Previously on Hijack: >>25481538
Catch up here: http://anonpone.pineapplecomputing.com/hijack/
===
Current Character + Movelist: http://pastebin.com/tHAxiBgZ
Current Inventory: http://pastebin.com/V4h6Wxz7
Current Character's Combo List: http://pastebin.com/Ua26s9is
'Sing' Command Overview: http://pastebin.com/c01PjEAe
===A false start, huh?Eh. It's alright.Lets get a move on, okay?
>You and your party stay low to the ground, as quiet as can be
>But you can hear teh monster shifting its position above you
>It's trying to listen for the slightest sound...
>You notice the door that Steelie ripped is on the end of the hallway.
>You motion to him to knock on it
>Steel's horn lights up
>...And sends the sucker slamming into the ground
>Still, it attracts the stomping noise once again and it stops again.
>This time, however, it only stops a moment before doing something truly terrifying.
>A massive claw crashes through the floor and grabs the door, crushing it like a paper towel.
>It lets out a hellish roar and drags teh metal door into the ceiling hole with a horrible screech
>The sound of metal tearing can be heard up above.
>You and everyone waits for what feels like years before the thumping moves away, down towards the main lobby of the building.
>You breathe a sigh of relief, and so does everyone else.
>Truly terrifying power...
>Still, everyone seems to be across the metal detectors, and Steelie's armor made it, to boot.
>Further down the hallway is the R&D wing's main administrative lobby.
>You also have this mysterious doctor
>...With a seriously fantastic manecut.
>What's the plan?
>>25489257
How fantastic is it, exactly? Y'know like, in detail.
>>25489257
Dammit I don't know, brace for impact?
>>25489257
Ask mister fantastic manecut what he remembers exactly and why he thinks everything is happening
Then lets head down those hallways for the other doctor
>>25489257
Seems to hunt based on sound, so maybe we shouldn't talk right now.
>>25489554
If that's true we should toss a piece of metal through the detector and run away.
>>25489504
>You crouch low to the ground and wait for the next series of thumping.
>...But it never comes.
>Seems like it hunts based on sound
>Only it seems to be relatively terrible at hearing.
>>25489547
>>25489498
>You saunter over to the cowering researcher and observe his simply amazing manecut.
>You look it over
>Semigloss finish
>Not too shiny, but glistens in the right light
>Smells of...
>Tropical fruit?
>Excellent choice.
>You give it a cursory poke.
>Just the slightest bit of mousse
>Enough for structure, but not enough to make it rock solid.
>"Hey, baby, you mind removing your mitts from the 'do?"
>Such a silky smooth voice!
>Maybe he too has the power of song?
>Regardless, you release your grip.
>>25489547
>Steel, after fitting his armor back on, approaches the doctor.
>He helps dust off his coat, and asks him the basics
>"Are you hurt? Do you know where you are?"
>The stallion brushes himself off, and pauses a moment.
>His voice crackles digitally for but a moment, before he quickly repeats
>"As long as the pomp is intact, I'm fine. That's a fact, baby"
>He pushes Steel off, with unexpected force it seems.
>He clears his throat before beginning a full response.
>"You want to know why I'm here? Well... I don;t know. One moment, I was working with some new anomaly that came in, some sort of card of some kind, and the next thing I heard was a tearing noise followed by a face full of buckets and mops."
"You said something about Squishy? We've heard of her."
>"Non-Newponian mare? That's the one right?"
>You nod
>"I have no idea how she got here, but I'm due for a demotion if I don't get back and-"
>He pauses a moment
>"Exactly... WHERE am I, again? None of you have anything I'm... familiar with."
>What do you want to know?
>>25489717
Ask, "Where were you last?" So the characters know.
>>25489717
It sounds like he might have been back in his worldI don't play Threshold so I'm not familiarbefore that card dropped him here.
We could try explaining that, but I'm not sure if characters other than Essy are supposed to have that knowledge.
>>25489717
"Well, Doctor Circumstance I-"
>He shushes you and dusts his coat with a grand flourish
>"Please! Call me... Dandy."
>Steel leans over to Keys and whispers an annoyed, "Seriously?"
"Okay, Doctor Dandy, welcome to Equestria. Where might you be from?"
>"Same place, doll. Judging from the halls..."
>He takes a cursory glance around and shrugs
>"I'm not anywhere close to home, am I?"
>A growl can be heard in the distance.
>Steel can't help but tack on, with a smile
>"Sounds like that thing isn't either."
"Can you remember anything about where you're from? Locations? Facilities? Ponies?"
>"What, you think I've got amnesia? Of course I remember, but that information is classified. The higher ups might not be breathing down my back, but then again..."
>He taps a wall with his hoof
>"It could be a simulation. Rather not risk the demotion, y'know?"
"How about you start with what you CAN tell us then," a hint of annoyance seeping from your voice
>"Certainly. What did you wanna know?"
"Let's start with your 'anomaly'"
>"Well, I can't tell you all the details. NTN basis, of course. But I can tell you a few things. The first is... It hit my ID card before I was dropped in your janitor's closet."
>Seems the card jumped ship somehow.
>"I kinda need to recover it and get back to my place. I'd rather not get demoted to a more... disposable position."
>His job sounds tough as hell.
>Either way...
>What's the plan, here?
>>25489883
Do you have any idea how you'd get back? and ideally take all the rest with you?
>>25489902
"How were you even going to get back?"
>"Ah, well you see... We were testing the car- I mean, the anomaly, when... THIS happened."
>His pomp bounces slightly with each gesticulation
>"But when I was last at the facilty, they were having me swipe the card in various doors, and when I hit a certain hydraulic door..."
"Rip, tear, and poof. Here you are..."
>You lock eyes with him
>You lower your voice into a sultry growl
"Its so good you fell into our ever so GENTLE, C-"
>You feel a hoof on your shoulder and break your gaze.
>You let your eyes fall, intent on not repeating a certain mistake.
>"Don't, Tara." he whispers to you
>You let up.
>You try again, this time without any 'unecessary' influence
"Okay... So you're saying you know how to use this thing?"
>"Well, if my plan works, then yes! Definitely. Maybe."
>What should we do?
>>25489943
He's lying to us.
At the start of the mission it said the keycard went off because a pony on this side dropped it on a door frame.
Keys also told us they were doing tests on it.
So the card has been here for some time, unless he's been hiding in that closet for weeks he can't be telling the truth.
>>25489985
Well yeah, that's what a pony on this side did to activate it. His side, however..
>>25489995
You saying there are two keycards now?
Also, Squishy knew he had lost his card but didn't know where he is.
Thats not possible, if he's been trapped in the closet after swipping it on his end, then squishy either spawned with him and knows where he is.
or squishy didn't spawn with him but knows he lost his card in the other world. if he had lost it in the other world, he wouldn't have had it for this test of his.
