No hurry there. I haven't made any progress on my character sheet since the last time we talked about it.
[OOC] STOMP Remembrance Project
- Thread starter CoffeeHorse
- Start date
Introducing Black Night.
Meanwhile, Black Night had finally arrived back at the Keep, entering through one of the side entrances to obscure her arrival. She stuck to the shadows, grates, and vents around the museum to keep her presence minimized as she made mental notes of various rooms that could be key in the up-coming heist and working out the possibilities to take down COIN agents as quickly and silently as possible. Of course, as she neared the room where the sword would be located she heard the voices of Amber and two other ponies she didn't know. Peeking through a vent she watched as one of the two she didn't know left.
She popped out of a vent while Amber was deep in her studies, and the other was examining something else in the room. "Amber Sparks." She states in a hushed voice, trying to keep the other pony unaware of her presences, as she approaches. "Rhapsody told me you might still be here. You're going to be the one guarding the Sword of Shining Dark when ti gets here? Are you sure you will be up for the task with just the two of you?"
Static sucks in his breath and jumps again (hereafter known as 'is startled). Is every pony that works here a Luna blessed ninja?
With a sigh, he turned to the newcomer. Hi. I'm Static Signal. Never been in a fight before myself. So, I guess the more help we have the better.
Amber nodded to Tangerine Sands as he left, determining to think very hard about not thinking about who might be a double agent, and returned to her notes. She had skimmed up some of her notes on the Llamayan calendar project on her way out of the office and was comparing citations, but finding it difficult to concentrate. She wasn't sure how to respond to Static's question about what had been so clearly wrong - something she'd guessed had been a typographical error when one of her sources had disagreed with the others about the length of a First Epoch, but fully intended to look into in detail when she had the chance - but he seemed to have lost intere! st by the time she had formulated a response. He checked and reset his equipment and seemed very attentive to the time and the layout of the room, and Amber could only assume he was quite busy and not to be disturbed. She didn't want to admit to herself that she would welcome the distraction; there was only very little she could do checking over her notes without her research materials.
When she heard the creaking of the metal grate and the soft landing of a pegasus pony behind her, she dropped her quill and turned around, worried that COIN had begun to make their move, but was both reassured and astonished at the sight of Black Night. She raised a hoof to correct her - Spark, singular - but set it aside as Ms. Night addressed her.
"Ms. Night, I presume?" Amber said. "Yes, the two of us were assigned to stake down the display area for the Sword of Shining Dark. I do believe that we are prepared, but to be entirely honest with you, none of us really have any idea what to expect from COIN tonight. We would be quite obliged if you were to stay and help," she said.
Amber couldn't help asking. "Is Rhapsody on the grounds as well?" Amber couldn't help thinking that Rhapsody's presence here would have been more reassuring than Ms. Night's, but knowing that she was on the grounds at all would be a comforting thought.
Black Night looks to Amber. "Just Black Night, its a title not a name." She states as she is addressed in Amber's usual fashion before addressing the beige unicorn's first concern. "COIN isn't to be taken lightly, regardless what they do. I've had several run-ins with them over the past few months. They will pursue their goal till none are left standing. If what I was told is true, and they have two target chances are they'll have some sort of way of contracting each team. If possible, being able to disrupt communication spells might throw them off track depending on how well they are co-ordinated."
She looks over to the exasperated stallion, a faint smirk at his comment about ninjas before addressing him. "I don't work here. I am... a freelancer. You must be new in town, those that have lived here know of me; even if they don't believe it. I have been requested here due to my experiences with dealing with COIN and other criminals."
Black Night returns her focus back to Amber at her question and nods. "Rhapsody should be back on Keep grounds by now and reporting in to your boss. I am sure she'll preform admirably in helping to defend the Keep." She answers and looks over to the doorway. "What have you done so far in setting up defenses?" She asks to both of them.
Meanwhile, Black Night had finally arrived back at the Keep, entering through one of the side entrances to obscure her arrival. She stuck to the shadows, grates, and vents around the museum to keep her presence minimized as she made mental notes of various rooms that could be key in the up-coming heist and working out the possibilities to take down COIN agents as quickly and silently as possible. Of course, as she neared the room where the sword would be located she heard the voices of Amber and two other ponies she didn't know. Peeking through a vent she watched as one of the two she didn't know left.
She popped out of a vent while Amber was deep in her studies, and the other was examining something else in the room. "Amber Sparks." She states in a hushed voice, trying to keep the other pony unaware of her presences, as she approaches. "Rhapsody told me you might still be here. You're going to be the one guarding the Sword of Shining Dark when ti gets here? Are you sure you will be up for the task with just the two of you?"
Static sucks in his breath and jumps again (hereafter known as 'is startled). Is every pony that works here a Luna blessed ninja?
With a sigh, he turned to the newcomer. Hi. I'm Static Signal. Never been in a fight before myself. So, I guess the more help we have the better.
Amber nodded to Tangerine Sands as he left, determining to think very hard about not thinking about who might be a double agent, and returned to her notes. She had skimmed up some of her notes on the Llamayan calendar project on her way out of the office and was comparing citations, but finding it difficult to concentrate. She wasn't sure how to respond to Static's question about what had been so clearly wrong - something she'd guessed had been a typographical error when one of her sources had disagreed with the others about the length of a First Epoch, but fully intended to look into in detail when she had the chance - but he seemed to have lost intere! st by the time she had formulated a response. He checked and reset his equipment and seemed very attentive to the time and the layout of the room, and Amber could only assume he was quite busy and not to be disturbed. She didn't want to admit to herself that she would welcome the distraction; there was only very little she could do checking over her notes without her research materials.
When she heard the creaking of the metal grate and the soft landing of a pegasus pony behind her, she dropped her quill and turned around, worried that COIN had begun to make their move, but was both reassured and astonished at the sight of Black Night. She raised a hoof to correct her - Spark, singular - but set it aside as Ms. Night addressed her.
"Ms. Night, I presume?" Amber said. "Yes, the two of us were assigned to stake down the display area for the Sword of Shining Dark. I do believe that we are prepared, but to be entirely honest with you, none of us really have any idea what to expect from COIN tonight. We would be quite obliged if you were to stay and help," she said.
Amber couldn't help asking. "Is Rhapsody on the grounds as well?" Amber couldn't help thinking that Rhapsody's presence here would have been more reassuring than Ms. Night's, but knowing that she was on the grounds at all would be a comforting thought.
Black Night looks to Amber. "Just Black Night, its a title not a name." She states as she is addressed in Amber's usual fashion before addressing the beige unicorn's first concern. "COIN isn't to be taken lightly, regardless what they do. I've had several run-ins with them over the past few months. They will pursue their goal till none are left standing. If what I was told is true, and they have two target chances are they'll have some sort of way of contracting each team. If possible, being able to disrupt communication spells might throw them off track depending on how well they are co-ordinated."
She looks over to the exasperated stallion, a faint smirk at his comment about ninjas before addressing him. "I don't work here. I am... a freelancer. You must be new in town, those that have lived here know of me; even if they don't believe it. I have been requested here due to my experiences with dealing with COIN and other criminals."
Black Night returns her focus back to Amber at her question and nods. "Rhapsody should be back on Keep grounds by now and reporting in to your boss. I am sure she'll preform admirably in helping to defend the Keep." She answers and looks over to the doorway. "What have you done so far in setting up defenses?" She asks to both of them.
Static stands there dumbfounded. "I knew we were forgetting something," he murmured.
"So far I've just set this thing up so that we might get some pictures of some COIN operatives...start a dossier on known members and gathering information," he said, trying to sound like he wasn't completely useless.
"I'm...not too experienced with setting up security and pointing out strategic fighting positions. Like I said...I've never been in a fight before. I'm...actually just a projectionist for the museum's history theatre."
Amber nodded as Black Night spoke, smiling as she confirmed that Rhapsody was on the watch as well, and turned to Static as he explained his preparation. "I fear there's little I can do in the way of preparation," said Amber. "If I could access the museum archives, I would like to learn more about the properties of the Sword of Shining Dark. I believe that Ms. Iron and Mr. Sands have been making preparations for defense, but even they don't seem to be quite certain what sort of attack to expect."
Amber paused. "Obstructing COIN's communications would certainly give us an advantage," she said slowly. "Mr. ... Static has a device with him for communication with the main office, and I don't think that COIN will be expecting that." Amber spoke slightly uneasily, but heeding Mr. Sands' words, did not think about the possibility that Black Night was an imposter and COIN double agent to whom Mr. Static and she were revealing the Keep's plans. "I'm not at all studied in the sort of magic that could be useful for such purposes, however, and I don't believe that Mr. Static is, either," Amber said, glancing at him with an expression of "no offense intended." "I do imagine that someone here at the Keep would be, however - I know a couple of my colleagues are quite skilled in such disciplines. We could notify the head office and have them send someone who may be able to help, if they could spare us another unicorn with the skills required."
"Well, no, I can't say I'm studied in magic,"Static said, pointing to his hornless head,"not a unicorn. My equipment can't disrupt communications, but I can send brief messages if you need me to. Just tell me what you need me to tell them.
"As far learning more about the sword..." Static took a look at the time. "Well, the movies at the theatre can be rather lengthy...and I'd hate to be gone too long leaving this room unguarded. I would say we can bring them here and use this projector...but this mobile one doesn't really do sound. Let me think..."
Static Signal realized that not only were there no documentaries about the Sword of Shining Dark, he had only ever heard it mentioned once at his prior job in a rather hushed tone.
Static signal pounded his head, trying to remember.
"No no...I can't...no! No nothing in the theatre. But 'Sword of Shining Dark' is certainly ringing bells." Suddenly it came to him. "Manehatten! Yes, it was mentioned once when I worked in Manehatten. Very hush hush. Can't say I remember more than that." He looked apologetically at Amber. "Sorry, Amber. I know that's pretty useless. Just some vague bit of nothing. But, no, now that I think about it, there's nothing in the theatre.
"As much as I'd love to know more about what we're guarding and why COIN wants it, though, I'm afraid the research will have to wait until later. Right now, we should probably take Black Night's advise and see what we can do about getting this room secured as tightly as possible.
"You said something about some unicorns you knew who could help? If you can give me their names, I can radio to see if they can be spared."
Static then turned his attenton to Black Night. "Also, any more suggestions you may have would be appreciated."
Amber nodded. It was a vague bit of nothing. She enjoyed documentaries as much as anypony, but she hadn't really expected that Mr. Signal would have a film on the Sword of Shining Dark; she'd had low hopes of finding anything even if she'd had access to the archives, and she didn't want to find herself unconsciously fawning over Sir Avid Satinburro, the adventurer documentarian of rare and ancient magical creatures and of the melodic voice that always ... she decided to drop the subject of documentary film as she'd found it.
"When we ... retrieved the Wand of the North Wind from COIN, its properties proved quite significant in our strategy," she said, somewhat defensively. "But under the circumstances ... no, I imagine that the office will know whom to send if anypony is available. My first thought was Winter Moon, but I believe he's taken a holiday. Just suggest to them that we may be well advised to attempt to obstruct magical communication in these rooms."
I'll see what I can do.
STATIC CALLING. AMBER HAS POSSIBLE PLAN. REQUESTS A UNICORN BE SENT SKILLED IN DISRUPTING MAGICAL COMMUNICATION.
It wasn't until he'd finished sended the message that Static came to realise something. Wait a minute...wouldn't that disrupt this thing as well?
Black Night looks over to Static. "That is a possibility, but there might be ways around that. I only have a limited knowledge of magic, but in some cases types of magic can vary. I would think that only a broad ranger blocking spell would effect your devices, but I suspect the Keep might have contingencies in place for that. Brisk Iron certainly seem the type to not leave such to chance."
"As for other fortification, the simplest would be a force field spell around the door. Even if they can counter it, it would stop them from just bursting in on you completely; but I am unsure if that is in Amber Spark's repertoire. There is also the possibilities of using various items in the museum for simple traps. ropes, pulleys, tarps or curtain for drop traps, or if it can be blended into to room a net trap could help take out some." Black Night contemplates as she looks around to room trying to think of what all else is at the Duo's disposal, since she can't stay in just this room all-night.
She turns to Amber "You know the museum well, do you know of any artifacts or items that could be used to slow or even stop anypony? Even just one, is one less you two might have to fight."
Amber frowned at Black Night's suggestion, thinking of the idea of putting additional artifacts into peril. "The possibility that COIN manages to overpower us and escape with the Strut and Sword is a ... a scenario we must consider," she said, in a measured tone. "Many of the Keep's most prized artifacts have little practical use in such a circumstance anyway. We shouldn't endanger more of the Keep's priceless historical treasures for a marginal advantage. For my part, I don't know why we're even maintaining the real artifacts on display tonight. It would not be difficult for a pony with t! he appropriate skills," Amber straightened slightly and seemed to puff her chest, "to create facsimiles of both the Strut and the Sword in a matter of hours."
Amber paused, paced a circle, and shook her head. "No, I believe that I am quite capable of holding a line of defense here." Amber thought of Rhapsody's and Willow Wisp's bravery in fighting off the horde of COIN associates at the mountain, set her jaw, and again permitted a small charge of electricity to build on her horn. "My experience with fighting is somewhat limited, but I have put in some practice since my last encounter with COIN. I must admit that I would feel safer if Rhapsody were here, but if I am all the Keep has to spare ...." She paused and looked at Static. "And you're here, too, of course," she said politely.
Static gives a heavy sigh. I wish you would've said something before I sent that last signal.
ADDENDUM. SOMEONE NAMED BLACK NIGHT ALSO SUGGESTS UNICORNS WITH THE ABILITY TO MAKE FORCEFIELDS AROUND THE DOORS IF POSSIBLE. I KNOW IT'S NIGHT AND WE'RE SHORT STAFFED THOUGH. ALSO, IS BLACK NIGHT PART OF THE STAFF? SHE SEEMS HELPFUL BUT I DON'T RECOGNIZE HER. SHOULD WE HAVE SECURITY DETAIN HER?
Static then turns to Amber. "Just how many magical artifacts are in this museum? I had no idea I worked at an armory!"
Back within the Caballuston branch of the Equestrian Expedition Keep, Static Signal received a reply to his questions:
"So far I've just set this thing up so that we might get some pictures of some COIN operatives...start a dossier on known members and gathering information," he said, trying to sound like he wasn't completely useless.
"I'm...not too experienced with setting up security and pointing out strategic fighting positions. Like I said...I've never been in a fight before. I'm...actually just a projectionist for the museum's history theatre."
Amber nodded as Black Night spoke, smiling as she confirmed that Rhapsody was on the watch as well, and turned to Static as he explained his preparation. "I fear there's little I can do in the way of preparation," said Amber. "If I could access the museum archives, I would like to learn more about the properties of the Sword of Shining Dark. I believe that Ms. Iron and Mr. Sands have been making preparations for defense, but even they don't seem to be quite certain what sort of attack to expect."
Amber paused. "Obstructing COIN's communications would certainly give us an advantage," she said slowly. "Mr. ... Static has a device with him for communication with the main office, and I don't think that COIN will be expecting that." Amber spoke slightly uneasily, but heeding Mr. Sands' words, did not think about the possibility that Black Night was an imposter and COIN double agent to whom Mr. Static and she were revealing the Keep's plans. "I'm not at all studied in the sort of magic that could be useful for such purposes, however, and I don't believe that Mr. Static is, either," Amber said, glancing at him with an expression of "no offense intended." "I do imagine that someone here at the Keep would be, however - I know a couple of my colleagues are quite skilled in such disciplines. We could notify the head office and have them send someone who may be able to help, if they could spare us another unicorn with the skills required."
"Well, no, I can't say I'm studied in magic,"Static said, pointing to his hornless head,"not a unicorn. My equipment can't disrupt communications, but I can send brief messages if you need me to. Just tell me what you need me to tell them.
"As far learning more about the sword..." Static took a look at the time. "Well, the movies at the theatre can be rather lengthy...and I'd hate to be gone too long leaving this room unguarded. I would say we can bring them here and use this projector...but this mobile one doesn't really do sound. Let me think..."
Static Signal realized that not only were there no documentaries about the Sword of Shining Dark, he had only ever heard it mentioned once at his prior job in a rather hushed tone.
Static signal pounded his head, trying to remember.
"No no...I can't...no! No nothing in the theatre. But 'Sword of Shining Dark' is certainly ringing bells." Suddenly it came to him. "Manehatten! Yes, it was mentioned once when I worked in Manehatten. Very hush hush. Can't say I remember more than that." He looked apologetically at Amber. "Sorry, Amber. I know that's pretty useless. Just some vague bit of nothing. But, no, now that I think about it, there's nothing in the theatre.
"As much as I'd love to know more about what we're guarding and why COIN wants it, though, I'm afraid the research will have to wait until later. Right now, we should probably take Black Night's advise and see what we can do about getting this room secured as tightly as possible.
"You said something about some unicorns you knew who could help? If you can give me their names, I can radio to see if they can be spared."
Static then turned his attenton to Black Night. "Also, any more suggestions you may have would be appreciated."
Amber nodded. It was a vague bit of nothing. She enjoyed documentaries as much as anypony, but she hadn't really expected that Mr. Signal would have a film on the Sword of Shining Dark; she'd had low hopes of finding anything even if she'd had access to the archives, and she didn't want to find herself unconsciously fawning over Sir Avid Satinburro, the adventurer documentarian of rare and ancient magical creatures and of the melodic voice that always ... she decided to drop the subject of documentary film as she'd found it.
"When we ... retrieved the Wand of the North Wind from COIN, its properties proved quite significant in our strategy," she said, somewhat defensively. "But under the circumstances ... no, I imagine that the office will know whom to send if anypony is available. My first thought was Winter Moon, but I believe he's taken a holiday. Just suggest to them that we may be well advised to attempt to obstruct magical communication in these rooms."
I'll see what I can do.
STATIC CALLING. AMBER HAS POSSIBLE PLAN. REQUESTS A UNICORN BE SENT SKILLED IN DISRUPTING MAGICAL COMMUNICATION.
It wasn't until he'd finished sended the message that Static came to realise something. Wait a minute...wouldn't that disrupt this thing as well?
