Equestria was known to be a land where ponies had almost total control of the weather. Nature bent to their will, instead of the other way around. Ponies often took care of all the natural creatures, feeding them, nursing them to sickness, or in the extreme case like the Breezies they almost were the sole reason for their continued existence. Towns like Ponyville did it 'the old fashion way' while more modern cities such as Canterlot simply used magic to change the seasons. Even the sun and the moon were once raised by mere unicorns, but now are controlled by the Alicorn Sisters.That is why when a small Forest Fire broke out deep in the Everfree, the EFAS (Equestrian Forestry and Agriculture Service) were confident they could put it out before it burned even 50 acres., like every other forest fire before.
They failed, and several firefighters were lost in the initial blaze.
Now, after a few weeks, the raging Wildfire has become a catastrophic event that has swept through and burned much Southern Equestria. Ponies have volunteered by the hundreds to help build firelines and try to stop the flames from consuming their communities, and livelihoods. And now, as the winds shift, the fire has turned north bound, and approaches the small town of Ponyville. And beyond that, Canterlot.
One day, you awoke to several Royal Guards standing over you. They calmly suggested you come with them. The journey may have been long, or it could have been rather short, but either way, you are quickly taken into an upscale part of Canterlot. The streets aren't filled with panic as you'd imagine, but there is visible uneasiness on the once haughty and proud nobles. Quickly the guards lead you to an office building, and accompany you to a certain meeting room. An older mare who looks like she hasn't slept for days sits at the end of the table with a forced smile.
[cont]
>>25856427
>"Ah! Welcome...Oh." The mare's eye widen as she looks down at a stack of paper work. You notice she is rather athletic for her age, but now her movement is sluggish, devoid of energy.
>"Well, this is embarrassing...Hehe. It seems all our files have become rather unorganized. Ever since the Everfree Fire, we've had to restructure ourselves see. There has not been an uncontrolled wildfire in nearly 1000 years and our Fire Suppression services were...lacking. We apologize..."
>"We need you to fill out some of your information that has been 'misplaced'."
The older mare gives you a couple of forms. A few of the boxes are filled out, but some of the more obvious answers seem to have been left blank.
>Mare [ ] or Stallion [ ]Short Character creation time
>>25856455
Mare.
>>25856455
Stallion all the best cyoas have them
>>25856478
Be the pretty mare.
>>25856499
Dubs Command.
>>25856455
Mare.
>>25856455
Stallion
>>25856455
cute little mare
>>25856455
Voting for stallion.
>>25856455
Balls and a dick
>>25856455
Stallion, we need more Stallion mcs
>>25856455
Stallion
>>25856455
let's be a mare
>>25856743
>>25856633
>>25856499
>>25856496
Calling it. Mares win by one vote. May be able to re-vote at the end if there is a lot of requests
You fill in that box. Of course you're a mare! Before you can go any further into the paper work you hear the old hag cough
>"H-Hold on miss!" The older mare says "I would not want you to sign off on some papers when we have not even told you who we are, or what the purpose of our meeting is here."
>You put down the pen and decide to listen to what she has to say. She regains a bit of her composure only to instantly lose it when she finds that she misplaced yet another object. You hear her swear a bit under her breath before she finds what she was looking for, a clicker, and uses it to bring down a projector screen. The first slide is a familiar symbol: the EFAS logo. It usually was just a simple stylized green tree, but for some reason they've decided to update it and make one half of the tree on fire. You're not sure if that makes you feel more confident in their firefighting abilities or not.
>"Alright...as you know we've been fighting this terrible Wildfire for a while now. It's seems everything that can go wrong has gone wrong. And now recent reports have come in showing a new complication to this disaster...There appears to be some sort of Magical interference, we're just gonna call it The Disturbance if that's alright with you, that has caused some interesting things to happen to ponies who approach it."
[cont]
>>25856798Name dammit.
>She switches the slide, showing videos of ponies in various agonizing positions. A unicorns horn is flashing painfully, bits of horn coming off as she screams. A pegasi tries to fly only to immediately crash on the ground and flap his wings wildly like he's having a seizure. And an Earth Pony is in a fetal position talking to himself, with missing pieces of fur all over his body. All of them have one thing in common, they seem to be Wildland Firefighters.
>"Ponies that come into contact with The Disturbance report their 'magical abilities' going haywire. Unicorns lose control of their magic. Pegasi can't fly. And Earth Ponies can 'feel the earth dying'... And The Disturbance seems to be originating out from the origin of the Wildfire. Ground Zero if you will. It used to grow right behind the fire... but recently as you've seen, it's moved at least 1 km past edge of the blaze. This is more than concerning. This will make it almost impossible to fight the fire effectively if all out ponies begin going insane if they get close to it..."
[Questions or let her continue?]
>>25856808
proceed
>>25856808
Lets start our own fire and literally fight fire with fire
But continue
>>25856835
Oil fires are put out with explosives to snuff out the flame. We should just blow up the forest
>>25856937
Controlled flames to burn down the certain areas so the forest fire has no were to go and starves
>>25856980
Yup. It's a real tactic.
>>25856870
"Question. How come you haven't tried to park Cloudsdale close to the fire and just use those weather machines to put it out?"
"Ah, well we actually did try that. In fact that's what we usually do whenever a Forest Fire broke out. But The Disturbance simply made the clouds vanish...it affects not just magic that ponies have you see, but most forms of magic...and it seems to create its own weather. Which is something that normal wild fires do, or at least that what ancient accounts said. In short: if it would have worked we wouldn't be having this conversation."
>>25856835
>>25856980That's actually a legit tactic, though usually much more controlled. However Wildfires are fickle beasts, sometimes they won't burn completely leaving plenty of fuel to burn again. Other times bits of charred logs can be sent into the jetstream and shot out 34 miles past the fireline, starting a new wildfire. Fire can even survive winter, and still burn under several feet of snow.
In short, they've probably tried it but it hasn't done much good.
>>25856824
She continues after your done with your question flipping to the next slide that has a picture of an odd flying machine. You've seen hot air balloons and maybe a Zeppelin or two, but this certainly a new contraption. Looks almost like a metal bird or pegasus with two wings. She clicks a few more times and then showing a few picture of you, along with 5 other ponies.
>>25857066
>"We've called you here because we need your skill set. We have assembled a team of 6 ponies, including you, to go on an expedition to the source of The Disturbance. Half of them are researchers, the other half are ponies to keep those researchers alive. You will be tasked with discovering the nature of this odd magical force and hopefully put a stop to it."
>She takes out a little baton and points to picture of the machine, labeled 'Aeroplane' "Due to unpredictable and hazardous weather conditions, it has been impossible to send weather balloons or airships close to the Ground Zero. However, a private civilian constructed an 'aeroplane' for his own use that is not only agile enough to brave the weather conditions, but contains plenty of room to store equipment. After a preliminary scouting, it was found that it appeared to be all but impossible to land the vehicle. Your team will have to parachute from the 'aeroplane'. This is why it is rather small. We may not be able to resupply you, so assume you are on your own the moment you touchdown."
[Question or let her finish?]Also probably exaggerated the 34 miles but I remember it being a pretty damn long distance
>>25857084
*why the team is rather small
>>25857084
>we want you to not only go to this pony rending force, we want you to go to the source
Who's bright idea was this?
>>25857084
How are we supposed to survive while inside? Sounds like a suicide mission
>>25857084
What's stopping any of us from becoming like those other ponies the second we get through its sphere of influence?
>>25857160
>>25857137
>>25857174
You instantly have your doubts "This sounds like suicide. How do you expect us to survive going directly to the source of this pony rendering force?"
>She smiles, this one looks much less plastic and fake than her previous ones "Two ways. First, we will disable certain innate magical abilities, unicorn's will be given anti-magic horns, and the Pegasi will have their wings clipped. Lastly, we will provide specially formulated tablets to further suppress your innate magic. We've tested this out on the aforementioned pilot, and he was able to keep calm while he flew directly over Ground Zero, so it must work. When we sent a few Wonderbolts to try and see if The Disturbance had a maximum height...it ended poorly. And the pilot was flying much lower than they were."
Another question burns inside of you "Why haven't you given out these tablets to all your Fireponies then?"
>"Well...it's still heavily experimental. Don't worry, none of the magical creatures we've tested it on died, even after overdosing." She switches back to her fake nervous smile, but shuts you up before you can ask anymore questions by sliding the paperwork back to you, and levitating the pen into your mouth.
