[IC] Equestrian Radio Show's Adventure Variety Hour: Explorers of STOMP

[CoffeeHorse]

"Yeah, I'll go find Zest. Hopefully she should be right outside. Night Cap, try to keep Square comfortable until we get back.

Static rushes outside to find Zest.

---

Wanderlust - Symphony

The ponies at the table all smiled at Symphony and Wanderlust. One of the mares said, "Oh, you adorable little things! We'll have the chips and salsa appetizer, then four hay, lettuce, and tomato sandwiches. Three of those with cherry sodas while mine will have the tomato juice. Haven't decided on dessert but we'll be looking over the menus."

Symphony nods and writes the order down before passing it to Wanderlust. "Right Away, My partner will bring it out to you as soon as he can. I'll return later to see if you've decided on desert or not." She smiles and heads toward the next table.

---

Still grinning, Wanderlust gives Symphony what he thinks is a perfectly comforting pat on the withers before nipping back towards the kitchen and flagging down the least harried looking chef he sees (which isn't saying much, the kitchen is a hive of buzzing activity). "Where do I post new orders?"

---

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

As Square Fun allowed Night Cap to check him over, Marmalade Zest smiled when she saw Static Signal step outside of the clock tower. "I take it everything when okay?"

Wanderlust - Symphony

The ponies at the table nodded at Symphony and continued looking over their menus. She could see there looked to soon be a moment to step in and place an order where her friends were playing cards. Meanwhile in the kitchen, one of the cooks replied to Wanderlust with, "Oh hey, a newcomer! Orders go on the little spinneroo right there but you're new so let me look at it so you have good service on the first order. You should only be scared of Prim 84% of the time but we can't have you forcing the other 16, now can we? Let's see...oh! Chips and salsa are a quick one and we just got some ready. And it's a regular table since card tables got a special setup." He quickly got the appetizer and drinks ready. "The rest will have to wait in line. Can't have you skipping ahead after the first one. Go out there and make a good impression! Refills are free if they ask and remember that the kitchen's got your back...unless you get yourself in too much trouble. I don't think even the princesses could save you then."

Spoiler

---

"Not really, no. There's a powerful time distortion that's the reason the tower's not working. We were able to give it a patch job, but it's only a patch job. Meanwhile Squares getting sick because of the magic in there. He needs to get to the hospital. He said you probably know where it is. Also, we need to get an old cog that was in there away from the magic, but it's too heavy for just Night Cap and I. So...we could really use your help, please?"

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Scarlet (Darty - Hazel)

Once Scarlet Spectrum revealed his cards, Hazel Naught showed an 8, 1, and a 10. However, Dart Noveau had 10, 7, and a 1 and the other mare had a 7, 8, and 6 so both had 21. The dealer calmly revealed a face card and a 9, then calmly reshuffled. With a couple more hands being played, it was becoming more apparant that Hazel Naught played things close to the chest but rarely went bust. Meanwhile, Dart Noveau played more aggressively with a higher number of 20s and 21s but also going bust more often. However, a stopping point o! pened up where the dealer paused to allow Symphony to take their order.

---

[I must have been hanging around Anchors longer than I realized. Tea actually doesn't sound like a bad idea.]

[Don't you dare let it replace coffee!]

[As a morning drink? NEVER!]

"Yeah, I could do for a rest. I may be an earth pony, but it seems like everypony takes that as an invitation to 'give him all the heavy lifting'." Static rolls his neck around a bit, letting it crack and work out some of the tightness. "Gotta get rid of some of these stereotypes!"

---

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

"I hope you don't have any surprises either." "I can show all of you to some of the eateries if you're still wanting to." Marmalade Zest volunteered.

Wanderlust - Symphony

When the tray hit the floor, there was a brief silence but not by much. However, it did catch somepony's attention. Poins! ettia Prim walked up to Wnderlust and stared him down. "You were not hired to lose the casino money. A chance was taken on the two of you but she can't lift and you have shown clumsiness that is incompatible with our needs. A pitiful showing. You and your associate are to turn in your uniforms immediately and leave...

...unless you rather be removed."

Misty

Misty Monsoon got a twitch in her tail as she had...a hunch. There was this feeling that something big was going to happen tonight. Something bad. But she just couldn't place a hoof on what it would be.

---

Scarlet twitched slightly as he heard the mare—he assumed it was likely Poinsettia—lambasting Wanderlust for what was an honest accident. Yes, it was a very public accident, but she acted as if Absolute Perfection was a mandatory requirement. He’d met ponies like that before, on freelance jobs, or during location hunts or on set visits with his oarents. Colts and mares who considered any minor infraction a sign of incompetance. Being a tough boss was sometimes necessary, but not like this!

Reaching a wing up to scratch his head, as if he head an itch. Scarlet tried to keep his reaction of his face.

She’s firing them? For one mistake!
Stay calm. Stay, calm!

Wait, did...did she just Threaten them?!