Black Night looks over to Static. "That is a possibility, but there might be ways around that. I only have a limited knowledge of magic, but in some cases types of magic can vary. I would think that only a broad ranger blocking spell would effect your devices, but I suspect the Keep might have contingencies in place for that. Brisk Iron certainly seem the type to not leave such to chance."
"As for other fortification, the simplest would be a force field spell around the door. Even if they can counter it, it would stop them from just bursting in on you completely; but I am unsure if that is in Amber Spark's repertoire. There is also the possibilities of using various items in the museum for simple traps. ropes, pulleys, tarps or curtain for drop traps, or if it can be blended into to room a net trap could help take out some." Black Night contemplates as she looks around to room trying to think of what all else is at the Duo's disposal, since she can't stay in just this room all-night.
She turns to Amber "You know the museum well, do you know of any artifacts or items that could be used to slow or even stop anypony? Even just one, is one less you two might have to fight."
Amber frowned at Black Night's suggestion, thinking of the idea of putting additional artifacts into peril. "The possibility that COIN manages to overpower us and escape with the Strut and Sword is a ... a scenario we must consider," she said, in a measured tone. "Many of the Keep's most prized artifacts have little practical use in such a circumstance anyway. We shouldn't endanger more of the Keep's priceless historical treasures for a marginal advantage. For my part, I don't know why we're even maintaining the real artifacts on display tonight. It would not be difficult for a pony with t! he appropriate skills," Amber straightened slightly and seemed to puff her chest, "to create facsimiles of both the Strut and the Sword in a matter of hours."
Amber paused, paced a circle, and shook her head. "No, I believe that I am quite capable of holding a line of defense here." Amber thought of Rhapsody's and Willow Wisp's bravery in fighting off the horde of COIN associates at the mountain, set her jaw, and again permitted a small charge of electricity to build on her horn. "My experience with fighting is somewhat limited, but I have put in some practice since my last encounter with COIN. I must admit that I would feel safer if Rhapsody were here, but if I am all the Keep has to spare ...." She paused and looked at Static. "And you're here, too, of course," she said politely.
Static gives a heavy sigh. I wish you would've said something before I sent that last signal.
ADDENDUM. SOMEONE NAMED BLACK NIGHT ALSO SUGGESTS UNICORNS WITH THE ABILITY TO MAKE FORCEFIELDS AROUND THE DOORS IF POSSIBLE. I KNOW IT'S NIGHT AND WE'RE SHORT STAFFED THOUGH. ALSO, IS BLACK NIGHT PART OF THE STAFF? SHE SEEMS HELPFUL BUT I DON'T RECOGNIZE HER. SHOULD WE HAVE SECURITY DETAIN HER?
Static then turns to Amber. "Just how many magical artifacts are in this museum? I had no idea I worked at an armory!"
Back within the Caballuston branch of the Equestrian Expedition Keep, Static Signal received a reply to his questions:
BLACK NIGHT IS TO BE GRANTED TEMPORARY CLEARANCE FOR TONIGHT. STEEL FLINT IS CAPABLE OF MAGIC COMMUNICATION DISRUPTION. LOCATED IN E25.
Amber watched as Static tapped out the improbably long message, wondering about its content. She smiled at him as he expressed his honor at working with the Keep, but frowned as he asked about magical artifacts. "It's not an armory," she said in a low voice, her voice trailing as she shook her head.
Amber jumped when the machine began tapping back a reply. She listened to the taps and looked at Static, amazed that he could make sense of such an inscrutable sound, but held herself back from saying anything as not to break his concentration and focused on the taps, trying to see if she could make out any patterns she recognized. When the taps stopped, she looked at Static again. "What did they say?"
"Pity!" Static muttered. "The more advantages we could get over these griffon spawned bushwoolie herders the better."
"Well, first a glowing recomendation for Black Night. I guess that means we can trust her. I...noticed you waver before. Seriously, leave the embittered mis-trust of everyone else to me. It doesn't suit you." With that he muffled Ambers mane playfully like a little brat brother would his sister.
"Second of all, it seems Steel Flint would be able to help with that magical communication disruption. She's over in E25...where ever that is."
Amber did not seem amused at having her hair mussed, but didn't react. "Yes, you're right, my apologies," she said. "We did agree that being suspicious would be your job. I simply realized that unlike any of the Keep employees, Black Night would be difficult to confirm as herself," said Amber, with an apologetic glance at Black Night.
"E25," said Amber. "Capital! Ms. Flint would certainly be able to help us." Amber began to bolt out of the room, stopped, retrieved her notebook and quill with a sheepish expression, and turned out the door at full gallop.
Static looked after as Amber dashed out. "No worries. I'll just stay here and...keep...guard..." He said to the now empty doorway.
He turned sheepishly to to Black Night. I...meant no offense. This just seems to be a heck of a night for betrayel. It's become hard to know who to trust.
Black Night looks to Amber. "Perfectly understandable, though even with Keep employes there would be ways. Changelings, con-men, to just straight up actors. COIN seems very versatile in its membership." As if either of there needed more reasons to be untrustful to those here tonight, but she had to be honest. "I know the mask can make it hard to trust me, but if your friend Rhapsody does and you trust her then know that my reasons are pure and I just want to stop COIN from hurting and using others. I am sure you can see how that relates to making sure the Keep and its exhibits safe."
"It's fine, though had I ulterior motives, I would have acted on them already. I got in here easily, without either of you noticing. If I was COIN, I likely could have had the Sword., it if was here. Or even taken you both out." She states as Static addresses her, keeping her calm and formal, not condescending for their lack of preparation. She knew well the the Keep's choice of employees we're a bit more eclectic then she would choose... but then she'd probably not be on the team otherwise.
"They never mentioned a defense specialist did they?" She asks, she had no skill in reading coded messages; but Static only mentioned Steel Flint for communications.
"'Black Night is to be granted temporary clearance for tonight. Steel Flint is capable of magic communication disruption. Located in E25.'" Static quoted. "These communications are usually rather...terse. On the good side, I guess that means you don't particularly need to keep the stealth thing going...unless of course you're hiding from COIN instead of us."
"Hiding over simplifies it, but yes. I am trying to keep my presence to a minimum, to increases the likelihood that COIN won't be expecting me. I am essentially a 'wild card' in tonight's plans. If I can take some out with out being seen, or at least they can't report it if I am seen, that can potentially be a blow to their moral, increasing the chances they'll be unfocused and make mistakes." Black Night states, explaining to basics of her plan.
"There can be more to a fight then simple and direct combat. Being able to achieve a psychological edge, can give you the chance to have your enemies take themselves out. You keep mentioning a lack of combat training, but don't focus on that. Not tonight, at least. Try and think of what skills and abilities you do have, and how they might be used differently to distract somepony. It doesn't matter how good at combat you are, if you can get in a good solid unexpected strike, or otherwise disable them." The vigilante adds, trying to give Static some reassurance in what he can do without needing to fight.
"Well, as far as mis-direction goes, it takes some prep time. But..." Static flips a switch on the projector. Amber suddenly appears before them working on her notes. "Mis-direction I can do. Whether I can capitalise on it, however, is a different matter.
Now in your case, if you don't mind a little unlearned advise...I may not have heard of you because I just recently moved from Manehatten. But here in your domain, you seem to have some noteriety. Maybe instead of minimizing your presence, have you thought about leaving absolutely no doubt that you're there...somewhere. Somewhere you're there. Somewhere you're watching them, planning your attack. But, Celestia help them, they have no idea where. And on that front... Static hold up his camera for Black Night to see, I can help you be in two places at once if you'd like.
In the hallway, Amber tucked her notebook into her saddlebag and bolted down the hallway. The maze of the museum's corridors and galleries sometimes confused even her, and she'd been reminded recently that there were rooms even she didn't know about, but she found her way to E25 and skidded to a stop outside the door. She hesitated before knocking - Ms. Flint really might be busy with other things in this chaotic night, she thought - but slowly raised a hoof and knocked. "Ms. Flint? It's Amber Spark."
Amber ducked her head into the Anugypt Strut exhibit. "Ms. Flint? Black Night came out of the ceiling next door and had a suggestion."
Black Night listens to Static and considers his proposition. "I can see the pros and cons of both. On one hoof them knowing I am here, means they can be prepared for me, while on the other them knowing I am here could disrupt their moral." She replies and considers, trotting back and forth as she goes over options. "Though at the same time, if that is just an image of me it could set them off guard. Reports of my being here, just to find that its a trick... Could make them cocky which could lead to mistakes. Alright, sure. Lets try it."
Static Signal starts to take photos of Black Night, both still photos and video...vids of her pacing, standing still, turning and attacking, ducking in and out of cover.
Now that his needs of the equipments uses changed, so did his needs of where to place it. He no longer needed to get video of every coming and going of the display. Instead he needed a place where the projections of Black Night would be most convincing...and still be able to hide the equipment.
He placed it strategically where he could also find a hiding space for himself.
"There's a bit of magic involved in maintaining the illusion," he told Black Night. It requires a bit of concentration. If you have somewhere else to be... He hides himself and starts to concentrate.
Spoiler
Steel Flint subtly chuckled, "My my, I figured our caped crusader would wait until the last minute to swoop down upon our adversaries. What is her suggestion?"
Spoiler
"Yes, ma'am, she suggested that she was hoping not to make her presence known, ma'am," Amber said, then put a hoof to her muzzle in a silent "Oh." "She suggested that we might create a disruption spell of some kind to interrupt magical communication. If COIN sends two teams for their two targets, then it seems that we would be well advised to limit their capability for communication, ma'am."
Snowy Skies giggled quietly at Amber's realization. That was nice information to have. He'd heard rumors about Black Night around town since coming to Callabuston, and from the sound of things it was good that she was on their side. She certainly would've made a better guard-mate than his current compatriots. He thought about the subject at hand. Disrupting communication wasn't really his specialty, but then, it sort of was. "This may be asking a lot. Like, an awful lot." He says, slowly and respectfully, making a visible effort to look composed and serious. "But if their method of communication can be determined, I bet I can replicate it and mess with their heads a lot."
Amber jumped when the machine began tapping back a reply. She listened to the taps and looked at Static, amazed that he could make sense of such an inscrutable sound, but held herself back from saying anything as not to break his concentration and focused on the taps, trying to see if she could make out any patterns she recognized. When the taps stopped, she looked at Static again. "What did they say?"
"Pity!" Static muttered. "The more advantages we could get over these griffon spawned bushwoolie herders the better."
"Well, first a glowing recomendation for Black Night. I guess that means we can trust her. I...noticed you waver before. Seriously, leave the embittered mis-trust of everyone else to me. It doesn't suit you." With that he muffled Ambers mane playfully like a little brat brother would his sister.
"Second of all, it seems Steel Flint would be able to help with that magical communication disruption. She's over in E25...where ever that is."
Amber did not seem amused at having her hair mussed, but didn't react. "Yes, you're right, my apologies," she said. "We did agree that being suspicious would be your job. I simply realized that unlike any of the Keep employees, Black Night would be difficult to confirm as herself," said Amber, with an apologetic glance at Black Night.
"E25," said Amber. "Capital! Ms. Flint would certainly be able to help us." Amber began to bolt out of the room, stopped, retrieved her notebook and quill with a sheepish expression, and turned out the door at full gallop.
Static looked after as Amber dashed out. "No worries. I'll just stay here and...keep...guard..." He said to the now empty doorway.
He turned sheepishly to to Black Night. I...meant no offense. This just seems to be a heck of a night for betrayel. It's become hard to know who to trust.
Black Night looks to Amber. "Perfectly understandable, though even with Keep employes there would be ways. Changelings, con-men, to just straight up actors. COIN seems very versatile in its membership." As if either of there needed more reasons to be untrustful to those here tonight, but she had to be honest. "I know the mask can make it hard to trust me, but if your friend Rhapsody does and you trust her then know that my reasons are pure and I just want to stop COIN from hurting and using others. I am sure you can see how that relates to making sure the Keep and its exhibits safe."
"It's fine, though had I ulterior motives, I would have acted on them already. I got in here easily, without either of you noticing. If I was COIN, I likely could have had the Sword., it if was here. Or even taken you both out." She states as Static addresses her, keeping her calm and formal, not condescending for their lack of preparation. She knew well the the Keep's choice of employees we're a bit more eclectic then she would choose... but then she'd probably not be on the team otherwise.
"They never mentioned a defense specialist did they?" She asks, she had no skill in reading coded messages; but Static only mentioned Steel Flint for communications.
"'Black Night is to be granted temporary clearance for tonight. Steel Flint is capable of magic communication disruption. Located in E25.'" Static quoted. "These communications are usually rather...terse. On the good side, I guess that means you don't particularly need to keep the stealth thing going...unless of course you're hiding from COIN instead of us."
"Hiding over simplifies it, but yes. I am trying to keep my presence to a minimum, to increases the likelihood that COIN won't be expecting me. I am essentially a 'wild card' in tonight's plans. If I can take some out with out being seen, or at least they can't report it if I am seen, that can potentially be a blow to their moral, increasing the chances they'll be unfocused and make mistakes." Black Night states, explaining to basics of her plan.
"There can be more to a fight then simple and direct combat. Being able to achieve a psychological edge, can give you the chance to have your enemies take themselves out. You keep mentioning a lack of combat training, but don't focus on that. Not tonight, at least. Try and think of what skills and abilities you do have, and how they might be used differently to distract somepony. It doesn't matter how good at combat you are, if you can get in a good solid unexpected strike, or otherwise disable them." The vigilante adds, trying to give Static some reassurance in what he can do without needing to fight.
"Well, as far as mis-direction goes, it takes some prep time. But..." Static flips a switch on the projector. Amber suddenly appears before them working on her notes. "Mis-direction I can do. Whether I can capitalise on it, however, is a different matter.
Now in your case, if you don't mind a little unlearned advise...I may not have heard of you because I just recently moved from Manehatten. But here in your domain, you seem to have some noteriety. Maybe instead of minimizing your presence, have you thought about leaving absolutely no doubt that you're there...somewhere. Somewhere you're there. Somewhere you're watching them, planning your attack. But, Celestia help them, they have no idea where. And on that front... Static hold up his camera for Black Night to see, I can help you be in two places at once if you'd like.
In the hallway, Amber tucked her notebook into her saddlebag and bolted down the hallway. The maze of the museum's corridors and galleries sometimes confused even her, and she'd been reminded recently that there were rooms even she didn't know about, but she found her way to E25 and skidded to a stop outside the door. She hesitated before knocking - Ms. Flint really might be busy with other things in this chaotic night, she thought - but slowly raised a hoof and knocked. "Ms. Flint? It's Amber Spark."
Amber ducked her head into the Anugypt Strut exhibit. "Ms. Flint? Black Night came out of the ceiling next door and had a suggestion."
Black Night listens to Static and considers his proposition. "I can see the pros and cons of both. On one hoof them knowing I am here, means they can be prepared for me, while on the other them knowing I am here could disrupt their moral." She replies and considers, trotting back and forth as she goes over options. "Though at the same time, if that is just an image of me it could set them off guard. Reports of my being here, just to find that its a trick... Could make them cocky which could lead to mistakes. Alright, sure. Lets try it."
Static Signal starts to take photos of Black Night, both still photos and video...vids of her pacing, standing still, turning and attacking, ducking in and out of cover.
Now that his needs of the equipments uses changed, so did his needs of where to place it. He no longer needed to get video of every coming and going of the display. Instead he needed a place where the projections of Black Night would be most convincing...and still be able to hide the equipment.
He placed it strategically where he could also find a hiding space for himself.
"There's a bit of magic involved in maintaining the illusion," he told Black Night. It requires a bit of concentration. If you have somewhere else to be... He hides himself and starts to concentrate.
Spoiler
Steel Flint subtly chuckled, "My my, I figured our caped crusader would wait until the last minute to swoop down upon our adversaries. What is her suggestion?"
Spoiler
"Yes, ma'am, she suggested that she was hoping not to make her presence known, ma'am," Amber said, then put a hoof to her muzzle in a silent "Oh." "She suggested that we might create a disruption spell of some kind to interrupt magical communication. If COIN sends two teams for their two targets, then it seems that we would be well advised to limit their capability for communication, ma'am."
Snowy Skies giggled quietly at Amber's realization. That was nice information to have. He'd heard rumors about Black Night around town since coming to Callabuston, and from the sound of things it was good that she was on their side. She certainly would've made a better guard-mate than his current compatriots. He thought about the subject at hand. Disrupting communication wasn't really his specialty, but then, it sort of was. "This may be asking a lot. Like, an awful lot." He says, slowly and respectfully, making a visible effort to look composed and serious. "But if their method of communication can be determined, I bet I can replicate it and mess with their heads a lot."
Nodding in response, Steel Flint said, "I'll certainly do what I can to help with blocking any telepathic communique. As far as your request Snowy Skies, what did you have in mind?"
Amber nodded. "Thank you, ma'am," she said with a dip of her head, then turned out the doorway into the other exhibit.
She scanned the room quickly and noticed a numeric disparity: two Black Nights, zero Static Signals.
"I knew it!" she shouted. "Imposter! What have you done with Static? And which is ...." Amber shook her head - no second guessing - and charged at the Black Night to her left.
Spoiler
"Well..." Snowy Skies says, drawing the word out long enough to focus a spell. "If their communication is telepathic, I could make them hear their colleague's voice in their ear." Brisk Iron's voice hissed at Steel Flint. "And if it's any sort of code, there's nothing better for disrupting their concentration than endless static. Or endless Christmas carols!" Dusty Winds' voice cheerfully announced to the room. "Now I know it's an awful lot to ask of somepony to get me that information in the middle of a battle." Snowy Skies continues, back to his own voice emanating from his own mouth. "Bu! t when it comes down to it, I'm mostly good for stirruping--sorry, stirring up chaos. Anything that makes me more effective is--"
He breaks off suddenly, looking at the covered crystal case. There was an idea, so simple he had simply passed over it. Surely they hadn't ALL passed over it, had they? "That...That is the real Anugypt strut under there, yes?"
"Yes it is. It's been on exhibit this past week."
Static sighed at Ambers display. Over here...trying to concentrate...please don't kill yourself.