>"Now, we have a few 'roles' for this little group of ponies. Since it must be so small, we need to make sure everyone is specialized...I'm sure you'll find which one fits you the most."
[Character Creation: Choose role]
[There's 6 roles you can choose from. Each will determine the general skill set/backstory of the MC. After which you will choose race and name and we'll be on our way. The descriptions are rather long so I will shove it into another post.]
>>25857338
DEMOLITION: In the hostile environment of a scorched forest, it is almost guaranteed that you will need some pony who is skilled with clearing large portions of land or ridding one of obstacles. An example of a pony who was considered for this role are the 'Sawyers': ponies who work with chainsaws to cut down and clear forests for a fireline. Most Sawyers also have 'Swampers' who would just assist clearing any additional fuel (plants) in the area, they would be less skilled with a saw, but be more perceptive. However, it's possible this Operator was not involved with the EFAS at all. Either way, they are skilled in the art of destruction and could fit this role nicely.
MAGICIAN: As the EFAS suspects some Magical Disturbance is at play, they made sure to search for an expert in such things. This pony does not have to be the expected 'Unicorn Mage' but also perhaps a practitioner of some obscure Magical Art, like say a Zebra Alchemist, or maybe an Earth Pony who studied the Occult and magical artifacts. They are instrumental in the search for the origin of The Blaze.
FIRE WARDEN: As expected, the EFAS made sure that there was a pony with suffiecient expertise or knowledge with Fire on the team. The range of experience on this pony may vary. They could be an accomplished Structural Firefighter (what you usually think a Firefighter does, go into burning buildings and save pones) or may have worked with the EFAS before on controlled burnsor perhaps the Operator's burns were less than...controlled. Desperate times call for desperate measures after all, or perhaps served in a short military campaign where they used incendiary weapons. Special Flare guns, designed by some ponies who used to make and sell fireworks, have also been used to start fires so perhaps the pony comes from a civilian background.
[1/2]
>>25857372
DOCTOR: While the crew will be given basic EMT courses prior to being sent out into the field, if someone is inflicted with a wound or condition that could not be fixed with simple bandages and gauze, this pony will be their last hope. They could be any type of doctor, all that matters really is that they know how to treat traumatic wounds and burns and have picked up the skills for whatever reason, but their 'auxiliary' skills in whatever field of medicine they used to work in may come in handy. Additionally they will be tasked with examining any wildlife that happened to survive the initial Fire, seeing how/if wildlife was affected by The Disturbance would aid in identifying what type of magic is at play.
HUNTER: Perhaps a 'Conservationist', a bona fide Monster Hunter, or whatever in between. Either way this pony is familiar with following tracks and trapping/taking down the various wild creatures in Equestria. This pony was called onto the Squad because during initial recon by the 'Aeroplane', the pilot noticed several monsters and creatures still roamed the wasteland of the Ground Zero. This pony will help protect the group from animal attacks and also help the Doctor with their duties to capture and study wild life.
SCHOLAR: This is perhaps the oddest role out of all of them, as it seems like they have little purpose at first. This well educated pony is intimate with Ancient Equestrian history. Like really ancient equestrian history. They could be anything from an Archeologist, a professor, or a college student that wrote one impressive essay while black out drunk. They also perhaps would have better knowledge of the Everfree Forest, most ponies do not really know what lay inside these forests. The Scholar would have a lot of knowledge that could be more practical to the group such as identifying dangerous flora and fauna in the area along with other important pieces of info.
(The remaining 5 roles will become your crew mates)
[2/2]
>>25857397
Doctor sounds fun
>>25857397
Sure, let's go Doctor.
>>25857420
High 5 for doctor
>>25857397
I'd go for Doctor.
Could we have a recount of the gender? I came too late to vote
>>25857435
Kay. I vote to keep mare.
>>25857435
I would also like to have penis so we have something to fuck with
>>25857435
Voting Stallion, btw
>>25857397
Doctor
>>25857456
Really?
>>25857435
I will toss up a Straw Poll in the mean time. Have to go right now and will be back in around 20-25 minutes so focus on voting for roles right now.
http://strawpoll.me/6343821
>>25857435
Mare
>>25857435
Earth doc? We won't have our abilities anyway and know how to manage without would be a +
>>25857410
>>25857420
>>25857430
>>25857430
>>25857462
>>25857539
DOCTOR it is! What type of doctor though? A surgeon? Field medic in the royal guard? Therapist? Some other specialist? After that clarification is done we will choose race and begin our suici- journey.
Also it seems horse cock is winning the strawpoll. If you wanna play as a mare act soon.
>>25857696
Retired field medic who went on to work as a surgeon for a few years
>>25857696
Earth Pony doctor. Surgeon.
>>25857723
this
>>25857723
surgeon will be good.
>>25857721
>>25857723
>>25857726
>>25857741
Incorporate the service in the military or no? (will get a random drawback for it to make up for getting combat training.)
>>25857842
I wouldn't want it.
>>25857842
no plain old doc who knows enough about biology to slice and dice several species
>>25857842
No prior military service.
>>25857842
Honorable discharge due to a wounded limb?
We'd know how to fight, just wouldn't be able to do it as well as the othersReminds me of Dr Watson
>>25857852
>>25857853
>>25857866
>>25857871
>>25857902
[Alright then, no military background. Strawpoll has not changed, and horse cock seems to be the clear winner so our MC will become a dude]
With a sigh, you check off DOCTOR on the form. You look over it one last time before a feeling of dread fills you, noticing that you accidentally marked yourself down as a Mare. You grit on the end of the pencil and angrily scribble over the box before putting a neat little check mark on Stallion. You may not be the most masculine stallion out there...but, you're no gelding dammit!
You're not sure why they'd want you really, you're not even a Biologist, just a normal surgeon. Well, normal may be cutting yourself short. Among the medical community you are well known for your feats. You are also known for being rather young for an accomplished surgeon, late twenties to early thirties. But that still begs the question why they'd want you on essentially what will be an Expedition, but nothing about this whole operation seems to make much sense. Why would they need a Scholar on their team?
The older mare nods her head respectably after you check off your role.
>"I think I remembered seeing an article about you before. You seemed like our Doctor."
[Last vote for Race: Earth Pone, Pegasus, Unicorn, or *Exiled Zebra]
*[DEEPEST LORE]: In this setting, zebra are extreme isolationists and live in big magically protected kingdom they rarely, if ever, leave from. If you are a zebra in Equestria, chances are you've been either kicked out or made some sort of self exile. You could also be a second generation zebra.
>>25858065
I vote for earth.
>>25858065
Earth pony or 2nd gen Zebra
>>25858065
second generation zebra
>>25858065
Erf
>>25858065
Earth
2nd gen Zorse?
>>25858065
ground pounder
>>25858088
>>25858101
>>25858107
>>25858126
>>25858164
>>25858170
>>25858200
[Close between Erf and Zig Zag, will let it sit for a bit more but wanna continue]
You spit out the pen after marking yet another obvious question, your race, and look at the mare in anticipation. She flips to one more slide on the projector, showing off what looks like a military installation somewhere in Canterlot. You think you've seen it before on your train ride here.
>"You will have a short, but extremely rigorous 9 day training at a former Wonderbolt facility, where we will teach everyone in the crew skills they need to know, and practice jumping out of the 'Aeroplane'. Your employer at Manehattan Memorial Hospital will be noted about your absence, but you are not allowed to contact any family, friends, or the press while on base. The public is already on edge, they do not need to know about The Disturbance yet."
>The guards that lead you to the office enter the small room as the mare leans has to mash the power button a few frustrating times until it finally shuts off.
>"Oh, and by the way, you can call me Tree Sap. I'm the director of EFAS."
[Any last minute questions before the guards lead you off? Also choose name.]
>>25858329
Our name is going to be sharp scalpel.i'm terrible with names
>>25858329
Looks like 5 to 3 in favor of Erf to me. Not counting >>25858101
Other than that, only name I can think of right now is either Bone Saw or Saw Bones
Really, I can't get Star Trek out of my mind and want to be called Bones.
>>25858329
We could go with Stitches
Our name shall be Arterial Forceps (the fancy name for a hemostat).
Also voting for Earthpony.
>>25858465
Get it? Becaus it's used to comtrol bleeding? And our job will be to prevent people from bleeding to death? Anyone? Nevermind.