>>25490011
Who knows, it's an otherworldly artifact that doesn't follow our rules.
It looks like he said that the "anomaly" card he was working with hit his ID card before he was dropped here, so maybe that has something to do with it.
>>25489985
>>25489995
>>25490011
>>25490121
>A million ideas flow through your mind.
>All of them floatign around one constant
>This guy doesn't know how it works, at least
>Not for your world.
>You play it off cooly
"Well, we're looking for somepony too, another researcher. A Doctor Ewe Clid. Maybe you'll find your card if you come with us."
>"I'll try to stay out of your way. Normally I'd be a bit more adventurous, but losing a snapdragon can do that to ya."
>A... What?
>Whatever.
>Your group moves through the hallway slowly, to avoid any noises.
>You can't keep yourself from fixating on that bobbing pomp.
>Regardless, your journey takes a pause at the main lobby, whereupon you come across what some may consider a gruesome scene
>>25490162
is that the emergency bunker? is there a way to call into it?
We could fly to that second story and use our focus to give the ground ponies a way up.
But better make sure we're done on floor #1 first.
>>25490236
>You step up to the control panel and put a hoof to it.
>It simply gives you a steady beep in response.
>The red light on the console blinks intermittently.
"Uh.. Steelie, can I get some help?"
>He presses his hoof to the scanning pad.
>Surprise, surprise, the pad again gives a steady beep and the red light blinks.
>Hmmm.
>You try knocking on the door.
>You can hear something, no, MANY things stirring on the other side.
>Like there's just a writing mass of flesh in there trying to-
>>"Sweet Celestia! Is that the Guard! We're SAVED everypony!"
"Steelie? I think you need to get this."
>He steps up to the console and speaks into the metal box awkwardly
>"Uh... Have no fear, citizens?"
>>"Staff Sergeant! Thank Celestia you're here! You need to help us!"
>"How can we get you out of there?!"
>>"Out? Oh, right... You'd need the senior researcher's hoofprint to unlock the door. Dr. Clid told us to hurry here, but she never came by. I hit the emergency lock and...."
>"It's alright, we can take it from here. Are you all safe?"
>>"Yes! Yes. We're safe, only one thing, one terrible, HORRIBLE thing!"
>"Don't worry! We're going to try to restore the base back to-
>>"We're out of milk!"
>"I-What?"
>>"The safe-room cookies aren't gone yet and we don't have milk! We're SO THIRSTY."
>Ok.
>Well...
"They're... safe, aren't they?"
>"Well, cookies without milk is a problem."
"Steel. Please."
>He bites his lip in worry as a desperate whinny sounds from inside the saferoom.
>What should you do?
>>25490407
Check the basement.
>>25490417
>>25490437
>You stick your head down the stairwell leading towards the basement,
>You aren't sure what this substance is, but it's completely foreign to you.
>Still you decide to take at least a peek down into the darkness of the basement.
>You can see down the stairwell and note that there's a long hallway, flanked by pipes and wiring on both sides.
>Unfortunately, your party can't see in the darkness like yourself and-
>A roar echoes through the tunnels before you
>It would be wise to not go down there without some sort of reliable light source.
>>25490487
Request that Steel using his fancy unicorn majicks to assist us. Ask us if he needs us to 'turn him on'.
>>25490487
Ask Dandy if he can identify the substance and ask Steel if there is another way up to the second floor.
>>25490503
this.
>>25490520
>>25490509
>>25490503
>You plod about in the myster goop a little while longer
>Squish.
>Squsih Squish.
>You motion Dandy over
"Hey, Doc, you mind taking a look at this?"
>"Sure, I- It can't be..."
>He takes his hoof and brings it close to his face.
>And he...
>Aw, gross!
>Keys, not giving a shit apparently, decides to mimci the good Doctor's moves.
>Down to the - AW COME ON, KEYS
>Both of the m stare absentmindedly into the abyss
"Are... Are you two okay?"
>"This would go great on a sandwich."
>"Yes. Yes it would."
>Are these guys serious.
"Okay, okay! But what is it?"
>"I've tasted this before, but it was from something else entirely." he states, smacking his lips.
>Keys squishes the goop around a bit more
>Dandy, taking another cursory lick, then gasps in revelation
"Got a clue, now?"
>"Not even in the slightest. Though I feel like I've had it before."
>What a useful and upstanding member of the community.
>You turn back to the dark halls below you.
>This time, you call over Steel.
"Think you can light the way for me, Steelie?"
>"Yeah, but it's not gonna be that bright. Never really had to practice light spells."
"Maybe you just need a pony to turn you on~"
>He rolls his eyes and tacks on, "better find somepony prettier, then"
>Then it hits him
>"W-Well, I mean that's not to say you aren't pretty, Miss Tara, I ddin't mean it like that, I-"
>You can't help but smile and giggle
>He's growing up so fast.
>Ready to go?
>>25490667
Taste the goop.
>>25490682
>You look at the goop again.
>Squish.
>Squish.
>Well...
>You only live once, after all.
>You lick a bit of it off your hoof, and...
>Wow.
>It really would go great on a sandwich, wouldn't it?
>You contemplate your entire existence in the grand scheme of the universe.
>>25490682
Don't taste the goop.
We're good to go.
we'll pause on this existential reflection
seems like a good spot to, anyway.
>>25490747
whoops
>>25490744
W E W
>>25490744
>this kills the bat, Skelly and dandy
>>25490744
Did she really just......
fucking
yolo?
>>25490744
dude goop lmao
Bumps for you too
>>25490749
it is
Hey we hit 40 posts. Better let it die!I don't mean that please don't die
>>25496873
It's too late
>You take the lead, peering into the darkness before Steelie
>From behind, you can hear the clop of hoovisies on cold concrete.
>The steps echo down the long, pipe filled hallway.
>Sensing a lull in the action, you decide to talk to Doctor Dandy about his work on the otherside.
>Barring the already terrifying implications at the prospect of another Equestria, you were eager to see what bullcrap he could weave about the card
>Swiping it on a door?
>Yeah right.
>You remember how it happened
>Well, kinda
>You remember hearing somepony curse
>then a card hit the door
>suddenly...
>Hm...
>Either way, every step you take down here, you can feel air periodically shift
>It's not natural, but you don;t hear anything
>Nothing with a heartbeat, anyway.
>Swish
>There it is again.
>In your peripheral.
>Each time, it avoids the light
>As well as your direct attention.
>Up ahead, you can hear the quiet clanking of machinery
>Probably has to do with the building's infrastructure.
>How should we proceed?
>>25498357
Continue as normal.
>>25498357
I forgot what we were doing
But if playing game has told me anything it's that machines usually fix everything
So let's head there
>>25498357
Make sure Steel knows something has you on edge.
>>25498488
>Time for a bit of a trust exercise
>You don't like this feeling.