Black Night just sorta glared at Amber as the beige unicorn rushed her, but didn't budge. "Really now?" She asks looking to Amber and shakes her head. "It seems like your illusion is certainly good enough to confuse allies, Static Signal." The masked vigilante says with a sigh, trotting over to the other her and waving a hand through it to show Amber that it isn't real. "Your teammate here thought it would be a good tactic to have a 'second' me around to try and deter COIN operatives from going for the Sword."
Spoiler
Snowy Skies took a deep breath. Even after years of subterfuge, politeness still did not come naturally to him. "Why is it still here? This place has vaults! Big ones! I should know, I've cleaned them. Well, I've cleaned outside their doors. But there are some very impressive, impregnable-looking doors in this museum. Why not stow the sword and the strut behind one of those, and deposit copies out here?"
Steel Flint sighed in response to Snowy Skies' question, "The crystal is quite heavy so moving it is a struggle. The vaults aren't particularly easy to open. Quite simply there's a matter of difficulty. I know Sands has been actively watching it but you've made a valid point. I don't know if we have time but we can try to make a copy of the Anugypt Strut as a decoy. The Sword of Shining Dark is quite different. Due to its unique properties, a decoy would be immediately noticed on sight."
Now that made Snowy Skies curious. "Ooh, how? What is special and dangerous about that sword, anyways?" He asks, dropping the subject of moving things entirely. If the excuses to not move them were laziness-based, he wasn't going to get anywhere.
Amber had intended to tackle the would-be Black Night, but the unicorn simply bounced off the tough pegasus and rolled into a heap at her hooves. Amber winced with embarrassment as she shook herself into a standing position under Black Night's chiding and Static's too-late explanation. "I'm sorry - you must admit that the situation did look - well, rather incriminating," she said, as she turned to look at the projection. It really had seemed quite convincing on her way in the room. She stepped up to it and took a closer look.
Spoiler
"It really is quite convincing," she said. "It'll be quite the show for COIN."
Amber nodded. "Thank you, ma'am," she said with a dip of her head, then turned out the doorway into the other exhibit.
She scanned the room quickly and noticed a numeric disparity: two Black Nights, zero Static Signals.
"I knew it!" she shouted. "Imposter! What have you done with Static? And which is ...." Amber shook her head - no second guessing - and charged at the Black Night to her left.
Spoiler
"Well..." Snowy Skies says, drawing the word out long enough to focus a spell. "If their communication is telepathic, I could make them hear their colleague's voice in their ear." Brisk Iron's voice hissed at Steel Flint. "And if it's any sort of code, there's nothing better for disrupting their concentration than endless static. Or endless Christmas carols!" Dusty Winds' voice cheerfully announced to the room. "Now I know it's an awful lot to ask of somepony to get me that information in the middle of a battle." Snowy Skies continues, back to his own voice emanating from his own mouth. "Bu! t when it comes down to it, I'm mostly good for stirruping--sorry, stirring up chaos. Anything that makes me more effective is--"
He breaks off suddenly, looking at the covered crystal case. There was an idea, so simple he had simply passed over it. Surely they hadn't ALL passed over it, had they? "That...That is the real Anugypt strut under there, yes?"
"Yes it is. It's been on exhibit this past week."
Static sighed at Ambers display. Over here...trying to concentrate...please don't kill yourself.
Black Night just sorta glared at Amber as the beige unicorn rushed her, but didn't budge. "Really now?" She asks looking to Amber and shakes her head. "It seems like your illusion is certainly good enough to confuse allies, Static Signal." The masked vigilante says with a sigh, trotting over to the other her and waving a hand through it to show Amber that it isn't real. "Your teammate here thought it would be a good tactic to have a 'second' me around to try and deter COIN operatives from going for the Sword."
Spoiler
Snowy Skies took a deep breath. Even after years of subterfuge, politeness still did not come naturally to him. "Why is it still here? This place has vaults! Big ones! I should know, I've cleaned them. Well, I've cleaned outside their doors. But there are some very impressive, impregnable-looking doors in this museum. Why not stow the sword and the strut behind one of those, and deposit copies out here?"
Steel Flint sighed in response to Snowy Skies' question, "The crystal is quite heavy so moving it is a struggle. The vaults aren't particularly easy to open. Quite simply there's a matter of difficulty. I know Sands has been actively watching it but you've made a valid point. I don't know if we have time but we can try to make a copy of the Anugypt Strut as a decoy. The Sword of Shining Dark is quite different. Due to its unique properties, a decoy would be immediately noticed on sight."
Now that made Snowy Skies curious. "Ooh, how? What is special and dangerous about that sword, anyways?" He asks, dropping the subject of moving things entirely. If the excuses to not move them were laziness-based, he wasn't going to get anywhere.
Amber had intended to tackle the would-be Black Night, but the unicorn simply bounced off the tough pegasus and rolled into a heap at her hooves. Amber winced with embarrassment as she shook herself into a standing position under Black Night's chiding and Static's too-late explanation. "I'm sorry - you must admit that the situation did look - well, rather incriminating," she said, as she turned to look at the projection. It really had seemed quite convincing on her way in the room. She stepped up to it and took a closer look.
Spoiler
"It really is quite convincing," she said. "It'll be quite the show for COIN."
He managed to bury some memories but this night brought them all back.
Brisk Iron walked into the room but paused as she saw "Black Night". Waving a wing for whoever was behind her to stop, she gave the crime fighter enough time to hide before waving for the others to come on. Into the room walked an earth pony carrying a large box and several different kinds of ponies serving as guards. The box smelled of the ocean and was placed on the pedestal in the center of the room. As the box was opened, all of the lights in the room dimmed. What was initially just a handle in a glass case soon formed a glowing black blade that warped the light around it. Brisk Iron and the group of ponies left the room though two waited outside in the hall.
Amber nodded to Brisk Iron but said nothing as she entered and led in the pony with the Sword and the guards. She watched with amazement as the light dimmed and the sword presented - collected? - its blade, beginning to understand what she had read about its being "weightless." Despite the reverential silence in the room, she couldn't quite contain an "Oh, my." Out of all the curiously and somewhat dramatically named artifacts and events she'd studied, she hadn't expected this one to be quite so literal. She stepped toward the pedestal and leaned in close to look the blade over.
*** stuff missing ***
"All right, whoever you are," said Light Fantastic, activating her magic, "Let's dance."
"There's no escape you sunless miscreant!" Swooping towards Night Cap was a large black griffon. He was wearing a bandolier covered in pouches that had large shoulder pads that altered his silhouette. Striking Night Cap forcefully, the griffon landed and spread his wings in a threatening manner.
Sword gripped by her jaws, she swung the sword at her opponents only for nothing to happen. The triangle chimed once more. "Unimpressive. However, it see! ms the sword is either defective or a decoy. Message the others." "Right away. Just let me UNGH!" The unicorn grunted in pain and then held her horn. The lead pointed towards Black Night and the other two attacked with bolts of magic.
Meanwhile in the next room over, the invading ponies stared in confusion, "What the hay? Dude, you're weird." "F-find him. He said if we catch him, that thing will go away." The unicorn ran towards the statue where "Snowy Skies" was hiding, only to double over in pain as her horn was forcefully struck by a golf ball. In retaliation, the earth pony stallion tackled Steel Flint.
"Pony feathers," Static growled to himself. They went straight for the real Black Night. They saw right through his illusion. And that looked like a hell of a hit she just took too. With Amber blinded, this was effectively a three on one battle.
But what was he supposed to do about it? He was a projectionist...a history museum projectionist. He didn't know how to fight. But Tartarus if he could sit back and watch his friends get beat up like this.
Wait...friends? Yeah! Friends! And send him to Tartarus if he was just going to sit back while this thug used them as punching bags!
Static broke out of his hiding space, dismissed the illlusion and charged at the leader, hiting her solidly with all his strength.
"Knocking the glasses off a unicorn and ganging up three to one on a pegasus...you're not too impressive yourself, you dragon tempered mule!"
Crouching low the ground, wedged between two statues, Snowy Skies took the sound of the golf ball hitting the floor and gripped it, twisting and stretching until it resembled a hissing, authoritative, stage-whisper, directed at Light Fantastic. "I'm going after the Pegasus." The golf ball hissed. "Distract the Earth Pony." Snowy Skies took a deep breath and spread his consciousness out into his mist, coursing through the air until he wormed his way into the ears of the three assailants...
second movement: Deus
It was white, everywhere, and the cold was biting, the sort that made your breath hurt. Snowy Skies stood alone on a cliff, looking down at the three miscreants huddled below him. "Welcome to my world." He says in a booming voice, dripping with disgust and distaste for his foes. "I call it The Staff." He continues, as five black lines cut across an invisible dome-shaped ceiling. "I control everything here, especially time. Right now, 24 hours in The Staff is 1 second in...your world. You lost my first game, so we'll just have to move on to the next one. The name of this game is...Maze." He taps a hoof on the ground, and vast stone walls slide up out of the ground, surrounding each pony. Stone crossbars form a ceiling to the maze as Snowy Skies dramatically sweeps a hoof across his view. "There are two ways to exit The Staff. One is to wait here until my associate nails you in the face with another golf ball. She's quite good at that. For two of you, there is a much simpler way to exit The Staff. All you have to do is hit the pegasus in the face as hard as you can. You'll find your world more or less as you left it, and can move on with trying to oppose me. Unfortunately for your pegasus friend, he has a much harder task. He has to find the exit. Don't worry, I'm sure you'll find him before he escapes, it's a very large maze. Mind the traps."
Amber continued to build her attack, scrambling with her hooves to find the glasses and blindly letting off a pair of strikes from her horn as its aura built up in a crackling glow. After the second strike, she felt a metallic clatter under her hoof and slipped on her glasses, looking around the room to quickly assess the situation.
*** stuff missing ***
Amber nodded to Brisk Iron but said nothing as she entered and led in the pony with the Sword and the guards. She watched with amazement as the light dimmed and the sword presented - collected? - its blade, beginning to understand what she had read about its being "weightless." Despite the reverential silence in the room, she couldn't quite contain an "Oh, my." Out of all the curiously and somewhat dramatically named artifacts and events she'd studied, she hadn't expected this one to be quite so literal. She stepped toward the pedestal and leaned in close to look the blade over.
*** stuff missing ***
"All right, whoever you are," said Light Fantastic, activating her magic, "Let's dance."
"There's no escape you sunless miscreant!" Swooping towards Night Cap was a large black griffon. He was wearing a bandolier covered in pouches that had large shoulder pads that altered his silhouette. Striking Night Cap forcefully, the griffon landed and spread his wings in a threatening manner.
Sword gripped by her jaws, she swung the sword at her opponents only for nothing to happen. The triangle chimed once more. "Unimpressive. However, it see! ms the sword is either defective or a decoy. Message the others." "Right away. Just let me UNGH!" The unicorn grunted in pain and then held her horn. The lead pointed towards Black Night and the other two attacked with bolts of magic.
Meanwhile in the next room over, the invading ponies stared in confusion, "What the hay? Dude, you're weird." "F-find him. He said if we catch him, that thing will go away." The unicorn ran towards the statue where "Snowy Skies" was hiding, only to double over in pain as her horn was forcefully struck by a golf ball. In retaliation, the earth pony stallion tackled Steel Flint.
"Pony feathers," Static growled to himself. They went straight for the real Black Night. They saw right through his illusion. And that looked like a hell of a hit she just took too. With Amber blinded, this was effectively a three on one battle.
But what was he supposed to do about it? He was a projectionist...a history museum projectionist. He didn't know how to fight. But Tartarus if he could sit back and watch his friends get beat up like this.
Wait...friends? Yeah! Friends! And send him to Tartarus if he was just going to sit back while this thug used them as punching bags!
Static broke out of his hiding space, dismissed the illlusion and charged at the leader, hiting her solidly with all his strength.
"Knocking the glasses off a unicorn and ganging up three to one on a pegasus...you're not too impressive yourself, you dragon tempered mule!"
Crouching low the ground, wedged between two statues, Snowy Skies took the sound of the golf ball hitting the floor and gripped it, twisting and stretching until it resembled a hissing, authoritative, stage-whisper, directed at Light Fantastic. "I'm going after the Pegasus." The golf ball hissed. "Distract the Earth Pony." Snowy Skies took a deep breath and spread his consciousness out into his mist, coursing through the air until he wormed his way into the ears of the three assailants...
second movement: Deus
It was white, everywhere, and the cold was biting, the sort that made your breath hurt. Snowy Skies stood alone on a cliff, looking down at the three miscreants huddled below him. "Welcome to my world." He says in a booming voice, dripping with disgust and distaste for his foes. "I call it The Staff." He continues, as five black lines cut across an invisible dome-shaped ceiling. "I control everything here, especially time. Right now, 24 hours in The Staff is 1 second in...your world. You lost my first game, so we'll just have to move on to the next one. The name of this game is...Maze." He taps a hoof on the ground, and vast stone walls slide up out of the ground, surrounding each pony. Stone crossbars form a ceiling to the maze as Snowy Skies dramatically sweeps a hoof across his view. "There are two ways to exit The Staff. One is to wait here until my associate nails you in the face with another golf ball. She's quite good at that. For two of you, there is a much simpler way to exit The Staff. All you have to do is hit the pegasus in the face as hard as you can. You'll find your world more or less as you left it, and can move on with trying to oppose me. Unfortunately for your pegasus friend, he has a much harder task. He has to find the exit. Don't worry, I'm sure you'll find him before he escapes, it's a very large maze. Mind the traps."
Amber continued to build her attack, scrambling with her hooves to find the glasses and blindly letting off a pair of strikes from her horn as its aura built up in a crackling glow. After the second strike, she felt a metallic clatter under her hoof and slipped on her glasses, looking around the room to quickly assess the situation.
*** stuff missing ***
"I'm not some foal to be doted on. I've survived far worse." Steel Flint winced a little, then smiled, "But the concern is greatly appreciated. I'm disappointingly rusty. The thieves have been warded off though Light Fantastic gave chase to one and Snowy Skies...a pony of poor taste...followed. What happened on your side?"
"All the same, it's best I completely withdraw and remove the source of the raised adrenaline. I simply hope your Chief Director offers the same leniency I have." Tangerine Sands then walked off with Silent Belle in tow.
As the chase continued, the runner turned into another exhibit hall. In the middle of renovation, there were several tools, ladders, and paint buckets strewn about. Swiftly weaving about the clutter, they then cut back into the main hallway. Seeing Night Cap, she smoothly somersaulted over him while pulling a packet from her belt. Tossing it on the ground, it exploded into a web of wires that lined the corridor!
Static winced, sighed and fidgeted as he looked around. He looked to Black Night and the prisoners. "Seriously, I'm not sure about my rope work with that one. You may want to check on that." He gave another long sigh. "And if you have any job ideas, I think I may need them soon."
Amber tried to shake off her shock at seeing Ms. Flint like this, but found herself stretching to peer around it instead, a wild, branching mass of emotions that she could brush aside no more readily than an oak tree. "The Strut - wasn't taken?" she asked, looking at the pedestal and back to Ms. Flint. "Yes, we - we were successful as well, ma'am. We apprehended three unicorn attackers and handed them over to Mr. Sands' care. The Sword is with Black Night." Amber hesitated. "We should have reported immediately, but I chose to inspect the sword while Mr. Signal secured the attackers."
Steel Flint blinked in confusion, "Why was there a need to inspect the Sword? Though as far as the Anugypt Strut, it should still be under the weighted velvet."
Amber looked at the empty pedestal and the vaguely sarcastic face painted on it, then back to Ms. Flint, confused. She shook her head. "One of the COIN attackers claimed that the sword was false. Though with all of the projections going around tonight, I suppose she could have meant anything. It's not important. I should have reported to you immediately, ma'am. I'm sorry."
"The sword is still in the case, correct?"
Amber blinked, her glasses as always comically magnifying the effect despite her uneasy expression. Slow down, Amber, she thought, explain things from the start. "No, ma'am," she said. "When the attackers entered the room, Black Night removed the Sword from the case. Static Signal used his projector to create an illusion of Black Night to ward off additionally attackers, while the real Black Night and I repelled the three in the room. Their leader knocked off my glasses, and I believe I may have missed some details of the fight while I retrieved them, but ultimately Mr. Signal revealed himself and took down the leader, and Black Night assisted him while keeping the sword safely in her belt. I struck a second unicorn before she could assist the leader, and I believe Black Night had already dealt with a third. We restrained the three of them until Mr. Sands arrived to take them into custody."
"I think that COIN may be using some kind of illusions as well," she said after a pause. "The doorway between the exhibit halls was hidden by some kind of projection when I entered."
"The door was done by one of ours. It would be unwise to keep that sword on a belt but I'll have to talk to Black Night about that." Steel Flint stood up, "By the way, how is Sands nowadays? Does he still have that high strung partner of his? Oh, never mind that. I'll just ask Brisk next time I see her."
Light Fantastic kept on the pony's tail.
"Get back here!" she hollered.
Snowy Skies darted around the corner, falling back into a running rhythm and letting his adrenaline burn away his fear for a moment. That focus was obliterated as the brown pony came into view in front of him. Snowy Skies skidded to a halt, inches from a crash and stared, nose to nose, at the familiar pony.
Tonight, all the demons in hell had come back to haunt him. But here, here was a guardian angel.
"You can help me!" He cried, dragging Night Cap's face even closer to his. "It'll be trivial for you! C'mon!" He charges back down the hall with renewed fervor, suddenly prepared for anything, even the preposterous web of cables he found before him. He gets to play one last trick tonight, make use of one last plan he had conceived in the last few years. He casts an illusion, on himself, and time slows down. He knows it hasn't really, that it's truly that his perception has sped up, but he ignores that detail, looking closer at the web and looking for a sweet spot, an opening he can fit through. He picks one and carefully prepares to jump, leaping through the air and smoothly passing through the opening, glancing back to check on his guardian angel as he continues pursuit.
As the adrenaline finally worked its way out of his system, Static looked around at the room. Mr. Sands had left and Black Night was attending to the prisoners. Amber had left to do something else. He looked at the otherwise empty room. What was he supposed to do. Then it hit him.
"Wait...she was....blind?"