>>25858465
I dunno about Arterial Forceps. Doesn't really roll off the tongue.
>>25858486
Well people can call us "art" for short.
though I'm not feeling the name either.
how about dr. sweet heart.
>>25858486
That was kinda the joke. I'd honestly be fine with whatever. All the suggestions so far are fine: Doctor Saw, Doctor Bones, Doctor Stich, whatever.
>>25858512
I like the heart part but not the sweet part. What other words work with heart?
>>25858329
Cotton Swab?
>>25858524
I thought it was funny.
I'm just going to sit here and put random words before "heart"
pump
good
lively
life
>>25858524
Attack, murmur, bypass, beat
>>25858541
Triple Bypass
>>25858535
>>25858524
Heartbreak?
>>>25858486
>>25858547
Also let's narrow it down to these 3 plus the heart one (whatever you choose it to be).
>>25858535
What about single word names?
Dr Hemostat sounds nice. It means the same thing as the arterial forceps
>>25858556
For that matter, we could just call them surgical clamps. Doctor Surgical Clamp.
>>25858556
Actually, let's do this. Dr. Hemostat, or Stat for short.
>>25858572
Yeah, I can get behind that. Sure.
Dr. Stat needs a hemostat, stat!
>>25858556
>>25858572
I don't like it though I don't hate it either so it's passable for me. I'm just going to try to keep on thinking.
Doctor Nick?
(huehuehue simpsons refrence)
>>25858607
Dude, you forgot to take your name off from the Equestrian Dungeon CYOA.
>>25858614
so i did
>>25858586
Dr. Stat's good for me.
Looks like it's going to be doctor stat. I guess I'll find out for sure in the morning. Good night everyone.
>>25858586
>>25858572
>>25858556
>>25858639
Alright, Doctor Homostat is a go.
[FINISHED CHAR GEN, but whenever [?] appears at the end of a post it means whatever response you say will become part of his backstory. Will only use it sparingly]
You shake your head "I do not have any more questions for now, Ms. Sap."
>She quickly collects you paperwork before giving a quick hoof shake and waiving you off with the guards. While they guide you out of the office and back into the streets of Canterlot, they stay rather close to you. Probably to ensure you don't run off. However they are both rather bulky compared to you, and they are unintentionally crushing you. Unfortunately by the time you are willing to say something about it they already have escorted you to the Training Facility.
>The facility is rather large, but a lot of it is just empty space and the long runway. Some cloud rings, where you imagine wonderbolts used to soar through while practicing a new trick, still litter the sky here and there. In an effort to try and make the base feel less like what it really is, EFAS flags have been strewn across the buildings and a few places on the runway.
>Only one of the buildings is open and it's labeled as 'Bunk House #2'. Right outside the Bunk House you see a stallion that makes those guards from before look like tiny colts. On the runway itself you see the actual 'Aeroplane' itself. A mare in a pilot's helmet and a jumpsuit is polishing it.
>The sun is starting to set, and if what the Director (Tree Sap) said about your training being rigorous, you may want to get a good nights sleep.
>>25858737[Got time for one more update here and then I gotta hit the sack as well. Will try to run early (around 16:00 CST if you want something precise) to make up for the fact that I will be busy as fuck on Christmas. We will do a short little roll session for the actual training that determines how well it went and then we will get into the meat of things]
>>25858801
>Homostat
f u c k
>>25858801
Talking a little bit to that mare won't be that much of a problem or take up too much time I think. You're hemostat. Who are they?
>>25858839
Maybe that'll be his nickname from his homosexually repressed teammate
>>25858839
>>25858839Gay pornstar alias?
>>25858839
I should have thought harder about a name or else this wouldn't have happened.
>>25858839
So if a hemostat os designed to keep you from leaking blood all ober the place, does that mean that a homostat is designed to keep you from--
Now abandoning this train of thought.
>>25858854
>>25858862
>>25858873
>>25858878
>>25858896[I can see the lewds already dammit]
>>25858854
You decide a little bit of idle conversation with the mare won't take up much time. You approach the mare as she is busy polishing one of the wings
"Hello there. I am new to this base, my name is Hemostat. What is yours?" The mare looks back from the wing and spins around to look at you. She looks really young, and for some reason has a small tattoo of a star on her right cheek.
>"Oh hey-ya! You must be the last Crew member huh? Hmm...so you're that famous surgeon correct?"
"That would be me, but I'd rat-" She walks up and beings shaking your hoof enthusiastically, to the point where you think she's gonna dislocate your foreleg.
>"Nice ta-meetcha! I'm Star Struck, and I'll be the pony who is gonna take you to the big scary black place. Good luck down there by the way, I was scared just looking at it! You ponies must be so brave, volunteering for such a dangerous mission!"
>>25858958
Can you tell me a little bit about the other ponies who are going on the mission?
>>25858986
More info is always good
>>25858986
>>25859018
You quickly retract your foreleg from her hoof shake before she really does break it.
"Yes, but right now I wish to know more about the other ponies going on this mission. Is there anything you know?"
>"Ooh, of course! Though I haven't really talked to them much, since the DEMOLITION guy. He's the big ole bacon haired guy out in the front by the bunks!" She points back to the towering stallion. He indeed has bacon like hair: Long straight but wavy mane where one strip of hair is a bright red, and the other is a light more pinkish color. He is a pegasus and has a dark, dull purple coat. He is for some reason wearing a white facemask (Not the type you usually wore during surgery) and eye protection, so you can't make out his face or his eye color much.
>"Don't tell him I told you that name! He doesn't like. His name is Sumac and he talks funny. Maybe that's why he doesn't talk much at all. As for the others...well I only know what the dossier the EFAS gave me.
>"The Magician is just a middle aged unicorn, don't know much about her and she seemed insulted that I didn't."
>"The Warden was an interesting one though! Apparently, they are a real life arsonist that is on parole! They said they are safe because Arsonists are just ponies that light fires 'cause they want to, not like Pyromaniacs that are crazy and got some compulsion to make them light fires! I haven't met them though so I dunno if he's good or bad."
>"The Hunter is a 'conversationalist' who captures wounded magical creatures and helps them out. He seems like a nice guy!"
>"And the Scholar is the most unique one of all! She's a zebra! And apparently the youngest of your crew. She seemed really confused about everything when I saw her, and deathly afraid of poor old Sumac."
>"But hey, if you wanna know more, you should go in there and catch them before they fall asleep!"
[something which I gotta do right now. See ya tommorow/later today assuming this thread survives the night.]
>>25859088Also the 'conversationalist' typo was intentional. Star Struck isn't very bright.
Who should we speak to first?
I vote the Hunter or the Scholar
Seconding talk to Hunter.
>>25859088
We should talk to the Scholar
I was expecting 'bacon hair' to be more literal...
I'd go for the one most likely to call us 'Dr Homostat', so maybe the Hunter.
Besides, the one we talk to first is often the character we end up interacting with most. Might as well make it someone nice
Definitely hunter.
>>25858839
>>25858801
>Dr. Homostat
>>25859719
>>25859873
>>25859957
>>25860325
>>25860864
>>25861002
"Right, thanks. I will see you later, I guess." Star Struck waves happily before turning her full attention back to her odd contraption, taking care to polish a few smudges of soot that still covers the underbelly of the plane. It looked even bigger than the pictures in that terrible little slideshow The Director showed you, and all of it made of metal. How in Celestia's name does it fly?...And speaking of Celestia, does she even know about this 'expedition'? Your thoughts are clouded with various questions that you don't think you will get the answer too as you walk across the large runway over to the Bunk House, which looks like a tin can that was cut in half.
Over the horizon you see the runway leads off Canterlot Mountain and faces directly towards the Everfree. Even from all the way here, you can not only see the massive plumes of black soot and smoke rising up, but you can even smell it faintly. No wonder this city is so on edge if that's what they wake up and see every morning. Manehattan was so far away from the fires that it was almost too easy to disassociate yourself from it, put all your attention into your work and forget the the fire even existed. Occasionally, a firepony or two would be rushed to your hospital, but few of them required your expertise. Now, you can't ignore it any longer, especially since you're being sent right into the thick of it.
The massive Pegasus, Sumac, turns his head towards you as you approach the Bunk House. You notice he's wearing a green jacket that has various patches on it, including a EFAS one and a 'Rainbow Falls Hotshots' He says nothing, but he's standing right in the doorway blocking it off fully with his bodyframe. Because you can't see his eyes you're not even sure if he even really notices you.