Do, nothing! Stay calm and stay out of it!
But...?
Remember why we’re here. You don’t want her to kick you out too. You don’t want her to get suspicious.
But, she just—!
Stay, calm. She will get whats coming to her.
Oh yes, she will pay for this!

What he wanted to do, was go over and tell that arrogant mare what officious jerk she was being. The way his father had dealt with ponies like her. However, he knew they had to try and keep some of the team in the casino and unnoticed. So he stayed silent and stewed angrily.

---

Scarlet twitched slightly as he heard the mare—he assumed it was likely Poinsettia—lambasting Wanderlust for what was an honest accident. Yes, it was a very public accident, but she acted as if Absolute Perfection was a mandatory requirement. He’d met ponies like that before, on freelance jobs, or during location hunts or on set visits with his parentsts. Colts and mares who considered any minor infraction a sign of incompetance. Being a tough boss was sometimes necessary, but not like this!

Reaching a wing up to scratch his head, as if he head an itch. Scarlet tried to keep his reaction of his face.

She’s firing them? For one mistake!
Stay calm. Stay, calm!

Wait, did...did she just Threaten them?!

Do, nothing! Stay calm and stay out of it!
But...?
Remember why we’re here. You don’t want her to kick you out too. You don’t want her to get suspicious.
But, she just—!
Stay, calm. She will get whats coming to her.
Oh yes, she will pay for this!

What he wanted to do, was go over and tell that arrogant mare what officious jerk she was being. The way his father had dealt with ponies like her. However, he knew they had to try and keep some of the team in the casino and unnoticed. So he stayed silent and stewed angrily.

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

It wasn't that Wanderlust had no shame, but rather that he'd never found a use for it. As such, he had no qualms about throwing himself at Poinsettia Prim's hooves and bawling his heart out.

"Oh, Please don't throw us out, Señora! My marefriend and I need this job to get home!" He does, however, draw the line at actually touching her, instead opting for a rise in volume. "It's all my fault! Everything wrong with this trip is all my fault! I'm the one who booked one-way tickets! I'm the fool who blew all our money at the roulette wheel! This was supposed to be a week of fun, but I've ruined everything! I've given up on salvaging the trip, but I was hoping I could just set this right! Please, Señora, I'll do anything! Anything!"

Strident hysterics had never been his strong suit, but not in his wildest dreams did he actually expect to sway Poinsettia Prim. He just wanted to make it clear to her, and anyone else who was watching, that he was desperate.

Spoiler

---

Wanderlust - Symphony

Poinsettia Prim stood there non-plussed as Wanderlust made his emotional plea. However, one of the other employees ran up to her with a note, which she silently read before saying, "It seems somepony has taken an interest in your plight and will be paying for your damages. So you will be given another chance. Do not squander it, you have customers waiting."

---

"If? What kind of ponies would come all the way to Louisianeigh and not take part in the local cuisine! I'm starving!!!!"

---

Wanderlust - Symphony

Poinsettia Prim stood there non-plussed as Wanderlust made his emotional plea. However, one of the other employees ran up to her with a note, which she silently read before saying, "It seems somepony has taken an interest in your plight and will be paying for your damages. So you will be given another chance. Do not squander it, you have customers waiting."

Wanderlust still refuses to actually touch Poinsettia Prim. "Thank you. Thank you!" He hastily does what he can to clean up the salsa spill, then carts the ruined plate back to the kitchen, where he lets out a long breath. "What was that about the 16 percent again?" He asks his chef friend while he collects a fresh plate of the appetizer.

---

Wanderlust - Symphony

The chef quickly got Wanderlust a cart to put the appetizer on. "Whoa what happened? Wait, if you got in trouble with Prim, why are you still here?"

---

"What's it look like?" Wanderlust grins as he moves the fresh entree onto the cart. "I survived because apparently I have a mysterious guardian. Born under lucky stars, I guess. Thanks for the cart!" His grin falters for a moment. "I certainly never want to go through that again." He turns and heads back onto the floor, putting a smile back on his face as he wheels the dish out.

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Symphony looks over to Scarlet and the others with a smile. "So, have you lot found anything interesting?" She asks, trying to phrase her question as if she's asking about their food orders. She looks over to Wad as he spills the salsa and gets Prim's wraith, but seems to be saved by someone else before they had to be removed. They weren't really good at this whole 'service' thing we're they? This was only gonna end in tears... No, she can't think like that and needs to remain focused.

---

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

After leaving the hospital, Marmalade Zest led the group to the main plaza in the center of the city where several vendors had booths setup to sell their favorite dishes. Aromas filled the air while numerous ponies milled about as they made their purchases. The booth she led them to was being run by a pale grey unicorn stallion with a bright green mane. "Hello hello! I'm Romaine Crisp and welcome to The Spicy Hoof!" Upon reading the doctor's note, he said, "Heh! , I sometimes imagine I'm in a detective novel when I try to read these things. Still, the usual spiced tea for all is coming up. Do you see anything else you'd like on the menu or is this just for the doctor's order?"