"Knocking the glasses off a unicorn and ganging up three to one on a pegasus...you're not too impressive yourself, you dragon tempered mule!"
"So that triangle was like..."
"Knocking the glasses off a unicorn
"And I..."
"Knocking the glasses off a unicorn"
"And what I just did...after she was already unconscious..."
"you're not too impressive yourself, you dragon tempered mule!"
"Pony feathers!"
Static runs out of the room.
"MR. SANDS! WAIT A SECOND!!!!"
Tangerine Sands stopped and sighed, "What is it Mr. Signal?"
Effortlessly making a fouetté turn to dodge Night Cap, Light Fantastic began gaining on the runner. As the two charged past Night Wings, the mysterious pony barreled through the museum doors and took a flying leap towards an incoming pegasus. "Silly little dancer. Did you really think you could catch up?"
Running past Snowy Skies and leaping through the rope web, an earth pony called out to Night Cap, "You gotta help us, dude!" Looking at the runner, then at Night Cap, then at the invader carrying another through the rope web, then back at Night Cap, Night Wings asked, "Do you know these miscreants, Night Hat?"
"All the same, it's best I completely withdraw and remove the source of the raised adrenaline. I simply hope your Chief Director offers the same leniency I have." Tangerine Sands then walked off with Silent Belle in tow.
As the chase continued, the runner turned into another exhibit hall. In the middle of renovation, there were several tools, ladders, and paint buckets strewn about. Swiftly weaving about the clutter, they then cut back into the main hallway. Seeing Night Cap, she smoothly somersaulted over him while pulling a packet from her belt. Tossing it on the ground, it exploded into a web of wires that lined the corridor!
Static winced, sighed and fidgeted as he looked around. He looked to Black Night and the prisoners. "Seriously, I'm not sure about my rope work with that one. You may want to check on that." He gave another long sigh. "And if you have any job ideas, I think I may need them soon."
Amber tried to shake off her shock at seeing Ms. Flint like this, but found herself stretching to peer around it instead, a wild, branching mass of emotions that she could brush aside no more readily than an oak tree. "The Strut - wasn't taken?" she asked, looking at the pedestal and back to Ms. Flint. "Yes, we - we were successful as well, ma'am. We apprehended three unicorn attackers and handed them over to Mr. Sands' care. The Sword is with Black Night." Amber hesitated. "We should have reported immediately, but I chose to inspect the sword while Mr. Signal secured the attackers."
Steel Flint blinked in confusion, "Why was there a need to inspect the Sword? Though as far as the Anugypt Strut, it should still be under the weighted velvet."
Amber looked at the empty pedestal and the vaguely sarcastic face painted on it, then back to Ms. Flint, confused. She shook her head. "One of the COIN attackers claimed that the sword was false. Though with all of the projections going around tonight, I suppose she could have meant anything. It's not important. I should have reported to you immediately, ma'am. I'm sorry."
"The sword is still in the case, correct?"
Amber blinked, her glasses as always comically magnifying the effect despite her uneasy expression. Slow down, Amber, she thought, explain things from the start. "No, ma'am," she said. "When the attackers entered the room, Black Night removed the Sword from the case. Static Signal used his projector to create an illusion of Black Night to ward off additionally attackers, while the real Black Night and I repelled the three in the room. Their leader knocked off my glasses, and I believe I may have missed some details of the fight while I retrieved them, but ultimately Mr. Signal revealed himself and took down the leader, and Black Night assisted him while keeping the sword safely in her belt. I struck a second unicorn before she could assist the leader, and I believe Black Night had already dealt with a third. We restrained the three of them until Mr. Sands arrived to take them into custody."
"I think that COIN may be using some kind of illusions as well," she said after a pause. "The doorway between the exhibit halls was hidden by some kind of projection when I entered."
"The door was done by one of ours. It would be unwise to keep that sword on a belt but I'll have to talk to Black Night about that." Steel Flint stood up, "By the way, how is Sands nowadays? Does he still have that high strung partner of his? Oh, never mind that. I'll just ask Brisk next time I see her."
Light Fantastic kept on the pony's tail.
"Get back here!" she hollered.
Snowy Skies darted around the corner, falling back into a running rhythm and letting his adrenaline burn away his fear for a moment. That focus was obliterated as the brown pony came into view in front of him. Snowy Skies skidded to a halt, inches from a crash and stared, nose to nose, at the familiar pony.
Tonight, all the demons in hell had come back to haunt him. But here, here was a guardian angel.
"You can help me!" He cried, dragging Night Cap's face even closer to his. "It'll be trivial for you! C'mon!" He charges back down the hall with renewed fervor, suddenly prepared for anything, even the preposterous web of cables he found before him. He gets to play one last trick tonight, make use of one last plan he had conceived in the last few years. He casts an illusion, on himself, and time slows down. He knows it hasn't really, that it's truly that his perception has sped up, but he ignores that detail, looking closer at the web and looking for a sweet spot, an opening he can fit through. He picks one and carefully prepares to jump, leaping through the air and smoothly passing through the opening, glancing back to check on his guardian angel as he continues pursuit.
As the adrenaline finally worked its way out of his system, Static looked around at the room. Mr. Sands had left and Black Night was attending to the prisoners. Amber had left to do something else. He looked at the otherwise empty room. What was he supposed to do. Then it hit him.
"Wait...she was....blind?"
"Knocking the glasses off a unicorn and ganging up three to one on a pegasus...you're not too impressive yourself, you dragon tempered mule!"
"So that triangle was like..."
"Knocking the glasses off a unicorn
"And I..."
"Knocking the glasses off a unicorn"
"And what I just did...after she was already unconscious..."
"you're not too impressive yourself, you dragon tempered mule!"
"Pony feathers!"
Static runs out of the room.
"MR. SANDS! WAIT A SECOND!!!!"
Tangerine Sands stopped and sighed, "What is it Mr. Signal?"
Effortlessly making a fouetté turn to dodge Night Cap, Light Fantastic began gaining on the runner. As the two charged past Night Wings, the mysterious pony barreled through the museum doors and took a flying leap towards an incoming pegasus. "Silly little dancer. Did you really think you could catch up?"
Running past Snowy Skies and leaping through the rope web, an earth pony called out to Night Cap, "You gotta help us, dude!" Looking at the runner, then at Night Cap, then at the invader carrying another through the rope web, then back at Night Cap, Night Wings asked, "Do you know these miscreants, Night Hat?"
Static Signal felt as small as he'd ever felt as he looked up at Tangerine Sands. It took several deep breaths before he could start.
"I...I know where Belle's sonic thingy is. You see...I...I didn't know she was blind, you know? I just...I thought it was a weapon. So when we defeated her I thought it would be best if she didn't have it when she woke up because she might use it to escape and harm us so I gave it to Amber to give to whoever would be the best person to give it to like maybe it was a relic type weapon that belonged in the museum because Celestia knows we have a lot of those because I didn't realise Belle was blind and it was how she sees and I know I should have come to you earlier with this but I didn't trust you because this whole night has been that way with Dazzling Midnight trying to recruit me into COIN and as far as I can tell finding out my boss was part of COIN and I just didn't trust you or Black Night and I barely even trusted Amber and that was only because she seemed so unfakably naive to be a bad person so after what Belle did to Amber all I could feel was a red hazy hatred of everything I hated Belle for the way she treated Amber I hated the underlings because I could have so easily been one of them and I hated myself for the same reason because Dazzling Midnight might have had me if not for a few ill-spoken words and I hate myself for knowing that I almost excepted her offer I hate myself for knowing I'm even capable of doing what you saw me doing when you walked into the Sword room because I'm not really like that and I don't want to think that I made a lier out of Ms. Irons because she put a lot of faith in me and I hate that COIN has ruined my trust in other ponies but I don't care if you are part of COIN or not because..."
Static takes a deep breath and pours every ounce of his energy into his next words, like they are the most important words he's ever said in his life...
"SHE NEEDS HER GLAAAAAASSEEEEES BAAAAACK!!!!!!"
Static breaks down into a sobbing heap on the floor. Tangerine Sands can barely make anything out of the murmering...much like he could barely make anything out of the hundred-mile and hour speech he just endured. He was pretty sure he could make out a few 'sorries' here and there.
Amber stood with Ms. Flint and motioned toward the pedestal, nodding as Ms. Flint explained that the doorway illusion wasn't COIN's. "He seemed well, ma'am," Amber said. Then, with a second thought, "Somewhat out of sorts when he arrived after the fight, but well. I know we're all under a bit of stress at the moment. I believe I may have met his partner, as well." Amber looked around the room one last time. "What is our next step, ma'am?"
The events on the other side of the web are all but invisible to Snowy Skies, and while he can hear them he doesn't register anything important. He considers chasing his other assailants (he could certainly give them another scare), but he wasn't yet certain what he could do without bringing about...that...again. The safest thing for him to do was absolutely nothing, so he limps his way back to the Anugypt Strut room, walking right past his fake door and through the illusionary wall. He is a little surprised to see more than one pony in the room, but quickly recognizes the newcomer. "You're Amber Spark." He says wearily.
Amber regards the silver-gray unicorn. "Yes sir," she says,straightening slightly. "And you are?"
"Snowy Skies." He replies, coughing up some dust. "What's a paper-pusher doing in a miniature war zone?" He gets an odd look on his face, then grins widely and shakes his head. "Asks the janitor. We get all sorts here."
Amber bristles slightly. "I've done field work," she says, defensively, her voice trailing slightly. Her voice drops almost to a mutter. "And my team did successfully protect the Sword of Shining Dark from COIN tonight," she says, glancing again at the apparently empty pedestal of the Anugypt Strut.
Snowy Skies rolls his eyes. "Well at least it fooled somebody." He says, dismissing the illusion and revealing the velvet curtain. "Can you check if the strut is still under there without removing the curtain? It is awfully heavy."
Light Fantastic kept her charge toward the pony.
"Why don't you come back here and say that to my face?" she hollered.
"I'm afraid I can't," said Amber. "I've never studied magical perception. You know, I don't know how many times I've been asked to do the card trick at parties -" she shook her head. "Allow me to take a corner," she said, and stepped up to the case, closing her eyes and lifting one corner of the fabric with her magic.
"You're going to want your eyes open." Snowy Skies comments drily as he lifts up a second corner.
With the utmost agility, Light Fantastic made a flying leap at the runner...
"W-what, you DO know them?!? Night Hat, you're under arrest!" "He's police? Nuh uh. Not going to jail, dude!"
Steel Flint frowned, "I can't see how somepony with your illusionary capacity could suddenly be such a lightweight, Snowy Skies. Let me handle this." Using her magic, Steel Flint snatched the weighted velvet curtain out of Amber and Snowy's grasp and off of the display. She then gasped in shock! The torn edge of the sheet for the Anugypt Strut was repairing itself. However, the musical notes were disappearing and the majority of the page was already gone!
What's this? It seems the mysterious magical music is maddeningly missing from the manuscript! Is it just a mishap or has malevolence reared it's head? Tune in next time folks for more of the Equestrian Radio Show's Adventure Variety Hour!
*static crackle*
"I...I know where Belle's sonic thingy is. You see...I...I didn't know she was blind, you know? I just...I thought it was a weapon. So when we defeated her I thought it would be best if she didn't have it when she woke up because she might use it to escape and harm us so I gave it to Amber to give to whoever would be the best person to give it to like maybe it was a relic type weapon that belonged in the museum because Celestia knows we have a lot of those because I didn't realise Belle was blind and it was how she sees and I know I should have come to you earlier with this but I didn't trust you because this whole night has been that way with Dazzling Midnight trying to recruit me into COIN and as far as I can tell finding out my boss was part of COIN and I just didn't trust you or Black Night and I barely even trusted Amber and that was only because she seemed so unfakably naive to be a bad person so after what Belle did to Amber all I could feel was a red hazy hatred of everything I hated Belle for the way she treated Amber I hated the underlings because I could have so easily been one of them and I hated myself for the same reason because Dazzling Midnight might have had me if not for a few ill-spoken words and I hate myself for knowing that I almost excepted her offer I hate myself for knowing I'm even capable of doing what you saw me doing when you walked into the Sword room because I'm not really like that and I don't want to think that I made a lier out of Ms. Irons because she put a lot of faith in me and I hate that COIN has ruined my trust in other ponies but I don't care if you are part of COIN or not because..."
Static takes a deep breath and pours every ounce of his energy into his next words, like they are the most important words he's ever said in his life...
"SHE NEEDS HER GLAAAAAASSEEEEES BAAAAACK!!!!!!"
Static breaks down into a sobbing heap on the floor. Tangerine Sands can barely make anything out of the murmering...much like he could barely make anything out of the hundred-mile and hour speech he just endured. He was pretty sure he could make out a few 'sorries' here and there.
Amber stood with Ms. Flint and motioned toward the pedestal, nodding as Ms. Flint explained that the doorway illusion wasn't COIN's. "He seemed well, ma'am," Amber said. Then, with a second thought, "Somewhat out of sorts when he arrived after the fight, but well. I know we're all under a bit of stress at the moment. I believe I may have met his partner, as well." Amber looked around the room one last time. "What is our next step, ma'am?"
The events on the other side of the web are all but invisible to Snowy Skies, and while he can hear them he doesn't register anything important. He considers chasing his other assailants (he could certainly give them another scare), but he wasn't yet certain what he could do without bringing about...that...again. The safest thing for him to do was absolutely nothing, so he limps his way back to the Anugypt Strut room, walking right past his fake door and through the illusionary wall. He is a little surprised to see more than one pony in the room, but quickly recognizes the newcomer. "You're Amber Spark." He says wearily.
Amber regards the silver-gray unicorn. "Yes sir," she says,straightening slightly. "And you are?"
"Snowy Skies." He replies, coughing up some dust. "What's a paper-pusher doing in a miniature war zone?" He gets an odd look on his face, then grins widely and shakes his head. "Asks the janitor. We get all sorts here."
Amber bristles slightly. "I've done field work," she says, defensively, her voice trailing slightly. Her voice drops almost to a mutter. "And my team did successfully protect the Sword of Shining Dark from COIN tonight," she says, glancing again at the apparently empty pedestal of the Anugypt Strut.
Snowy Skies rolls his eyes. "Well at least it fooled somebody." He says, dismissing the illusion and revealing the velvet curtain. "Can you check if the strut is still under there without removing the curtain? It is awfully heavy."
Light Fantastic kept her charge toward the pony.
"Why don't you come back here and say that to my face?" she hollered.
"I'm afraid I can't," said Amber. "I've never studied magical perception. You know, I don't know how many times I've been asked to do the card trick at parties -" she shook her head. "Allow me to take a corner," she said, and stepped up to the case, closing her eyes and lifting one corner of the fabric with her magic.
"You're going to want your eyes open." Snowy Skies comments drily as he lifts up a second corner.
With the utmost agility, Light Fantastic made a flying leap at the runner...
"W-what, you DO know them?!? Night Hat, you're under arrest!" "He's police? Nuh uh. Not going to jail, dude!"
Steel Flint frowned, "I can't see how somepony with your illusionary capacity could suddenly be such a lightweight, Snowy Skies. Let me handle this." Using her magic, Steel Flint snatched the weighted velvet curtain out of Amber and Snowy's grasp and off of the display. She then gasped in shock! The torn edge of the sheet for the Anugypt Strut was repairing itself. However, the musical notes were disappearing and the majority of the page was already gone!
What's this? It seems the mysterious magical music is maddeningly missing from the manuscript! Is it just a mishap or has malevolence reared it's head? Tune in next time folks for more of the Equestrian Radio Show's Adventure Variety Hour!
*static crackle*
*** so much missing ***
Static raises an eyebrow at Night Caps outburst. You know, you seem to be a little jittery. You could probably use something to calm you down. If you want, I got like a whole fridge of hard cider that...I...probably shouldn't have any more. It's bottom shelf, but it's all yours if you want it.
Static Signal winced. "Never had any before?" He was shocked. "How is that possible?" Static thought to himself . "I thought everypony must've had cider somepoint in their life. Heck! I was just a little filly when..."
"Neeeeever mind. I just started to try kicking the habit myself. It would probably be a mule thing to do getting someone else hooked."
Black Night looks to Night Cap... "That might explains a few things..."
A look of sheer dread plastered itself on Static's face as he tried to picture this twitchy, high-strung pony on coffee. "Yeeeeah, you know, I just had my last drink of cider a few hours ago. Something tells me I'm going to need a support group. May do you well to drop the coffee. We'll quit together. What do ya say?"
"Same thing with me and cider. All the more reason to quit."
"Say." Snowy Skies says, a little slowly. "We're not guarding the Strut anymore because it's...well, gone...but is anyone still guarding the sword?"
Static spares a glance at Black Night.
"Static, I really don't think that either of you should do anything that would lead to your deaths. It seems an unhealthy habit of yours." Satisfied that the conversation was no longer a particularly consequential one, Amber stepped forward. "Does anypony know where Light Fantastic and Rhapsody are? I haven't seen either of them since the commotion started."
"Who's Rhapsody?" Static shrugged it away. "Anyway, Black Night, please tell me you still have the sword?"
[Steel Flint font] "Why would Black Night have the Sword?"
"I still have the sword on me, I felt that it wasn't safe in the room with no one to watch it while there was a chance of their being more COIN operatives on premise. I was in the process of going to see Brisk Iron about it before leaving the museum to deliver our prisoners; but then the scene with Night Cap happened so I haven't been able to turn it over. " Black Night states as she looks from Static to Steel "We are also unsure if it is real or not, Since it seem to do nothing when it got used in the battle. I had been hoping that somepony could take a look at it to make! sure it hadn't somehow been intercepted before it got here."
The Masked pony then turns to look to Amber. "I am sure that Rhapsody is okay, Brisk Iron will likely know where she is." Or at least she is hoping Brisk Iron has a good excuse to cover her other self's current absence.
Static was taken aback. It wasn't until just then that he realised that the two keep employees charged with gaurding the sword just left it in the hooves of a vigilante they barely knew. He fidgeted a bit before answering.
