>>27121845
>You could relatively clearly see three straight ways to your target.
>Alleys between piles of crates and boxes, wide enough to use as a passage without any real trouble.
>The thing was, all of these ways were probably observed. Not at the same time, obviously, but it wouldn't take too much effort for the Dog sentry to turn his gaze and spot you, especially that you'd be fairly visible in these. As a vague shadowy shape, but still.
>If you were assuming correctly, you could trot through these alleys fast enough to attack him, but he would probably at least yelp, and in the dark silence around the sound would alarm others.
>There were also other options, more or less dangerous and risky.
>Trying to silently climb one of the piles and attack the guard from above, counting that you will knock him out thanks to element of surprise. Actually, Frost could try to do so, he was a pegasus so he had bigger chance do to it well.
>You could also try to find a completely different way, maybe go around.
>Finally, you still had some rusty but trusty gears in your pockets. They worked fine first time.

>>27121849
Look for a path around. Using another gear while they're still on alert, albeit less, might make things tougher.

>>27122195
>Maaaybe checking if there was any possibility of going around was the best choice now.
>Going right in front of the guard had the bold thing in it, you'd feel like a heroine if you'd manage to pull it off, but there were way too many dangers and you had a mission to complete.
>The gears... you could use them again, they would work, and you would like to try and make the guard go somewhere else, abandon his post.
>Yet... when you thought about it for a second or two, it might not work in a way you would want it to. Things weren't looking too grim now, but throwing a gear may or may not work the other way you intended.
>There was a possibility of it attracting unwanted attention, since you used one and made some soldiers alerted, not about your presence, but general possible enemy presence in a garage they were supposed to guard.
>How could you tell all this?
>You just assumed it would be like that, after sacrificing some precious time to think about it.
>Well, it all meant you should look for a way around. Safe, secure, successful.
>You liked the sound of that. Triple S.

>There were two possible ways.
>One of available options was to move to the left, reach the wall and then you'd have to distract the sentry on run for it.
>The second was to move deeper into the 'garage', to the farthest alley between the stocked boxes, then work your way from there, covered by shadows and not endangered by your opponents.
>The latter possibility would be stealthy, but you'd lose additional time that could result in consequences, and it was farther from the door than your current position and the door you wished to use.

>>27122421
I vote for the second path. I'd think a pony running in a garage would make a fair bit of noise, so the first option seems a bit to risky.

>>27122573
Plus they'd know that the wanted ponies are in the area, so they'll know where to search for us.

>>27122573
>>27122586
>You weren't sure what to do, so you asked Frost, the only trained soldier in your team, for advice.
>The talk was very quiet, you actually had to hug each other to make sure no sound will be audible nearby. Just in case.
>Not that you didn't like cuddling. Everypony liked cuddling. But you were quite sure Hran looked at you more than at your surrounding during the talk.
>Anyway, your soldier friend was pretty sure that running around, even for a short while, was too risky in given situation.
>The big but enclosed hall would respond with an echo, and result would be way too much noise for your tastes. Everyone would know you were around.
>And if by any chance they were warned about a group of fugitives, you'd be in a pretty bad situation. And fighting was not what you wanted to do.
>So, the advice you've got left only one way around you could pick.
>The longer one, going deeper into the hall and then looking around to see what could you do.

>You poked Hran to convey that you had to go.
>Thanks to the conversation you had, Frost was already warned about your next actions.
>It didn't took too long to relocate, even if you were extra careful.
>Fear was helping you greatly, or was it adrenaline? Whatever, you were glad that it was there, without knowing what it exactly was.
>Now you were hiding in a shady alley between two high almost to the ceiling piles of wooden crates, big enough to crush you if they fell down.
>Noone was around, and you had a clear view on the door and Dog guarding it.
>He was on your left when you faced the wall, about 12 metres from your position.
>Around you were more crates and boxes.
>That, and on your right, rather close, a small pack of Dogs, sleeping deeply. Really deeply, you thought, because they didn't hear you coming.

>>27122861
What's the cover between us and the door like? Have the behavior of the patrolling guards changed any?

>>27122959
By patrolling guards, I meant the ones that were alerted by the gear we tossed.

>>27122959
>Between you and the Dog by the door was nothing but some boxes laying randomly on the ground.
>You could try hiding behind them, but you would have to be super quiet to not get any attention from him, plus you'd have to go alone.
>Or try to send one of your friends to go instead.
>Behind you was the group of Dogs mentioned earlier, still completely unaware of your presence, snoring loudly enough to muffle a whisper.
>As far as you were concerned, they weren't a threat to you.
>What now?

>>27123177
Have everybody slowly sneak closer to the door and when we're close enough to quickly cross the distance without making noise, throw another gear to draw all of the guards attention away from the door.

>>27123239
>You could try to sneak closer to the door.
>Yeah, you could do that, but you'd have to move one by one.
>It will definitely take some time, but that was the only possibility to make it as safe as possible, a group of ponies trying to pass as a whole would certainly be spotted fast.
>So, who do you want to go first?
>Or you're the one who wants to head towards the door before everypony else?
>Then you could distract the sentry and maybe nearby possible patrol by throwing another hear, and escaping after that.

>>27123452
Let's go Hran, us, and then Frost. When we're as close as we can we feel we can get, without alerting the guard to our presence, lets throw the second gear in hopes of drawing everybody's attention to somewhere on the other side of the building. We'll still need to open and close the door without anybody noticing after all.

>>27123538
>Now you couldn't allow yourself to whisper too much in fear of being discovered.
>Again, you needed to return to gesturing and counting you will be understood. Maybe if you'll keep it simple it will work as intended.
>How to convey that you wished Hran to go first? Following him would be a really obvious sign that you'd be going second, so at least that part you had figured out.
>Perhaps keeping it simple was the way to go.
>You pointed at Hran, poking him and then you stretched your hoof to the farthest box you could see. Farthest but still safe enough for you.

>Surprisingly, he understood what you meant and began to carefully sneak towards the target you have given him.
>It took him only a short while, but you felt like it was much longer, he was so painfully slow. It was necessary, but the adrenaline made it suffering.
>You were second to go. Obviously you had to take cover behind a box a bit more distant to the doors, because sharing box with Hran would make you all too visible.
>When Frost joined you, again, a box behind you all, you had an idea what to do next.
>Throw a gear, again. Count it will lure the Dogs to a place away from doors you picked, allowing you to escape.
>And so, you threw the little thing as far, deep into the hall as you only could.

>It jingled somewhere far away, and you could hear the Dogs talking, likely acknowledging what just happened.
>One of them shouted something in your general direction, to the sentry standing by the door. He nodded, even if noone could see it.
>Against all the hopes you had, the single guard remained where he was, only a bit more wary.

>>27123982
Seriously?!? Out of all of the guards in here the only one we needed to move was the one that was ordered to stay! Use our magic to make something glow on the opposite side of the door to draw his attention. There is no logical argument for a dog not to investigate a sudden glow when they hate unicorns so much. He shouldn't alert the others since they're already investigating something and if we do it right he might consider it a figment of his imagination. At this point I feel like just saying fuck it and doing combat. We'd just have to double back after they're dead and take a different sewer route.

>>27124226
>You looked at the remaining Dog with sudden rush of irrational hatred.
>Why did he stay?
>All you needed right here and right now was him to go somewhere else and let you leave!
>Was this too much to ask?
>Why, world?
>Why are you doing this to us, you wanted to yell.
>Yet you did not.
>Despite the wave of anger that was filling your heart and soul, you decided to remain quiet and calm down.
>In here, you couldn't afford to be discovered and you knew it. All this sneaking you had to do was not going to be fer nothing, not when you were still able to act.
>There was something you could do and didn't try yet, definitely. You simply needed to be creative, to think even under pressure. Not that you weren't used to it, it wasn't the first time everything was looking kind of bad.

>Soon enough, you came up with a solution, or at least something you could call a sketch of proper answer to this problem.
>If he wasn't responding to noise, Celestia knew why, he would act if you'd give him a more visible sign of enemy presence, something to investigate.
>This 'something' was light.
>Not artificial light, or gentle orange glow coming from a lantern.
>The actual magic light. That bastard by the door is bound to investigate an otherworldy radiance of your aura.
>Especially that Canidians were so hateful towards unicorns.
>But how you were going to do it? How could you place your magic somewhere else to get his attention and lead him away?

>After a short while, realization dawned on you.
>Easiest thing to do was to lift something, or grab it so your aura would appear there.
>As for the glow engulfing your horn, you had to hide and cover it, but that wasn't hard.
>You literally stuck your horn in the cardboard box, impaling something soft in the process, and then took a good grip on one of the farthest things you could see, which was some machine.
>Then you tried to pull it.
>cont

>>27124601
>Your effort was rewarded with a surprised gasp coming from the sentry blocking your way.
>He called to his comrades, and as you could expect, abandoned his post to investigate, getting his gun ready to stuff some lead into an intruder...
>... that wasn't there.
>That could have gone better.
>Perhaps, if you were more lucky, you could've made him believe it was just a figment of his imagination, hallucination of some sort.
>However, the objective was fulfilled, the Dog was gone, and all the others were focused on something else.
>After making sure that noone would see you, you went for the door, gesturing for Hran and Frost to follow.