>>25861411
Say hello and introduce ourselves.
>>25861429
You cough to try and get his attention "Hello there, the Pilot said your name was Sumac. My name is Hemostat."
>Sumac takes a while to actually speak, and you can instantly tell why the Pilot mentioned his voice. It sounds like he's from Trottingham. "Oi, you're the Doc right? Nothin' weird about you?" His breathing mask doesn't actually muffle his voice that much.
"Yes, I am the 'Doctor'. And, uh, I wouldn't say I'm particularly weird."
>"Good on ya. Need you to talk to that Zebra, The Scholar. They dragged her straight from a college party I think and she's cowering in the corner puking her bloody guts out. Need ya to make sure she's alright though since she too scared of everyone else." He sidesteps out of the way to let you through.
>>25861674
Let's go try to calm her down.
>>25861674
Sure thing
>>25861699
>>25861704
You slip past Sumac into the Bunk House, noticing the door is still open. There are several empty bunk beds scattered that stretch on for a considerable distance, but most of the other ponies seem to have claimed beds near the door. A few grimy windows up top let in dull light into the room, causing everything to be bathed in yellow. A thick musk of sweat and mold permeates throughout the building. You're accustomed to blood and guts and other bodily fluids but the smell is so bad that it makes you physically cringe the moment you get a good whiff of it.
To the left you see a haughty Unicorn (whom you can only guess is The Magician) putting up various posters of herself on the walls. All posters of when she was much younger, and her long straight hair didn't have a dusting of grey in them. The posters all proudly display her name in bold letters: Glamour.
To your right, you see The Hunter on his bed. You know it's him, he has his tranquilizer rifle laying at the foot of his bunk, and all his other assorted hunting tools tossed onto the top bunk. He looks like a young earth pony with a mare-ish curly mane. He is laying on his side sketching something in a small notebook.
The Warden seems absent, but you can see 2 other beds have been claimed. One looks a lot like what you imagine Sumac's would be. For some reason he has a chainsaw lying right next to his bed.
[1/2]
>>25861785
A pitiful retching noise takes you out of your thoughts. You trot pass the rows upon rows of empty bunks, following the source of the noise and a strong acrid stench, to find the Zebra Mare laying off the side of a bunk at the very end with a bucket right near her head. She is wearing a hoodie that has the initials CTU on it, which you recognize as Canterlot Technical University. One of the biggest party schools in all of Equestria, and yet it also has cutting edge laboratories that churn out ground breaking research constantly. Her mane is long and messy and her eyes are bloodshot and she looks at you with a glare and speaks in broken Equestrian.
>"What want you pony? Urp! Cannot you see I am busy?" she gags again. Your eyes drift off to her flank, to avoid seeing her vomit, yeah. Her Cutie Mark (you remember Zebra called them 'Glyph Marks') is a highly stylized picture of a lab beaker, and then a bottle of booze. Complete with the traditional XXX marking on the label.
[2/2]
>>25861808
Do we have any way of helping her with her hangover?
>>25861808
My name's Stat, I'm a doctor. What's your name?
>>25861808
Hey, we're going to be working together so I thought we should get to know each other.
Are you sick?
>>25861912
What do you think, Anon?
>>25861919
I think we should pretend to worry and not pointing out the obvious that she's drunk as shit.
>>25861886
>>25861890
>>25861912
>>25861919
You're a surgeon, you usually don't deal with drunks. That isn't to say you've never had a drink in your life before, but you never get this bad. You approach her cautiously, close enough to be comforting, but far enough so she can't puke all over you.
"Hello there, um, my name is Dr. Stat." you resist rolling your eyes. All these introductions are getting old "Since we're gonna be working together and all, is there anything I can do to, uh, make your feel better?" She turns to you an lays on her back, groaning and putting a hoof to her forehead. The zebra really does look rather young, probably 18-19.
>"I be fine pony...You seem not crazy. My name is Pakanga."
"A nice name. Are you sure there is nothing I can do to help you?" she burps again and rolls onto her side.
>"Urgh...If Stat could get me some water that would be a big help...My throat burns..." You nod and search around for a glass or a cup. She points to her school bag, that is seated on the other side of the bed away from her vomit. "There...Check there..."
Inside the bag you find several Textbooks and notepads filled with various notes, a water bottle, around 4 bottles of Vodka, and several other bottles filled with odd, multi colored liquids with various labeling on them.
Pakanga is busy hunched over the bucket to notice you.
>>25862076
give her the bottle of water and ask her WHY she has so much vodka on her
>>25862076
Oh boy, flammable liquids.
>>25862076
You know we're going into a wildfire, right? Might not be the best decision to bring this much vodka.
>>25862101
They'll probably be empty before we actually leave.
>>25862156
That's more than enough vodka to kill a man.
>>25862087
>>25862094
>>25862101
>>25862156
>>25862172
You are concerned about the vodka. You think that's enough vodka to kill several ponies, not to mentioned her. She's a bit...plump but she's also rather small. Even for a mare. You doubt she could handle even a few shots of Vodka.
You take the water bottle out and give it to her. She takes it and immediately begins chugging it, gargling and spitting out the water occasionally to get the taste of vomit out of her mouth. "So, why do you have so much Vodka on you?"
>"Because party needed more booze, and the turn was mine to bring some." You're not sure if her horrible Equestrian is because she's drunk, or if this is just how she normally talks. You sincerely hope it's the former "Why you worried pony? I know how to handle my drink."
"Well, if anything this proves you can't, but more importantly why are you bringing flammable liquids with you? You know we're going into a wildfire right?" She looks at your with pure confusion and tilts her head. She almost would look cute and innocent if part of her mane didn't have vomit on it.
>"Wildfire? Is that new Rehab program you ponies came up with? Ugh, I knew my parents were gonna go for a real big one this time...I did not pay attention to the slide show that old hag showed us. Did I miss anything important?"
>>25862248
I'll explain it to you when you're sober. Let's get you cleaned up first.
>>25862248
Just try to get some rest. We're going to have a fun day tomorrow. Sleep on your side.
>>25862248
Didn't she have to fill out a form before she got here? What about the orientation?
>>25862299
"...Didn't you have to fill out a form before you got here? And what about the Orientation?"
>"Oh, that paper of piece-"
"Pieces of paper."
>"Whatever. I signed them to get her talking to stop. Her accent made my headache worse, ugh, even thinking of it gives me pain, pony...As for Orientation, I have mastered the art of faking to pay attention while 'hammered' as you call it. And even if I did try to pay attention I was too embarrassed too, since those Royal guards were right there next to me." Every word she takes a pause to try an articulate it better. Makes her sound more like a foreigner, but it will do.
>>25862264
>>25862296
"Well, you'll find out soon. Get some rest, we're going to have a fun day tommorow. Clean up and sleep on your side." She chuckles
>"This is not first time I be hungover pony. I know how to manage it."
>>25862419
Alright, let's go to bed ourselves. We can talk to every one tomorrow.
>>25862419
We should tell whoever's in charge about her ignorance of the situation first chance we get.
>>25862438
>>25862496
You make a mental note to remind whoever is in charge about Pakanga's ignorance of the situation before leaving her alone to deal with her hang over herself.
As you walk turn to walk back to the other bunks, you see Sumac heading back inside, while a mare who is wearing an odd collar on her neck and a horn ring trains behind him.
They both ignore each other's existence before turning their respective beds and retiring for the night. It turns out you were right, and Sumac's bed is the one with the chainsaw. No one else seems willing to speak to the other, you can only hear the faint creaking of ancient dusty fans spinning over head. The sun has nearly set, and the bunk house has gotten even darker than before.
You're not sure which bunk you should claim. The only ones close to the group is one near Sumac, one near the Unicorn mare with the horn ring (whom you suspect is The Warden), and of course one at the very far end of the building with Pakanga. You could also sleep far away from the group in one of the many empty bunks, trying to find one that feels the most comfortable.
>>25862674
Let's sleep near the unicorn with the ring on.
It doesn't really matter where we sleep anyway.
>>25862704
You decide to just sleep next to the Unicorn mare wearing the ring. Not like it really matters anyway. You toss your belongings onto the top bunk and ease yourself onto the firm bed. It feels like a rock, and smells like wet cotton and cement. Don't Pegasi usually sleep on clouds? How could they handle such horribly uncomfortable beds? Despite the bed being so bad, you are so exhausted from the days travels that you almost immediately drift out of consciousness...