Well...you see...if not for her, Amber and I probably would not have won the night. So I guess learned to trust her. After all she helped us protect the sword and she has no love for COIN and I tell you that and she even tried to help us puzzle out how to make the sword work because Silent Belle claimed it was a forgery and Black Night already had the sword anyway because she used it during the fight so when Amber went to see how she could help you and I had to run after Tangerine Sands because of certain reasons..."
Static Signal took a deep breath before crying out.
"WE LEFT IT IN THE HOOVES OF A VIGILANTE WE BARELY KNOOOOOOOW!!!!
Steel Flint's voice took on a much more stern tone, "What do you mean by 'used in battle'? Surely no one here was foolish enough to try to wield it."
Black Night blinks and that shoots a glare to Static at his outburst, and then turns back to Steel. "Silent Belle had already gotten to the sword, having not feel for Static's copy of me. I felt that the quickest way to try and end the fight afterwards was to use it against her," Leaving out the part where she herself broke the sword free... "After having heard rumors about the last artifact that was retrieved about one of your teams."
Snowy Skies sees Static's deep breath and pushes out his magic, tamping the shout down to a more normal volume level. He cannot, however, change the inflection, so the cry sounds no less piteous.
Static shrunk under Black Night's glare. He backed up to where the others were standing, cursing to himself.
Steel Flint's tone didn't improve, "That sounds like somepony is breaching information in a separate problem from tonight's situation. The Chief Director will deal with her since it's not my place. Where is the Sword now?"
Amber eyed Black Night's belt. "Ms. Night, please return the Sword to Ms. Flint," said Amber, somewhat mechanically. "'Okay' or not, Ms. Night, I would like to follow up with Rhapsody as soon as possible. And does anypony know where Ms. Fantastic is? We have had the 'all clear.' We should regroup with the rest of the staff and collect our observations from the night."
Static raises an eyebrow at Night Caps outburst. You know, you seem to be a little jittery. You could probably use something to calm you down. If you want, I got like a whole fridge of hard cider that...I...probably shouldn't have any more. It's bottom shelf, but it's all yours if you want it.
Static Signal winced. "Never had any before?" He was shocked. "How is that possible?" Static thought to himself . "I thought everypony must've had cider somepoint in their life. Heck! I was just a little filly when..."
"Neeeeever mind. I just started to try kicking the habit myself. It would probably be a mule thing to do getting someone else hooked."
Black Night looks to Night Cap... "That might explains a few things..."
A look of sheer dread plastered itself on Static's face as he tried to picture this twitchy, high-strung pony on coffee. "Yeeeeah, you know, I just had my last drink of cider a few hours ago. Something tells me I'm going to need a support group. May do you well to drop the coffee. We'll quit together. What do ya say?"
"Same thing with me and cider. All the more reason to quit."
"Say." Snowy Skies says, a little slowly. "We're not guarding the Strut anymore because it's...well, gone...but is anyone still guarding the sword?"
Static spares a glance at Black Night.
"Static, I really don't think that either of you should do anything that would lead to your deaths. It seems an unhealthy habit of yours." Satisfied that the conversation was no longer a particularly consequential one, Amber stepped forward. "Does anypony know where Light Fantastic and Rhapsody are? I haven't seen either of them since the commotion started."
"Who's Rhapsody?" Static shrugged it away. "Anyway, Black Night, please tell me you still have the sword?"
[Steel Flint font] "Why would Black Night have the Sword?"
"I still have the sword on me, I felt that it wasn't safe in the room with no one to watch it while there was a chance of their being more COIN operatives on premise. I was in the process of going to see Brisk Iron about it before leaving the museum to deliver our prisoners; but then the scene with Night Cap happened so I haven't been able to turn it over. " Black Night states as she looks from Static to Steel "We are also unsure if it is real or not, Since it seem to do nothing when it got used in the battle. I had been hoping that somepony could take a look at it to make! sure it hadn't somehow been intercepted before it got here."
The Masked pony then turns to look to Amber. "I am sure that Rhapsody is okay, Brisk Iron will likely know where she is." Or at least she is hoping Brisk Iron has a good excuse to cover her other self's current absence.
Static was taken aback. It wasn't until just then that he realised that the two keep employees charged with gaurding the sword just left it in the hooves of a vigilante they barely knew. He fidgeted a bit before answering.
Well...you see...if not for her, Amber and I probably would not have won the night. So I guess learned to trust her. After all she helped us protect the sword and she has no love for COIN and I tell you that and she even tried to help us puzzle out how to make the sword work because Silent Belle claimed it was a forgery and Black Night already had the sword anyway because she used it during the fight so when Amber went to see how she could help you and I had to run after Tangerine Sands because of certain reasons..."
Static Signal took a deep breath before crying out.
"WE LEFT IT IN THE HOOVES OF A VIGILANTE WE BARELY KNOOOOOOOW!!!!
Steel Flint's voice took on a much more stern tone, "What do you mean by 'used in battle'? Surely no one here was foolish enough to try to wield it."
Black Night blinks and that shoots a glare to Static at his outburst, and then turns back to Steel. "Silent Belle had already gotten to the sword, having not feel for Static's copy of me. I felt that the quickest way to try and end the fight afterwards was to use it against her," Leaving out the part where she herself broke the sword free... "After having heard rumors about the last artifact that was retrieved about one of your teams."
Snowy Skies sees Static's deep breath and pushes out his magic, tamping the shout down to a more normal volume level. He cannot, however, change the inflection, so the cry sounds no less piteous.
Static shrunk under Black Night's glare. He backed up to where the others were standing, cursing to himself.
Steel Flint's tone didn't improve, "That sounds like somepony is breaching information in a separate problem from tonight's situation. The Chief Director will deal with her since it's not my place. Where is the Sword now?"
Amber eyed Black Night's belt. "Ms. Night, please return the Sword to Ms. Flint," said Amber, somewhat mechanically. "'Okay' or not, Ms. Night, I would like to follow up with Rhapsody as soon as possible. And does anypony know where Ms. Fantastic is? We have had the 'all clear.' We should regroup with the rest of the staff and collect our observations from the night."
Light Fantastic spotted Willow out of the corner of her eye.
"Well, well, if it isn't Willow Wisp," she said cheerfully, "What are you doing here?"
The sight outside the museum was puzzling, what could possibly happening? And why was Light Fantastic there, shouldn't she be on tour..?
She circled for a landing, softly descending to land near the group of ponies, before announcing her presence.
"Light Fantastic." said Willow Wisp, "It is good to see you again."
"I contained it in one of my heavy duty pouches in my belt, since it doesn't seem to have an effect if there isn't any light. Potential fake or not, there is no reason not to be careful with handling it." Black Night replies, as aside from her potential recklessness of using it; she's been careful in handling it otherwise. She was still Rhapsody after all, and protecting the artifact was part of her job description.. well her /other/ job description.
At Amber's request, Black Night looks to her and then back to Steel "I have no issue in turning it over, as it was always my intent; but Would it be wise to turn it over here? Where it is well lit?" She asks, an honest question for Steel, but could be seen as questionable by the others as they don't fully trust her yet in this guise. "Not knowing what it does, other then activating by warping light, I wouldn't want to endanger anypony any more then its already being free does."
"I am not saying that you shouldn't want to follow up with her, I am just trying to ease your mind. We were given the all clear. It they your friends weren't safe already, surely they wouldn't have given that command, right?" Black Night asks, trying to reassure Amber, while not seeming dismissive of her concerns, by point out the logic of her reasoning.
Snowy Skies snorts at the term 'heavy duty pouch' and abruptly decides that his usefulness in the conversation has come to a close, given that Static did not seem prone to any additional outbursts. "I suppose that I am still looking for a vibrant orange pony named Tangerine Sands, since Zig Zag is momentarily out of the picture. Has anyone seen him recently?"
Tangerine Sands tied up the runner with her own rope, "With this miscreant detained, I'll deliver her to the police since I know they're coming and approaching this way. Since you and this pegasus seem to know each other, go back to Steel Flint and report your findings. I believe everypony will be dismissed soon but make sure you speak with Keep staff first." He then carried the criminal to the several police officers who were approaching the museum.
"Sands should be here any moment. He has a habit of just randomly showing up."
"Ain't that the truth!" Static thought, but didn't dare to say out loud.
"Steel Flint and I will correspond with the police. Shouldn't be a problem. Brisk Iron calmly walked into the room.
"Oh...pony...feathers!" Static thought to himself. It just got exponentially more crowded in here. And he knew the moment Tangerine Sands came in to talk to Brisk Iron...he blanched at the thought. Would that the floor would open up and swallow him whole...right...now!
"Director." Snowy Skies says, surprised to find himself much less perturbed than normal when Brisk Iron melted into sight like that. "Night Cap said earlier that he had some important intel he was trying to get to us." He says, pushing Night Cap forward
Amber nodded with an at-attention expression to Brisk Iron as she entered but sidestepped back to Ms. Flint's side all the same.
"How did you come upon information on the attack? Also, an all clear was received but I don't see the Sword of Shining Dark in its case."
"I have it with me. After Amber Spark went to check on the Strut, and Static Signal left in a panic, I felt that leaving it unattended would not be wise, since the case got broken in the attack and there was still potentially COIN agents lurking about." Black Night explains, keeping it brief. "I had intended to bring it to you to ensure its safety before escorting the prisoners to the local authorities, but due to efforts of Night Cap I got side tracked before I got that far. One of the COIN agents thought it was a fake as well but no one here has been able to verify those! claims; which is another reason I wanted to turn it over to you, just in case she was right."
"Wait in my office, Black Night, and I'll retrieve the Sword and validate whether or not it's fake." "You and I need to talk." Just then, several police officers entered the room. "Everypony wait one moment. I'll speak with you afterwards but I need to speak with Steel Flint first, then Black Night. Night Cap, Steel Flint will bring you some paper shortly." Brisk Iron and Steel Flint walked out of the room.
Static stood there, not certain what to feel. On the one hoof, he felt like he'd just been reprieved. But on the other hoof, a reprieve was just another way of saying "delaying the inevitable." He was really just wishing this night would end. He already had it planned out anyway. He was going to walk away from the keep, fired and jobless. Then he was going to meet up with Dazzling Midnight tomorr *checks the time* later today and he'd be dead. Simple!
Great love of Cadence he needed a cider. He needed one like he's never needed one before.
Black Night nodded to Brisk Iron. "Understood." She says simply, and takes leave of the group and heads to Brisk's office.
Not long after, Light Fantastic and Willow Wisp entered the room. Right behind them was Tangerine Sands.
Static lets out a breath he hadn't realised he'd been holding and finds a wall to lean up against. I'm thinking I better get a couple winks while I may before I get fired. He looked wearily over at Night Cap. "Looks like you could use a bit of shut-eye yourself there, friend. Room enough two on this wall.
"Amber Spark? Night Cap? What is going on here?"
"Ms. Wisp? And Ms. Fantastic - it's quite - well, capital to see you," said Amber. She turned back to Willow. "The museum was under attack by COIN. We successfully repelled the invaders and have detained several of them for questioning. We're not certain whether or not it's a related phenomenon, but one of the artifacts that COIN had attempted to steal is in the process of disappearing while the other seems to be an incorporeal fake." Amber paused. "Oh, and apparently nearly anypony might be a double agent. I'm not, in case you're worried."
"Interesting." Willow said, "I had come for aid regarding COIN, myself, but it seems you have your hooves full."
As panicked as he was to see Sands again...still not looking forward to see the end of his carreer looming closer, Night Cap had still asked him a question and he didn't want to be rude.
He tore his attention away from the new arrivals and gave a shrug to Night Cap. "Yeah, I suppose, friend. You're a friend of the keep, are you not? Makes you a friend of mine...however uncertain my future employment here may be. Celestia knows I cant have too many friends right now."
"Well, well, if it isn't Willow Wisp," she said cheerfully, "What are you doing here?"
The sight outside the museum was puzzling, what could possibly happening? And why was Light Fantastic there, shouldn't she be on tour..?
She circled for a landing, softly descending to land near the group of ponies, before announcing her presence.
"Light Fantastic." said Willow Wisp, "It is good to see you again."
"I contained it in one of my heavy duty pouches in my belt, since it doesn't seem to have an effect if there isn't any light. Potential fake or not, there is no reason not to be careful with handling it." Black Night replies, as aside from her potential recklessness of using it; she's been careful in handling it otherwise. She was still Rhapsody after all, and protecting the artifact was part of her job description.. well her /other/ job description.
At Amber's request, Black Night looks to her and then back to Steel "I have no issue in turning it over, as it was always my intent; but Would it be wise to turn it over here? Where it is well lit?" She asks, an honest question for Steel, but could be seen as questionable by the others as they don't fully trust her yet in this guise. "Not knowing what it does, other then activating by warping light, I wouldn't want to endanger anypony any more then its already being free does."
"I am not saying that you shouldn't want to follow up with her, I am just trying to ease your mind. We were given the all clear. It they your friends weren't safe already, surely they wouldn't have given that command, right?" Black Night asks, trying to reassure Amber, while not seeming dismissive of her concerns, by point out the logic of her reasoning.
Snowy Skies snorts at the term 'heavy duty pouch' and abruptly decides that his usefulness in the conversation has come to a close, given that Static did not seem prone to any additional outbursts. "I suppose that I am still looking for a vibrant orange pony named Tangerine Sands, since Zig Zag is momentarily out of the picture. Has anyone seen him recently?"
Tangerine Sands tied up the runner with her own rope, "With this miscreant detained, I'll deliver her to the police since I know they're coming and approaching this way. Since you and this pegasus seem to know each other, go back to Steel Flint and report your findings. I believe everypony will be dismissed soon but make sure you speak with Keep staff first." He then carried the criminal to the several police officers who were approaching the museum.
"Sands should be here any moment. He has a habit of just randomly showing up."
"Ain't that the truth!" Static thought, but didn't dare to say out loud.
"Steel Flint and I will correspond with the police. Shouldn't be a problem. Brisk Iron calmly walked into the room.
"Oh...pony...feathers!" Static thought to himself. It just got exponentially more crowded in here. And he knew the moment Tangerine Sands came in to talk to Brisk Iron...he blanched at the thought. Would that the floor would open up and swallow him whole...right...now!
"Director." Snowy Skies says, surprised to find himself much less perturbed than normal when Brisk Iron melted into sight like that. "Night Cap said earlier that he had some important intel he was trying to get to us." He says, pushing Night Cap forward
Amber nodded with an at-attention expression to Brisk Iron as she entered but sidestepped back to Ms. Flint's side all the same.
"How did you come upon information on the attack? Also, an all clear was received but I don't see the Sword of Shining Dark in its case."
"I have it with me. After Amber Spark went to check on the Strut, and Static Signal left in a panic, I felt that leaving it unattended would not be wise, since the case got broken in the attack and there was still potentially COIN agents lurking about." Black Night explains, keeping it brief. "I had intended to bring it to you to ensure its safety before escorting the prisoners to the local authorities, but due to efforts of Night Cap I got side tracked before I got that far. One of the COIN agents thought it was a fake as well but no one here has been able to verify those! claims; which is another reason I wanted to turn it over to you, just in case she was right."
"Wait in my office, Black Night, and I'll retrieve the Sword and validate whether or not it's fake." "You and I need to talk." Just then, several police officers entered the room. "Everypony wait one moment. I'll speak with you afterwards but I need to speak with Steel Flint first, then Black Night. Night Cap, Steel Flint will bring you some paper shortly." Brisk Iron and Steel Flint walked out of the room.
Static stood there, not certain what to feel. On the one hoof, he felt like he'd just been reprieved. But on the other hoof, a reprieve was just another way of saying "delaying the inevitable." He was really just wishing this night would end. He already had it planned out anyway. He was going to walk away from the keep, fired and jobless. Then he was going to meet up with Dazzling Midnight tomorr *checks the time* later today and he'd be dead. Simple!
Great love of Cadence he needed a cider. He needed one like he's never needed one before.
Black Night nodded to Brisk Iron. "Understood." She says simply, and takes leave of the group and heads to Brisk's office.
Not long after, Light Fantastic and Willow Wisp entered the room. Right behind them was Tangerine Sands.
Static lets out a breath he hadn't realised he'd been holding and finds a wall to lean up against. I'm thinking I better get a couple winks while I may before I get fired. He looked wearily over at Night Cap. "Looks like you could use a bit of shut-eye yourself there, friend. Room enough two on this wall.
"Amber Spark? Night Cap? What is going on here?"
"Ms. Wisp? And Ms. Fantastic - it's quite - well, capital to see you," said Amber. She turned back to Willow. "The museum was under attack by COIN. We successfully repelled the invaders and have detained several of them for questioning. We're not certain whether or not it's a related phenomenon, but one of the artifacts that COIN had attempted to steal is in the process of disappearing while the other seems to be an incorporeal fake." Amber paused. "Oh, and apparently nearly anypony might be a double agent. I'm not, in case you're worried."
"Interesting." Willow said, "I had come for aid regarding COIN, myself, but it seems you have your hooves full."
As panicked as he was to see Sands again...still not looking forward to see the end of his carreer looming closer, Night Cap had still asked him a question and he didn't want to be rude.
He tore his attention away from the new arrivals and gave a shrug to Night Cap. "Yeah, I suppose, friend. You're a friend of the keep, are you not? Makes you a friend of mine...however uncertain my future employment here may be. Celestia knows I cant have too many friends right now."
Light Fantastic was okay, looking no worse for the wear. On the other hand, that suggested that there hadn't been much of a scuffle, which made the capture of a culprit unlikely. But how important was that at this point? He'd finally found Tangerine Sands. Goddess, he was tired, and he needed to be awake for what he was going to have to do...He tapped his hoof on the ground, and a 'quiet' guitar shred, a dozen quick notes just a little above speaking volume, rang up from the floor. He shook his head a little as they passed over him, and decided that would have to do as a revitalizer.
"Tangerine Sands, I'm Snowy Skies. We met earlier today." He says, offering a hoof to the policeman and sounding a little distracted. "You work with magical sound, yes? Your voice is still bouncing through my head from earlier. In any case, I have a song I'd like you to hear. I'm wondering if you can recognize anything of magical importance that might be an innate part of the song." Snowy Skies steps back and releases the spell he had been crafting.