>Finally, after quite a time of sneaking around and trying to not be discovered, you escaped the factory.
>You felt all happy and warm inside, even if you still had loads of work to do. The feeling of accomplishment was nice. Plus, you didn't have to fight.
>Which was a reward on it's own.

>The door led you outside of the factory ground.
>You discovered it was surrounded by the wall, and back part of the building you just left was a part of it.
>Which meant you probably won't be seen from the square inside, unless someone will open the door you just used.
>Now, you were facing another big building of unknown purpose, made of bricks and looking pretty industrial.
>On your left and right were narrow, perhaps one-way roads.
>They were leading north and southwards, respectively.
>You couldn't see any crossroads nearby, and no signs of enemy activity.
>Obviously, north way would eventually lead you to the tower.

>>27124612
North. There's no telling when the alerted dogs will think to check outside. Once we find a place we can hide for a few moments we should check our horn and figure out what we impaled.

>>27124663
>Without further delay, you turned to your comrades and pointed the direction.
>North, the most obvious choice.
>You didn't want to talk yet, because the enemy was still nearby, and you wished to get out of here as fast as you could.
>Nopony could tell when the guards will decide to check outside, and you were sure they will.
>After making sure all was clear, which took a really short while, you hastily headed onwards, to the north.
>Like, you did your best to be fast and silent, but for now you focused mostly on the 'fast' part.
>The distance between you and building you've just left was growing rapidly, and there were still no signs of the Dogs around.
>New ones, that is, because those you have left behind showed up way too soon for your tastes and you had to hide.
>Luckily, these guys weren't tough enough to go look for you on their own, at least for now.
>You suspected they will just report the whole event, adding to the pile and making whoever was looking for you even more scrutinous.
>Which was not good, but still way better than being instantly caught.

>When you were hiding, waiting for them to return to the 'garage', you tried to examine your horn to see what you accidentally impaled.
>All you could recall was the thing was soft. Silky even, it felt nice around your horn.
>But nothing of it was around it now, so you guessed that wasn't something sticky.
>Clothes, perhaps? But why would they keep them in a box, in a factory turned to a garage?
>Or maybe you've discovered a box full of bandages, or gauzes, or similar stuff? This sounded more like it.

>The Dogs finally returned to their place, and you could easily figure out why.
>It didn't take a great sc513holar to see that it was getting dark.
>What would you like to do now? Where do you want to spend the night, if you will decide against continuing?

>>27125032
We need to put some distance between us and places we've encountered dogs.

I wanted to post one more time, but I think I'm too tired to form relatively coherent sentences. I hope you had fun, even if it didn't lasted as long as I'd like it to. Next session >tomorrow.

>>27125106
>tomorrow

Just cuck my shit up senpai

>>27126846

>>27125106
goodnight

>A muffled whistle sound coming from the garage reminded you that you should continue heading forwards.
>Doing so at night could be potentially dangerous, you believed that your opponents would be way more suspicious of every sound and movement. It was safe to assume there was some sort of curfew in effect.
>However you still needed to increase the distance between your group and Canidians. Not all of them, obviously, who knew how many of them were still out there, but you could certainly avoid all the places you passed before.
>Focusing on the building closest to you.

>Not wasting more time, you and your friends continued the journey.
>Despite the cold, more and more nagging because of the night, you were determined.
>Soon a soft, snowy silence engulfed you all, making staying quiet extra difficult. However there was also something good in situation you were facing - you were all able to stick to shadows, while simultaneously seeing the Dogs, vehicles, posts and so clearly. Black figures on the gray-white snow layer.
>At least avoiding most of their positions was easy enough for you.
>Even if sometimes you still felt like you were being observed or followed.

>Stars and the moon were shining high above you, taking a short break in some little cubical building, intact by the bombs.
>Calmness and peace was in your soul, while you were standing close to the window, making sure you couldn't be seen from outside.
>Your target, the only still working radio tower in the whole city, sinking like that big ship in a movie you watched what seemed to be ages ago, was visible as an elongated dark shape.
>If you could see it, you were able to reach it, you said to yourself.
>Then, all of a sudden, you felt presence behind you, and you turned your head around swiftly.
>cont

>>27129746
>It was just Hran.
>He was standing behind you, because if he'd chose to be by your side, he could be seen.
>Frost was sitting by the door, his gun nearby, having some food and drink.
>>"So close yet still so far, eh?" Hranchak whispered, trying to start a conversation. "How do you think, will the last part be easy?"

As far as I know, most of you are asleep, so I won't throw very engaging task at you right now, giving you a chance to talk instead. way for some time.

>>27129751
Hopefully, but we've still got to think about the trip back.

>>27129910
"I sure hope so" you replied quietly, backing away from the window, for safety reasons.
>Then you and your friend sat down on the cold floor, hoping that your clothes will prevent you from loosing all the heat.
>He was close enough to you that you could see his muzzle brightening up with a smile.
>This simple little thing made you feel somewhat better, and you smiled back at him. Then, stallion moved a little bit closer, you could feel the additional warmth by your side, which reminded you how thrilling the venture was to this point.
>And how much energy it was draining from your body and mind, both strained constantly.
"We've still need to think about the trip back, you know."
>>"I know. But it seems to be a distant future now" he responded slowly. "I've never in my life thought i will say it, but I wish we could just teleport back. Or get an announcement 'and so they have completed their mission' or something like this. I know it sounds stupid" he chuckled gently.
>>"We both know it's not going to happen" he continued, his voice becoming slightly more bleak.
"It's not stupid. I wish I could teleport us away, but I don't know any unicorn who could do that freely. Maybe except Element of Magic herself, I've heard she could do this."
>>"Isn't it strange?"
"What?"
>>"Equestria is such a powerful nation. Artifacts kept in Great Archives, ancient tomes full of powerful incantations, the Elements, Princesses themselves. I've learned so much stuff about magic back in shool. So, why these bastards steamroller it so badly?"
>Frost was still keeping his eyes on the door, you noticed, even if he glanced at you from time to time. You were sure that was because you were whispering more than usual.

>>27130446
Magic is powerful, but it isn't the only powerful thing there is. Even though the dogs don't know it, they are relying on the magic of changelings to fight this war.

>>27130669
"Well they have Changelings on their side" you said with a shrug.
>You weren't a bachelor of techmaturgy like your mom, neither were you interested in advanced arcane stuff.
>Even if it was a way of becoming famous, you've always preferred art or singing or dancing, not shooting colorful lazers around. Well, that last one would be helpful right now.
"They don't know about it, I believe, I'm sure they'd be pretty shocked if they'd discover magic-wielding creatures within their stubbornly anti-magical ranks."
>>"But you were pretty fast in discovering what the bugs have to do with all this. Why can't they do the same thing?"
"Bunia went on the journey to reveal the plot ensnaring Canida, but I have no idea how well it went. It could fail at the very beginning, since I don't see the Dogs revolting around us yet."
>>"It sucks balls we can't simply tell them the whole story. Before you say anything, I know they wouldn't believe it anyway."
"Well, would you?" you asked a question instead of giving any answer. "Would you believe, Hran, if one day someone, let's use Bunia as an example since she's of a different race, approached you and tried to tell that your life for past several years was a lie?"
>>"That doesn't sound very accurate if you ask me."
"Maybe I overdid it a little, but that's what they would basically feel, I think. There are other possibilities too. Maybe their minds are magically made easier to control."
>>"Or they're just easily fooled. I don't think their cruelty bears any signs of mind control" the orange stallion sounded somewhat irritated, you could tell even if he was speaking quietly.
>cont

>>27131619
>You thought you knew why.
"Believe me, I am not trying to justify their actions" the tone of your voice got a little chiller, without you thinking about it. "My whole race is literally on their death list."
>Hranchak turned his gaze away, ashamed of what he recklessly implied. Seeing that he was sorry and realizing that you might've sounded a bit harsh, you poked his side gently.
"Hey, don't think about it too much. If we will successfully transmit the message, I'm sure things will sort themselves out eventually. Princesses know how to fight with the Changelings, they only have to know about them being involved."

>After your words, silence fell upon the room you were currently using as a hideout.
>Distant, deep and continuous rumble disturbed it, coming somewhere from the south. And another sound, similar yet different, you could tell it without being a specialist. It was also closer.
>Frost stopped eating, and focused.
>Hran on the other hoof completely ignored the faraway commotion, or at least it seemed so.
>>"Have you ever thought about... ya know... your future?" he asked.

>>27131628
I'd like to find our family and go somewhere warm for a while.