*** ***
>"Psst! Hey kid! Psst!" you are shaken awake by the unicorn you chose to sleep next to. She is leaning over you, with her face uncomfortably close to your own. She is around your age, maybe a bit older. "I need a lighter! You got one? I haven't had a smoke in months."
>>25863021
You don't smoke so you don't have a lighter. Sorry. Smoking isn't good for you anyway. You should know. After all, you're a doctor.
>>25863021
Smoking is bad for your health, friend.
>>25863021
Nope. Never took up smoking
>>25863044
>>25863048
>>25863052
"Sorry, I'm a doctor so I don't smoke. Don't have a lighter." The mare frowns and moves away from your face then tucks herself back into her bed.
>"Damn...thanks anyway." she seems to have gone back to bed. It's officially night time now, only a little bit of light from Luna's moon leaks in from the windows.
"Sure...whatever." You lay your head back on the bed and try to fall back asleep. It take a little longer than the first time, but it wasn't so bad.
*** ***
...Smoke. This time it was the smell of something burning that woke you up. You sit up startled and turn your head only to see the same mare with the horn ring crouching in the space between your bunks. She is using a hair straightener to try and light a cigarette. She notices you looking and nods.
>"Oh hey kid. You sure you don't want to try one? This is a pretty expensive brand."
>>25863159
No thank you.
>>25863159
No thank and that's pretty creative btw.
>>25863159
I'd rather not. We might be inhaling more smoke than I'd like when we jump in.
>>25863159
no
>>25863159
Yes, I'm sure.
And if it's been months since you stopped, do you really want to pick it back up again?
>>25863177
>>25863179
>>25863186
>>25863188
>>25863194
"No thanks. We're going to inhaling a lot more smoke than I'd like when we jump into Ground Zero in a week or so." She pulls her cigarette out of the straightener and takes a big puff of it, and speaks while exhaling it.
>"Ah come on, I've been in a lot of fires see, and smoked like a chimney, and my lungs are perfectly fine! One little puff won't give you lung cancer. And these are really high quality cigs, tobbaco straight from Mustangia!" she turns off the straightener as she notice it's starting to burn a bit of your sheets by accident.
"Yes, I'm sure. And if it's been months since you've stopped, do you really want to pick it up again?" she rolls her eyes and chuckles between another smoke.
>"I didn't have a choice, ya dig? I was uhm...doing some time. And I got sent to Solitary. No way to sneak cigs into there so I had to quit cold turkey. Wasn't fun."
>>25863313
What'd you do?
>>25863313
I think you're supposed to ween off cigarettes anyway.
You're still not interested in smoking. Ask how long she's supposed to be in for. Did she volunteer or was she picked?
>>25863333
>>25863352
Before you can ask her what crime she committed, you remember that the Pilot mentioned that the "Warden" was an Arsonist on parole. And she seems to be the odd pony out in terms of roles. You try asking her anyway "What did you do? And how long were you supposed to be in for?"
>"Oh. Uh. Well I accidentally got some ponies killed. As for how long I was supposed to be in...I think life more or less. But I nearly got parole!" She smiles sheepishly with the cig still in her mouth. You see her flip the hair dresser on and start to light another one, even though she isn't even half way done with her first one.
"Hmm, well did you volunteer or were you chosen?" You see her stick the second cig in her mouth right next to her first one
"Chosen, but if they gave me the option to volunteer I sure as hell would have volunteered! It's just like the good ole days back in Manehattan..."
>>25863436
What does she mean? What were her good old days like?
>>25863436
We're not going to be talking to the Hunter for a while, are we?
>>25863739
We could've talked to him before we went to bed.
>>25863511
>>25863739
>>25863816
"What were these 'good old days' like?" she seems to instantly lose her apprehension and loosens up, lying the back of her head against her bed and crossing her hindlegs
>"Oh, amazing! Before I got busted, I used to work as an Arson Investigator for Manehattan. Heh, I was pretty good at my job too. I caught pretty much every half snot nosed punk who tried to just light a carriage on fire and call themselves 'Arsonists'. Pfft. What a bunch of wannabes they were! Nothing like the ones you hear about in books or in the newspapers. And I was the hero of the town for a while there. Everypony knew my name! Everypony wanted to be me! Everypony respected me..." she trails off and focuses on finishing her cigarettes, but you think you know the rest of the story.
Around the time you were in Pre-med, you remember hearing stories in the newspaper about some insane Arsonist that had been running amok in Manehatten. They started around 100 fires, most of them just small scale stuff, but occasionally you'd hear that a nightclub or something got burned down and a few ponies lost their lives. The Bucklyn Burner is what they'd call her. Eventually, it turns out the Cities own chief Arson Investigator was the Arsonist herself. It also turned out she framed a lot of her fires, which now was around 200, on other ponies. It was a rather big scandal, but eventually it blew over.
[I have to take a 2 hour break, keep thread from being pushed off the board until then]
>>25863843
>well shit, you got a pone who probably knows how to work the legal system.
could come in handy
>>25863843
Huh. I thought it'd be something having to do with negligent disposal of her cigs.
Look out window to once again loosely verify the time.
>>25863843
So far our party sounds like the opposite of good. A zebra that's constantly drunk, a pony who thinks burning ponies is fun, and old Trixie. Equestria is so fucked.
>>25863843
Well this was nice but we should go talk to the others now.
>>25864036
This. Let's just try to go back to bed.
Wonder what the rest of them are like. Hopefully nice.
>>25863893
>>25863955
>>25863965
>>25864036
>>25864641
You groggily look to the windows, the sun is only faintly starting to rise. It still must be really early. "Well...that was a good talk I think, but I have to go to bed. Good talking to you Ms. ?"
>"Call me Thrifty. I don't like my real name." she stands up and begins to walk outside to go finish her cigarette "Sleep well."
You lay down and try to force yourself back to sleep. Hoping that this time you don't get any more rude interruptions.
*** ***
Your wish was not granted, but at least you got a good sleep. Sumac is tapping you with his hoof to wake you up, but due to his size each tap feels like a full shove. It's finally morning if the light is any indication. All the beds are empty.
>"Mornin' time mate. Everypony is outside for 'Debriefing' from a barmy Drill Sergeant. You may want to hurry before the zebra makes any more rude comments." You sigh and quickly head outside. Out on the runway you can already see the other 4 are lined up shoulder to shoulder, flank to flank, while a rather crude looking Royal Guard shouts at Pakanga. She still looks hungover.
>>25865502
Let's go stand next to her then.
>>25865502
Whatever. Just fall in and endure the nonsense for a while.
>>25865502
Interesting that there wasn't a wakeup call.
If there was one, we wouldn't have slept through it. Least they can't nail us for being late.
>>25865502
>>25865520
This. Maybe interrupt the sergeant's tirade by offering a good morning greeting. The bants might not cease unless we draw some attention.Pak is gonna owe us.
I'd rather we get down to business.
>>25865502
Go straight up to the drill sergeant and tell him about Pakanga.
>>25865774
This.
>>25865520
>>25865523
>>25865583
>>25865594
>>25865774
You roll your eyes at the nonsense and scoot up next to Pakanga, making sure you make enough commotion that the sergeant notice your approach.
"Sir, I need to inform you that Paka-...The Scholar was not informed of the nature of the mission. Or she was too sick to understand." The Drill Sergeant turns to you. He looks like the stereotypical Royal Guard, white coat, blue mane, but he is nowhere as clean cut.
>"Oh, well good morning sleepy head! We set off sirens so you'd remember what time to wake up, but it seems ya slept right through them now did you?" He finally turns away from Pak who has a dead look in her eyes, a subdued expression of terror. "As for the zebra, she knows about her mission now. And as you can see she's taking it a bit hard. So, let's be a bit sensitive and switch to a different subject." The sergeant further steps back as Sumac falls back into line
>"Alright Ladies and Geldings, that's enough fun for one day. I'd love to just yell your ear off all day but frankly that will take too much time. You know your mission, or at least your Primary Objective, but right now I can bet your fat flanks that none of your know there are Secondary Objectives, correct?" Everyone shakes there head
[1/2]
>>25865900
>"As expected. There are 2 Secondary Objectives. If you can complete them that would be outstanding, but if pursuing them would compromise the Primary Objective your orders are to abandon them fully. The first is to investigate a town in the area. Apparently, some crazy cult freaks set up some little outpost for themselves in Ghastly Gorge, they call it 'Carcasonne'. They worshiped some stupid sun god or whatever. Important part is that they were right near to Ground Zero and we have no records showing that anyone from the town left. If you find any survivors you are to radio for evac."