What he was doing would probably offend any historians in the room. He was taking sheet music in an unknown script, choosing the modern key and time that made sense with the melody, and picking instruments that suited ancient Anugypt. But all he was trying to do was create beautiful music, and his notes rang through the museum halls. He wove lyres and harps throughout, with the occasional odd rhythm of a rattle-like instrument he had seen in the exhibition hall, called a sistrum. He knew from the tapestries that there were supposed to be flutes, but he knew that his music could only sound as good as he could imagine it, and he didn't think he had it in him to imagine a flute that sounded remotely pleasant. He made up for it with the quiet murmur of song in the background, mixing shreds of languages with low volume to create the illusion of a coherent chant.
Light Fantastic was able to notice that this sounded incredibly similar to an excerpt of the music from her upcoming dance.
Elsewhere, Brisk Iron walked into her office and sat at her desk.
Ms. Iron seems to trust you, so you check out in my book. Of course, on the other hand, she trusted me too and that didn't quite... Static shook his head. He really was tired and was talking waaaay too much. He needed to start being more careful about how much he let on. But still, you seem to be a decent pony. I'd be interested to know what past you have with Black Night. She doesn't seem to like you much.
Amber nodded to Willow Wisp. "It is perhaps still best that we bear our loads together," she said. "What did you encounter? It may shed some light on the goings on tonight in the museum."
"I don't expect this conversation to go well." The pegasus asks as she walks towards the desk. "But either way, we should probably clear up if you're wanting to talk to Black Night or Rhapsody." She says as she pulls the sword from the pouch she kept it it and sets it down on the desk.
Static Signal shrugs. Before tonight, I didn't have much of a social life. So I'm not really in a position to judge social protocols. She's definetly the serious type. I can see where that would put some ponies off. But like I said, she has no love for COIN and she probably saved me and Amber a lot of hurt tonight. So I really don't want to say anything bad about her.
Brisk Iron looked Black Night in the eye, "Rhapsody of course. I was only opting not to reveal your identity to others who may not know it. The first question is, why did you attempt to use the Sword of Shining Dark? I'll go ahead and tell you this one is a fake."
"COIN had blackmailed a good pony into joining them, I intend to fix that."
"We encountered something similar," said Amber. "The yellow earth pony here, Static Signal," she said. "An individual from COIN had attempted to conscript him as well. Luckily, he had the occasion to contact the authorities about it." She watched as Night Cap and Static Signal continued their conversation just out of earshot. She was reminded again of how Static's plight had reminded her of Night Cap and, worryingly, of Bottle Wary. "COIN does seem quite resourceful in finding ways to make ponies do what they want."
Snowy Skies had been watching Tangerine Sands intently for some reaction, but turned to face Amber and the oversized pegasus named Willow Wisp. His music still playing in the background, he says, "I've functioned alright up until this point, but now you're just making me too curious. What on earth is COIN?"
The Black Pegasus nods. "Question of semantics really, I find that I respond differently as Black Night." She replies. "Yes, I figured that, when it didn't do anything. I was more concerned with whether it was your fake, or someone else s." Rhapsody states."As for why, Silent Belle wasn't fooled by Static's hologram, and had disabled Amber." Rhapsody, much like Static, had seen what was a much more delicate act as something worse. "She also had a device with her, as Tr! iangle that I now know was for seeing purposes; but at the time seemed plausible to breaking into the sword case. With Amber disabled, and Static not seeming fit for combat... at that moment... it was a tactical call to try and take out the three before they could hurt them. I recalled how the wand seemed instrumental in our success last mission. The quicker I could take them down, the more likely I could move on to try and insure the safety of others." Like always, Rhapsody still seen that it was her job to protect everyone regardless the cost. "So if you wish to punish me for doing such, I take full responsibility."
Amber managed to entirely suppress a scowl at being addressed by Mr. Skies except for a tiny perturbation over her right eye. "A criminal group of treasure hunters," she said. "They seem to be the rivals of the Keep in every possible way. The tend to seek out similar ponies to procure the very same artifacts for very different goals," she said. "And they aren't at all unwilling to hurt ponies if it helps them make a claim."
"Fascinating." Snowy Skies says, turning back to Tangerine Sands immediately. "So, Tangerine Sands? Anything interesting, in your opinion?"
The current line of conversation finished, Willow Wisp alighted on a conspicuous absence. "I am surprised I haven't seen Rhapsody here, she still works here, yes?"
"Yes, ma'am," said Amber. "She's here, somewhere, although I haven't seen her since before the attack. I've been very much hoping to run into her as well."
"Don't take too much offence." Static tried to comfort Night Cap. "It's been a crazy night. COIN seems to do a good job making it hard to know who to trust."
Static took another look at Tangerine Sands when it dawned on him. "Oh pony feathers! I just remembered something! We'll talk again later, okay?
Static called out, Mr. Sands...sir. As he walked up, he pulled out the triangle. "Ms. Iron may want to see this before you decide whether or not to let Belle have it back or not. But...here's the "glasses."
Light Fantastic grinned at all of her companions.
"I wasn't expecting a reunion tonight," she said, "What do you mean blackmail, Willow?"
"Tangerine Sands, I'm Snowy Skies. We met earlier today." He says, offering a hoof to the policeman and sounding a little distracted. "You work with magical sound, yes? Your voice is still bouncing through my head from earlier. In any case, I have a song I'd like you to hear. I'm wondering if you can recognize anything of magical importance that might be an innate part of the song." Snowy Skies steps back and releases the spell he had been crafting.
What he was doing would probably offend any historians in the room. He was taking sheet music in an unknown script, choosing the modern key and time that made sense with the melody, and picking instruments that suited ancient Anugypt. But all he was trying to do was create beautiful music, and his notes rang through the museum halls. He wove lyres and harps throughout, with the occasional odd rhythm of a rattle-like instrument he had seen in the exhibition hall, called a sistrum. He knew from the tapestries that there were supposed to be flutes, but he knew that his music could only sound as good as he could imagine it, and he didn't think he had it in him to imagine a flute that sounded remotely pleasant. He made up for it with the quiet murmur of song in the background, mixing shreds of languages with low volume to create the illusion of a coherent chant.
Light Fantastic was able to notice that this sounded incredibly similar to an excerpt of the music from her upcoming dance.
Elsewhere, Brisk Iron walked into her office and sat at her desk.
Ms. Iron seems to trust you, so you check out in my book. Of course, on the other hand, she trusted me too and that didn't quite... Static shook his head. He really was tired and was talking waaaay too much. He needed to start being more careful about how much he let on. But still, you seem to be a decent pony. I'd be interested to know what past you have with Black Night. She doesn't seem to like you much.
Amber nodded to Willow Wisp. "It is perhaps still best that we bear our loads together," she said. "What did you encounter? It may shed some light on the goings on tonight in the museum."
"I don't expect this conversation to go well." The pegasus asks as she walks towards the desk. "But either way, we should probably clear up if you're wanting to talk to Black Night or Rhapsody." She says as she pulls the sword from the pouch she kept it it and sets it down on the desk.
Static Signal shrugs. Before tonight, I didn't have much of a social life. So I'm not really in a position to judge social protocols. She's definetly the serious type. I can see where that would put some ponies off. But like I said, she has no love for COIN and she probably saved me and Amber a lot of hurt tonight. So I really don't want to say anything bad about her.
Brisk Iron looked Black Night in the eye, "Rhapsody of course. I was only opting not to reveal your identity to others who may not know it. The first question is, why did you attempt to use the Sword of Shining Dark? I'll go ahead and tell you this one is a fake."
"COIN had blackmailed a good pony into joining them, I intend to fix that."
"We encountered something similar," said Amber. "The yellow earth pony here, Static Signal," she said. "An individual from COIN had attempted to conscript him as well. Luckily, he had the occasion to contact the authorities about it." She watched as Night Cap and Static Signal continued their conversation just out of earshot. She was reminded again of how Static's plight had reminded her of Night Cap and, worryingly, of Bottle Wary. "COIN does seem quite resourceful in finding ways to make ponies do what they want."
Snowy Skies had been watching Tangerine Sands intently for some reaction, but turned to face Amber and the oversized pegasus named Willow Wisp. His music still playing in the background, he says, "I've functioned alright up until this point, but now you're just making me too curious. What on earth is COIN?"
The Black Pegasus nods. "Question of semantics really, I find that I respond differently as Black Night." She replies. "Yes, I figured that, when it didn't do anything. I was more concerned with whether it was your fake, or someone else s." Rhapsody states."As for why, Silent Belle wasn't fooled by Static's hologram, and had disabled Amber." Rhapsody, much like Static, had seen what was a much more delicate act as something worse. "She also had a device with her, as Tr! iangle that I now know was for seeing purposes; but at the time seemed plausible to breaking into the sword case. With Amber disabled, and Static not seeming fit for combat... at that moment... it was a tactical call to try and take out the three before they could hurt them. I recalled how the wand seemed instrumental in our success last mission. The quicker I could take them down, the more likely I could move on to try and insure the safety of others." Like always, Rhapsody still seen that it was her job to protect everyone regardless the cost. "So if you wish to punish me for doing such, I take full responsibility."
Amber managed to entirely suppress a scowl at being addressed by Mr. Skies except for a tiny perturbation over her right eye. "A criminal group of treasure hunters," she said. "They seem to be the rivals of the Keep in every possible way. The tend to seek out similar ponies to procure the very same artifacts for very different goals," she said. "And they aren't at all unwilling to hurt ponies if it helps them make a claim."
"Fascinating." Snowy Skies says, turning back to Tangerine Sands immediately. "So, Tangerine Sands? Anything interesting, in your opinion?"
The current line of conversation finished, Willow Wisp alighted on a conspicuous absence. "I am surprised I haven't seen Rhapsody here, she still works here, yes?"
"Yes, ma'am," said Amber. "She's here, somewhere, although I haven't seen her since before the attack. I've been very much hoping to run into her as well."
"Don't take too much offence." Static tried to comfort Night Cap. "It's been a crazy night. COIN seems to do a good job making it hard to know who to trust."
Static took another look at Tangerine Sands when it dawned on him. "Oh pony feathers! I just remembered something! We'll talk again later, okay?
Static called out, Mr. Sands...sir. As he walked up, he pulled out the triangle. "Ms. Iron may want to see this before you decide whether or not to let Belle have it back or not. But...here's the "glasses."
Light Fantastic grinned at all of her companions.
"I wasn't expecting a reunion tonight," she said, "What do you mean blackmail, Willow?"
"An admission helps mitigate things, especially since what you said to me in the exhibit room was different from what you told Steel Flint." Brisk Iron took a deep breath, "I'm trying to keep anger in check but it's being replaced by disappointment. I greatly disagree with your choice of action. The Wand of the North Wind attempted to exert its will upon Willow Wisp and it's only through your actions that things didn't get far worse. What if YOU were the one taken over?"! There was a brief pause. "Rhapsody, what would you do if you grabbed the Sword, then turned around and slayed both Static and Amber? I never predicted you would try to use it but such power is why I put a replica on display instead of the real thing. It's taken years to build one close enough and it required help from a foreign contact. If this exhibit was successful, it could lead to more such replicas being made, like one of the Wand of the North Wind. I'm tired of having to destroy history to keep ponies safe. In not expecting anypony here to try to use it, I didn't tell you this was a fake. However, I didn't alert anypony, not even Steel Flint who I've known for decades, so I'll take full responsibility for that."
Tangerine Sands took the triangle from Static Signal, "I'll make sure this is handled properly. As far as this music, I hear where somepony could possibly place secret notes but I don't hear any in this piece. Yet, it sounds oddly familiar. Night Wings, do you..?" "It sounds a lot like the music from Light Fantastic's upcoming performance. I remember that last time she was in New Coltro and had hoped to attend tomorrow if we got the case wrapped up in time. Ms. Fantastic, we may need your assistance tomorrow to look into some things with your production company. Would you be willing to help?"
"By that point, I had already retold it several times, and was trying to keep a summery brief because this has been a long night for everypony." Rhapsody replies with a huff. "I had not thought of that," she admits, but remains firm. "I was more worried about COIN getting it, as mentioned the leader of their trio was more focused, and had a sonic artifact that could have been used for breaking your case. What if she had gotten it? What if her lack of Fear of Black Night made her use it? Being able to take down the pony t! hat's been a thorn in their collective side for months effortlessly to rally her scared companions? Or use it to threaten Amber or Static? There are plenty of What-Ifs and worse case scenarios, I tend to suffer through most of them when trying to make the right call." Even her mask doesn't help hide that twitching eye of hers, when she starts listing off several other grim possibilities, as well to what you mention. "I didn't, I knew even when making it that it wasn't the best option; but 'in STOMP hoofs is still better then COIN hoofs' was all I had to rationalize my actions mentally. I just had to have faith that my team would have been there for me, like I was for Willow, if it had corrupted me." She says with a sigh and looks to you. She still was expecting some sort of punishment, and was still willing to face whatever it was for her decisions.
"Other things of note:" The black pegasus adds, not wanting to completely change topics, but feel they should probably be said before whatever repercussions are decided on "There are, or should be, four COIN operatives locked in a room in the front hall, three are unconscious. The one that isn't needs his sister looked after, it seemed something bad happened to her in their fight, and was trying to get her to a hospital when either the griffon or Night Cap got them first. He promised to go quietly if she got aid. Night Cap claims that this might have been an inside job, so you might want to do a staff review see if anyone isn't suspiciously absent now. Finally; despite what Sands may or may not have told you; Static preformed very admirably tonight he has some... issues... but there is much more to him then I think even he realizes. Some training might help temper his aggressive tendencies."
Static returns to where he'd left Night Cap. Seeing he wasn't there anymore he scanned the room and found him over with the rest of his friends. He considered joining them. Convinced that by tomorrow he probably wouldn't have a job and would probably have no more chances to meet with his new friends, he wanted to take as much time as he could with them.
But then he looked at them. He knew Amber, he had a conversation with Night Cap. He wouldn't mind chatting more with them at all. But he'd only been in the same room as Light Fantastic once before and had no clue who Willow was. Meanwhile they looked like long time friends catching up on old times. He didn't feel like he had much of a place there.
Instead he walked back over to the wall, sat down and rested up while he could. He needed to regain his energy if he was going to make it through his next meeting with Brisk Iron
Snowy Skies nods at the griffon, slowly digesting the bittersweet fact that the music he had made was already in use by someone else. Right now everything was like thinking through quicksand. He shook his head, and out of the corner of his eye spied the once-frozen-corpse distancing himself from Amber Spark and Night Cap. Considering how close he had stayed to one or the other of them up until now, that was odd. But perhaps this was an opportunity. "Excuse me for a moment." He says quietly to the policeman pair, walking over to the errant Earth Pony. "So what happened to you tonight?" He asks, sounding as pleasant as someone who recently had a dinosaur skeleton dropped on them can.
Static stood to face Snowy Skies. "What happened?" Static echoed. "Not sure where to start...or if I have the energy to go through all the details again. I feel like I've already tried to explain my actions several times tonight to several different ponies and more and more it just feels like I'm making excuses. Long story short? Rage. Just a rage I didn't even realise I had in me. And what I did with it..." Static winces. "It's the kind of thing that would never have happened if I'd just stayed in my little projection booth where I belong."
Snowy Skies tilts his head a little. It was possible that he was looking at a little monster. He speaks quietly, but a little urgently, alert again, for a brief moment. "That's not what I would've expected to hear. I'm the janitor, so you may not have seen me, but I've seen you in your little projection booth. You move like a--" He caught himself. 'Frozen corpse' didn't seem like a good term to use in polite conversation. "--You moved like a zombie, from point A to point B, task 1 to task 2. But tonight? You look tired, but it's different. It's like...you blossomed, then fell off the stalk. You found something tonight, something that gives you a buzz, something that makes you feel like nothing else. If I were you, I'd cherish whatever made you feel that way. It's not an easy thing to come by...Of course, in your state you've probably already lost it, so I'd start looking again. Right now."
Static gave a small shrug. I felt alive. I can't deny that. I felt more alive than I have since...ever! But if the price of me feeling alive means that other ponies get hurt and I start to hate what I see in the mirror? At least before it was just utter indifference.
Snowy Skies shakes his head, grinning. "See, now you're making a common mistake: you're thinking in binary. Ponies don't have two setting, we have a whole scale. Maybe a high C causes problems for those around you." He says, a shrill note bouncing between the two of them. "But maybe you could bring it down to a G, and nobody would mind at all." A high note, lower and clearer than the harsh tone of before, plays out, cutting off as it goes beyond the two of them. "Not everypony gets to feel like you did." He says with gravity.
Light Fantastic nodded.
"Just let me know what you need," she said.
"'What if they had gotten it?' is the reason for a replica. I was shocked that you attempted to use it but COIN or any others with ill intent were my true concern. The important thing is that everypony is safe. As far as Sands, I haven't had a chance to speak with him yet but I'll make sure to do that next. I'll also let him know about the ponies locked in the closet. I may speak with you again in the morning but for the moment I'm pretty sure you, well...all of us, could use some rest." With that, Brisk Iron stood up and opened the door to h! er office.
"One of us will be there in the morning but over the night, try to think if anything strange has been going on recently. Disappearances, odd dreams, or anything else out of sorts." Steel Flint returned with a written document for the police. She also gave Night Cap some blank paper and a pencil. Shortly after, Brisk Iron walked in and requested for Sands' presence. Not long after that, Sands returned and said to Static Signal, "Your Chief Director will see you now."
"That it was a replica, doesn't change my reasoning when only you have that information, Ma'am." Rhapsody states with a shrug. "You also might want to figure out where I've been while Black Night's been doing all this. Amber seems worried." She adds before leaving the office.
Tangerine Sands took the triangle from Static Signal, "I'll make sure this is handled properly. As far as this music, I hear where somepony could possibly place secret notes but I don't hear any in this piece. Yet, it sounds oddly familiar. Night Wings, do you..?" "It sounds a lot like the music from Light Fantastic's upcoming performance. I remember that last time she was in New Coltro and had hoped to attend tomorrow if we got the case wrapped up in time. Ms. Fantastic, we may need your assistance tomorrow to look into some things with your production company. Would you be willing to help?"