"Hey, Steel."
>"Hm?"
"Keep that light bright. I smell something in the dark down here."
>"I already said I'm not the best at light spells."
"C'mon, Steelie. For the princess?"
>He sighs
>"Such a low blow."
>His light brightens slightly, and you hear a skittering in response.
>>25498441
>You pause in the middle of the long hall
>"Tara? You thinking something dirty?"
"Eh. Not really."
>"Alright, something's wrong. What is it?"
>You chuckle
"That obvious, huh?"
>"You're as open as your legs"
"Oooh!~ Spicy!"
>"So?"
"Well... I kinda forgot what I was doing down here."
>"...This is why you don't lick strange goo."
>You wiggle anxiously
"I wanted to be popular! Can you blame me?"
>"..."
>He nods quickly and says very plainly, "Yes."
>Down the hall, you come across a locked door. Seems the light is on inside, but the door obstructs your progress.
>"Looks like it's locked. This is maintenance. You sure you want to get down in here? Nopony here is an electrician." Keys adds.
>Well...
>Should we bother?
>"Tara? You thinking something dirty?"
"Eh. Not really."
>"Alright, something's wrong. What is it?"
kek
>>25498520
The entrance to the basement is right next to where everybody is hiding so we better make sure there aren't any surprises down here.
>>25498520
Machines.
Fix.
Everything.
>>25498520
Pffft, how hard can it be. Ya just stick the sparky in the doohickey in give the thingamajig a kick.
>>25498604
>>25498570
>>25498547
>You quicken your pace and sure enough, as you round the corner
>You can see a faint light flickering at the end of the hall
"Bingo."
>As you approach the light though, you quickly realize it is not a light bulb in need of a replacement.
>It is instead indicative of a situation that needs far more than just a new lightbulb.
>The soft hum of machines fills the room.
>To your left, you can see huge pipes
>They appear to contain cabling of some kind.
>The only reason you can tell, however, is thanks to the three deep gashes opening the casing.
>As you move your gaze to the right, you see a console with a dark glass screen and a plethora of switches.
>From here, you can see that the console appears to be off.
>Next to the console is a large steel door
>This time, with an ingredibly large red lever attached.
>It appears to be a sort of lock.
>Then the main event.
>You see a set of three vertical cables, but like the ones to your left, they apepar to be damaged.
>The extent of the damage, however, far exceeds that of the left cables.
>A set of a few wires dance and spark along the walls
>Their energy causing a fleeting light to illuminate the room every few seconds.
>A presence watches your every move.
>Though the underlying emotion is that of caution, rather than abject anger.
>What's the plan?
>>25498732
We found out why the power went out and it looks like we've cornered our company. Ask Dandy if he can identify it.
>>25498732
Show it our special eyes. Tying it up would be preferable to fighting.
>>25498765
"Well hello, hello there, little friend."
>You turn your attention to the upper corner of the room.
>In the shadows of the ceiling, you can see some sort of creature, looming in the shadows.
>That must be what's been moving around you.
>You call for Steel, keeping your eyes on the creature.
"I found our flighty guest, Steelie."
>It remains motionless, even when Steel walks over, looking at it too.
>"What in the name of Celestia IS that thing?"
"Maybe our good friend, Dandy could help us?"
>You cough expectantly, and he comes bounding over
>"Sorry, I was- WOAH, geeze!"
>Keys is enraptured as well, though she resigns to staying on the far side of the room.
>"That.. Looks a bit like a spectre of sorts. Though I've never see- Hey wait a second!"
>He backs up a bit
>"Why are you all asking ME what's in YOUR facility? Don't any of you have files or something?"
>Your mind wanders to the dossiers in your posession, but you certainly didn't see anything about monsters and the like.
>Keys, understanding her cue, speaks softly to Dandy, so as to not attract the monster's unearthly gaze.
>"They wouldn't know anything about the R&D wing's... Guests, I suppose. Not even I get to know, and I work for Intelligence. All I know is that they've been toying with some weird stuff recently."
>She points a shaky hoof at the still motionless creature
>"And I'm PRETTY sure that's weird enough to fit the bill."
>You look back at the creature.
>It has eyes, so if you maybe...
>Steel notices your contemplation and whispers to you
>"Go ahead, Anything happens, I'll flash it, okay?"
>You begin to try and catch it's gaze
>It's a little hard, becasue of the wide eyes
>The second it moves a limb, Steel already begins to charge up his horn light
>Then, a whipping sound, followed by a girlish yelp
>The room is plunged into darkness.
>Then you hear a rush of air above you.
>What's the plan?
>>25499242
Light up again and this time stay out of it's reach.
>>25499277
Tara doesn't need light, so she can direct them away.
>>25499242
Steelie pls respond.
Assuming he's alright, I think tapping the corridor and luring it in would be easier.
>>25499283
The light effects it.
>>25499317
Looks like it ate the light.
So not the effect we're looking for.
>>25489504
this
>>25499293
>You pick up Steelie posthaste
>You press his muzzle into your chest fluff
>You cry out melodramatically
"Oh Steelie! Brave knight! How cruel fate must be to have you fall here!"
>A muffled groan comes from your chest
>"I'm sure you'd get an award for your acting, Tara."
>You unceremoniously drop him, eliciting a small 'ow' from the stallion
>Still, that's new
>A light eating frog?
>Weird.
>You motion Steel to get up, and the small light from the electrical lines allow everyone to have minor sight.
>Keys is the first to question the situation
>"Wait, so what happened? Sir, are you alright!?"
>Steel stops a moment and taps his horn to check it
>Yes, you silly pony, it's still there.
>"I'm fine, Corporal. Is the doctor unharmed?"
>>"Cool as a cucumber, baby."
>Glad to hear it.
"Steelie, light the place up again if you can and-"
>He starts to charge the light upon his horn
>-And he gets licked again.
"-Try to do it away from the frog."
>Steel moves to the opposite end of the room, and tries to light up again
>Sure enough, the shadowy licker stretches across the room and snatches the light from his horn.
>Hm.
>Well, now what?
>>25499380
Ignore it. Take a closer look at the door and panel.
>>25499380
back into the hallway so that the frog can only tongue from one direction.
Then have steel light his horn and we try to grab the tongue with the druidic focus.
We got ranged whippy things too.
>>25499415
>You decide to take a closer look at the panel.
>So far it looks like the thing is harmless
>"STOP TONGUING ME YOU MONSTER!"
>Well, harmless to everypony else.
>But then again...
>You'll try just ONE MORE thing.
>>25499419
>You grab Steel by the booty and drag him out to the hallway.
>You can her his heart pounding in abject fury
>He snorts and stamps his hoof while rubbing his horn
>Through gritted teeth, you can hear him mutter something about 'feeding its legs to willow;
>Still, you ask Steel to light up one last time, because you're going to catch it.