>>27131628
Obviously, we're gonna probably need a new house. And maybe we'll try and find a better job.

>>27132119
"I don't know" you replied initially, but then you actually wondered what would you do for a while.
>You even added chin scratching to your thoughtful expression.
>When was the last time you were thinking about you future? Usually it was all about 'here and now', or 'nearby and within next ten minutes'.
>But real future? Month, year, ten years from now?
"Assuming we're all going to survive the war..." you continued, slowly and carefully thinking about your words. "I think I'd like to find my family."
>>"Do you think they're still alive?"
"Of course I do, Hran! Why wouldn't they?" you instantly answered, flustered even so slightly.
>Did you really believe your mom and dad...
>Yes, you did!
>>"Alright, jeez. I just asked. Okay, you'll find your parents all well and happy, but what then?"
"I think I could move somewhere warmer. Not that I have something against the winter, but I think a change would do wonders to me."
>>"Sounds good. I... I think I could move somewhere warmer as well. I'd return one day, because Fillydelphia is my city, my home. Well, if it will still be standing."
"I'm sure it will. But I'm not sure if I'd like to live here after the war."
>>"Why?"
"I fear that one day I may meet somepony who tried to harm me, or somepony who I might've accidentally harm."
>>"I don't think you actually hurt a pony, Spring. Even if you did, I'm sure you wasn't aware. I should be more concerned about hurting ponies than you."
>You felt somewhat better. Obviously, you spent a short while to reassure Hranchak that he did nothing wrong back in the theatre. He didn't deserve to blame himself, plus...
>It may sound harsh, but it wasn't the best time for thinking about past too much. That said, you should also stop doing this.
>Better return to the conversation.
>cont

>>27132679
>>27132487
"When I think about it, I might need a stallion with skilled hooves in the future" you said, accenting the sentence with a little 'hmmm'. "I'll probably need a new house. Or flat. I didn't even have an occasion what had happened to my previous one, but with all these bombs and missiles around I don't think the block is in a good shape anymore."
>>"I hope it wasn't burned to the ground like our house. Then you could try to salvage some of your personal belongings."
"I don't have too much to salvage" this time, your response sounded a little sadder.
>It was true, your flat wasn't filled with stuff of personal or sentimental meaning.
"I think I could try to find a better job. Being a store employer won't take me too far in life."
>>"Oh, I can relate to this. I ain't returning to that stupid factory anytime soon. I'm going to try start my very own service station. After the war market will be probably easier to access."
"I'm not an economist."
>>"Me neither, I just hope I can get my chance."
>>"And I think Equestrian market will completely collapse" suddenly, the two of you, busy with the chatter, heard Frost murmuring from the door.
>His voice was quiet, but still way louder than whispers you were using.
>>"Why so?"
>>"All pony efforts are now going to the war. Let's take factories as an example, easy to understand. We use them to make weapons, build vehicles and planes. They serve us, which means enemy bombs them, and retreating ponies try to blow them up, so they won't fall into the Dogs' paws. How do you think, will they build themselves magically? Then, add roads, railways, shipyards, maybe even crops."
>>"Oh" the orange earth pony gave a wise, elaborate reply.
>Yours was just as advanced.
>cont

>>27132688
>Again, all went relatively quiet. You could hear the rumble, but it soon turned into a background noise you could filter and ignore.
>You felt somewhat more rested thanks to sitting here and taking a break. Likely, your two stallion companions got better as well.
>You were free to return to your journey or try and talk some more. It's not like you didn't have any more topics to share.

Now I'll take shower, grab something to eat, then return to write. Gotta use that free time.

>>27132695
What is that noise?

be cautious.

>>27132791
"What's that noise?"
>>"What noise?" the pegasus sent you a questioning glare, but not even a second after he nodded in realization.
>>"Ah, noise. I thought you'd be used to it by now."
"I am, I just want to know."
>>"Can you discern two different kinds of rumble outside? One of them sounds farther than the other, they are distinct from each other. Closer one is caused by the machinery, I'm pretty damn sure it's made by the tanks and all other vehicles we saw in the garage."
"So the more distant one must be..." you tilted your head a bit, perked up your ears, listening.
>You thought you've heard that sound before.
>>"The artillery bombardment" Frost finished for you.
>Soldier who was used to these kind of sounds couldn't be wrong, right? But one thing was still bothering you.
"Shouldn't it be too muffled for us to hear?"
>>"Not if it's really intense."
>>"This does not sound good" Hran voiced his opinion, shaking his head lightly.
>You knew what it was, then. What now?

>>27133489
Does Frost think we can use all of this noise to help us sneak the rest of the way to the tower?

>>27133507
"Can we use the commotion somehow?" you asked, your brain already thinking of a plan.
>If the answer would be yes, you could use the noise to your advantage.
>Perhaps, you could sneak all the way...
>>"I don't think so" soldier crushed your hopes and dreams. "Closest noise should help us around, at least until they'll drive all their vehicles away, but I don't think it will help us when we'll get closer to the tower."
"Aww crap" you were very disappointed, but not enough to use worse words.
>You were still feeling pretty comfy with Hran sitting close.
>Maybe you should get up.
>Yeah, that was a good idea. Carefully, you stood on all four, to discover that your legs were somewhat stiff. Hranchak followed your suit. Trotting in place to reverse the effect could cause trouble, so you started to rub your legs and moving around to make the blood flowing.
"It wouldn't help us even just a little bit?" you said to make sure.
>>"As I said, not for a long distance."

>>27133614
We should check the map to see where we are and how much further we'll need to go.

War is hell.
In war, nobody wins.
In hell, nobody's safe.
We can never rest.
So long as we keep opening fire.
We'll just keep dying.
Over and over and over again.
What will we be remembered for?
The lives we took?
The guns we fired?
The ground we lay on as we bleed to death?
We have so much time; only, we cast it in.
Cast it into the everlasting smoke, fire, and blood.
What will we learn, as we stare into the dark depths of the abyss, knowing full well of what we've done?
And when we are done, how do we recover?
When it's there, at first, it sticks.
It doesn't go away.
It all seems like the point of no return, to me.

>>27133771
Fuck that's bleak.

>>27133886
>>27133771
Agreed, that's dismal. That means it's good.

>>27133686
"Well, I can see the tower from here" you announced, pointing in the general direction of it.
>>"Oh really?" Frost seemed to be surprised by your observation.
>Instead of answering with words, you led him to the window, of course making sure none of you could be seen from the outside.
>The dark shape was obviously still at the same place.
>>"That's good to know" the pegasus said with an assuring smile "but why didn't you tell me that earlier?"
"I kind of forgot" you responded with hint of shame in your voice. You blamed this on being tired. Constant pressure won't be good for your health in the long run.
>If you'll survive, that is. Fully convincing yourself was hard. Not that you had pessimistic thoughts, at least for the time being. It was something else.
>A feeling of dread appearing for just a short while to haunt you.
"Do you think it's far away from here, Frost?" you abandoned the thoughts, making them fade away, focusing on the task at hoof.
>>"It's hard to judge in the dark, but it should be rather close, close enough for us to see it. However it still looks distant. I would give half a kilometer between us and thee tower, maybe some more."

>>27133979
Think we might be able to reach it before sunrise?

>>27134142
"How do you think, are we able to reach it before dawn?" you continued your questioning.
>>"If nothing will complicate things when we will be on our way, I'm absolutely certain we should be there in an hour. Counting sneaking around and all that."
"So I'd give us two hours to reach it."
>>"As you wish. Like I said, this would be the amount of time needed if we assume nothing will stop us, force us to take another detour, or stop completely for some time."
>Sounded good enough for you. You assumed you had quite a time before sunrise, and even if something delayed you greatly, you technically would be able to arrive at your destination under veil of darkness.
>With your legs working well again, you were ready to go.

>>27134341
Lets go then.

>>27134845
>Putting the conversation for later, you finally finished your break.
>Then you've checked your gun, just in case. Stallion duo did exactly the same thing.
>Shame that they had it easier with their weapons. Why? Well, the rifles weren't glowing in the dark whenever they tried to hold them.
>Guess you'll just have to keep it on your back and count your reflexes are good, just like most of the time anyway.
>After that, you headed towards your final target. The radio tower, proudly standing in the distance.
>Like a flagpole, waiting to be claimed.
>When you left the nice square building, you turned your gaze south, only to see a red glow southwards.
>>"Welp" you've heard Frost's murmur. "This is it then. A great offensive, attempt to crush the resistance."
>He could have chosen a better words of encouragement for you all.

>Soon you have reached a barricade.
>Not your average everyday barricade, made from furniture or debris.
>It was a well-build thing with sandbags, barbed wire, prepared embrasures.
>Last thing, it's design, the way it was connected to the walls of more or less cleaned building around suggested that it was a part of bigger set of fortifications.
>You couldn't see anyone, obviously, but when you listened for long enough, voices were audible from time to time.
>Also feeling of being observed was getting unnerving now.
>How do you want to pass the obstacle? Do you even want to pass it? Even if you suspected that barricade was a part of something bigger, there simply had to be a way inside somewhere around.
>It was probably well guarded, though.