"By that point, I had already retold it several times, and was trying to keep a summery brief because this has been a long night for everypony." Rhapsody replies with a huff. "I had not thought of that," she admits, but remains firm. "I was more worried about COIN getting it, as mentioned the leader of their trio was more focused, and had a sonic artifact that could have been used for breaking your case. What if she had gotten it? What if her lack of Fear of Black Night made her use it? Being able to take down the pony t! hat's been a thorn in their collective side for months effortlessly to rally her scared companions? Or use it to threaten Amber or Static? There are plenty of What-Ifs and worse case scenarios, I tend to suffer through most of them when trying to make the right call." Even her mask doesn't help hide that twitching eye of hers, when she starts listing off several other grim possibilities, as well to what you mention. "I didn't, I knew even when making it that it wasn't the best option; but 'in STOMP hoofs is still better then COIN hoofs' was all I had to rationalize my actions mentally. I just had to have faith that my team would have been there for me, like I was for Willow, if it had corrupted me." She says with a sigh and looks to you. She still was expecting some sort of punishment, and was still willing to face whatever it was for her decisions.
"Other things of note:" The black pegasus adds, not wanting to completely change topics, but feel they should probably be said before whatever repercussions are decided on "There are, or should be, four COIN operatives locked in a room in the front hall, three are unconscious. The one that isn't needs his sister looked after, it seemed something bad happened to her in their fight, and was trying to get her to a hospital when either the griffon or Night Cap got them first. He promised to go quietly if she got aid. Night Cap claims that this might have been an inside job, so you might want to do a staff review see if anyone isn't suspiciously absent now. Finally; despite what Sands may or may not have told you; Static preformed very admirably tonight he has some... issues... but there is much more to him then I think even he realizes. Some training might help temper his aggressive tendencies."
Static returns to where he'd left Night Cap. Seeing he wasn't there anymore he scanned the room and found him over with the rest of his friends. He considered joining them. Convinced that by tomorrow he probably wouldn't have a job and would probably have no more chances to meet with his new friends, he wanted to take as much time as he could with them.
But then he looked at them. He knew Amber, he had a conversation with Night Cap. He wouldn't mind chatting more with them at all. But he'd only been in the same room as Light Fantastic once before and had no clue who Willow was. Meanwhile they looked like long time friends catching up on old times. He didn't feel like he had much of a place there.
Instead he walked back over to the wall, sat down and rested up while he could. He needed to regain his energy if he was going to make it through his next meeting with Brisk Iron
Snowy Skies nods at the griffon, slowly digesting the bittersweet fact that the music he had made was already in use by someone else. Right now everything was like thinking through quicksand. He shook his head, and out of the corner of his eye spied the once-frozen-corpse distancing himself from Amber Spark and Night Cap. Considering how close he had stayed to one or the other of them up until now, that was odd. But perhaps this was an opportunity. "Excuse me for a moment." He says quietly to the policeman pair, walking over to the errant Earth Pony. "So what happened to you tonight?" He asks, sounding as pleasant as someone who recently had a dinosaur skeleton dropped on them can.
Static stood to face Snowy Skies. "What happened?" Static echoed. "Not sure where to start...or if I have the energy to go through all the details again. I feel like I've already tried to explain my actions several times tonight to several different ponies and more and more it just feels like I'm making excuses. Long story short? Rage. Just a rage I didn't even realise I had in me. And what I did with it..." Static winces. "It's the kind of thing that would never have happened if I'd just stayed in my little projection booth where I belong."
Snowy Skies tilts his head a little. It was possible that he was looking at a little monster. He speaks quietly, but a little urgently, alert again, for a brief moment. "That's not what I would've expected to hear. I'm the janitor, so you may not have seen me, but I've seen you in your little projection booth. You move like a--" He caught himself. 'Frozen corpse' didn't seem like a good term to use in polite conversation. "--You moved like a zombie, from point A to point B, task 1 to task 2. But tonight? You look tired, but it's different. It's like...you blossomed, then fell off the stalk. You found something tonight, something that gives you a buzz, something that makes you feel like nothing else. If I were you, I'd cherish whatever made you feel that way. It's not an easy thing to come by...Of course, in your state you've probably already lost it, so I'd start looking again. Right now."
Static gave a small shrug. I felt alive. I can't deny that. I felt more alive than I have since...ever! But if the price of me feeling alive means that other ponies get hurt and I start to hate what I see in the mirror? At least before it was just utter indifference.
Snowy Skies shakes his head, grinning. "See, now you're making a common mistake: you're thinking in binary. Ponies don't have two setting, we have a whole scale. Maybe a high C causes problems for those around you." He says, a shrill note bouncing between the two of them. "But maybe you could bring it down to a G, and nobody would mind at all." A high note, lower and clearer than the harsh tone of before, plays out, cutting off as it goes beyond the two of them. "Not everypony gets to feel like you did." He says with gravity.
Light Fantastic nodded.
"Just let me know what you need," she said.
"'What if they had gotten it?' is the reason for a replica. I was shocked that you attempted to use it but COIN or any others with ill intent were my true concern. The important thing is that everypony is safe. As far as Sands, I haven't had a chance to speak with him yet but I'll make sure to do that next. I'll also let him know about the ponies locked in the closet. I may speak with you again in the morning but for the moment I'm pretty sure you, well...all of us, could use some rest." With that, Brisk Iron stood up and opened the door to h! er office.
"One of us will be there in the morning but over the night, try to think if anything strange has been going on recently. Disappearances, odd dreams, or anything else out of sorts." Steel Flint returned with a written document for the police. She also gave Night Cap some blank paper and a pencil. Shortly after, Brisk Iron walked in and requested for Sands' presence. Not long after that, Sands returned and said to Static Signal, "Your Chief Director will see you now."
"That it was a replica, doesn't change my reasoning when only you have that information, Ma'am." Rhapsody states with a shrug. "You also might want to figure out where I've been while Black Night's been doing all this. Amber seems worried." She adds before leaving the office.
Amber looked at Static and recognized his discomfort, and smiled at him in a way she hoped was comfortingly, then nodded her head. She looked back to Willow to hear her explanation of the COIN blackmail she'd discovered.
Static listened to Snowy Skies words, and while he found it difficult trying to keep up with the metaphors, he felt he kinda got the gist of what was being said. He was even almost comforted until Tangerine Sands came out announcing that it was his turn with the chief director. Tangerine only said 7 little words...and each word felt like a death knell to Statics ears. Every step he took from the wall to the Directors Office felt like a march to his own funeral. He could almost imagine somepony yelling out "Dead pony walking."
He walked into Brisk Irons office. "Yes ma'am?"
"I'd like to hear the events in your own words."
Static fidgeted a bit. Well ma'am...before the attack started, Black Night and I had a plan to use the projector to make the attackers think there were two Black Nights. It worked on a few of them. But then the leader, Silent Belle, she saw right through the illusion.
Then she walked up to Amber and...well...from my vantage point it looked like she slapped Amber's glasses clean off. I mean, I learned later she just used her telekinesis to toss them aside...but it looked to me like she'd slapped them off really hard and then started to mock her.
And things just got so red and hazy after that. I was so angry because Amber was like...the first friend I've had in years and to see her struck...or...having thought she was struck...
I hated her, ma'am. Silent Belle, I hated her for what I thought was striking Amber. I hated the ponies with her because...ma'am...if not for a few ill-chosen words words on Dazzling Midnight's part...I could've been one of them. And I hated them for that. I hated them so much that even after the fighting was finished...even after we won...I hated them so much I just...I just...
Static was trembling at this point, the sheer blinding hatred he felt then returned to his eyes. I wanted Belle to pay. I wanted her to pay for Dazzling Midnight. I wanted her to pay for Mr. Stiff Feather. I wanted her to pay for Amber.
I kept taking pot shots at her. I mean, nothing as hard as when we were actually fighting. Barely more than hard nudges or maybe light punches. But that doesn't excuse it. They were prisoners...and uncontious prisoners at that. And when Mr. Sands saw what happened, and that red haze passed and it really sunk in what I'd done...
Static was crying now...full on crying. He tried like Tartarus to stop it and wipe away his tears. But there was just no stopping it.
"I know what I did was unforgivable. And I know saying 'sorry' rings hollow for something this serious. But I'm sorry. I am so...sorry!
There was a bit of a silence from Brisk Iron until, "You've been under a lot of stress tonight and I probably made a bad call by putting you out there. Make no mistake--I'm not condoning your actions. I'm docking your pay and this is your final warning. If this or anything even remotely similar EVER happens again, not only will you be out of a job, I'll drag you down to the police myself. However, through your admission and through Sands' suggestion, I feel this won't happen again with some training and direction. We'll need to get some sort of sleeping arrangements together for you for tonight but I need to get everything sorted out, both with the police and with our surprise arrivals. Did you have anything else to say?"
Snowy Skies stayed against the wall after Static left. He liked Static all the more, now. The pony had a handful of triggers that resulted in something well beyond fury. Otherwise, he lulled himself into sickening complacence, and drank like a fish. He would be an absolute joy to spend time around, if Snowy Skies could only find an excuse for it. But in the mean time, he wondered, what was he going to do with Brisk Iron?
His mind on the subject was a lot clearer now that he didn't have to worry about the opacity of his illusion. He was too tired to keep up the act, and he'd probably blown it with Steel Flint by now, so Brisk Iron would be suspicious anyways. If anything, this was his chance to find out how much his illusion had actually accomplished around here. Just how much had he fooled Brisk Iron? That would be a fun fact to gauge, but didn't accomplish much. speaking of Steel Flint, just how worried was she? She didn't seem scared of him, not at all...which meant she couldn't have properly comprehended what he did. Or, perhaps, she completely comprehended it, as well as he did, but that also seemed unlikely...
A chill down his spine jerked him back into reality. He had begun to doze off against the wall. Shaking himself a little, he noticed a few frozen drops of sweat falling off his coat as he walked back towards the larger group, beginning to circle it from the outside. He clearly needed to keep moving to keep himself awake.
"No ma'am...well...maybe one thing, ma'am. I doubt a good word from me means much at the moment, but if not for Black Nights help...well...I dread to think of what would've happened with the sword. We're lucky she stopped by.
"I'm sure she knows but I'll be sure to tell her if I see her again."
"From reading this, it seems things are mostly resolved. Police will remain on close and nearby grounds in case something else happens but most of those inside and those on the outskirts of the city will be dismissed. For the moment, it seems I have some miscreants in a closet to attend to." Just then, Brisk Iron and Static Signal returned to the room, "Snowy Skies, I need to speak with you."
Static listened to Snowy Skies words, and while he found it difficult trying to keep up with the metaphors, he felt he kinda got the gist of what was being said. He was even almost comforted until Tangerine Sands came out announcing that it was his turn with the chief director. Tangerine only said 7 little words...and each word felt like a death knell to Statics ears. Every step he took from the wall to the Directors Office felt like a march to his own funeral. He could almost imagine somepony yelling out "Dead pony walking."
He walked into Brisk Irons office. "Yes ma'am?"
"I'd like to hear the events in your own words."
Static fidgeted a bit. Well ma'am...before the attack started, Black Night and I had a plan to use the projector to make the attackers think there were two Black Nights. It worked on a few of them. But then the leader, Silent Belle, she saw right through the illusion.
Then she walked up to Amber and...well...from my vantage point it looked like she slapped Amber's glasses clean off. I mean, I learned later she just used her telekinesis to toss them aside...but it looked to me like she'd slapped them off really hard and then started to mock her.
And things just got so red and hazy after that. I was so angry because Amber was like...the first friend I've had in years and to see her struck...or...having thought she was struck...
I hated her, ma'am. Silent Belle, I hated her for what I thought was striking Amber. I hated the ponies with her because...ma'am...if not for a few ill-chosen words words on Dazzling Midnight's part...I could've been one of them. And I hated them for that. I hated them so much that even after the fighting was finished...even after we won...I hated them so much I just...I just...
Static was trembling at this point, the sheer blinding hatred he felt then returned to his eyes. I wanted Belle to pay. I wanted her to pay for Dazzling Midnight. I wanted her to pay for Mr. Stiff Feather. I wanted her to pay for Amber.
I kept taking pot shots at her. I mean, nothing as hard as when we were actually fighting. Barely more than hard nudges or maybe light punches. But that doesn't excuse it. They were prisoners...and uncontious prisoners at that. And when Mr. Sands saw what happened, and that red haze passed and it really sunk in what I'd done...
Static was crying now...full on crying. He tried like Tartarus to stop it and wipe away his tears. But there was just no stopping it.
"I know what I did was unforgivable. And I know saying 'sorry' rings hollow for something this serious. But I'm sorry. I am so...sorry!
There was a bit of a silence from Brisk Iron until, "You've been under a lot of stress tonight and I probably made a bad call by putting you out there. Make no mistake--I'm not condoning your actions. I'm docking your pay and this is your final warning. If this or anything even remotely similar EVER happens again, not only will you be out of a job, I'll drag you down to the police myself. However, through your admission and through Sands' suggestion, I feel this won't happen again with some training and direction. We'll need to get some sort of sleeping arrangements together for you for tonight but I need to get everything sorted out, both with the police and with our surprise arrivals. Did you have anything else to say?"
Snowy Skies stayed against the wall after Static left. He liked Static all the more, now. The pony had a handful of triggers that resulted in something well beyond fury. Otherwise, he lulled himself into sickening complacence, and drank like a fish. He would be an absolute joy to spend time around, if Snowy Skies could only find an excuse for it. But in the mean time, he wondered, what was he going to do with Brisk Iron?
His mind on the subject was a lot clearer now that he didn't have to worry about the opacity of his illusion. He was too tired to keep up the act, and he'd probably blown it with Steel Flint by now, so Brisk Iron would be suspicious anyways. If anything, this was his chance to find out how much his illusion had actually accomplished around here. Just how much had he fooled Brisk Iron? That would be a fun fact to gauge, but didn't accomplish much. speaking of Steel Flint, just how worried was she? She didn't seem scared of him, not at all...which meant she couldn't have properly comprehended what he did. Or, perhaps, she completely comprehended it, as well as he did, but that also seemed unlikely...
A chill down his spine jerked him back into reality. He had begun to doze off against the wall. Shaking himself a little, he noticed a few frozen drops of sweat falling off his coat as he walked back towards the larger group, beginning to circle it from the outside. He clearly needed to keep moving to keep himself awake.
"No ma'am...well...maybe one thing, ma'am. I doubt a good word from me means much at the moment, but if not for Black Nights help...well...I dread to think of what would've happened with the sword. We're lucky she stopped by.
"I'm sure she knows but I'll be sure to tell her if I see her again."
"From reading this, it seems things are mostly resolved. Police will remain on close and nearby grounds in case something else happens but most of those inside and those on the outskirts of the city will be dismissed. For the moment, it seems I have some miscreants in a closet to attend to." Just then, Brisk Iron and Static Signal returned to the room, "Snowy Skies, I need to speak with you."
Static was relieved to make it out of Brisk Iron's office. He felt like he'd been turned inside out and back again. That all too familiar need for a cider hit him anew. He shook his head at the thought. It was the last thing he needed.
He still had a job...barely. But it looks like he used up all of Brisk Iron's leniency in order to hold on to it.
His pay's getting docked. She didn't say by how much, but given how tight things where already...but then maybe if he quit the cider...he may be able to scrounge enough for enough frozen chimicherrychangas. He might be able to find it cheaper if he found it in bulk.
Worries for another day, he supposed. Right now he was just ecstatic that he still had a job left.
He walked over to Amber to see if he could get in on whatever conversation she was in.
"Two agents, Stumped Ivy and Summery Flutters, used the town's poverty against her, paying to hire me to help with a controlled burn. After discovering her involvement with COIN I confronted her and now learning of her situation, returned my pay and came here for help."
"Excellent." Snowy Skies says with a modicum of enthusiasm, following Brisk Iron back into her office. "Do you mind if I stand? I'm having trouble remaining awake."
"Snowy Skies, I'm going to ask you to think long and hard on your actions. COIN may be a band of criminals but that's no reason to act like them to fight them. What I have to go on is mostly opinion but said opinion of you is quite low. Your actions leave those who work with you uneasy and I'm not going to have you making life unpleasant for the rest of the staff."
"Blackmailing a town sounds most heinous. I'll make sure to inquire and question about the presence of such miscreants."
Snowy Skies was concocting a righteously indignant objection, but his curiosity got the better of him. "What haaave you been hearing?" he says, words slurring a little from tiredness. "And hooow dooes that-mix with what you already knew?"
"The 'mix' is that I'm feeling I made a mistake. Instead of a second chance, you should have just stayed in prison. The police are right out there if that's where you'd rather be."
Snowy Skies was just a little too out of it to register the gravity of the threat. "Have you ever been most vulnerable pony in a room, ma'am? Have you ever looked around and realized that if anyone, anyone around you got it into their head to do you harm, you would be helpless to stop them?" He stops, smiling politely, and waits for an answer.
"Yes, I have. It's why I try to make sure I'm around ponies I trust and your current refusal to acknowledge the situation is doing a lot to prevent me from trusting you."
"I figured you had. I'll acknowledge the situation. Being vulnerable? That's my life. You want to hear an account of my actions tonight? I did nothing, literally nothing. I made a bluff. Then I called myself a god, and COIN was foolish enough to believe me. Then I gave a pony a nightmare. Like all nightmares, she'll forget about it within the week. 100% of my actions tonight were smoke and mirrors, and if other ponies choked on the smoke a little, then my apologies, but how else am I supposed to make things believable? And I'm sorry if your rebuke normally carries more weight, but I have been reprimanded by something far bigger than either of us already tonight, in a much more graphic and tactile fashion, so this conversation is as much about informing you as it about informing me."
"I think you gravely underestimate how long nightmares can stick with some ponies. As far as smoke and mirrors, if you can be precise enough to only give one pony a nightmare, then you should be good enough at your craft that others don't need to suffer the smoke. I can't directly punish you since no rules were overtly broken but if it continues that my employees can't do their jobs around you, it's you who'll be removed, not them."