---

Static looked over the menu and looked at the pictures besides. "Étoufnéigh? I've heard about it. I've never had it though. I think I'll try some of that, please.

---

Scarlet smiled back at Symphony, grateful that whatever Poinsettia Prim had had in mind had been dealt with. For now. Catching the double meaning of her question, Scarlet rubbed his chin with a wing.

2color=#ff0000]”the Chips and Salsa sound nice. Light and spicy. That and a fruity drink would go down nicely. Other than that, the games been moving too fast for much chitchat.

Though i do know my companions are all much better card players than i am,”[/color]

Winking at her in a hopefully encouraging way, Scarlet turned to his tablemstes.

”so, who’s next?”

---

Scarlet smiled back at Symphony, grateful that whatever Poinsettia Prim had had in mind had been dealt with. For now. Catching the double meaning of her question, Scarlet rubbed his chin with a wing.

”the Chips and Salsa sound nice. Light and spicy. That and a fruity drink would go down nicely. Other than that, the games been moving too fast for much chitchat.

Though i do know my companions are all much better card players than i am,”

Winking at her in a hopefully encouraging way, Scarlet turned to his tablemstes.

”so, who’s next?”

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Misty gulps. "I-I hope that feeling's just excitement..." she mutters as she makes her way through the halls, looking for a certain dressing room.

---

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

"The same for everypony?" After a round of nods, the chef got to work. While it might not have been fast, from the various scents, it was easy to tell it was of excellent quality. Onion, celery, and green pepper were added to a piping hot liquid and after cooking for a while, peppers, a seasoning mix, hot sauce, and tomatoes were added next. Finally, diced portabella mushrooms and some sort of hidden ingredient were added and all of it was allowed to cook for a few minutes. The mixture was served over rice and he asked, "Do you want to sit on the tables over there or do you want it to go?"

Wanderlust - Symphony AND Scarlet (Darty - Hazel)

"D'aaww, you're that adorable little thing from earlier. I'm not too hungry so I'll just have two of that appetizer my friend is having." Dart Noveau said. Though the other mare declined, Hazel Naught said, "I only want a few lemon slices. I do believe this not being something directly on the menu so..." She slid a coin towards Symphony.

Meanwhile, the group who made the initial order replied to Wanderlust with, "I think we'll be fine without desert but we'll let you know if we change our minds after we eat."

---

"Well, I'm thinking we have yet to check out the library. So I was thinking maybe eat on the way. But then I know I tend to get a bit single minded when I'm still on the clock and maybe other may need a breather. Soooooo..." he says and turns to Night Cap, "what do you think. Take a rest and eat here or eat on the way?"

---

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

Romaine Crisp brought the group's food to the table. Before they began eating, Marmalade Crisp commented, "Since you'll be closing out for the evening after we eat, I shall head back since you won't be heading to the library tonight."

---

"Sounds like a plan," Static replied. "I'm hoping for an early start though. What time does the library open?"

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

"The library opens at 9AM but if you'd like, I can request the librarian let you come in a little earlier."

Misty - Maple (Flair)

Misty Monsoon was led to the locker room and then the attendee rushed off to update the judges and Green Bean. After several minutes, the announcements from ringside could be heard through speakers in the rest of the stadium. Following the initial introduction, "...at this invitational event, several up and coming wrestlers have the chance to show their stuff in exciting exhibition matches. First up will be the faces and who better to square against them than Fiesta Caldera's very own heel tag team superstars--sneaky to the maxes and scourge of your taxes, Fiscal Irresponsibility!" Boos erupted from the crowd but many of these sounded fairly playful. It could be easily surmised that while these were heels, they were their heels and thus some probably wanted to see them do well.

Scarlet (Darty - Hazel)

Once Symphony had taken the group's order, the dealer dealt another round of cards. Dart Noveau and Havel Naught had an 8 and a 5 respectively as their face up cards. The other mare had a 3 face up. The dealer's face up card was a 2. Finally, Scarlet Spectrum's face up card was a face card while the face down card was a 1.

---

"Oh good Things are getting started." the Masked Mystery Mare smiled

---

Huh. 11.
Pretty much the same position as last round.
Hmm... Play for a new card and hope another Face card or at least close to a 10.
And hope you don’t get an Ace, because that would just be a waste of a good card.
Here’s hoping then.

Scarlet waved for a new card...

Spoiler


...and got a 1. Suppressing a sigh, he turned their still nameless mare and decided to try and solve that.

”Hello. Uh, might i ask your name?”

---

Scarlet (Darty - Hazel)

The dealer calmly drew another card. Dart Noveau requested two more, then snorted angrily. She was doing a really poor job of hiding her reactions to her cards. Hazel Naught requested two more cards with her usual caution. However, the mare requested one but jumped a little from Scarlet Spectrum's question. "Oh! The name is Sprinkleshake."

---

"That would be great, thanks!" Static wasn't sure how much good it would do them to get there too early if all they were doing was looking to question the pony who uttered the "there's no profit to be made from the end of the world" line. But at the very least they could maybe scout the location and come up with a plan.