And with this post, I'll head to bed. If you need clarification regarding the area, this is a good place to ask.

>>27135173
Quietly ask if either of them feel like we've been followed for most of our trip.

>>27135264
>First thing you did was to find a secure cover.
>One allowing you to observe while remaining unseen, unless some guard will wander to it with explicit intention of searching for intruders.
>It took you some time, but you judged is a reasonable amount of it in these circumstances.
>After ensuring you won't be discovered, you were able to share what was bothering you with your friends.
>You poked Hran and Frost, getting their attention and focus, also making them come closer for well known reasons.
"Say" you started "do any of you two had a feeling that we're being followed as of recent? Or earlier, since we got on the northern bank?"
>Pegasus and earth pony looked at you and then at each other.
>>"I think you already told me about it before" said Hranchak, and then frowned. "And I have to say, I felt like we were watched in the sewers. But I didn't say a word, who could have watched us then, rats?"
>>"Uff, I though I was getting paranoid" joined Frost. "One time I felt like somepony was staring at my neck, and when we stumbled upon that mare I could swear there was something creeping just behind me, but I've never heard nor saw anything. None of you reacted, too."
>Three ponies couldn't be wrong.
>You were followed. Or finally your nerves started to give up after all this time.
>But would you all experience same things if the latter was the case?

And good night. Again, I'm glad that you participate and hope you had fun today/tonight.

Bunp

Good night.

i must also say good night.

bum

I still need a clarification whether you'll try to cross the barrier here or find another place.

But again, I know most of you are in bed now. So I'll wait, do things, then we'll see.

>>27135461
Lets try to move down the line a little bit. See if there's any gaps we can find. Also, we should watch our backs incase someone is following.

"Remember this place well and keep your eyes peeled, okay?" you asked quietly, while straining your mind to get as many details as you could inside it.
>In case of not finding any better place or cover nearby, you'd return here, and you didn't want to make a mistake.
>During nighttime, ruins looked abstract but somewhat similar, getting lost was entirely possible, and likely if you'd be put under stress of, let's say, escaping.
>After memorizing the place and making sure nobody was in close vicinity, you left your hideout and chose to head down the fortification line, moving along, keeping to the darker places.
>It was surprisingly straight, and from the looks of it Canidians had quite a time to prepare it, so you assumed that there was something else inside, important to them, apart of the tower.
>Two times you spotted posts, one in a cleared and reinforced building on a street corner, and second in the barricade itself, half-circle with two machine guns and a camouflage net stretched over it.
>As far as you could tell, the fortifications were planned as a square.

>>27139826
I don't wait for input yet, it will be continued.

>>27139826
>Or a rectangle, you couldn't be one hundred percent sure. Square seemed more logical to you, though.
>When you passed that corner, you had to avoid another post, this time bigger than the previous two, stretching to both sides of the street, with a red-and-white bar that could be raised or dropped, and visible sentries.
>Finally, you have reached a place that theoretically could serve as an entrance for you, but you would need a big plan to pass through.
>It was a well guarded gate, leading right inside the whole fortified area. Obviously, they expected any intruders to chose this way in and were prepared

Sorry for the previous rush. This is what I get for not managing my time well.

quite the pickle

>>27140077
Can the buildings be used as entry points?

>>27140658
You mean those serving as that wide post, or other posts? You could use them, if you'd be able to sneak past/kill the Dogs inside.

>>27140719
The small ones, fewer dogs to sneak past. Also, did we take the magic detecting pendant with us? Could use it in regards to see if we're really being followed.

>>27140738
After you found the crystal again you've decided to keep it in a pocket close to your heart.

>>27140808
When we get back to the others, if the feeling is still present, we should check it.

>>27140821
>With your little recon over, you turned away from the the entrance and began to backtrack all the way to your current hideout.
>Along the way, you actually recalled a certain fact, one that could be easily forgotten but also potentially important.
>You still had that crystal your dad gave you. He didn't really do that directly, however that didn't matter in the slightest, you thought.
>A special trinket, shining when magic was used around it, that you've lost and found again, then forgotten about it, was still in your pocket. Close to your body, so you wouldn't lose it again. If you were indeed followed, you would be able to check if the being tracking you was magical.
>When you returned to your place, first thing you did was carefully examining it.
>Unfortunately, you weren't able to feel anything abnormal at the moment.

>>27141440
Guess we should wait until that feeling returns. Tell the others about what we found out during our recon.

>>27141539
>Guess you'll have to wait for the feeling to return, then you could check if your crystal will radiate or not.
>To be quite honest, you would be really glad if that thing wouldn't appear again. Ever. This would be one of times you'd be happy about being wrong.
>In the meantime, you reported all you've seen during your small recon to your friends, focusing on Frost.
>A proper choice, it seemed.
>>"I wouldn't risk trying to pass through the gate" he said immediately after you finished. "That's suicide. It's too heavily defended for three ponies. And, I'm sorry to say, I'm the only one trained. This is out of question."
"Maybe buildings, then?" you asked. "They are turned to posts, yes, but do you think we could try to sneak through any of them?"
>>"Worth a shot" he nodded. "I have to see a building to tell you more. Even best description is not as good as looking at the thing described with one's own eyes."
>Truth or not, you had to agree.

>Soon your brave and bold party of three ponies...
>Funnily, each represented a different race, you noticed. Or more like acknowledged the fact that was too visible and obvious to focus on. Truly a group of heroes to represent all of Equestria, you thought.
>Anyway, your party left the small hiding place, following all the safety measures you could recall.
>It took somewhat longer to reach the nearest building you spotted when you weren't alone, however now you had three pair of eyes to observe it.
>cont

>>27141913
>It was a four-story building located directly on the upper left corner of the street. It seemed to be one of these older tenement houses, built during times when industry arrived to Equestria, for worker ponies and their families.
>Erected from strong, formerly red bricks, it was less prone to being damaged by smaller explosives, like grenades, thus it looked almost intact.
>Almost, because black traces of fire were visible near big empty doorframe, likely featuring twin doors before, and some lower windows.
>These double doors were supposed to lead to a really small, square yard, surrounded by the house walls with windows facing it. If you would be by any chance trapped on that square, you'd be royally screwed.
>Empty doorframe and all visible windows were reinforced by sandbags, creating perfect cover and firing positions for the enemies inside.
>That very doorframe and ten - six on first side of the house facing the street, four on the second one - lowest windows were only ways inside you could see.
>You were not able to spot any of Canidian sentries yet.

>>27141920
What About upper floors?

>>27141970
Only Frost could try to get to upper floors. Their windows are also reinforced, but sandbag walls are lower.

>>27142029
Frost can't carry us up or check the barricades from the inside to find us a way in?

>>27142083
He could do either of those, if you really want to.

>>27142276
Have him fly up and check one of the windows to see if it's clear and then he can bring us up.

>>27142345
>You highly doubted that all the guards inside this masterfully created post would just sit there and sleep.
>Especially not after you basically woke up the whole northern side of this city by brave fight and daring escape you performed.
>However you had to check somehow if they were at least taking a break. They weren't robots and you couldn't see any enemy soldier, so that break part was entirely possible.
>Well, you had a pegasus in your team, so you could ask him to fly up and check one of the windows, so you could determine if it was clear, so you could enter the building.
"Pssst, Frost?" you crept closer to the operator. "Can you fly up and see if there's a way inside?"
>>"What, are you insane?" he violently turned his head towards you, shocked. "Why do you think, why pegasi can't control the weather in Fillydelphia anymore? Or why we don't do aerial recons?"
"I get it, I'm sorry! I'm just thinking of a way to see if someone's awake inside!"
>>"Flapping of my wings isn't a problem, I tried that in the sewers, but I'm concerned about crossing the street. Or flying across it."

>>27142665
Isn't it nighttime with plenty of cloud-cover from the uncontrolled weather? What's the likelihood that a sniper is watching a dog controlled building far behind their lines with a night-vision scope?

>>27142719
"I don't think you're going to be shot by a sniper here."
>>"I wasn't talking about snipers. If there's someone inside observing the street while simply sticking to the shadows so we can't see him, he immediately spot me trying to cross it."
>>"Can't we wait for the moon to hide behind some random cloud?" Hran also joined the conversation.
"Yeah, you just said weather isn't controlled, so..."
>>"So we can get lucky and a cloud will cover the moon in like, two minutes, or we will wait for two hours. As far as I can see, the sky is rather clean. But you're right, if all things will go well, I could try."
"Well, let's count on our luck, then."