>"The second one is to confirm the initial fatalities that occurred when the fire first broke out. Fillydelphia Hotshots were sent to deal with the initial blaze, along with a weather team from Cloudsdale. Both are presumed KIA, but we need bodies to prove it. It would be a great honor to be able to give their families peace of mind, and possibly a funeral."
>"Any questions about your Secondary Objectives?"
>>25865922
Neh
>>25865922
Is there local wildlife in ghastly gorge we need to worry about? Other then that no.
>>25865922
Could we get a list of who we're looking for so we can identify the bodies if we find them?
>>25865922
if were the team doc, do any of our teammates have any medical conditions we should be aware of?
>>25866016
This
>>25866016
I think we should ask this in private, after everyone's dismissed or whatever.
>>25866150
seconded. doc/patioan confedentiality after all
>>25865945
>>25865964
>>25865991
>>25866016
>>25866027
>>25866157
"Is there any local wildlife in Ghastly Gorge we need to worry about?"
>"Our records show that very few animal or monsters, if any, live at the bottom of Ghastly Gorge. However, we do have records that the town was hostile to each other and engaged in something of a civil war. They may or may not respond positively to your presence, so proceed with caution."
"Can we get a list of the deceased so we can identify them?"
>"Of course, you will provided with various pictures we could compile along with any defining features. We do not know what state the bodies would be in, likely they will be disfigured from burns. In any case, if you find any bodies that look remotely Equestrian be sure to try and mark their location so when we send Forensics in they can retrieve the corpses." You keep quiet, but the Hunter speaks up. His voice is soft and very nervous
>"Y-Yes, I just want to know, um, if we some how get rid of The Disturbance...will you be able to put out the wild fire?" The sergeant smirks
>"As a matter of fact, we hope you do figure out how to turn off. If you do, we can finally use our full resources to combat the fire including the Weather Factories. We will be able to snuff it out in around a day, and then a month for clean up and to prevent any more flare ups." The Hunter looks down nervously, seems everyone is done asking questions. "Alright first order of buisness today is just some boring text book classes. We'll be teaching the ponies here who haven't even been anywhere near a fireline everything they need to know about it within 6 hours. And then we'll be doing a physical to see how well you sissies are up to this task. Now get your ass over there." He points to a building on the other side of the runway, and the other 5 begin quickly trotting off. You walk up to the Sergeant and clear your throat.
[1/2]
>>25866277
"Sir, since we're going to be this Team's Doctor, is there any medical conditions they have which I need to be aware of?" He puts a hoof to his mouth and hums, trying to recall
>"As a matter of fact, there are. Sumac has had extensive back surgery, he is a tough son of a bitch but he may need pain meds here and there to keep himself going. You probably know that the Zebra is a drunkard, insure she does not drink any more. Glamour (the Magician) needs to take her damn meds, but she's too much of a stuck up bitch to do it usually, so make sure she does. And I think that Arsonist 'Thrifty' has asthma. Watch her closely since she may be the first of your crew to start to suffer heavily from smoke inhalation..."
[The next 9 training days will be sped up, showing just how well you were trained and any good/bad things that occurred. You will have a chance to mingle with your remaining few teammates though before you have to head out onto the mission]
[2/2]
>>25866354
So, when we're out on this mission, who's the squad leader?
>>25866354
Son of a bitch we need to take those cigarettes away from her.
I think we just need to kiss glamours ass. Though I would like to learn a little bit about her first in case she asks us of her past exploits since she wasn't pleased that the pilot didn't know her.
We'll be provided masks right?
>>25866354
Pain killers for Sumac, very little to no alcohol for Pakanga, the possible need to force feed Glamour's meds, and no smoking for Thrifty. We got our work cut out for us.
>>25866372
well, sumac seems the most sound mentally (bar us), and if hes that tough, he probably be able to keep the others in line, and he doesnt sound like hed outright refuseto tak the pain meds
>>25866354
Talk to the Hunter. He's the one who woke us up right? Might as well thank him
>>25866463
it was actually sumac.
>>25866372
>>25866457
[You're the most responsible pony who is the most qualified to become the leader (Sumac just likes following orders, not leading). As you've seen, the rest of the party are kind of crazy or irresponsible]
Much to your chagrin, it turns out they will not be packing any Air Bottles or gasmask for you or your team. You will only be given small white breathing masks like the one Sumac wears so you don't directly inhale soot or smoke.
>>25866463
At the end of the first day, you finally have some time to pull The Hunter over and talk to him directly. Everyone but Sumac is absolutely exhausted, you included. The 6 hour lesson reminded you of all the fun times you had in Medical School, only even worse because you're not particularly interested in the subject. But then the Physical was the worst. You swore the Drill Sergeant was just having fun at your expense and trying to make you all suffer. Pakanga has instantly crashed while a few of the others are engaging in idle conversation in the Bunk House You catch him coming out of the showers, drying his curly mane with a towel.
>>25866575
>no masks
k
Say hi to the hunter and introduce yourself, ask what his name is. What did he think of his first day?
>>25866645
ask her what she thinks of her teammates
>>25866645
>>25866754
You introduce yourself tohimand ask what his name is. He seems a bit startled by your sudden question.
>"B-Beartrap. It's Beartrap..."
"Nice to meet you for once. Say, what do you think of the other ponies on the team." He backpedals a bit, covering himself with his towel
>"They aren't what I expected. I thought these were supposed to be the best of the best, not just a bunch of misfits...No offense."
[gotta stop for the day here]
>>25867260
Individuals that are very specialized can be a bit eccentric. The important thing is whether or not they can do their job and if they can work together.
>>25867260
None taken. I'm sure someone knows what they're doing, since we were all hoof picked for this.
>>25867260
Boop him.Sleep tight, sleepyflank.
>>25867396
This. Maybe it'll calm him down or somethingDr Homostat is in. I repeat, the doctor is in
>>25865922
>>25866277
Well shit. Carcassonne is in Ghastly Gorge? Whoda thunk it? Now we disregard primary objective and go Rapt- I mean Carcassonne.
Gotta admit, finding out the city's location this way is kinda anticlimactic. Coulda been a really sick reveal in Unique.
>>25867786
Wasn't it quite literally the first thing we did? Blow up a train that fell into a gorge?
>>25867799
Y-yeah well, we didn't know what gorge!
>>25867786
I never got to play Unique. Mind filling me in?
>>25867864
Okay, Carcasonne a city that's the center of all the alternate universes of Equestria. Imagine the timelines in the finale.
In that city, everything's covered in a yellow fog that makes you mutate if you breathe too much. There's a Queen in Yellow and the Red Glare. Both of them are dicks, have armies of cultists, and we don't like them.
If you happen across a short and stout pony wearing a blouse, you don't want to fuck with her either.
>>25867864
Thank Rapture but pony. Woke up no memories on a train that was rigged to blow up on a tressel, plunge us into the gorge and city torn apart by mutants, magic drugs, multiple super powerful beings vying for control of the city and perhaps beyond, and the general Warp fuckery where all manners of time and space seem to fluctuate there. Namely where there are ponies from alternate realities. So we could be in deep shit if we go there.
But what I don't get is that if the rest of Equestria knows about Carcosonne and that it had a war why wasn't anything done?
>>25867925
>If you happen across a SHORT and STOUT pony wearing a blouse, don't fuck with her either.
ftfy
>>25868077
Thank you, Anon.
>>25867786
>>25867799
>>25867864
>>25867925
>>25868007
>>25868077
>>25868098These answers and more may be revealed. I will say, while Ground Zero takes place sort of in the same universe, you won't be able to affect the plot of Unique in anyway, except maybe make one of the ending choices either a Good Ending or Bad Ending.
>>25868130
For Unique or this?
>>25868209
I'm pretty sure he meant Unique
have a good night.
have a good bump
[Will be running a little later today, have some early christmas stuff, but hopefully we can get to when you guys get on the plane soon™]
>>25867260
Do you not like talking?