---

”Nice to meet you, Sprinkleshake. I’m Scarlet. I, ah, didn’t mean to make you jump.”

Looking back at his cards, Scarlet decided to risk another...

Spoiler


...and got another 1. With a slight shake of the head, he did sigh this time. Not his round this time then. Still, he hadn’t gone bust, so there was that at least.

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

"Depends, Static answered. "Were you counting on breakfast?" Static rubbed his chin as he thought. "I'd like to see if we could get into the the library about 8:45, that would be great. Not sure how long we'd need at the doctor. If all he needs is a quick update, we could be in and out in no time. If he needs to actually take a look at either of us...we'd probably want to see the doctor about 7:45 just in case. Which would put a hasty breakfast about 7:15?" Static shrugged. He was actually just pulling these numbers out of the air. But they seemed fair enough. "How much time do you need between waking up and walking out the door?"

---

"Not necessarily. That's why I'm asking. If you want a calmer, take our time breakfast, I'd figure 6:30 or 6:45 for breakfast. I can really just wake up and be ready to go if you want to make wake up call about 6:20, 6:30?"

---

Looking down at his cards after some thought, Scarlet decided to take one more card and risk going bust. He wasn’t sure it was the smart thing to do, however his 12 was bugging him.

So he waved for the dealer...

Spoiler


...and got a 7! More than happy with a final score of 19, Scarlet tried not to look to pleased and relaxed.

---

Wanderlust - Symphony

Back in the kitchen, the chef showed Wanderlust a notched ledge that could be pulled out from a non obvious part of the cutting table. "Normal tables are normal but the card tables have these. It allows you to put their food within reach without getting spills on the cards. Pretty neat, huh?"

Scarlet (Darty - Hazel)

Sprinkleshake revealed a 3, 8, and a 9. Hazel Naught had 5, 1, 5, and 6. Dart Noveau managed to bust again with 8, 3, 4, 10. However, after Scarlet Spectrum showed his cards, the dealer revealed 2, 11, 8. As he was about deal another round, Hazel Naught's hoof shot up. "Um, excuse me sir?" "Yes, what is it?" "I do not like making accusations but I do believe Sprinkleshake has been cheating." Sprinkleshake froze in place. "Nearly every round she has had an '8' mixed in with her cards. While not an impossibility by virtue of being a 1/13 probability, it is still an unlikelihood when you consider the consistancy." "Ms. Sprinkleshake, what do you have to say about..."

Sprinkleshake bolted from the table. She made a mad dash for the door, only to crash into Poinsettia Prim. Several guards picked Sprinkleshake up, turned her upside down, and shook, revealing some playing cards, poker chips, bits, and a granola bar. "Some of that is money I brought with me." "Good. That provides me reason to be nicer to you than usual." Poinsettia Prim adjusted her glasses, then ate the granola bar as she looked Sprinkleshake directly in the eye. She was silent, unblinking, for a solid minute until, "Toss her out the front door. Toss her so hard she bounces." As Sprinkleshake was being carried away, Poinsettia Prim walked towards the center of the room and announced to the casino, "I apologize that all of you wonderful guests had to witness such a horrible display. However, negative actions simply must be punished for the good of all of you. To allow cheaters to prosper would be simply criminal!" The crowd seemed to eventually murmur in agreement and returned to their games. She then walked directly to the table where Scarlet Spectrum was and scowled at the dealer. In a lower volume than her announcement, she practically growled, "What is your problem? It shouldn't take one of our patrons to spot somepony cheating. You and I will have words later and then I'm sure the boss will be VERY displeased when she hears about this...

...but for now, escort the players with better win records to the next table."

As she walked off, the dealer looked to be on the verge of tears. Dart Noveau sympathetically asked, "Can I...do you need a hug?" "*sigh* Guests may not touch the dealer." Hazel Naught offered, "Maybe one of your coworkers could give you a hug. That would be within the rules, correct?" He sadly nodded and began to lead them to the next table. However, the waiters steered clear of him as the group walked towards the next table.

Misty - Maple (Flair)

It looked like some of the newcomers could shake things up in the future if they just worked on their skills. Then the announcer announced, "That was all of the faces...but what about the heels? Those dastardly neverdowells may seek to darken our hallowed ring but don't worry folks! Set to mash their malignant mettle is a masterful mare of might. Hailing from the north, she's heavy in talent and big in determination, it's the MASKED MYSTERY MAAAARE!"

---

Static gave an exasperated sigh. "You know, Night, I would love to be able to just sleep in until noon, take a leisurely lunch and just idle through the day myself. But we have a lot to do in the morning and not a lot of time to do it in. The later we wake up, the quicker we're going to have to rush through breakfast. I don't care either way. What's your priority?"

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Bursting out of the entry and charging the ring at full speed she slid in under the bottom rope and then climbed the turnbuckle and let the fans know with a few signature poses that this was going to a good show. ... when she was done she motioned to ringside for them to drop the Mic from the rafters.