>At least for once you weren't wrong about relying on luck.
>You couldn't tell the time passed, but you were convinced that it couldn't be more than half an hour for some clouds to show up at northern part of the sky.
>When they covered the moon, sucking all the light that you or you enemy could use, Frost carefully took off.
>He floated in the slight breeze, and slowly moved towards closest window, trying to approach from lower angle, so he should stay in the shadow of a brick wall.
>As soon as he came close, a figure appeared in the window he chosen. It was clearly visible the figure was holding a gun.
>The doggish soldier guarding the perimeter from safety of a tenement house leaned from the window and examined his surroundings, moving his head around slightly.
>A stronger wind blow made him shrug and disappear again, without discovering your pegasus comrade.
>The operator safely - and painfully slowly - returned, and even if he had deadpan expression on his muzzle, you could hear his sharper breath.
>So now you knew some of the foes inside were wide awake.
>Frost reported that he couldn't hear any steps, which meant that guy had to stand or sit by the window the whole time.

If you need to know additional stuff I could tell you in character, let me know.

>>27142924
It seems a bit unreasonable that there is a guard at every window. We should try to sneak across the street.

Also, if you don't trust yourself with the task presented, you can wait for the late night players, and then brainstorm a solution. I saw what you people are capable of. I can't promise I will be up that long, though, I have to get up earlier tomorrow. Another appointment.

For now, >>27143716 is the current suggestion.

>>27143752
Seems like it should be discussed.

there's changelings about

Bunp

>>27142924
This isn't the only building around, correct? If we can find a smaller building then we could try to sneak through there. There should be less soldiers guarding a smaller, nondescript building than a large industrial building like this. Not to mention we could sneak through a small building quicker.

Good night.

bump for you

>>27146926
Thanks.

>>27143802
>>27145022
>Things looked pretty grim for you right now.
>Even if the sky was covered by clouds again - another snowstorm? - you highly doubted that you will be able to sneak past the guards.
>Not to mention entering the building itself. That was the hardest part here.
>Why did they even decided it was a good idea to put one guard per one window? Even without wast knowledge about the art of war you could tell this looked pretty inefficient. These soldiers could be used elsewhere, with better profit.
>So, either there was something really, really important inside the fortifications, or you got something wrong here.

>No, no matter how hard you were stretching your mind, how many plans you tried to form, you saw no way of getting inside this particular post.
>It was impenetrable. Or it surely looked like it, but that was not useful for you.
>However this certainly wasn't the only building around that could allow you to enter the area. You were sure all of the houses or facilities close to the barrier were turned to posts, but you still could try to look for a smaller building, remote post made just to be here.
>It shouldn't be guarded as well as this tenement house, and perhaps it will provide you with more approach points or nice covers to use.
>Plus, simple math was enough to understand that sneaking through more modest edifice will be much quicker, too.
>First, you had to find a place that would fit all, or most, of the criteria you came up with. You had to continue your recon.
>Obviously, you all could move as a group and look for a way in.
>However, as you discovered during your first attempt at being a scout, you would be slower that way. It was easier to hide and move alone.
>On the other hoof, staying together meant safety. It's harder to attack a team than lonely pony.
>What will you do?

I'll be away for some time, so you don't need to hurry up.

>>27148543
We should go back to scouting solo.

>>27148931
>Going solo, although dangerous, sounded a bit more efficient, mainly because you wouldn't risk being detected so often and you were able to see more terrain.
>But first, you had to withdraw from the house's perimeter to make sure you'll remain undiscovered for as long as Celestia's will lets you. It wasn't very hard.
>Then, after finding a nice place for your team to wait - it was another, much more messy house - you left to scout the area all by yourself. Hopefully, you'll find what you wanted.

>You've passed the half-circle post, double post, finally you have reached the well defended gate, only place meant to be a way inside.
>When you arrived there, you had to face a simple yet important problem of crossing the road, clean and straight, leading towards it.
>Moonlight was gone, however the gate crew had some big spotlights at their disposal.
>Solution was as simple as the problem itself, you just had to move down the street, cross it when you were sure noone will see you, and then return to the fortification line.
>There was one more thing that was problematic, though.
>Since you left your brand new hideout, the familiar feeling of being followed or observed, returned.
>It wasn't any stronger or weaker than before, it was... there, that's all. But you were growing increasingly uneasy.
>Especially that you couldn't see any shadows or hear hoofsteps.

>>27149608
Calm down and continue down the street. If we find a nice place to hide along the way we should check the crystal, but regardless of what we find, don't react at all.

>>27150296
>Oh sweet Celestia, something was right behind you.
>When you turned around, nothing was there.
>At first, you thought that when you'll turn your head forwards again, something scary will happen, just like in horror movies.
>Life wasn't a horror movie, though. Nothing bad jumped right on you after you decided to return to your journey. A drip of sweat found its way from your eyebrow right under all these layers of clothing, making you shiver.
>Just calm down, Spring.
>You shouldn't freak out just because of a mere feeling in your guts. Even if it was all dark around.
>And you were traveling through narrow alleyways, or in the shadows near various more or less damaged buildings. Any way was good as long as you were close to the barricade and still hidden.
>But these were places where nobody would hear you if you'd be suddenly gagged and dragged into the darkness. Or knocked out. Or killed.
>Breath in, breath out.
>Nothing was happening yet, there was no reason to b-be afraid.
>No reason at all.
>Breath in, breath out. For now, you continued your recon, keeping your eyes wide open, looking for a way to get inside.
>You memorized two more posts, both made from cleared buildings.

>First one was a tenement house again, but the war damaged it so much only one floor could be used, with remnants of the second still present, resembling teeth or a broken crown on top of a mostly cleared place.
>Ground floor with a blocked way to the yard and first floor with windows were exactly the same as the previous building of similar type you saw, except signs of fire.
>cont

>>27150958
Who forgot his name? Of course I did.
>Second one, was a literal firefighter station.
>Two garage entrances, both open and barricaded with sandbags and some spare barbed wire you haven't seen in any post before.
>A tower, small but still good enough for a sharpshooter.
>Finally, no wide windows, or more like, no visible windows at all. This was an old type of a firefighter station, and you were actually surprised to see it right here. Maybe it was so good that mayor decided to leave it here?

>So, you discovered two more buildings that you could try to use as a way in.
>The ruined house should have least amount of guards.
>And you were calm enough to take a while and see if your crystal will react in any way to the feeling you were experiencing.
>At first, it was glowing very brightly, almost like a really tiny lantern, but it was because you levitated it. When you placed it on the ground and backed a bit to be sure, it was radiating gently.
>Gently but visibly. Magic was being used somewhere, probably not too far from you.

>>27150966
That would explain why we don't see anybody following us. Put the crystal away and make our way back with our new findings.

>>27151095
>You looked around a bit more, this time you were extra slowly and careful, but still you didn't see anything.
>The slight glow of your father's trinket could explain why didn't you see or hear anyone around you.
>It was as settling as unnerving. You basically knew that possible danger was somewhere around, but you still had no idea where to look for it and when it will become real.
>In case of sudden attack, you've decided to be very wary.
>You put the glowing crystal back in your pocket, unintentionally creating a source of bright light for a second, then you went on your way back.
>You've returned successfully and reported what you saw.
>What is your next step?

You can reply if you want. Or let me know if a prompt is shit, it's all about improvement after al.

>>27152400
this is tough to get through

>>27152459
Okay. Thanks for letting me know. So it will work like yesterday, I'll give you time to think and cooperate with late night players.

I honestly hope you're good with it.

>>27151262
Let's go to that burned up tenement building. We can scope it out some more as a group and decide if we want to sneak in through that way.

Good night.

>>27154844

>>27154340
>After brainstorming the possibilities with your friends for a surprisingly short while, you all agreed to use the partially ruined tenement house.
>Even if previous building of this type looked like a fortress from your point of view, you still wanted to give it a shot because of many possible hiding places, and way less soldiers inside.
>The only bad thing, but wasn't even slightly related to the guards and houses, was the fact that you confirmed - as accurately as you could - that you were being followed.
>Someone was watching you and your every step, and if every time when you felt it was genuine indication, that mysterious someone was tracking you for quite a time now.
>Who could it be? Why was he following you?
>These were questions you had no answer for, but it was safe to assume he was malevolent. Again, you reminded your stallion friends to keep their eyes peeled and watch for everything abnormal.

>Nothing happened on your way.
>While you were outside again, you could feel the delicate breeze from before turning into real wind, able to form small snow whirls, blow mentioned snow in your faces from time to time and to make loose wires and cables swinging.
>The house changed a bit when you were absent.
>All the windows leading to intact floors of the house were boarded to prevent the cold wind from getting inside, with small square holes left.
>You couldn't really call them embrasures, thus you assumed - and Frost confirmed your assumption - that they were prepared for observing the area.
>This time, you could hear quiet murmurs coming from the biggest blockade, which meant doggish sentries were present there.
>Nothing was moving on the second, ruined floor.
>What now?