>"I- I don't wanna..."
"C'mon Steelie. For me?"
>"Now I REALLY don't want to do it, heh."
"What if we can catch it?"
>"uhhhgg. Fine. One more light."
>On your count, he prepares to emit light
>3...
>2...
>1...
>Steel closes his eyes and braces for impact
>His horn lights up, and sure enough, you hear the tongue shoot out
>And you try to grab it mid-flight with your focus
>...But it slips right through?!
>The tongue still snatches the light though, only this time, it simply vanishes, rather than dragging it back to the creature's mouth.
>Steel tenuously opens an eye and waits for your voice
>"T-Tara?"
"Yeah, I'm here. Looks like that frog isn't so easy to catch after all. Let's keep the light low. At least then it doesn't try to eat it."
>...
>>25499415
>You decide to check out the console by the door first.
>Immediately upon getting closer to it do you realize how exactly foreign the thing is to you.
>Pony technology is usually somewhat advanced.
>Portable computers and servers exist, but...
>This doesn't look like something meant for ponies.
>The screen is lit with a dull green light, and a single underscore blinks on the console.
>To the right is some sort of red tube that pulses slowly.
>You note that there are several part that can be pulled out from the wall console.
>The most prominent being some sort of panel with a tassel attached.
>Lower on the panel is a dial placed above a circular slot.
>It seems to go in somewhat deeply, as well as have an internal latch of some sort.
>To the right of the slot is a few pull out panels, likely for circuitry and peripherals.
>The frog appears to be watching...
>Well, everything, intently.
>Still, just as before, it makes no motions, and opts to just sit there
>And stare some more.
>What should we do?
>>25499571
Lets leave it for now. Dr. Clid probably knows what it does.
>>25499579
That dial goes to 11.
Maybe just for the heck of it..
>>25499579
I agree with >>25499581
Let's just leave.
I vote that we turn or do not turn the knob in the dark in accordance with the radioactive decay of an element.
Type in the konami code
>>25499620
>>25499581
You mean back the way we came, to the giant murdermonster that crushes metal like cardboard? We should at least see what something on the panel does, and the knob seems like a good start.
Fuck it.
11.
>>25499638
Messing with things without knowing what they do is bad, especially when there's someone nearby who would know. We're hear for Ewe Clid, not random computers.
>>25499647
It's right by some sort of mechanical door though.
assumptions can be made.
>>25499638
We can't just stay down here forever. We do have to go back upstairs at some point. There's nothing left to do here so we should head back.
If you're so curious, we could at least look at the parts that can get pulled out. No messing with settings that way.
>>25499647
You'll never get anywhere in life without taking a few risks.
>>25499600
>Eh.
>Alright.
>You click the switch to the first increment
>A hum flows through the machine.
>>25499657
>turning this dial to 11 will unlock the door
>>25499663
This is a pointless risk.
>You jack that shit all the way to 10
>The hum turns into a chaotic rattle.
>You really shouldn't have gone this far
>But now that you're here
>Let's just keep going!
>The machine vibrates violently, and you hear something scuttle away briefly
>>25499670
YEE-HAW
11!
>Then, everyhting stops.
>The machine lets out a whimpy beep
>And all is quiet.
>...
>Aw.
>You reassess the room.
>Now what?
>>25499688
if only we could somehow trick the frog into being the connector for the broken cables.
>>25499688
Are those batteries near the cables?
>>25499693
We have a steel plate to wedge between them.
Not like keys can be more dead, right?
>>25499693
Oooh hoo hoo!
Get Steelie to light up the cables!
>>25499693
>>25499704
The frog is immaterial.
>>25499688
Maybe ask our new scientist friend if he knows anything about this sort of thing. He IS wearing a labcoat, after all.
Also check those glowing things off to the side.
>>25499707
Electric moves work on ghost types.
>>25499688
Wires can count as a weapon right? Can Tara pull something like that out of her bandana?
>>25499726
>>25499704
>>25499693
>You think about getting the frog to be a fuse for the connectors
>I mena, it's like some sort of spectral shadow monster
>...But electric moves still work on ghost types, right?
>Eh
>Its on the table.
>Let's try other things, first.
>>25499719
>>25499698
>You examine the machine to the right of the live cables dancing about.
>It appears to contain two canisters
>Both of which glow with a small light.
"Hey, Keys, they tell you about these?"
>"I've never seen them before, how about you, Doctor?"
>"Those definitely look like fuel rods or batteris from my place, but..."
>He rotates one in its slot
>"I've never seen a setup like this."
"Okay, better idea, you deal with computers at all?"
>Dandy laughs and smooths back his har
>He dusts off his coat and strikes a heroic pose
>"Baby, I do nothing BUT read files on computers all day!"
>...
>And he says that with a grin?
"Right. Think you could see what's up with that console, honey?"
>He passes a wing over you
>"Gladly, baby."
>Hm, classy.
>>25499726
>You briefly try to remember what you pilfered as part of your 'various weapons'
>Sad to say, all you've got left is that old leather whip, but that's not for this kind of dungeon.
>Heh.
>Either way, you've got a frog to catch.
>You hear a clattering behind you
>...
>Or, you can wait for the good Doctor to get his computer business done.
>Then again, if you got a better idea...
I don't have a better idea.
Do things Dandy.
>>25499766
>all you've got left is
should read
>all you've got that fits the bill is
your 'various weapons' include swords, spears, axes, hammers, and a dozen angry squirrels
>>25499782
Tie the squirrels together to make a conductor out of them.
>>25499766
Bat r dumb
Wait for computer stuff
Dandy... can you still hear us in this world?
>>25499782
Dozen angry squirrels you say?
>>25499772
>>25499792
>You decide to take five, and hope the good doctor can do... stuff.
>...
>You notice his ears twitch again
>What is he listening to?
>And he keeps doing that thing.
>The slightest jaw movement
>Is he... talking to himself?
>Well, not the weirdest pony around.
>You look over at Keys and notice she's been having fun detaching her head
>Again, not the weirdest.
===
>>25499797
>'Hm?'
>'About time, guys. '
>'I've been hearing... something on your end maybe. And it wasn't you guys and your normal stuff.'
>'Anyway, I think I've figured out what the terminal goes to, and it-'
>'Oh my word.'
>"Not again!"
===
>Huh?
>"What's the problem Doctor?!"
>Steel rushes over to the terminal, and you follow suit
>Stupid stallion with his stupid hair getting in the w-
>What.
>>25499884
>You're not sure what you're looking at.
"Uh, Doc, what is th-"
>"WHY IS THIS HERE?! AAAAHHHH"
>Okay.
>You and Steel try to calm him down
>And you idly think about the screen before you.
pausing here
feel free to queue up actions though
>>25499884
Rules are different over here, they need help to hear us.