---

Misty - Maple (Flair)

A hush fell over the crowd as the microphone slowly lowered to the ring.

---

Wanderlust - Symphony AND Scarlet (Darty - Hazel)

"D'aaww, you're that adorable little thing from earlier. I'm not too hungry so I'll just have two of that appetizer my friend is having." Dart Noveau said. Though the other mare declined, Hazel Naught said, "I only want a few lemon slices. I do believe this not being something directly on the menu so..." She slid a coin towards Symphony.

Meanwhile, the group who made the initial order replied to Wanderlust with, "I think we'll be fine without desert but we'll let you know if we change our minds after we eat."

Symphony nods and takes the groups order, and taking the coin before passing the order on to Wander, and makes her way to another table.

---

Wanderlust - Symphony[/size]

Symphony approached the next table to see two twin unicorn mares. Before she could greet them, one spoke up to ask, "Uh hey, since you work here, do you think the rumors are true?"

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Static sighs. "You make planning so difficult sometimes. Well, I don't wanna rush through breakfast. So if you can't give me an answer, wakeup call at 6:10, out the door by 6:20, breakfast at 6:30, doctor at 7:45 and at the library at 8:45. Anypony who has difficulty waking up gets a fog horn to the ear!"

---

Wanderlust - Symphony

Symphony approached the next table to see two twin unicorn mares. Before she could greet them, one spoke up to ask, "Uh hey, since you work here, do you think the rumors are true?"

"Very nice." Wanderlust agrees. "There are always nicer accommodations in the back rooms, right? That's just how casinos work. Do waiters get called to serve...VIP rooms?"

---

with all eye on her, MMM clutched the mic close and began.

"I'm here tonight to provide you all with a safe cathartic release ... to show you acts of bravery, hope... and maybe even be a little inspiring - after all, we'd all like to kick a little rump from time to time am I right?!"

MMM waits for the roar of the crowd to die down.

"Well, that's the neat thing about this job of mine... because it's your hopes and bravery that inspire me to do this... in fact, I met a young stallion this very day who so greatly inspired me that I'd like him to come down to the ring right now and say the thing he needs to say."

MMM signals to the lighting crew... who swivel the spotlight around the crowd until landing on the seat in question.

"Please everypony give him some support, let him know we're all behind him ...Soft Stone let's tell her how you really feel."

---

Misty - Maple (Flair)

Soft Stone seemed a little nervous at first. He paused when the spotlight stopped on him. But then...he mustered up the courage to head to the stage. First with a light trot but then he broke into a full gallop. He walked right up to the microphone...and then his confidence dropped again.

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

"That's a little later than when I get up on school days so that works out great. We'll be ready." Square Fun said. He already seemed to be feeling better.

After they finished eating, the team headed to the hotel. It was on stilts in the center of a small lake that was only about a foot longer and wider than the hotel. On the sigh was a drawing of an alligator happily sleeping on a large pillow. The exterior and interior had a similar pink with gold trim as Louisianeigh's museum. The interior had much more alligator iconography along with the introduction of dark green here and there. This increased when they got to their rooms which had a dak green icebox, countertops, bedsheets, and sofa. Setting on the coffee table was a cookbook but it was affixed to the table so guests couldn't take it with them.

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

MMM, seeing the stallion's nerves catch up with him after that mighty gallop, walked over and held his hoof up to the crowd...

"Let's show Mr. Snow some support while he catches his breath, that was a really impressive run." leaning in as the roar of the audience and their thunderous hoof stomping covered her voice so even the mic didn't pic it up.

"Just say what's on your mind Mr. Snow... I'm so happy for you right now."

Stepping back MMM, went to the ropes and climbed the turnbuckle pumping the crowd up even more with her patented power poses.

---

Static could understand wanting to draw the curtains, but was a bit perplexed at Night Caps production. "I guess we all have our phobias," he said, putting aside his recipe copying long enough to close the curtains for Night Cap. "Is there a story behind you not liking windows?"

---

Static raised an eyebrow, his head swimming as Night Cap riffled off his list. "I...may have heard some of those. Others not so much. You had one hell of a foalhood, Night!"

---

"It made me the stallion I am today."

---

[And I thought my foalhood was rough!]

[If we ever meet his parents, I'm going to have to give them a piece of my mind.]

"Some wounds run deep, don't they? Can anypony ever really get away from their past?"

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

Outside of the obviousness presented by windows, Static Signal didn't see any obvious break in points.

Misty - Maple (Flair)

Soft Stone started to speak but winced a little when he heard his voice coming from the speakers. The crowd fell to a hush and he tried again. "I um...hey. I'm glad for what the Masked Mystery Mare is doing for me but I kinda feel like I don't deserve it. I used to have a wonderful mare in my life and I screwed up a good thing. I let myself get bullied into saying horrible things about her because I was too scared for myself. I don't know if she's left already or if she's here and still mad but I just wanted to say I love you Powder Blue and I'm sorry." Things had gotten so quiet that you could hear a pin drop and in that quiet a single gasp could be heard. The spotlight shifted over to focus on a single mare with tears in her eyes. Soft Stone started to leave the ring and head that way but then he looked back to the Masked Mystery Mare.