>>27157122
Important meta stuff.
I leave this question for all of the players. Last time I asked for critique and advices, I got them and I was very grateful. One of you mentioned, and iirc others agreed, that obstacles I throw at you were too easy to overcome. Are they too hard now? Did I over did it in opposite direction this time?

>>27157122
Damn. I wasn't expecting many sentries there. With the increase in wind and snowfall does Frost think he could fly to the ruined floor? There'd still be Dogs present in the floor beneath him but they may not notice him and he could try to estimate how many Dogs there are. I have a feeling that we may have to either sneak through a building with Dogs or eliminate all the Dogs inside the building without alerting other Doggish forces. Can we look at our inventory again?

>>27157127
I'm fine with it. Sometimes we could use a little more description I think.

>>27157200
Inventory as a whole or weapons only?

Acknowledged. I am well aware of my worst flaw, though, so if you need to know more, you can just ask.

>>27157122
Since conditions changed while we were away, it might be a good idea to check the fire station.

>>27157200
Current inventory:
1. General stuff: magic detector [crystal], 2 cans of beans, three bottles of water, various unlabeled containers filled with water, some tea and sugar, 1 packed salad, 4 tablets for purifying water, small pack of pre-made rice dish, matches and four cookies, knife, underwear and durable socks, first aid kit, map and compass, flashlight, mess kit and flask, watch, small metal box for letters and personal stuff, his identification cart and dogtag, insulated pliers, duct tape, small saw, 7 bandages, 2 batteries, long roll of tape patch, and a pack of pain killers.

2. Weapons: pistol [Eq] with 2 mags, Salty, assault rifle [Eq] with 3 mags, assault rifle [Ca] with 4 mags - only you are able to use it, a grenade. Some things in general stuff can be used as weapons as well.

>>27157200
>>27157324
>The wind was howling on broken windows nearby, muffling more quiet sounds, both allowing you to talk louder and forcing you to do so.
>It might also disturb your plans to a degree. However, before thinking of anything too elaborate you had to know that degree.
"Frost?" you started, leaning closer to the operator who was examining your surrounding via sight of his rifle.
"Do you think you could fly to that ruined floor and check it out? I know it's kinda windy right now, so you don't..."
>>"You're looking at a trained soldier, m'lady" he replied jokingly, but his eyes weren't reflecting happiness at all. "This little breeze outside isn't too much for me, but I fear I might have to flap my buzzers little harder than usual. They shouldn't hear a thing, tho."
>Smiling slightly, you gave him a small pat on his back.
>Nothing too extensive, but a nice sign of gratitude, to show that you appreciate him. You hoped that Hran wasn't one of the jealous type.
>Wait, why should you care about that? He wasn't your coltfriend.
>Or was he? He surely said he felt like your knight.
>cont

>>27157738
>Anyway, you returned to Frost here and nodded. Soon, he left your hideout to see what you could do with this house.
>When he arrived back, he was looking a little tired, but rather glad.
"What is it?"
>>"Have you found a working radiostation or something?" orange pony showed up at your side.
>>"What? As much as I'd like to, I haven't found anything like that" he replied, however his somewhat cheerful attitude remained unchanged. "What I wanted to say all along, is that nobody is up there! I could even land and take a look around, although I had to step carefully. I'm worried they could hear us if we won't be careful enough. Anyways, we now have an actual way inside this forsaken part of town, I've spotted a staircase blocked by a board and a makeshift trapdoor leading down."
>If you could only jump from happiness and squee, you would.
>These were good news!
>You still had to come up with a way of passing through, but there was a progress you could experience. Neat!
>Do you want to try to think of a plan, go to the ruined floor first, or double-check the fire station?
>Since conditions have changed, there may be something different there, too.

>>27157752
We should check the fire station just so we know all of our options.

>>27158756
>That last supposition was convincing enough for you to make it truth and go check if the fire station was even worth of your attention.
>For this recon you didn't need to leave your friends, since it wasn't too far away from the house, plus you preferred to stick together if there was minimal risk, to discourage the mysterious pursuers.
>After taking precautions - there were never enough of them - you headed towards the second spot you found around.

>The station looked just like when you left it.
>Except both garage doors were lowered as it was only possible to prevent the cold from entering.
>From the looks of it, Dogs inside would have a hard time if they'd try to spot anyone from where they were. You could probably sneak to the building and touch its walls or something.
>Only place still allowing them to observe their surroundings was that small tower. This meant there was a possibility of guard - or less likely a sharpshooter - sitting in there.
>Now, there was also a downside.
>You could not see any clear and obvious entrance, any way inside. Not from your side, at least. But there has to be a way. Emergency exit, or anything.

Unfortunately, I won't be available this night, but I hope with choices presented you all can discuss the plan. Perhaps it survives.

>>27159087
Could we cross the street here and go back to the other place so we won't have to cross the street there?

>>27159112
It's a valid option.

>>27159112
This

here is a bump

good night.

>>27162943

>>27159112
Sounds good to me.

>If they were really that confident - or dumb - to hide from the cold and stop to observe their surroundings, you might as well try to use it.
>For example, you could cross the street here, so you wouldn't need to do it when you will return to the ruined house.
>It will certainly make things a bit easier for you, so you deemed it worth the minimal risk present.
"Okay, focus now" you told your friends. It was needless, they were already getting ready while you were thinking, like they knew what was going to happen. "We will try to cross the street here, so we'll get a better approach to our real objective, that house. Is this okay?"
>>"I'm not the decisive pony here" said Hran. "Not that I can't help with your plans, but honestly, you did much of the thinking since we've met. So go for it."
>>"I'm not sure" Frost, again, had doubts. "What about that tower?"
"Why would they keep a skilled sharpshooter up there when they basically conquered everything around this station?" you asked, even allowing yourself to make a small circle with your leg to show what you meant.
>>"Even a guard spotting us will be bad."
"It's dark."
>>"I would say something about night-vision right now, but well, if their military works the same way as ours, the Dogs located here didn't get any. Okay, your plan isn't that bad."
>With that little spark of dissent extinguished, you could move onwards and do what you were supposed to.

>Against what Frost could think, everything went as good as you wished.
>If only you could be so lucky all the time, Equestrian troops would knock at the Republic's capital door within two days from now.
>So, you have returned to the same ruined house you've seen before, approaching from the left. Nothing changed.
>You still felt like there was somepony around, watching your every move.
>What now?

>>27166623
I'm so grateful for you keeping it alive that I had to make another post for it.

That and word limit.

>>27166623
Time to sneak into the house.

>>27167406
>When you returned to your previous location, the ruined tenement house, you have realized that...
>Nothing changed. Maybe excluding the amount of snow laying around and on the roof.
>Anyway, with great help from your only winged comrade - convenient, you said to yourself - you got to the second floor, or what had left from it.
>The place was cleared from any debris, you could not spot a single unwanted piece of brick, wood, not any broken furniture.
>Or intact furniture. Or any furniture at all. There were supposed to be flats, but you couldn't see anything special around you.
>Just wall remnants, staircase looking just as Frost described and makeshift trapdoor.

I will take a break from 20:15 to about 23, add or take half an hour..

>>27167664
Lets try listening for the guards.

What timezone?

>>27167697
>No matter how hard you try to listen to the guards, who didn't even spot you and your team, you couldn't understand anything.
>It was just pure Doggish.
>It still sounded like they were going to shoot somepony and then violently defile his corpse, but it was just how this language worked to you, apparently.

EEST

>>27167734
I was more curious about location and number

damn dogs

>>27168194
Oh, sorry then. My fuckup. You can hear voices from the main blockade, the big one blocking the tenement house gate. They are several steps from you can you could try to crawl towards them, avoiding windows this way.
You can hear a sigh or mutter from time to time, coming from the closest window.

>>27169222
Check to see if the trapdoor is locked.

>>27170421
>The trapdoor Frost reported to you, one of the two most obvious ways into the building, was just few steps away.
>Much to your surprise, it seemed to be unlocked.
>You actually opened it, closed it slowly and quietly and then after a while opened it again, just to be sure.
>Frost was glaring daggers at you for that, but you didn't care too much.
>Your safety wasn't endangered yet, and you had to open it anyway to get in, so you might have tried to do it as quietly as possible as well, to see if it will work as you'd like it to.
>Fortunately, it was well oiled and cared for, so it didn't make a sound, you could just open it and close for quite a time, if not the cold wind.
>Even if you had literally four seconds to examine what was inside, you were able to spot and remember most basic and important things.
>Below you, was a painfully standard with damaged carpet. From the looks of it, the trapdoor led to a flat.
>There was a Dog inside, wrapped in a blanket with rifle laying in his lap, and he was focused on gazing through the hole left in board blocking window.
>You were pretty sure he turned to check what was happening, but luckily you managed to close trapdoor in time.
>There was a ladder, usable for ponies, propped against the nearest wall, waiting to be used.
>What is your plan now?