So, uh. These guy's aren't so bad.
Also just a friendly warning, but the one who runs the show over in your world just finished up a... side project, so, you know. Good luck.
>>25499896
Pull tassel. Type "ur a fag". Lick battery. Stick tongue in hole. Stick battery in hole.
>>25499896
whelp there goes the next few updates.
>>25499896
Easy mode, seriously?
>>25504155
Thats at least intermediate
>>25499896
This is what I got so far.
boop
>>25499941
This one's wrong in many places.
>>25504521
Far as I can tell, this is accurate. Upper left of that two should be green as well.
>were gonna play minesweeper
>again
NO
THIS HAS GONE TOO FAR
Page 10
mein sweeper
brank
Dandy Needs to meet Esmeralda. Just think, them both being able to hear us...
Relax! You're around bats.
>>25513458
Around bats always relax
>>25513936
But not the ones with stupid faces
>>25514794
B-but they all have stupid faces
>>25514794
Around Tara never relax
>>25514794
>>25514829
That girl ain't right I tell you hwat.
>almost letting your thread die again
Tsk tsk
>>25504521
>'Hey! Glad to have you guys back for this game! Now then, let-'
===
>There he is
>Still muttering to himself
>And feverishly takkign away at the terminal
>He must be doing some serious technomatolotgicalal hackingermancy
>Maybe he's not an idiot
>Honestly, the prospect is quite refreshing.
"Dandy? Are you almost done with that thing?"
>"Hm? Yeah, sure! I just need to... Oh... where is thing...? Oh! Oh."
>He smacks the side of the console and curses
"Okay, It might take a bit."
>He continues his work, muttering about 'additional levels' and 'artificial difficulty'
>He seems to be a bit more preoccupied than you had anticipated.
>Still, you have a breather now.
>You take a seat, and only then realize exactly how much you needed a quick rest.
>Steelie slums down next to you and huffs.
>He whispers to himself, "So bored." before pushing himself around on the floor
>You can also hear Keys getting a good stretch in, if the popping is any indication.
>What about you?
>Now that you have a breather, you could afford to strike up conversation
>...Or you can inspect the area around you in closer detail, you antisocial filly, you.
>How should you spend your time?
>>25518687
read those files we stole earlier to improve our bants potential.
>>25518687
Hone your chi.
>>25518687
Ask Steelie about his new special eyes.
>>25518687
We should tell Keys that her plan to get Steelie to Strip was a masterstroke.ifyouknowwhatImean
>>25518687
>ACT
>STEELIE
>FLIRT
>>25518726
>You take a moment to meditate
>A small snore escapes your boop receptor
>After shaking yourself away, you look back at everyone
>Seems you weren't out long
>But your... erm... Meditation, was much appreciated!
>If you get into another fight, you feel like you'll be just a hair more effective overall!
>>25518747
>You ask Steel about his 'special eyes'
>"Huh? I... Is this a naughty thing of some kind?"
>You wave your hoof dismissively
>He just lays his head back on the concrete floor
>And gives another dissatisfied, bored, snort.
>>25518749
>You trot over to Keys, who is intently watching Dandy work fro ma distance.
>She seemed a little TOO concentrated
>At least, that's the impression you got when she yelped in surprise from the poke
>"Miss Tara! Oh."
"Relax, Corporal, I'm here to congratulate you!"
>"Hm?"
>She tilts her head to the side and blinks
> "For what?"
>You can't help but give her a toothy grin as you recount her masterstroke
"You knew how to disable those detectors, didn't you?"
>She giggles mischievously at this accusation
>"Mmmaybe, maybe not! We'll never know, will we?"
"But I gotta ask... Are there any more 'checkpoints' for Steelie to strip at?"
>She pauses a moment and taps her chin
>"Ah, there's one that involves a pole... We should try to get him to dance on it!"
>The two of you share a perverse laugh at this notion.
"You're a bad mare, aren't you Keys?"
>"Only when around you, Miss Tara.~"
>You finish up your girl talk and return to your dark corner for a bit.
>>25518712
>You retrieve the dossiers from the bandanna, making sure nopony can see them immediately.
>Were you anypony else, the light would be too dim for you to read.
>Good thing that's not the case.
>Whose file would you like to read?
>>25518885
Our own.
>>25518885
Willow
>>25518885
Ours.
>>25518885
ours
>>25518906
>>25518906
>>25518947
>>25518974
>Well, time to see how accurate the Intelligence Division is.
>You take one last peek all around you
>Steel appears to be in deep meditation
>Keys is curled up
>And Dandy is still sweating and tacking away at the terminal
>Perfect.
>You place the file before you and open it up.
>It appears to be collated in several sections...
>General information
>Legal history
>Notes
>You start reading...
>The first section is general information
>With a few photos of you.
>Name, date of birth, race, et cetera
>You see your health record next
>As usual, completely free of any nasty diseases or poxes
>What did you expect?
>...
>They got that one cavity you had taken out a while back in here, too
>Not bad
>One problem.
===
[[DISABILITIES AND ALLERGIES]]
>Note: Target is registered in the Equestrian Physical and Mental Health Agency with corneal dystrophy
>She has since failed to report to a Manehattan optical clinic for treatment
===
>Seems they forgot to update the page.
>It would figure, considering what your old boss did for you.
>You move onto the history tab
===
OCCUPATION:
>Lead Vocal Entertainer at 'Club Apogee' in Manehattan.
>Note: Investigate income and tax records of "Atticus" for evasion
CURRENT THREAT:
>Civilian
LEGAL HISTORY:
>Criminal Fraud (2 Counts)
>Note: Target was arrested for signing up eighteen (18) ponies for a monthly subscription service for her workplace.
>Trial cancelled due to complication with jury.
===
>"Hm? Tara, what are you doing over there?"
>Steel clinks around in his armor, trying to stand.
>Uh...
>>25519263
i dindu nuffin!
>>25519263
Thinking lewd thoughts.
>>25519349
>>25519371
"I dindu nuffin!"
>You kinda botched that
>"...What?"
>You sigh
>Time to fall back
>Hopefully he doesn't press
"Just... Thinkin' lewd things."
>"Uh huh."
>You hear him settle down again
>But you can feel his gaze upon you.
>You go back to scanning your file, eager to see if you have any fans
===
LEGAL HISTORY CONT.:
>Obstruction of Justice and Unscheduled Song Number (1 Count each)
>Target was arrested for attempting to undermine Manehattan police efforts in the recovery of a stolen item via singing.
>Song reported caused all ponies in the vicinity to join the chorus, against their will
>Target summarily spent two hours in county Time Out.
>Solicitation of Cuddles
>Target was charged with a misdemeanor for distributing illicit cuddles to underaged patrons
>Target summarily spent one hour in local Time Out
===
>Oh, ouch.
>They left out the bit where you were never told he was underage.