Scarlet (Darty - Hazel)

The dealer escorted the group to the next table and said to Dart Noveau, "Due to the number of busts, you can't advance on. However, as long as you're not coaching, you can still hang out with your friends." At the table was a similarly dressed and groomed card dealer. There was also a slightly older stallion confidentally awaiting the new arrivals. He was an earth pony of a dark crimson coat. Adorning his shoulders and shrouding his body was a luxurious, dark indigo cloak. He seemed to study the group as they approached, then calmly stated in a voice that sounded vaguely like he was from Trotsylvania, "Welcome. I'm hoping this will be a fairly entertaining game."

---

"Go get her Mr. Stone... it's been my pleasure meeting you. If you two would like some time alone to talk and not miss much of the event, staff have been instructed to escort you to a prived viewing box." Turning back to the crowd, MMM grabbed the mic and said.

"Let's give these two another round of cheers!"

---

Misty - Maple (Flair)

Cheers erupted from the audience as Soft Stone ran back up the steps to Powder Blue. As they began talking, the spotlight moved off them to allow some privacy. THe announcer attempted to speak but stopped, apparently choked up with emotion.

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

While flipping through the cookbook, Static Signal spotted as small note. He almost didn't see it since it was the leftover impression from something that had been erased. It said: 'Remember to check the 517's the next time you're in the library. And don't forget to erase this.'

---

"That's odd! Hey, Night! Look at this." Static showed him the note. "That's kind of odd. By the Dewey Decimal system, the 500's would be the sciences. But 516 is Geometry, 516.9 being non-euclidian. 519 is Applied Mathematics. But...517 and 518 aren't in use. Whoever this was to, they were sent to a section that doesn't exist! I think maybe this is where we should start our search tomorrow."

---

"I think you're missing a few possibilities there. It's a library. Let's just go find the section ourselves...without destroying the place. If we run into a dead end, then we can ask the librarian.

"I don't want to alert anypony to the fact that we're snooping unless we absolutely have to. Asking the librarian about a section that doesn't exist based on a cryptic note that's not even written to us could raise suspicions."

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

"No, Night. It's completely normal for ponies to go do their own research, only coming to the librarian if they get stuck. It's not normal to ask directions to a section that doesn't exist with anote in hand that screams covert action with the insistence that the note be destroyed. We try to find it ourselves first. That's an order!"

Static sighs. He hated to pull rank. But this wasn't going to work if every plan he made was met with questioning. "And sweet Luna, what do you mean 'act expected'? Have you never been to a library before?"

[Why do I get the feeling that the answer to that is going to result in me facehoofing?]

---

Static sighs and tries to rub away an oncoming headache. "When I go to the library, I always look for the books I want by myself and only bother the librarian if I've determined that I can't find it. And since our 'booklist' consists of suspicious directions to a clandestine meeting that should have been destroyed and not seen by anypony else, that's the way we need to do this. Until we know what's going on, the fewer ponies that know our plans, the better."

---

Scarlet jaw clenched at the realisation of Sprinkleshakes cheating, as well as the knowledge that had he been more observant, he might have spotted it too. His respect for Hazels quick eyes and even quicker mind, increased.


Then he felt his whole body twitch at Poinsettia Prims unashamed and uncaring bullying of both Sprinkleshake (lessened slightly by onow9ng the mare was a repeat offender) and her own dealer. This mares attitude towards the slightest infraction continued to rub him the wrong way.

”i have very little respect for those who treat others asbeneath them,” he grumbled in a low voice.

As the dealer left them at their new table, he gave them a quick hoofwave goodbye, then gave Darty a commiserating smile.

”Hard luck, Darty.”

Looking over their new opponent, he nodded in respectful greeting the way his father always did.

”Good evening, sir. I think i can safely say that we aim to be an entertaining challenge for you.”

---

"Oh, it's undoubtedly a trap. But my idea of a covert operation is making sure nopony ever knows you're there. Sooooo..."

[Actually, Static, your idea of covert is to knock everypony out so nopony remembers you were ever there. You're a brawler. It's what you do. Night Cap gets into places he isn't supposed to go and manipulates ponies. It's what he does. Remember Petrichor.]

Static rubs his chin as he thinks it over. "Soooooo...so...so...you talk with the librarian and do your thing. What would you need from me?"

---

Scarlet (Darty - Hazel)

The stallion chuckled. "We shall certainly see. By the way, you can call me Red, if you'd like. And your name?"

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

"I...don't like the idea of splitting up in a place we know nothing about...especially a place that is most likely a stronghold for our enemies. How about we go with your plan, and as much as possible, I'll let you do the talking."

[Are you listening to the plan your putting forward? You'r basically putting Night Cap in complete control. NIGHT...CAP!]