I'm very, very sorry, but I have to cut the session here. I hope I gave you a thing to think about when I will be absent. Thank you for playing and keeping the thread up. If the plan will be formed quickly, you can always speak your mind about the quest itself.

>>27170648
Did we see where the exit's to the room was?

>>27170714
No.

>>27172378

Okay, I'm here again for some time, and I wish to give you a little explanation. You were not able to see any exit from the room, but your sight was limited, You didn't have enough time to properly look around, you could only briefly see what was in front of you and partially to your sides, with back parts of the room not visible from your angle. I hope this will help you with planning and I will try to describe better in the future. Improving is important.

>>27175766
What was the second way down?

>>27176188
A staircase, cleared but blocked by a board. It could be removed easily and even quietly, thanks to your magic, but it may or may not be guarded.

if we feel like we're being followed and watched then we should consider splitting up. though not now.

I'll take shower and, since I have some spare time, I'll try to sit here and run for as long as I will be able to. In the meantime, please decide what do you want to do, and ask questions if something isn't clear.

Lets check the board and listen for any guards nearby. I doubt we'd be able to sneak through the trapdoor quickly enough with that guard there.

>>27178339
At last, after some time of varying degrees of activity, we can get a true session. Let's begin.

>You were the mare of thinking more than one of action, so you didn't jump on immediate occasion of getting inside and refrained from using the trapdoor.
>At least for the time being.
>Not without checking the alternative way of getting inside, which was the staircase.
>As you approached it, your friends focused on observing the perimeter and prepared to cover you in case of sudden threat, you've discovered that it was not only cleared from any rubble that would block the way, but even from the snow and ice.
>Although a very thin layer of it already managed to form there.
>Nine steps down would lead you to the first floor entrance, blocked by a single, big board, placed to resemble regular door. The Dogs actually did a good job here, it was well placed and crevices were blocked by some cloth or blankets or whatever, to prevent the cold from chilling the soldiers inside.
>Seeing it help you to assume that you'd be able to move it with your magic rather quietly. It was still less convenient than trapdoor, but it allowed you to be on the ground level immediately, without the need to get a ladder before descending or sending Frost first.
>Plus that way into the building had another important detail.
>An awake guard.

>Perhaps this entrance would be more sneaky-pony-friendly.
>And by that, you meant it wouldn't be guarded.
>To determine if going through here was better than using the trapdoor, you crept to the board very quietly, and placed your ear directly on it, listening.
>At first, you heard nothing, and even blocking the other ear allowed you to merely ignore the wind.
>But then, in the promising silence inside, you noticed another, faint sound, barely audible.
>Snoring.

>>27178813
A sleeping guard is better than one that's awake. Do we hear any movement in the building? I doubt there'd be 2 guards on the door since the second one would get in trouble for letting the first sleep.

>>27178880
>The sound was a very nice thing to hear, you even smiled to yourself.
>Sleeping sentry was way better than one that's wide awake and could stuff your belly with lead if only he would see you.
>Even better, you were pretty sure this was the only Dog close to the board. Why? Answer was simple - if he had a comrade nearby, he wouldn't be asleep.
>At least he shouldn't. You've never heard of an army letting it's soldiers sleep on duty.
>Just to be sure, you stayed in place, not moving, even holding your breath for a short while, and listened some more.
>Nothing. No steps, no shouts or talk. There was a single cough, though.

>>27178963
Any way to identify direction or distance? Lets let the others know we're going this way.

>>27179006
>The only things you could certainly say about that cough was that person responsible for it wasn't near the board, and the sound came from the right.
>It could be a corridor, or a room sharing wall with the staircase, or else the cough would be less audible, or not hearable at all.
>Still, you were fully convinced that using this entrance was a better idea than trying your luck with trapdoor and the soldier in a room below.
>Only two things were between you, and interior of this tenement house, another obstacle to pass on your way.
>First of them was to let Frost and Hranchak know you wanted to go this way.
>It wasn't hard at all, you only had to remember to not stomp too hard, and Frost already took position by the staircase, while Hran decided to take your side.
>Second thing was more tricky.
>How do you want to enter? Simply pull or push the board away? Open a small crefice and slip in one by one? Anything else? Special ideas, extra precautions?

>>27179148
Slip in. We have to move quickly since the cold air might wake up the guard.

>>27179201
>Wait a second.
>The guard was sleeping close to the doors. You weren't sure how close.
>But still, pushing the wooden blockade too far could end in accidentally nudging him, waking him up, which would have terrible consequences.
>On the other hoof, pulling it would definitely let a stream of cold, winter air inside, which also would wake up the damn Dog inside.
>But you had to choose, and you chose pulling the board to yourself, far enough to create a crack you could fit in, while making it as narrow as you could to minimalize the frost influence.
>Acting instinctively, you slipped inside first, and looked around at once to examine the area.
>You landed in a corridor, painfully standard, splitting to left and right, surely leading to flats.
>Since it was a tenement house for poor workers and their families, there was one toilet for the whole floor, on your left.
>The door was long gone, torn from it's frame. You could see the Doggish soldier sitting in there, sleeping.
>Soon enough all three of you were inside the building.
>What will you do now?

>>27179407
Did we close the door behind us? Can we get more detail on the hallway we're in? How many doors are there? Is there a turn or is it just one straight corridor? Is there a visible exit to the building?

>>27179571
>Obviously, you closed the crevice after you got inside, so the Dog nearby would stay unaware of what was happening around him.
>Standing in the middle of a corridor like this was awkward, even if the given situation, but you've suddenly realized you couldn't formulate a plan without taking a better look around, without getting accustomed with the place you will spend some time in.
>Thus, you silently gestured for your friends to wait where they were standing - there was nowhere to hide - and began to slowly walk around to get a full view.
>First thing you've noticed was, no surprise, the toilet at your left side. It was very small, and rather large Dog sleeping inside made it look almost funny.
>Almost.
>At your right side you could see the staircase continuing downwards, to the ground floor. There was a bright light visible at the end of it. Someone had to be down there, close, because this was the direction the cough came from.
>You walked forward, along the corridor, and after four or so metres, it split in two, forming a T-shaped intersection.
>Left way led to five doors: two in left wall, two in right wall, and one in front of you.
>Right way looked exactly the same, five flats, two on the left, one in the middle and two on the right.
>If you remembered correctly, right side was inside the line of fortifications, to this would be the direction you'd like to go. Left side was the one with trapdoor, it was definitely in one of the flats there.

If something is unclear, feel free to ask.

>>27179823
Let's head right and find a room to hide in.

>>27179864
>After this short reconnaissance, you turned around to the stallion duo, and gestured for them to follow you.
>To think and find a way to leave the house without being exposed, you had to find a calm place, where you'd be able to sit, rest a bit, talk, even if only whispering.
>Previous experiences taught you to not trust in gestures too much, since you haven't come up with an unified code you could all use.
>And where was a better place to sit and take your breath than at a cozy flat?
>Well, literally anywhere far away from the Dogs and Changelings, but this wasn't the point here.
>Carefully and step by step, you walked along the right corridor, looking at all the doors warily.
>Enemies had nothing to guard at this side of the building, so the flats should be all empty, right?
>Uncertain and cautious, you opened the closest door on the right, preparing for any possible event.
>Only to send out a sigh of relief, as your assumption was proven right.
>The small flat was empty and you could hide inside, wait and think about your next moves. After closing the door, of course.
>Now, what is your plan?

>>27180075
I think we should find a window facing whatever they're protecting so we can plan for after we leave the building.

>>27180170
>At first, you were just sitting there, in a circle, but back to back instead of face to face.
>Safety above everything, even if you were trying to unwind a little, calm down before jumping back into whatever fate prepared fo you. This place was deep within enemy territory, and nearest foes were only a corridor away.
>When you felt like you could get up and do things again, you've decided to see what were all these guys guarding anyway.
>Right side of the house was within the fortified area already, and you could see...
>Lights.
>Lots and lots of them. Sometimes you could see a small area devoid of any artificial light, but was it to be trusted? Would you use any of these little patches of darkness as a cover?
>In close vicinity of your current location you could spot also a tent, likely serving as a storage or something, since Dogs around could use still standing houses, and a motorbike. Sadly, the latter was not fit for ponies.
>There were also various crates, big and small.
>Finally, your objective, the tower, was piercing the heavens. You could see only it's base now, since the moon was hidden behind snow clouds.
>Much to your surprise, the place wasn't swarming with soldiers running to and fro. You could see patrols of course, and a messenger once - you decided to call him one because he was running on all fours with a bag on him.
>Oh, and there was a special guy approaching the house you were in right now.
>When he was close enough to be seen, you could notice a black coat stretching to the ground, round officer cap and without any badges. Upon seeing him, two sentries stood at attention in an instant, one of them dropping a book on the ground.
>Whoever it was, he decided to enter the building and soon you could hear barks inside.
>What will you do?