>That's gonna hurt your rep
>Well, not really since nopony can read what they don't have
>Heh.
>Hmmm
>You idly wonder if they have your entire history on file like this
>You flip through the pages
>Seems to be a bit light on information.
>Though it seems they've had your file for a while
>They just haven't updated it yet
>Probably because you just met me again, isn;t that right, Steelie?
>Still, you close the folder and return it to your bandanna
>The machines across the room also let out a steady beep, and the canisters in them pulse softly.
>Looks like Dandy has his work almost done, judging from that goofy grin on his face
>But you could always afford to read another file while you have the time.
>What's the plan?
>>25519627
Steel.
>>25519627
>>25519707
No, don't read Steel's. I don't want to break his trust in us. I'd rather we just wait and play patty cake with him or Keys.
>>25519627
Get Steel's and use it to keep Keys under our control.
If we can't use the eyes we need a fallback for her.
>>25519767
No, read Steel's. Tons of fun.
>>25519627
Keys pls
>>25519627
Read Key's. We must understand the source of her lewdness.
>>25519707
I changed my mind to >>25519767
We aren't going to be loosing these files and if we read another one there's a chance we'll be caught. Better to wait until we have some actual privacy.
>>25519843
>>25519767
>>25519707
>>25519804
>>25519821
>You have an internal debate
>On the one hoof, reading your favorite guardpony's file would give you some great material later
>On the other hoof...
>If he found out you stole his file...
>He might not trust you at all
>If he even trusts you now, that is
>...
>BUT YOU JUST WANT TO KNOW SO BADLY!
>Well...
>Maybe you can meet your addiction halfway
>You reach into your bandanna and try to pull out Key's file.
>Maybe there is a reason for herlewdness?
>You try to keep everything low key, so you only grab one sheet from the actual file instead.
>As you read it, you realize Key's has a much thicker file than everypony ese, by comparison.
>Theo o nly one that comes close is Willow
>Still, you bring the paper up to your face and you-
>No way.
===
MILITARY ACCOLADES [PAGE 4 OF 5]
>CQC Intermediate Certificate
Awarded to Private Keystone 'Keys' for successful completion of the Intermediate Close Quarters Cuddling class
>CQC Advanced Certificate
Awarded to PFC Keystone 'Keys' for successful completion of the Advanced Close Quarters Cuddling class
>Tactical Service Star
Awarded to PFC Keystone 'Keys' for exemplary command in dire situations. Unit Promoted to Specialist and recommended transfer to Intelligence Division.
>Morale Service Star
Awarded to Spc. Keystone for excellence in troop management during engagement ROS-07. Unit Promoted to Corporal and assigned to Staff Sergeant Steel Charge.
===
>The list goes on and on.
>Seems Keys over here has quite the military record.
>But then...
>How is she such a marinara sprinkler, but Steelie be such a cool cucumber?
>You wonder at what information could possibly be in Steel's files.
>Sadly, you haven't the time for that.
>Seems Steel at one point or another got up and asked what Dandy was doing
>The two appear to be slapping each other ineffectually.
>Keys is just standing by completely stunned at the specatcle.
>What should we do?
>>25520160
Ask Steelie why he's interfering with the Doctors work.
>>25520160
Copy the cool kids and do the same with Keys.
>>25520160
Steel, I'm telling you, Minesweeper isn't just a game. Trust Dandy, he's an expert.
>>25520160
Place bets.
>>25520544
What about those yellow and orange things in >>25499688
Will those work?
>>25520209
>>25520303
>You take a moment to truly appreciate the spectacle
"It's like a train wreck. You just can't really look away."
>The stallions squeal like girls as their hooves kick at each other rapidly.
>Each one chaining boop after boop
>"That's the best description for it, Miss Tara."
"Hmm. Shouldn't you interven, Keys?"
>"Well... He's my commanding officer, and I don;t know if I really should."
>...
"Maybe they'll get tired?"
>You wait a bit, watching the two paw at each other and struggle for the computer
>Sadly, their efforts don't seem to be slowing in any capacity.
>It's time to get some answer, you suppose.
>>25520172
"Steelie?"
>The two stop dead in their tracks, hooves smushing each other's cheeks
>They both look at you, death in their eyes.
>Geeze.
"So... Why are you interfering with the doctor's work?"
>Steel immediately shouts, "BECAUSE IT'S NOT WORK!"
>"Hey! Step off! Minesweeper is serious business!"
>"IT IS NOT!"
>He tries to boop Dandy, but the doctor catches him by the elbow
>"Minesweeper IS serious business!"
>The two struggle a while longer
>>25520278
"Steelie. Please stop doing... this."
>"Why?! He's WASTING my time! OUR time!"
"How do you know?"
>"I-What?"
"What if minesweeper is more than just a game?"
>"I-It's not though?"
"But what if it is?"
>"ARE YOU SERIOUSLY SIDING WITH HIM?"
>Heh
"Alright, alright."
>Steel lets go of Dandy
>The doctor brushes off his coat and smooths his hair
>...But not before blowing a raspbery in Steelie's face.
>"Okay, baby. I got some good news, and some bad news."
"Lay it on me, hun."
>"I got the lock open. The only problem is that it's telling me we need more power in the console to open the hydraulic pistons in the door."
>He kicks the door behind him, causing a loud 'clang'
>"This thing is a seriously tough door. It could probably take a bundle of dynamite, no sweat."
>Dang it.
"So... Power to undo the lock, the piston, and to move the door?
>"That's right."
>Hmm...
>What's the plan?
>>25520591
Can Steel use his telekinesis to manipulate the power cables?
>>25520591
Use batteries.
>>25520160
Keys is a pretty pony.
And I think you may be misusing the word "unit"
>>25520756
"Steel, can you put those wires back in place?"
>He cracks his neck and saunters up to the wires.
>He begins his horn alights with magic and the cables begin to shift together
>Slowly, but surely, the cables lay into one another, and the electricity sparking between them starts to arc between the explosed wires.
>The lock on the door disengages with a satisfying clunk
>Your victory is shortlived however, as an entheral tounge whips out from the corner of the celing and snatches the light from Steel's horn.
>He yelps in surprsie, and his magic whips into the mouth of the frog.
>It swallows and simply stares at you all.
>The wires drop from their suspended state, and the lock slides back into place almost immediately.
>Dang.
"It was a good effort."
>"We need to END that frog." Steelie huffs.
>>25520773
>>25520576
>You walk over to the humming machine and examine the canisters locked in the two slots
>The first appears to have a feather inside it
>The second appears to have...
>Oh, ew.
>Is that a pony bone?
>Gross.
>But that also raises some questions...
>...Like what should we do with these canisters?
>>25521230
...that's a feather?
>>25521243roll with it
>>25521267
Roll.
>>25521230
Replace the currently attached one. Or slot one into the hole.