Snowy Skies ruffles his fur as he takes a slow breath, resisting the urge to roll his eyes at the jibe to 'his craft.' She wasn't getting that his craft was performance as much as illusions themselves, and there was nothing he could think of that would educate her otherwise. Resisting the urge to ask what she meant by 'suffer the smoke,' he says "Understood. May I go home? I direly need sleep."
"Yes, you may. Hopefully we'll all be in better moods in the morning."
Brisk Iron walked back out to the exhibit hall where everypony was gathered, "Did anypony else have any questions for me?"
Brisk Iron nodded for Steel Flint to walk over. Held my a magical grasp, the two read it silently. After about a minute, "Well, it's certainly more entertaining than the prev..." "Night Cap, running from the police makes you look guilty or foolish. Or both. You mention that you came upon 'information'. What information was this?"
Willow Wisp took position a few steps behind Night Cap, to both report her problem, and perhaps, prevent Night Cap from his habit of being accused of various misdoings.
"Of course word wasn't spread to the rest of their organization. They were in the frozen north with neither unicorns nor Morse code gear. If they were all arrested, how could they spread the word? Willow Wisp, did you have anything to add?"
"So, Ms. Fantastic - this really has been quite I night, I suppose. Are you still going to be able to make your performance tomorrow evening?"
"Not to Night Cap's story, but I do require aid regarding COIN activity" Said Willow Wisp, "I would prefer we talk about this alone, away from prying ears."
"Very well then." Brisk Iron led Willow Wisp to her office.
Static walks over to Snowie Skies. Looks like I'll have to tighten my belt some, but I've still got a job. How'd your...meeting...go?
"Give it a week, and you may be luckier than I." Snowy Skies says flatly. "But right now I couldn't care less. I just want to settle into bed and doze off. See you tomorrow?"
Sure thing. Static looks around himself taking in the museam. At this point, by the time I get back to my apartment and into bed...it'll be time to wake up and come back again. I wonder if there's a place around here I could just hide away and...maybe the projection booth.
He returns his attention to Snowie Skies. Something Snowies words made Static wonder if it was possible he was in an even worse position than he was. He gave Snowie an encouraging nudge. Hey, let's just try again tomorrow. Who knows, as long as we're here,
Snowy Skies looks at Static and grins. "That's an interesting perspective to have, for someone who was worried they wouldn't be able to look at themselves in the mirror."
I'm not sure how much of that's changed yet, Static admited, but if I'm going to make it through the rest of my life, I've got to hope that it will. Ms. Iron didn't fire us outright. She must have some hope in us. I'd hate to dissapoint...again.
Snowy Skies lets out a short, barking laugh. "Well, ruthless optimism is good to have in any case. And you may yet be right. Good night." He says, heading for the museum exit.
"It is an associate of mine, Veldfire Green, she's the director of parks and recreation in Nightmare Heights. She was pressganged into COIN after coming up short on bits to pay for my assistance in a controlled burn." She continued, "Two agents of COIN, Summery Flutters and Stumped Ivy paid for my assistance in exchange for joining COIN. I returned the bits and told her to keep those in case COIN comes to collect on their favors, but I fear even if they take that payment back, something else will come up and they'll strike again."
Willow Wisp ruffled her wings a bit, a slight uneasy, "After whatever it is happened here, I worry that COIN might start looking for new members."
Static goes off to find his projection booth to get a few hours sleep before his next shift.
Light Fantastic smiled.
"I'll be fine as long as I get a few hours of sleep and down an entire pot of Saddle Arabian coffee before I perform."
"You'll definitely need to give the police this information but I'm also worried about the recruiting practices of COIN. One of my employees was approached earlier today and it was discovered that there were inside infiltrators as well. You also make a valid point that tonight's events, plus the arrests made up north, probably have left COIN wanting for members."
Amber nodded to Light, reassured. "Let's both get some sleep, then. Tomorrow - or today, I suppose," she corrected herself, thinking of the time - "would seem to be another day." She set off for home at an easy pace, feeling more than a little worn down from the day's events. She couldn't help thinking of Steel Flint and the sight of her recouping from her wounds in the Strut room. She understood a bit of the anger she'd seen in the rather caustic Black Night and the unassuming and yet unexpectedly combative Static Signal. She had ultimately enjoyed the adventure of the quest for the Wand, but she hadn't expected COIN to follow her onto her home pasture, and she certainly hadn't been prepared to see her director take a thrashing at their hooves. She let herself decompress over a hot tea, set the dials of her customized alarm clock (a sort of puzzle box itself, to make certain that she was properly awake in the mornings) and curled into bed, her last thought of Rhapsody and wondering where the tough pegasus had ended up. She smiled as she nodded off, reassuring herself that Rhapsody was the one pony she knew could take care of herself and didn't need Amber's protection.
He still had a job...barely. But it looks like he used up all of Brisk Iron's leniency in order to hold on to it.
His pay's getting docked. She didn't say by how much, but given how tight things where already...but then maybe if he quit the cider...he may be able to scrounge enough for enough frozen chimicherrychangas. He might be able to find it cheaper if he found it in bulk.
Worries for another day, he supposed. Right now he was just ecstatic that he still had a job left.
He walked over to Amber to see if he could get in on whatever conversation she was in.
"Two agents, Stumped Ivy and Summery Flutters, used the town's poverty against her, paying to hire me to help with a controlled burn. After discovering her involvement with COIN I confronted her and now learning of her situation, returned my pay and came here for help."
"Excellent." Snowy Skies says with a modicum of enthusiasm, following Brisk Iron back into her office. "Do you mind if I stand? I'm having trouble remaining awake."
"Snowy Skies, I'm going to ask you to think long and hard on your actions. COIN may be a band of criminals but that's no reason to act like them to fight them. What I have to go on is mostly opinion but said opinion of you is quite low. Your actions leave those who work with you uneasy and I'm not going to have you making life unpleasant for the rest of the staff."
"Blackmailing a town sounds most heinous. I'll make sure to inquire and question about the presence of such miscreants."
Snowy Skies was concocting a righteously indignant objection, but his curiosity got the better of him. "What haaave you been hearing?" he says, words slurring a little from tiredness. "And hooow dooes that-mix with what you already knew?"
"The 'mix' is that I'm feeling I made a mistake. Instead of a second chance, you should have just stayed in prison. The police are right out there if that's where you'd rather be."
Snowy Skies was just a little too out of it to register the gravity of the threat. "Have you ever been most vulnerable pony in a room, ma'am? Have you ever looked around and realized that if anyone, anyone around you got it into their head to do you harm, you would be helpless to stop them?" He stops, smiling politely, and waits for an answer.
"Yes, I have. It's why I try to make sure I'm around ponies I trust and your current refusal to acknowledge the situation is doing a lot to prevent me from trusting you."
"I figured you had. I'll acknowledge the situation. Being vulnerable? That's my life. You want to hear an account of my actions tonight? I did nothing, literally nothing. I made a bluff. Then I called myself a god, and COIN was foolish enough to believe me. Then I gave a pony a nightmare. Like all nightmares, she'll forget about it within the week. 100% of my actions tonight were smoke and mirrors, and if other ponies choked on the smoke a little, then my apologies, but how else am I supposed to make things believable? And I'm sorry if your rebuke normally carries more weight, but I have been reprimanded by something far bigger than either of us already tonight, in a much more graphic and tactile fashion, so this conversation is as much about informing you as it about informing me."
"I think you gravely underestimate how long nightmares can stick with some ponies. As far as smoke and mirrors, if you can be precise enough to only give one pony a nightmare, then you should be good enough at your craft that others don't need to suffer the smoke. I can't directly punish you since no rules were overtly broken but if it continues that my employees can't do their jobs around you, it's you who'll be removed, not them."
Snowy Skies ruffles his fur as he takes a slow breath, resisting the urge to roll his eyes at the jibe to 'his craft.' She wasn't getting that his craft was performance as much as illusions themselves, and there was nothing he could think of that would educate her otherwise. Resisting the urge to ask what she meant by 'suffer the smoke,' he says "Understood. May I go home? I direly need sleep."
"Yes, you may. Hopefully we'll all be in better moods in the morning."
Brisk Iron walked back out to the exhibit hall where everypony was gathered, "Did anypony else have any questions for me?"
Brisk Iron nodded for Steel Flint to walk over. Held my a magical grasp, the two read it silently. After about a minute, "Well, it's certainly more entertaining than the prev..." "Night Cap, running from the police makes you look guilty or foolish. Or both. You mention that you came upon 'information'. What information was this?"
Willow Wisp took position a few steps behind Night Cap, to both report her problem, and perhaps, prevent Night Cap from his habit of being accused of various misdoings.
"Of course word wasn't spread to the rest of their organization. They were in the frozen north with neither unicorns nor Morse code gear. If they were all arrested, how could they spread the word? Willow Wisp, did you have anything to add?"
"So, Ms. Fantastic - this really has been quite I night, I suppose. Are you still going to be able to make your performance tomorrow evening?"
"Not to Night Cap's story, but I do require aid regarding COIN activity" Said Willow Wisp, "I would prefer we talk about this alone, away from prying ears."
"Very well then." Brisk Iron led Willow Wisp to her office.
Static walks over to Snowie Skies. Looks like I'll have to tighten my belt some, but I've still got a job. How'd your...meeting...go?
"Give it a week, and you may be luckier than I." Snowy Skies says flatly. "But right now I couldn't care less. I just want to settle into bed and doze off. See you tomorrow?"
Sure thing. Static looks around himself taking in the museam. At this point, by the time I get back to my apartment and into bed...it'll be time to wake up and come back again. I wonder if there's a place around here I could just hide away and...maybe the projection booth.
He returns his attention to Snowie Skies. Something Snowies words made Static wonder if it was possible he was in an even worse position than he was. He gave Snowie an encouraging nudge. Hey, let's just try again tomorrow. Who knows, as long as we're here,
Snowy Skies looks at Static and grins. "That's an interesting perspective to have, for someone who was worried they wouldn't be able to look at themselves in the mirror."
I'm not sure how much of that's changed yet, Static admited, but if I'm going to make it through the rest of my life, I've got to hope that it will. Ms. Iron didn't fire us outright. She must have some hope in us. I'd hate to dissapoint...again.
Snowy Skies lets out a short, barking laugh. "Well, ruthless optimism is good to have in any case. And you may yet be right. Good night." He says, heading for the museum exit.
"It is an associate of mine, Veldfire Green, she's the director of parks and recreation in Nightmare Heights. She was pressganged into COIN after coming up short on bits to pay for my assistance in a controlled burn." She continued, "Two agents of COIN, Summery Flutters and Stumped Ivy paid for my assistance in exchange for joining COIN. I returned the bits and told her to keep those in case COIN comes to collect on their favors, but I fear even if they take that payment back, something else will come up and they'll strike again."
Willow Wisp ruffled her wings a bit, a slight uneasy, "After whatever it is happened here, I worry that COIN might start looking for new members."
Static goes off to find his projection booth to get a few hours sleep before his next shift.
Light Fantastic smiled.
"I'll be fine as long as I get a few hours of sleep and down an entire pot of Saddle Arabian coffee before I perform."
"You'll definitely need to give the police this information but I'm also worried about the recruiting practices of COIN. One of my employees was approached earlier today and it was discovered that there were inside infiltrators as well. You also make a valid point that tonight's events, plus the arrests made up north, probably have left COIN wanting for members."
Amber nodded to Light, reassured. "Let's both get some sleep, then. Tomorrow - or today, I suppose," she corrected herself, thinking of the time - "would seem to be another day." She set off for home at an easy pace, feeling more than a little worn down from the day's events. She couldn't help thinking of Steel Flint and the sight of her recouping from her wounds in the Strut room. She understood a bit of the anger she'd seen in the rather caustic Black Night and the unassuming and yet unexpectedly combative Static Signal. She had ultimately enjoyed the adventure of the quest for the Wand, but she hadn't expected COIN to follow her onto her home pasture, and she certainly hadn't been prepared to see her director take a thrashing at their hooves. She let herself decompress over a hot tea, set the dials of her customized alarm clock (a sort of puzzle box itself, to make certain that she was properly awake in the mornings) and curled into bed, her last thought of Rhapsody and wondering where the tough pegasus had ended up. She smiled as she nodded off, reassuring herself that Rhapsody was the one pony she knew could take care of herself and didn't need Amber's protection.
Deep in the land of dreams, Night Cap finds himself in a familiar spot--a mile high path within a gargantuan ravine. Several circular platforms of various sizes connected by solid bridges provide safe passage above a ravine where the bottom is too dark to see. As torches light the way, the gentle scent of chamomile wafts through the air. Nearby he hears a familiar young voice from earlier, "Mister Night Cap?"
Night Cap saw that it was the pegasus filly from Nightmare Heights, "Are you dreaming loudly? Sometimes when I'm asleep, my mommy dreams loudly and my dreams are different."
"I heard somepony crying but...she was also laughing. I started to follow, then I was out here."
The filly climbed onto Night Cap's back, "Thank you. Um, Mister Night Cap, is this what a paleoarchaeoastronomer does?"
Brisk Iron opened the door to her office, "It's been a long night Willow Wisp. I need to see about getting things situated with the ponies who will be here overnight."
After some time, Night Cap soon arrived at a majestic and magnanimously grand city of light. The filly climbed off his back. "I heard the voice coming from there." The filly pointed up.
Light Fantastic gave a deep yawn and stretched her legs.
"Well, I don't know about all of you," she said, "but I think I'm going to go home and crash."
"Where will you go from here, Mister Night Cap?"
"Oh okay. Um, if I can't jump that high, should I fly?"
Amber finds herself cartwheeling her front hooves from a dream that slips out of memory as she tries to focus on it under the rhythmic clanging and shrieking of her alarm. Reaching out with her magic, she groggily slips on her glasses and takes the clock into her hooves, rotating the interlocking disks of its casing until it stops chattering. A quick glance over the newspaper and a couple of cups of Saddle Arabian coffee later, she sets off for the museum.
Before she gets far from her doorstep, Amber Spark is flagged down by one of her neighbors carrying what looks like a soggy envelope.
"Ah, hello," Amber says, running through the usual checklist of possible names before giving up utterly. "Thank you," she says, accepting the envelope and looking it over.
Static sees a COIN agent dressed in the same black garb the museum intruders wore. Anger overtook him. The word turned red. In a flurry of action he took down the agent. Only he didn't stop punching. He kept hitting and hitting until he put his rage into one last punch the took off the mask of the agent. Looking at his bloody handy work, he saw his own face on the agent.
Static bolted upright in the projection booth covered in sweat. He looked at the clock. He'd been asleep fore barely half an hour. Heart still racing, he turned over to try to get back to sleep.
Static is dressed up as a COIN agent. He sees himself coming in to punch him. He's down on the floor, beaten and in pain. But the other him just keeps punching. Why oh why won't he stop?
Static wakes up again and looks at the time. He made it 40 minutes. Better at least.
He wasn't going to get any sleep worth having. He knew a place he could get an early breakfast. It was a dive were pastries were days old...and pretty awful even the day they were made. The coffee was sludge...worse than even the bottom shelf stuff he bought himself . But it was affordable. He just hoped the health inspector hadn't closed it down again.
He leaves the projection booth and heads for the museum exit.
Night Cap saw that it was the pegasus filly from Nightmare Heights, "Are you dreaming loudly? Sometimes when I'm asleep, my mommy dreams loudly and my dreams are different."
"I heard somepony crying but...she was also laughing. I started to follow, then I was out here."
The filly climbed onto Night Cap's back, "Thank you. Um, Mister Night Cap, is this what a paleoarchaeoastronomer does?"
Brisk Iron opened the door to her office, "It's been a long night Willow Wisp. I need to see about getting things situated with the ponies who will be here overnight."
After some time, Night Cap soon arrived at a majestic and magnanimously grand city of light. The filly climbed off his back. "I heard the voice coming from there." The filly pointed up.
Light Fantastic gave a deep yawn and stretched her legs.
"Well, I don't know about all of you," she said, "but I think I'm going to go home and crash."
"Where will you go from here, Mister Night Cap?"
"Oh okay. Um, if I can't jump that high, should I fly?"
Amber finds herself cartwheeling her front hooves from a dream that slips out of memory as she tries to focus on it under the rhythmic clanging and shrieking of her alarm. Reaching out with her magic, she groggily slips on her glasses and takes the clock into her hooves, rotating the interlocking disks of its casing until it stops chattering. A quick glance over the newspaper and a couple of cups of Saddle Arabian coffee later, she sets off for the museum.
Before she gets far from her doorstep, Amber Spark is flagged down by one of her neighbors carrying what looks like a soggy envelope.
"Ah, hello," Amber says, running through the usual checklist of possible names before giving up utterly. "Thank you," she says, accepting the envelope and looking it over.
Static sees a COIN agent dressed in the same black garb the museum intruders wore. Anger overtook him. The word turned red. In a flurry of action he took down the agent. Only he didn't stop punching. He kept hitting and hitting until he put his rage into one last punch the took off the mask of the agent. Looking at his bloody handy work, he saw his own face on the agent.
Static bolted upright in the projection booth covered in sweat. He looked at the clock. He'd been asleep fore barely half an hour. Heart still racing, he turned over to try to get back to sleep.
Static is dressed up as a COIN agent. He sees himself coming in to punch him. He's down on the floor, beaten and in pain. But the other him just keeps punching. Why oh why won't he stop?
Static wakes up again and looks at the time. He made it 40 minutes. Better at least.
He wasn't going to get any sleep worth having. He knew a place he could get an early breakfast. It was a dive were pastries were days old...and pretty awful even the day they were made. The coffee was sludge...worse than even the bottom shelf stuff he bought himself . But it was affordable. He just hoped the health inspector hadn't closed it down again.
He leaves the projection booth and heads for the museum exit.
Not Static's finest moment. And to be honest, I'm glad that at least that part is missing. But as a record of what happened in the campaign, I'm glad you had the bulk of it.
Just want to say for the record though, this was me coming off of the typical "kill everything and loot the bodies" play style from previous D&D campaigns.
Just want to say for the record though, this was me coming off of the typical "kill everything and loot the bodies" play style from previous D&D campaigns.
I think most of us had that period of adjustment. A lot of the first wand mission was us coming off of it, and You and Snowy kinda had that here.