[We did establish this is his area of expertise...right?]

[...]

---

"Confident...right! No problem!"

[We're going to die.]

[We're going to get disavowed.]

[We're going to die and get disavowed.]

---

Static took a sharp breath. "Intentionally? No. You've been a true friend to me. Even went hoof to hoof with Rhapsody because you decided to save my life over obeying one of her orders. But..." Static had a pained look on his face...something that showed several days worth of stress and worry. "If this is a COIN stronghold like we suspect, it won't just be some low-level mooks we'd be facing off against. I'll be honest, I'm not even sure if my own abilities will be enough. I...I've had a bad feeling about this ever since we got this assignment, a very foreboding sense of finality. I...I'm not sure I'm up to this, Night."

He went started a new page on his note pad, trying to hide it from Night Cap. "Maybe it's just the thought of meeting Dazzling again. Who knows how that's going to end? It's possible we could survive. Luna willing, we might actually win! But...I don't know, Night. I've said several times, that is one mare I'm just not looking forward to meeting again. And yet...here we are!" Static looked down at his writing.

"I Static Signal being of sound body and mind declare this to be my final will and testament."

[Never thought I'd be writing those words.]

[Honestly should've written this the day we joined the team!]

[Don't be so grim. We can totally survive this.]

[We will survive this.]

[...]

---

"And if we encounter Dazzling Midnight out in the library, just follow my lead. Take the chance that she won't want to make a scene in front of civilians."

---

Static gave Night Cap a deadpan look. "She magically threw a guy across a resteraunt because he was being rude to a waiter! I don't think making a scene in front of civilians is anathema to her."

[I better get this document legally witnessed and signed.]

---

"I can comfortably say that while we are in the library, the chances of you being thrown across the restaurant are rather...slim."

...

"Would you consider setting a trap for her to get arrested by the cops as being 'rude'?"

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

"No," Static said flatly. "It's far too late to think we'll ever be anything other than enemies at this point...and I wouldn't even try. I've already told you what it is she's done to me. I'm not going to forget and I'm not going to forgive."

Static shook his head. He was getting edgy just thinking about it. "Look, if we do run into her tomorrow, just remember, I'm the one she has a grudge against. she actually seems to like you. At the very least, she doesn't see you as a threat.

"Whatever you have to tell her to get out of there alive...that's what you tell her. If you have to sell me out, side with her against me...just...get out of there alive and tell the chief what happened. That's your job. Whatever happens to me, get out of there alive and tell the chief."

Static took a long deep breath. "Hopefully...there's a chance we may not even meet her though. We'll see. We'll...we'll just have to see." Static fidgeted a bit. "We should probably get some sleep. It's going to be a long day with an early start."

---

Wanderlust - Symphony

Symphony approached the next table to see two twin unicorn mares. Before she could greet them, one spoke up to ask, "Uh hey, since you work here, do you think the rumors are true?"

Symphony blinks a bit. "Uh? Rumors? I'm not sure of any rumors here... I... uh... just started working here like 10 minutes ago..." She says with a slight blush and a soft giggle.

---

Static shook his head. "Just...get...out of there. I have my own escape route," Static said, pointing to his necklace that was in the shape of a unicorn. "But it only works if you get out of there first!"

"And I'm not apologizing to Dazzling, not after what she's done."

---

Static - Night Cap (Square - Keen)

Static Signal received a morse code message:

SPLASH FLAUNT FILLING IN.
FINAL STATUS CHECK FOR THE NIGHT.
Scarlet (Darty - Hazel)​

The dealer briefly interrupted Red and Scarlet Spectrum's conversation to announce, "So you will know, this table will be using what is generally considered more standard blackjack rules: Face cards are worth 10, aces are worth 1 or 11 based on what gives better advantage, and dealer wins ties except for when a player has a true blackjack of a ten and an ace."

Wanderlust - Symphony

The cook replied to Wanderlust with, "Yeah...but not many. I heard the boss prefers most of the casino to be front facing. That said, there's a special group of waiters that only service the back room. On the other side, there's one patron who's begun playing out in the main area. Just goes by 'Red' and some waiters have said there's something sinister about him. But nearly all the others say he's pretty friendly, so I dunno.

Oh! Looks like your order is ready."

Meanwhile one of the twins replied to Symphony with, "I heard...that there's some sort of treasure buried under the city. Like...gold, or jewels, or..."
"Cereal!"
"What?"
"Yeah sis! Well, maybe not specifically cereal itself but the prize in the bottom on the ceral box. Doesn't that sound like a treasure?"
"Erm, anyway...I meant those kinds of rumors."

---

b]"I'll do anything that looks viable at the time that looks like it might be a good idea. But if you think she's ever going to become my next drinking buddy after work, that's just out of the question. And no, I don't want you to run. If you think she thinks of you as someone she can work with, even maybe turn to her side...work with it! Keep her trust. You never know when it may come in handy. But do whatever you have to in order to survive that meeting and report back to the Keep...even if that includes handing me over to her.