>>25521230
A unicorn's horn, a feather, and a pony's leg bone. Could the feather be form a pegasus and the bone from an earth pony?
>>25521267
[1d20]
>>25521230
Unless we want to try eye-thing'ing the frog again without Steel distracting it with his horn this time, I'm short on ideas.
>>25521288
>You take the CAnister by the console and stow it in your bandanna
===
[[Inventory Updated!]]
>Canister A added!
>http://pastebin.com/V4h6Wxz7
===
>Once you slide in the canisters, the console beeps with new life
>Text begins to print out and rapidly scroll up the screen.
>Soon, the only command left is...
>Disengage Lock?
>[Yes]
>[No]
>Way to really free up those choices.
pausing
>>25521532
Honestly this much security makes me nervous.
Maybe we should find Clid first.
>>25521660
Ya, I doubt whatever is in there would ever get out without our help. Let's just take the "batteries" and continue the search for her.
>>25521660
>>25521733
>You're alomst into the door
>Then you hear something shift on the other side
>It's distant
>But significantly larger than a pony
>It's got a strange sort of cadence to its walk as well
>Its completely foreign to you
>Strangely, you feel like its a power beyond yoru scope.
>You aren't going to take a risk like this.
"You know what, I think its time to stop here."
>Dandy perks up
>"Really? So close? What, you think something's gonna murder us?"
"Yes. That is exactly what I think. I also think we need to hit up Doctor Clid first. She might know what's in there. Though, I seriously doubt it's candy."
>Steel chuckles and rubs the back of his head
>"Well, I mean, I wouldn't be surprised, personally."
"Still, let's bounce."
>You gather the Canisters into your bandana for future use.
===
[[Inventory Updated!]]
>Canister B added!
>Canister C added!
>http://pastebin.com/V4h6Wxz7
===
>The four of you all move out of the basement, the frog intent on staying right where it is.
>You arrive back at the main lobby.
>The left wall is the safehouse door.
>The ponies in there still need Dr. Clid's access to unlock the door.
>The ponies also require milk.
>To your front is the staircase leading to the second floor.
>Below it is a broken spire of glass that appears to have contained something.
>To the right is a series of work desks.
>To your rear is the exit.
>What's the plan?
>>25522923
Check the desks for anything useful.
>>25522923
Ask Steel if we can help him produce some 'milk'.Might be best if we keep it to ourselves, though.
>>25522981
"Hey Steelie, c'mere"
>"Huh? What did you need?"
"I think we can solve this 'milk' problem. But we gotta work together."
>"I'm not gonna walk over there."
>He turns around and shakes his head.
>"Nope, not gonna let this setup continue."
"Awww! C'mon Steelie!"
>"We all know what you're gonna do."
"Oh? Prove it."
>He cocks an eyebrow and mouths to you "Really?" before chuckling.
>Then he adopts a more 'sexy' walk, throwing in as much booty sway as he can
>He walks to you, and in his best slutbat impression states, "Oh Steelie!~ Let's give them YOUR milk!"
>He flaps his tiny tail around in an attempt to slap you
>It just blows a gentle breeze in your direction
>"Cumon, lay BACK!~ I'll make sure they'll get EVERY DROP~"
>He stops his act and looks back at you
>...And the other two start clapping quietly
>As Steel bows, you are filled with comflicting feelings
>On the one hoof, that's insulting
>On the other hoof
>He got you good, hoo boy.
>Might need to visit a Doctor to treat these burns later.
>You chuckle sensibly
>>25522981
>You make your way to the right wall and behind the desks
>You shuffle some papers around
>Faxes of shipping documents
>Lunch orders>A black and white photocopy of a butt
>And... Several stickynotes from Doctor Clid.
>You open up one of the crumpled notes...
>>25523379
Take butt copy, scatter the rest to the wind.
>>25523418
>Take butt copy
>...
>What, are you 4?
>...
===
[[Inventory Updated!]]
Photocopy: Somepony pressed their ham to a copy machine and faxed it to another pony. Now you carry this sacred item.
>http://pastebin.com/V4h6Wxz7
===
>Now what?
>>25523379
Is there something hidden at the center of the room?
>>25523379
Wow, I have no idea what that's supposed to mean.
What do the other notes say?
>>25523379
Oh man, Steelie is becoming too powerful. We gotta do something.
>>25523512
Looks kinda like a wiring diagram. Also I noticed a square on the floor in the center of the room.
>>25523513
>You take a look at the other notes
>"Milk"
>"Get Box to Staff Breakroom ASAP"
>"Need more tubes"
>"Can somepony get more tubes?"
>"Need more markers in room 208"
>"More tubes. Again."
>Hm.
>Seems like most of these are requests for materials
>Or tubes.
>Nothing substantial for now.
>>25523539
>>25523512
>Judging from the inkepen diagram, there should be something-
>A bit of carpt juts up from the center of the room.
>How the heck did you miss that?
>Whateer.
>You ask Steelie to move the carpeting, and upon doing so
>Revealing a hatch with a slot of some kind and a pretty heavy duty lock.
>>25523723
The diagram also shows to paths off screen.
>>25523723
Spooky. Does Keys know about it? Can we open it?
>>25523870
"Well, Keys? Got any ideas?"
>"I, uh... I think it looks like a maintenance hatch. Judging from the note you picked up, i think it's connected to some wiring across the base. Maybe we can try opening it?"
>You give it a cursory bap.
>The latch doesn't seem to move.
>There appears to be an unlit light on the hatch, too.
>Below it is a circular slot with an additional latch..
>Hm.
>>25523723
Looks like it has a battery slot and we need to find a key. I bet "C" means Clid.
Is opening it actually going to help us find the Doctor though?
>>25523910
We can pick locks with our voice, can't we?
>>25524013
Lets not forget about the noisy thing that hunts by sound.
>>25524020
We can take it.
>>25524020
It was only a hum when she used it before. Couldn't be any louder than the talking we've been doing this whole time.
>>25524062
>>25524013
>>25523928
>You insert Canister C into the hole, and a small light turns on by the lock.
>You can hear something disengaging.
===
[[Inventory Updated!]]
>Canister C Removed.
>http://pastebin.com/V4h6Wxz7
===
>Stilll, now to pick that lock
>While you were afraid of earning the ire of that punchy monster
>Let's be real here, singing the lock open isn't going to attract anything
>It's a whisper on the wind
>Like a fart on a crowded escalator.
>You hum and ha, rattling the tumblers along in the lock until you hear a second click.
>You give the hatch a cursory push, and it slides into the wall of the opening.
>Hmmm.
>Seems like there is only room for one pony to get down in there safely.
>And even then, it looks like the tunnel down there branches four ways.
>Who should go, and where should they head?
>>25524126
If it's dark we should go.