>>25867336
>>25867341
>>25867396
>>25867750
>>25871212
You playfully poke the colt's nose, making him scrunch his nose. It doesn't seem to calm him down, if anything he looks more excited and embarrassed. "None taken. Individuals that are very specialized can sometimes be a bit eccentric. The important thing is whether or not they can do their job and if they can work together. And since we were all hoof picked for this task, I think the EFAS know what they are doing."
>He sighs "Y-yeah, I guess you're right." He looks over to Pakanga's bunk that is messy and covered in extra clothing and trash with the zebra lying ontop of it, fast asleep. "It just...doesn't add up I think...I thought zebras from her family were supposed to be brilliant."
>>25871701
I'm no psychiatrist, but she might be drinking more heavily because of the stress.
I don't imagine any of us were too excited to be plucked from our lives into military service. Well, except for Thrifty.
>>25871701
Maybe she'll surprise us.
>>25871701
Somebody can be brilliant yet stupid at the same time. Despite the school she went to being one of Equestria's biggest party schools, it also constantly churns out ground breaking research.
>>25871733
>>25871741
>>25871828
"Maybe she'll surprise us, I'm no Psychiatrist but I think she might be drinking heavily because of the stress. I doubt anyone here is really excited to be plucked from out lives and forced into more or less Military Service...Except Thrifty."
>"Yeah it's just I read up on her dossier a bit and it seems l-like she used to be an entirely different pony before..." you give him a sideways look
"Where did you get a file like that?" Beartrap smiles mischievously (it seems like any hint of his previous nervousness is gone) and leads you over to his bunk. With every step he likes to swish his long curly tail side to side with every step which is a bit distracting. The other 3 are currently locked in a Debate with Glamour over something. Though by 'debate' it's more like Thrifty and Glamour are in a shouting match while Sumac buts in every so often to make sure they don't take it too far. He climbs to the top bunk where he keeps most of his belongings and digs out a small little folder he had hidden directly under his bags. He looks side to side to make sure no one else is paying attention, and then leans in close to your face and whispers.
>"I snuck into the offices early this morning and grabbed a few files...I haven't been able to really look at them until today, but one is a Dossier on Pakanga, and the other is some interesting info on these 'tablets' they're giving us."
The Anti-Magic pills is what you think Beartrap meant. They staff have began giving some to you today, they claim you need to take several prior to going out into the field for the effects to really settle in. You're no pharmacist but it did seem a little odd.
>>25872024
He can read about the pills while we read about Pakanga
>>25872024
Shall we get to reading, then?
>>25872065
>>25872067
"Did you read about the pills yet?"
>"No, so I guess I'll give you the one on Pakanga, and I'll tell you what the one on the Pills say." Beartrap takes the file and nonchalantly slips it into his notebook so it'll look like he's read it if anyone looks at him. You catch a quick glimpse of his notebook: they have a lot of impressive sketches on rare magical creatures.
You try to seem less suspicious and sit on his bed next to him before opening the file and quickly looking over it...
NAME: Pakanga 'Nyama-moyo'
SEX: Female
AGE: 19
OCCUPATION: Scholar. Produces products for Beefheart Diagnostics.
HISTORY: She is the youngest of theREDACTED/spoiler] who were exiled from their homeland inREDACTED/spoiler]. Helped pushed the boundaries of Equestria's understanding of Microbiology, Alchemy, and Magic. Most beneficial is her research in the mineral REDACTED Due to her frequent trips into the Everfree to collect REDACTED and samples, is an invaluable asset to OPERATION GROUND ZERO.
DIRECTIVE: Observe the effects of the F.M.A. once on the field. Secure REDACTED for REDACTED/spoiler]
>>25872304
read about glamor
>>25872348
You close the file and look at Beartrap "Hey, do you have one on Glamour?" He closes his notebook and then slowly reaches up to the top bunk and pulls out another folder. This one seems a bit more complete than Pakanga's
NAME: Glamour
SEX: Female
AGE: 53
OCCUPATION: Former 'Performer'. Attended and then taught at Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns.
HISTORY: Was born to an impoverished farming family. Not much else is known about her childhood, but somehow she was able to scrounge up enough cash to attend Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. Quickly she rose to become known for her magical feats and gifts. She'd often go around to towns and put on 'shows' to try and spark interest and wonder about magic to young unicorns, or turn the opinon more 'backwards' community who shunned or were afraid of them. However, something seemed to have gone wrong as the years went along. Her 'Performances' became less about sparking curiosity and more about flaunting her own talents. Eventually, ponies had enough of Glamour and she was booed off stage.
Later on in her life, she had begun to suffer from an early onset of Dementia, and has been under going treatment ever since. Due to her high magical prowess she has been chosen for this assignment. The reason she was chosen over other options was twofold: She is a virtual nopony in the public eye, and she has no surviving family or friends to speak of.
DIRECTIVE: She was specialized in 'feeling' magic, and so she will be important in locating the source of The Disturbance. Additionally, the effects of F. M. A. on an individual who already has such strong magic is a fascinating prospect, and should she survive important data could be obtained from her.
>>25872806
The only one we don't know about is beartrap. Ask if we can read his file. He can read ours if he'd like.
>>25872898
This
>>25872806
Additional psychological and behavioral problems that often affect people who have dementia include:
Balance problems
Tremor
Speech and language difficulty
Trouble eating or swallowing
Memory distortions (believing that a memory has already happened when it has not, thinking an old memory is a new one, combining two memories, or confusing the people in a memory)
Wandering or restlessness
Perception and visual problems[23]
Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) almost always occur in all types of dementia. BPSDs may manifest as:
Agitation
Depression
Anxiety
Abnormal motor behavior
Elated mood
Irritability
Apathy
Disinhibition and impulsivity
Delusions (often believing people are stealing from them) or hallucinations
Changes in sleep or appetite.
When people with dementia are put in circumstances beyond their abilities, there may be a sudden change to crying or anger (a "catastrophic reaction")
oy vey.
not only are we the best. But it looks like we're also all expendable.
>>25873011
Looks like something sinister is going on.
>>25873200
Seems we also have a tertiary objective of being guinea pigs for this F.M.A..
>>25873200
Nah. Just pragmatic.
>"there's some crazy shit going on"
"better send in the best"
>"but what happens if they die? then we won't have the best anymore."
"you're right. Better send in the second best and any that come back can tell us what's up. THEN we can send in the best."
>>25872304
>Beefheart Diagnostics
Fucking. Hell.
I got a bad feeling about this.
>>25872898
>>25872937
>>25873011
>>25873200
>>25873224
>>25873244
>>25873298
This sounds almost...sinister. But you don't have enough information to make a clear judgement. Either way, it's clear something else is going on behind your backs. "Beartrap, can I read your Dossier? Don't worry, I'll let you read mine." He begins to get flustered and embarrassed again, and covers his face with his notebook.
>"I-I didn't really take my own Dossier. I mean it will only say things I already know about myself right? I didn't see a point. I also didn't take your Dossier since you seemed a bit...boring" apparently you frowned because you can see his ears flop down, and he looks even more feeble than before.
>"Well I'll tell you anything you want to know about me myself...how's that? We need to stick together if we want to try and figure this out." He trails off and quickly changes the subject "A-Anyway, a lot of this document on the Anti-Magic drug is blacked out, like Pakanga's[Or how it should've been if I didn't fuck spoilers up]. But it seems it is this F.M.A. thing. Manufactured by Beefheart Diagnostics..."
>>25873558
Know who to talk to about the secondary objective of Carcasonne?
>>25873558
Anti magic? They want to weaken us before we go into a blazing forest?
where are you from beartrap. How did you get so good at what you do?
>>25873611
According to the royal guard,it is so we don't go crazy once we go near the source.
>>25873558
Does that mean Pakinga is supposed to study us? Let's read it ourselves.
Let's read about those pills.
[Busy doing normie things will run in a few hours]
These dossiers are giving me the feeling that the higher-ups don't really care too much about us all coming out the same way we went in.
We could read about the pills. As a surgeon some knowledge on how drugs work and the most common kinds are part of medical school.
We could also talk to Beartrap and learn more about him.I'm starting to think the 'trap' part of his name has more than one meaning
[Bumping and saying I will be done with Christmas times in about 30 mins. Will go for about 2-4 hours after that]
>>25873607
>>25873611
>>25873622
>>25873630
>>25874403
>>25875720
"Thanks for the info, before I ask some questions about who you are, I wanna look over that document on the pills. I know some basic knowledge about drugs from Medical School."