"Remember how we discussed it might be useful to have somepony on the inside? It's not exactly plan A. Plan A is to get the info we need and get out of there...both of us...together. But if it comes right down to it, and if you get the opportunity...do you think that's something you can do? Can you give me up in order to be that inside pony that gets more information to the Keep?"[/b]

Splash Flaunt's morse code catches Static's attention. b]"Give me a moment Night. I need to take this."[/b]

[Wow! The last thing we sent her was right before the clock tower. Can we report that much in one report?]

[Let me think!]

STATIC REPORTING. TEMPORAL ANOMALY IN CLOCK TOWER MADE SQUARE SICK. PATCH WORK TEMPORARY BUT SITUATION RESOLVED FOR NOW. TOOK FOR DOCTOR VISIT TO BE SAFE. NOTHING FOUND. FOLLOWUP TOMORROW. VISITING LIBRARY TOMORROW. WISH US LUCK.​

Static gave another long sigh and turned to Night Cap. "The crappy part is, I could easily teleport my way back home at any time if it looks like I'm being captured. But then that would make you useless as a double agent if they think I'm out there to blow your cover to the Keep. So if it looks like you betrayed me, I'm going to have to go through with being captured." Static shakes his head as he realized what it is he's suggesting...voluntarily being at the not so kind mercies of COIN...of Dazzling. "That's why this isn't exactly plan A. But if it comes down to it, I can do this. If it gives the Keep an advantage having you feed them information...I can do it. Can you?"

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Scarlet looked to the dealer and grinned, then turned back to ‘Red’.

”Well if you’re Red, then i’m Blue,” he said with a chuckle. ”But you can call me Scarlet. And these are my friends.” Gesturing to Darty and Hazel, Scarlet wasn’t sure whether to introduce them, or see if ‘Red’ asked.

---

[Wait, what? How did he not figure out how I do that? I just showed him the pendant!]

[I don't know, but he seems a little too pleased with himself that we came around to doing this his way.]

[So...time to have some fun?]

[Oh sweet Luna, yes!]

"What do you mean show you how to teleport? That's like trying to teach somepony how to walk...or blink their eyes...or breath. You can't be shown how to teleport. You just do it! I've been doing it since I was a foal!"

---

Symphony looks to the twins, listening with a nod. "Oh no, I've certainly not heard anything of the sort. I mean, really don't you think there'd be loads of treasure hunters around if people really though there was gold or something hidden around here?" She says making a mental note of this.

---

"You're overthinking it again. Do you have to clear your mind to breath? Think of where you want to go when you walk? No! You just...do it?"

[How long can we keep this up before it becomes mean?]

[Let's find out!]

[Aww! He's our friend!

[Yeeeah, and this is payback for all the 'WTF moments he's put us through!]

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

"Sure you have an ultimate destination to reach, but you're not thinking every moment of the way 'left hoof, right hoof, left hoof, right hoof' right? Personally, when I'm walking to work, I'm going over what I need to do that day in my head, thinking about the boat I'm building, thinking about Anchor's perfect...umm...other things..." *ahem* "But it's not like I'm focusing on keeping one hoof in front of the other. You can't think about teleporting. You just...do...it!"

[You know, even I'm beginning to think maybe we know a little bit about teleporting.]

[Don't we? I mean, sure we use a trinket to do it...but isn't that how it works?]

---

[How did he even get this far in life?]

"I'm...not sure how to respond to that, Night. I think if a psychiatrist ever tried to figure you out, he could make a fortune selling the book! Honestly...forgetting for a moment about teleportation or flying or telekinesis...how do you even make it through the day? I mean, if that's what goes through your head just going to work...how does it not paralyze you to do...well...anything?"

---

Wanderlust - Symphony

The mare pondered what Symphony said. "Hmm. Yeah, I guess you're right. Alright, ready to order. Gonna have a cereal." She facehoofed. "Now she's got me doing it. Ahem, I would like an oat burrito, extra spicy."
"Same here."

After getting the order, Symphony noticed that Scarlet Spectrum and the others moved to another card table with a stallion who was wearing an odd cloak. She would need to let Wanderlust know they moved for when he brought out their food.

Scarlet (Darty - Hazel)

Dart Noveau and Hazel Naught introduced themselves to Red. Just then, another player was led to the table. It was a green, earth pony stallion who wore a tie in the shade of vanilla ice cream. The dealer then asked, "Is everypony ready?"

---

"You know, Night, I don't think I'm ever going to be able to figure you out. I mean, you must've had one hell of a foalhood! I mean...buck! My father ran out when I was a child. For the longest time I questioned my paternity. Bully's, teachers, authority figures on all sides...I thought I had it rough. But you...I don't know. I dread to think what must've have happened in your past that made you who you are.

"I mean, I don't want to sound insulting. I really don't. But I just can't seem to figure you out and every time I think I'm about to get some kind of insight...it scares the living Tartarus out of me."

---

"You parents...what was your relationship with them like. Did they...treat you right?"

---