>>25524187
i like how you think
>>25524187
>>25524200
"Hmmm. It's pretty dark down there."
>You cough.
>"Yeah. Power probably isn't flowing to the lights in the tunnel."
>Key's clicks her heels idly.
>"We'd need a pony who can see in the dark."
>Steel looks at you
>"That WOULD help a lot. Echolocation sills would also be quite useful too."
>Dandy looks towards you expectantly.
"Yeah. All that would be great for navigating a tunnel like that."
>You wait a moment.
>The silence is palpable.
"Well, what are you waiting for, Keys?"
>"Wha-"
>You start pushing her towards the hole
>"H-hey! That's not right!"
>Suddenly, she is levitated away from you, and you stumble into the hole yourself.
>"Thanks for volunteering, Miss Tara," Steel says down the hole.
"Not a problem, hon," you call back.
>As soon as you start crawling, you being chittering curses under your breath>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hULJu2mcU6s
>A song climbs into your head as you head down the...
>Wait, which way were you heading?
>North
>East
>West
>South
>>25524337pausing
>>25524337
West first. If I'm reading the map right that will take us towards the panic room and we can check on the poniesand steal some cookies.
>>25524337
>snake eater
oh ho
I'm sure Tara has eaten many stallions "snakes".
>>25523503
>that fat puss
>>25524337
Oh shit, it's gonna be a LARGE tunnel if Snake eater is being played.
>>25524337
I GIVE MY LIFE
NOT FOR HONOR
BUT FOR LEWDS!
Don't die today
-op
bebebebebeb
bep
blop
>>25531002
>>25531956
the nose knows
beb
>>25524337
Sure, west is fine
Silly Tara, you don't drink with your nose.
>>25540277
You could, but it would be extremely uncomfortable.
>>25540277
She is sniffing glue.
>>25540277
What do you expect from the mentally challenged one?
Hijacker doesn't care about his readers bump
More like Liejacker.
Update soon.
>>25538482
>>25524722
>You continue your slow crawl
>As much as you like to rib stallions
>Being stuck in a tight, hot place really sucks after a while
>Still, you soldier on
>Because you're so didicated
>And not because your fat butt is having trouble backing up in the tunnel.
>You round a corner, and surprise, surprise
>You've reached the end.
>Seems there are two things of note
>There appears to be a box of wires and such in front of you
>And above that appears to be a hatch, much like the one you passed while falling down here.
>What's the plan?
>>25542520
which direction did we crawl in relation to the metal door?
>>25542541
West.
>>25542520
Looks like "SAFE ROOM EMERGENCY RELEASE"
play with the console thing.
>>25542520
Let's get those ponnies out of there
>>25542520
Do the thing.
Open the hatch to make sure there isnt any horrible monsters locked behind the door, if it's just ponies or nothing, use the switch to override the door.
>>25542520
>You give the console a cursory boop
>...
>Nothing happened.
>Upon closer inspection, you can see the console has an indentation for a hoof
>Seems the panel turns clockwise and counterclockwise.
>Hm...
>>25542867
>First things first, you decide to check out what's up in the safe room for you.
>Upon entering, what should you do?
>>25542965
First listen for what's up there.
>>25543002
>You press an e-
>Ah!
>Cold! Cold!
>...
>Okay.
>You press your fluffy ear up against the metal hatch and still your breathing
>You listen carefully and hear...
>Several different voices, all in different locations.
>You can hear several different noises
>One of which is the groan and gurgle of a wicked bad tummyache
>Two more sigh with soft snores, indicating a plesant nap.
>You hear the wiggling of another pony.
>But they don't sound scared.
>And finally, you can hear the rare cough of a thirsty pony.
>At least there is nothing terrifying in there, right?
>You get ready to open the hatch.
>>25543106
Knock first so you don't startle them.
Be prepared to be jumped by a zombie.
It could happen.
>>25543221
It's already happening.
>>25543221
>You steel yourself and knock on the hatch a few times.
>After a brief pause, you hear a sharp inhale, followed by a mare's voice
>"H-Hello? Is somepony there?"
"Yeah. In the maintenance shaft. The name's Tara, I'm here to see if everypony is safe!"
>We'll just leave out the part where you also didn't really know where you were going at first.
>"O-Oh... We're fine."
>...
"...Can I come inside?"
>"Huh? Oh! Yeah, sure!"
>You pull the latch on the hatch, and push up through the hole
>Your gaze is met with-
>What the hell is that thing.
>>25543343
Are you sure you're fine?
Can we open the door without taking our eyes away?
>>25543343
Go back into the shaft.
>>25543343
nope nope nope nope
>>25543365
thats scp-173, lightning fast when you're not looking at it.
we'd never get away in time. we need more eyes on it. That said, it's harmless once you look at it and as long as we remember to close this hatch before leaving, we can probably just lock it in here and be done.
>>25543343
>No one looking at it
FUG
>>25543353
"Are- Are you asure you guys are fine?"
>The plush squeaks lightly as the mare readjusts herself in the beanbag chair
>"Uhm... Yes? Nopony has been hurt. This IS a safe room, you know?"
>No way.
>Seriously?
>>25543365
>>25543434
>>25543377
>You keep your eyes on that... thing in the corner.
>A moment is all it takes
>You don't blink
>You don't do anything but
>Slowly
>Lower
>Back
>Into the shaft.
>How should we proceed?
>>25543472
Turn your bat booty around and tell Dandy what's in there.
>>25543472
open the door.
>>25543472
Might want to ask about the elephant in the room.
And by elephant I mean the big creepy doll thing currently calmly snuggling one of the room's inhabitants.
>>25543577
>You want to head back down through the tunnel, but you're a little pressed for time.
>Crawling through the tunnel again would just delay your efforts.
>Let's just get this over with.
>You'll have to get his attention another way.
>>25543538
>You look at the door.
>Sure enough, you spot the lock on the door
>Judging from what they said earlier, you can't ge the door open normally, as Doctor Clid locked the room up from the outside somehow.
>You'll have to come up with an idea
>>25543577
>You take a deep breath
>And accept that this is your life now
>You can't avoid it.
>Slowly, but surely, you pop your head back into the room.
>The first mare that talked to you has closed her eyes again, nuzzling the plush
>The statue on the other hand...
>When you were last in here, it was cuddling the pony
>Now it's petting her mane.
>Only one issue.
>It's not moving when you look at it.
>...
>Maybe it's shy?
"Hey.... Anypony awake?"
>The pegasus by the door groans in response"
>"T-Too many... Cookies... Urhg..."
"Hey! Sick pony! What's with the statue?"
>"T-that thing... It got in before the door closed! It's... Been cuddling us... every time we aren't looking at us! It cuddled really hard earlier but..."
>Then the pegasus clutches his stomach and falls to his side
>His stomach grumbles in protest.
>Hm.
>What's the plan?