>"Oh, of course." He slides the book with the folder inside of it to you.
'INSTRUCTIONS OF HOW TO ADMINISTER F.M.I. TO THE CREW ON OPERATION GROUND ZERO:
Give 2 doses per day for the 9 day period. Be sure to administer a larger dose on the first day to see if any of the patients have a rare allergic reaction to the drug. If this does happen, refer to the 'Medical Emergencies' handout for further instruction. Ensure the users do not stop taking the drug no matter what. Beefheart Diagnostics have said that the drug is okay to take along with other pharmaceuticals, or with alcohol, so no need to adjust dosage for Glamour's dementia medication, Sumac's painkillers, or Pakanga's drunkard ways.
The telltale sign that the drug is in effect is that they will lose control of their natural abilities. Unicorns will not be able to cast spells through their horn and Pegasi will not be able to fly. You must collect blood samples from the Earth Ponies to tell if their Innate Talents are suppressed. You should not be able to recognize any other change in behavior or symptoms. If there is, it's likely either another unrelated illness, or a freak allergic reaction. Again, refer to other handouts on more information to deal with these events should they come to pass.'
"Hmm, interesting...But now I want to ask you a question Beartrap. Where are you from? And how did you get so good at what you do?"
>"Oh? Me? I uh...I grew up in a small village. It was out on the frontier, so monster attacks and the like happened a lot. I could bare to see them hurt or kill those animals because they threatened them, so I learned how to catch them and relocate them. Farther away from ponies so they wouldn't bother them or hurt each other.
>>25877025
What's your favorite animal?a bear?
What were you doing before you got here.
>>25877025
Still wanna go ask about Carcosonne.
>>25877025
Ask about the drawings.
>>25877055
>>25877176
"What were you doing before you got here?"
>"Oh, I was actually tasked with try to relocate some of the animals in White Tail Woods. The fire was getting really close to that forest and it's under really high threat of being burned down. Some of the animals there are a bit dangerous though...so that's why they called in ponies like me."
"Sounds kind of dangerous...what about your Notebook? What are all those drawings?" He looks down it and scoffs
>"Those sketches? They're really bad...but I like trying to draw some of the creatures I encounter out in the woods so I can remember them better."
"That makes sense. Do you have a favorite one?" He stretches head in though, until his ears stand up straight and you can tell he found his answer.
>"The rare exotic Ophde Bears! They are like normal bears, but they have rings around their bodies of multi-colored eyes! The average one can have around 5000 eyes on their stomach alone. They are beautiful creatures, and yet dangerous...but I sort of wish some of them were nicer."
>>25877153
"Do you know anyone who would know what Carcasonne is? I wish to learn more about it."
>"I've never actually heard of such a place...I have no idea who here would know more about it."
>>25877444
How far away and you fire from? That's the only thing I can think of to ask. He should probably put the files back before anyone notices them missing.
Did he read about the warden and sumac? We should read those, let's read about the warden.
>>25877444
Sarge first mentioned it. We should ask him or some other official.
>>25877518
>>25877722
"How far away from the fire were you?"
>"Oh, plenty, the fire was close, but not close enough that I really had to worry about it coming and burning me up while I was working there."
"Do you have the files for Sumac and Thrifty? I'd like to read their dossiers."
>"Sure I think I have the-" He stops and an expression of fear falls on his face. He points behind you so you'll turn around. When you do you bump your snout directly into Sumac's chest.
>"Why 'ello there. Anything you wish to share with the rest of the group?"
>>25877885
Hello Sumac. I was just asking beartrap about himself, talking about our mission and first impressions
>>25877885
Oh, Beartrap was just sharing some information relevant to my position on this mission. Particularly about these pills we'll all have to be taking so we don't end up dead.
Mostly their suppressive effects on our special talents and possible side effects.
>>25877924
>>25877935
And remember to keep calm about it
>>25877885
Just reading over everybodies files to see if there's anything medically relevant. Mind if we read yours? You can read ours.
>>25877924
>>25877935
>>25877995
>>25878281
You swallow hard and try to speak calmly "Hello Sumac, we were just sharing some important information relevant to my position on this missio-"
>"And what would that be?" before you can even answer, Beartrap speaks up with a squeak
>"I-I was showing him uh, cute animal pictures I drew!" he pulls out his notebook, making sure to slide the folder away before flipping to a page showing a rather horrifying sketch of a Manticore eating a couple of Chicken. Sumac finds it rather hilarious and burst out into laughter
>"Nice sketch. No hard feelings right? Just trying to make sure you two aren't trying to be a bother. We already have quite a few barmy fellows in our group..." He walks outside to stare at the sunset, as you've find he tends to do. Beartrap wipes his brow in relief, but you are more than a little annoyed that he interrupted you.
"What was that for? I was about to tell him about those pills, or ask him to read his Dossi-" He leans in and puts a hoof to you mouth.
>"Shh! Look, I don't want anyone else knowing about this...they might be in on whatever plot is going on here, okay? It'll just be between us. Capiche?"
>>25878379
Are you sure it's really best for us to keep secrets from each other?
>>25878379
Alright. Hopefully it never comes up and I'll forget this even ever happened.
>>25878379
From what we've read so far the only one that could be in on it is the zebra and she didn't even know why she was here yesterday. Also since we're going to be relying on each other to survive it would be dangerous to mistrust one another without good reason.
>>25878393
>>25878435
>>25878439
"Are you really sure keeping secrets from the others is the best idea? I mean the only one who could possibly be in on it so far is Pakanga, and she didn't even know why she was here yesterday. And since we're going to rely on the other to survive out there, it might be bad to sow distrust among each other for no reason..."
>"I don't know, I'm just really worried something bad is going to happen if someone rats us out...Plus we have no idea how'd they react to the news. They might jump to conclusions and make a huge mess out of everything...We both know Glamour and Thrift at least may not take the news well."
>>25878641
Is this forshadowing for a betrayal later on?
Either way, we can keep quiet for now. But don't expect the doctor to stay silent when lives are in danger.
>>25878641
Alright. For now.
>>25878682
>>25878697
You sigh deeply. "Alright, we'll keep quiet, for now. But don't expect the doctor to stay silent if lives are in danger." He gets really excited and draws you in for a hug. You recoil back from the sudden affection
>"Thank you, thank you, thank you! And don't worry, we can tell them once we're in The Everfree. I just don't want the staff to find out I was snooping around their personal files." he lets go of the hug and then goes back to his sketchbook, hiding the files under his pillow. You're a bit shaken from the hug still and just nod. He tears a piece of paper from his Sketchbook and gives it to you. It's a quick sketch of your likeness. You're in a sitting position and your mane looks like an absolute mess. You look grumpy and miserable, more so than usual.
>"H-here, I recently been trying to learn how to draw ponies, Portraits and all that. I sketched this while watching you sit alone at lunch break." If you recall correctly, everyone was sitting alone more or less. You tried to start up a few conversations, but everyone was so hungry that they were fully focused on their plate. Except Beartrap it seems.
"Umm...thanks?" Apparently that weak amount of praise was enough to placate him as you notice his eyes start to light up. He turns his eyes back to his sketch book.
>"Now, we gotta stop before the others start snooping in on our conversation again..." You haven't been able to take a shower yet since only one of the shower heads has hot water, and Beartrap was using it before you. You head from the colt's bunk and over into the shower, hoping to try and forget your growing uneasiness.
[We will be doing the time skip soon, but I need one more important choice: Will you take the Anti-Magic pills or will you just fake taking them?]
>>25878887
So its either take the pills and have reduced magic, but probably not suffer any complications from the disturbance
Or not take them, and work at full power. But have a time limit because of our magic and body failing the longer we take.
Both choices have their merits, especially since I think there's something extra about the pills that will come back to bite everyone in the ass later.
>>25878887
I can imagine both choices having negative outcomes.
I'm on the side not to take them though since that's what my gut is telling me and I wouldn't want to take them either after finding out what they do.
Though making a decision because of a feeling isn't really a smart move. I'll probably change my mind in a few minutes.
I was right, I change my mind. Take them. The first team of ponies didn't have the drug (presumably) and they all died/never came back.
>>25879053
Have a similar sort of feeling, but they're going to drug test us on them (or they might, at least) according to >>25877025 the file. So we might have to take them to not get thrown off the mission.
