor.  Then nods, pulling off her mask to reveal her familiar face and multi-hued mane.
[2016-08-24 16:58:13] <Mare-Do-Well> 3"They can't see me," Rainbow Dash notes, more to herself than to Noble_Heart.
[2016-08-24 17:00:43] * CopyCat mentally alerts her friends that she hasn't yet been able to read anything from the old woman or from Effigy. From the griffins she is only able to make broad assumptions based on their attitude and body language.
[2016-08-24 17:01:19] * Noble_Heart smiles happily to Rainbow Dash. "Apologies for the odd request. We have encountered some dangerous things of late, after all. Especially because of the nature of the rulers of Roam right now. It is hard to be certain who to believe and who not. But considering the limited knowledge you exist, and the far more limited knowledge of who's under the mask, it seemed a reasonable
[2016-08-24 17:01:20] * Noble_Heart test." She glances towards the other members on the airship. "How did you get them to come, if they cannot see or hear you?"
[2016-08-24 17:01:40] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Wind Weaver looks up.  She gives a worried glance towards Doctor Sonica, but Sonica just smiles.  "Go ahead.  You can have the rest of the morning off to play with Mitzi."
[2016-08-24 17:02:46] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Wind Weaver stiffens a bit at Sonica's wording.  Mitzi can smell how much she dislikes the way Sonica behaves towards Mitzi.  But she nods and gives an obediant, "Thank you, ma'am."
[2016-08-24 17:03:29] <Mare-Do-Well> 3To Mitzi, she says, "Join me for lunch?  Something foul spilled in here, and I'd like to get away from the smell."
[2016-08-24 17:04:08] * Mitzi continues to ignore Sonia, but smiles at Wind Weaver, "Uh can smell wurse tings een here." She then turns and allows the pegasus to lead the way.
[2016-08-24 17:05:25] * Golden_Dream smiles. [Copycat, is there any way to make a changeling suddenly stop being in disguise or just prove that they're actually bugs?]
[2016-08-24 17:05:59] * CopyCat then wings closer to Tripwire to let him know: "We recognize one of the ponies on the top deck," then she adds more quietly, "however, I suggest remaining on guard for the time being." With this information being given, she moves back in formation with Noble_Heart and Shatara.
[2016-08-24 17:06:39] * Mare-Do-Well 3tells Noble_Heart, "Turns out, there's a zebra who can, and she's some big hero to the ponies of the north.  Got her face carved on a mountain and everything."
[2016-08-24 17:06:51] * Mare-Do-Well 3says, "They listened to her."
[2016-08-24 17:08:24] * Golden_Dream narrows her eyes. Waait. "Is she tiny?"
[2016-08-24 17:09:51] <Mare-Do-Well> 3Wind Weaver walks out.  Once in the hall, she pauses.  "The mess hall would be crowded.  We could eat in my troop's quarters, but those would be cramped."
[2016-08-24 17:10:06] * Bookwright "Is her name something like 'tiny sad'?"
[2016-08-24 17:10:47] * Mare-Do-Well 3answers, "Her name is Gloom.  And not as tiny as you, Dream."
[2016-08-24 17:10:50] * Noble_Heart smiles to Mare-Do-Well. "We are glad you found someone who could help." She looks in the direction of the unreadable 'ponies'. Contemplating briefly. "We... Believe there was a spell which could do such a thing? Though We do not know it..." She frowns at a thought.
[2016-08-24 17:12:46] * Mitzi ponders a moment. "Uh'm okay wit tight spaces. Uh spend a lot of time een small, tight tunnels when Uh dig."
[2016-08-24 17:13:03] * Bookwright nods. "She was mentioned in the Book of Littlepip... Interesting."
[2016-08-24 17:14:07] <Mare-Do-Well> 3"Excuse me, gentleponies and griffins," the goldenrod-colored stallion finally says, nudging a button on his medical chair to make it roll forward.  "Allow me to interject, if only to welcome our guests aboard.  The /Golden Ursa/ is *my ship* after all."
[2016-08-24 17:14:24] * CopyCat answers Golden_Dream, after returning to her friends. "I do not know a way to force a changeling to reveal itself," she then mentally adds, [Even if I have suspicions about some of those on deck]
[2016-08-24 17:14:59] * Golden_Dream puts on her best angryface. "Yoooou shut yer' ghosty mouth." She then jumps when the goldenrod stallion says something. [Y'all got a stimpack on y'?]
[2016-08-24 17:15:23] <Mare-Do-Well> 3The griffins look mildly annoyed but part for Major Tripwire to be greeted by the stallion.
[2016-08-24 17:16:51] <Mare-Do-Well> 3"Please to meet you, Captain...." the major says expectantly.
[2016-08-24 17:18:53] <Mare-Do-Well> 3"Oh no, I'm not a Captain," the stallion says.  "Not of this ship, nor in any sort of military rank.  I /own/ this ship.  I'm /leasing/ it to the Republic for the sake of a diplomatic mission to Roam."
[2016-08-24 17:19:05] <Mare-Do-Well> 3"My name is Golden Buckle, founder of Golden Buckle Enterprises."
[2016-08-24 17:19:32] * Noble_Heart stands nearby curiously, listening to the conversation. She contemplated what was going on here. It was... Problematic, to say the least.
[2016-08-24 17:19:53] <Mare-Do-Well> 3CopyCat catches another thought from the stallion.  He *really* hopes that the caravan ponies have acquired his bomb.
[2016-08-24 17:19:59] <Mare-Do-Well> 3--- End of Session ---
[2016-08-24 17:20:26] <Mare-Do-Well> 3XP +1500