>>27180384
Get Frosts opinion on the view and point out the commanding officer.

>>27180437
>You weren't quite sure what all of this could mean.
>Were you in danger, was that guy here to warn them about your presence? Are you going to fight with all the soldiers here, alerting the whole place?
>Wait.
>Wait, hold up. There was no need to panic.
>If the important-looking guy would be here to look for you or warn the house's crew about your arrival, he'd come from the other side, no?
>Maybe it was a routine inspection, or something? If yes, that sleeping guy in the toilet was about to get into some trouble.
>Why are you even taking guesses? You had a soldier with you, he should know what this all was about, what's with the view and the officer.
"Pssst" you whispered, and waved your hoof at the pegasus, who was guarding the door. In the meantime, your very own personal knight was searching the flat, without being loud.
>Frost answered you call and walked closer, gazing through the window. You were pretty sure he was going to whistle in astonishment for a second, but he knew better.
"Where are we, Frost?" you asked, looking at his muzzle, which expressed the stallion being impressed and a bit scared at the same time.
>>"I think we're right in the wolf's lair, Spring."
"That doesn't sound good, but..."
>>"From the looks of it, they've decided to make their headquarters around the radio tower. Logical, but it won't make things easier."
>Oh.
>OH. He was right, you stepped right into the wolf's lair. How will you even get to that tower now? There had to be a way... somewhere.
>You sure as tartarus weren't going to give up now, not after overcoming all the previous obstacles, passing the barricades, running and fighting.
>cont

>>27180669
>A set of really loud barks and howls down there brought you back to reality.
"There's also one more thing you should know. Someone important arrived and is now yelling at Dogs below us."
>>"Probably just an officer, checking on his troops, nothing unusual. I'm surprised he was dedicated enough to show up at night, though, especially before a snowstorm."
>In the meantime, noise started to spread, and soon you could hear heavy footsteps, ascending to your floor.
>Soon the poor bastard in the toilet got exactly what you thought he will get.
>This was dangerously close and you had to do something.
>Running wasn't the only option, flat wasn't robbed from most of the furniture. You could try to flee or try to hide.

>>27180680
Hide, it's best to stay out of the halls during all of this activity.

>>27180746
>You definitely weren't going to leave your very nice flat now. Not with all the commotion out there.
>Still, you had to hide somewhere in case of them going through the flats to look for more lazy comrades.
>The flat had three rooms. A kitchen, small bedroom and a bigger one, living room which was also serving as a antechamber, because the main door were opening straight to it, without any corridor or something.
>In the larger room there was a sofa that could unfold to a bed, a round wooden table with four chairs, small cupboards with broken glass doors, a sideboard and cubical TV, big enough to cover a pony of small posture, or really curled.
>Bedroom had a big bed for two ponies, one small one, a big wardrobe and chest with toys.
>Kitchen had cupboards and that one cabinet under the sink. Where will you hide? Do you want to quickly advise your friends what places should they pick, or count on their own brains?

>>27180871
They're both smart, but make sure to choose places that dogs won't fit. There'd be no reason for them to search there. Lets try the sideboard.

>>27180996
>Nah, they'll manage. You quickly reminded them to choose places hard to reach by bigger creatures, it should be enough.
>Soon you spread. Hran disappeared into the bedroom, Frost went straight to the kitchen, while you...
>You supposed you should be good hiding into the sideboard. It was big enough for you to fit in, even if you were feeling slightly claustrophobic in there.
>At the very same moment you magically closed the sideboard's door, Canidians entered the flat.
>They were gentle, perhaps because it was their quarter. But for the first time you could see, or hear to be exact, them acting like normal, living breathing beings and not monsters. Or was it really the first time?
>Oh, right. There were also those deserters when you were here the last time, who didn't hurt Sister Candle, even if they could.
>Anyway, you could take a peek through the keyhole and you were able to hear them clearly.
>Two soldiers were slowly walking around, not putting too much effort into looking for any intruders, quietly murmuring to each other.
>Judging by their gestures and sometimes tone, they were annoyed. One of them looked under the table, behind the TV and then headed to the bedroom, second went to the kitchen.
>cont

>>27181305
>While filled to the brim with tension passed.
>Listening closely, you waited for a call, a shot, fearing that they will find Hran or Frost.
>But after some time, prolonged by your anxiety, both Dogs emerged from the rooms they were 'searching', returned to their conversation, and left the flat.
>Your heartbeat couldn't be faster. Even when you were running away, you weren't that scared. Then, you had a chance to defend yourself or escape. Here was none.
>But they were gone.
>And you, along with your companions, were still alive. Undiscovered.
>You waited some more for all the flats to be searched, then you abandoned your little hideout.
>All of you met where you were before, in the middle of the living room. This time, even Frost was sweating a little.
>There was still some activity on the ground floor, but you were safe. For now.
>Perhaps you have enough time to plan your next steps. You need to get out of here anyway.

>>27181317
Is there really only one set of stairs in the entire building? What about a fire escape?

>>27181432
I described it as an old building erected for poor ponies during Equestrian equivalent of industrial era. Fire exit would be added later, in a form of ladder with metal balconies I believe, but this house has anything above first floor destroyed.

>>27181552
Which floor are we on?

>>27181593
First. You started from what remained of second. There's ground floor below you.

>>27181614
Some places would call the ground floor the first floor. What's the shape oh the building?

>>27181679
It's supposed to be a square, but not completely, since there's a tunnel - barricaded - leading through it, the normal entrance ponies would use is in this tunnel.

>>27181714
Well, our next step would be to find a way down to the ground floor. Is the building a solid square or does it have an open area in the middle? If it's the latter, we should find a window to look into it.

>>27181786
>Whatever will be your plan, you felt like you really, really needed to find a better place to be.
>As weird as it sounded in given circumstances. Anyway, to sort things out you needed to have a better grasp of the situation.
>Checking surroundings for clues was a good start, so you went to the kitchen and took a peek through the only window here, by some miracle intact.
>It allowed you to see the small yard inside the house. Surrounded by walls, even lowered by brute force of war, it still would be a literal death trap if you'd be discovered while being down there.
>Currently, you could see a small squad of doggish soldiers - four of them - being scolded by the coated guy you've seen before. You supposed they will return to their duties pretty soon, so you weren't too concerned about them.
>More worrying was that yard was a cobbled small square, not a true yard with grass and soil, so jumping would be quite risky. Frost could help you with getting down, if you'd decide to do so.

How many of you are here?

>>27181958
I've been the only player today.

>>27182021
That's okay. I'll wait for your suggestion.

>>27181958
One of the sleeping guards from earlier is probably down there. That would mean he might be coming back up soon.

>>27182089
>Just like you thought, soon the soldiers were dismissed.
>They've returned to their posts: two of them disappeared in the tunnel, likely to guard the barricade, while remaining two returned to the building.
>Slow, heavy steps nearby indicated that former toilet inhabitant returned to his position as well, surely not as eager to sleep on duty as before.
>Which would made things a bit more difficult if you'd try to leave through the corridors and staircase.
>When you were about to return to the living room, a motion got your attention for a while.
>The Dog in charge was standing in the same place as before, but he turned around and was now facing the windows.
>Just like he could see you. It couldn't be, though.
>If it was true, he'd definitely raise an alarm by now. Instead, he turned around and stormed out of the yard.
>You were not able to see any Dog paying special attention to the yard. Not counting the two at the barricade, of course. But the small square was dark, unlike everything past the house. They wouldn't see you.

Welp, I don't think I could run any longer for tonight, so bedtime is it. But I will try my best and pull off the same thing tomorrow, running for a longer time. Perhaps, if we will be lucky, we will manage to conclude this little CYOA.

>>27182536
Conclude?

>>27183060
I'm guessing that after we broadcast the message and escape the CYOA will end and we'll get an epilogue. It's a shame though, it was a fun 7 months.

>>27182536
You ever planning on running another quest?

>>27182257
Seems like the windows are our safest bet to leave the building, but we still need a plan to actually get to the tower. And we should decide what gestures mean what.

sowed

File: e62dd8a5-bcf4-40c1-9e2a-4d512e93c58f..png (2 MB, 1920x1080) Image search: [Google]

2 MB, 1920x1080

Bump

I should be back around 19 - 20 EEST, I think you should know.

>>27183087
I don't know. I would, but I have stuff to consider before I'll try to run a quest again. Language barrier, grammar, timezones, work I'll have to return to if my wound will heal correctly. And I don't have pretty pictures to cover all these issues.

>>27185722

>>27183124
>Planning was hard if you were under pressure, but you were used to quickly solving even potentially life-threatening situations.
>And you weren't in one right now. Yet.
>So, you should leave before any of the bad things will happen, and it didn't take long for you to realize that at this moment windows were your safest bet to get the heck out of here.
>If the officer or whoever he was wouldn't arrive here and inspect the post, you'd be probably able to leave as you entered, through the roof, after scouting the house and determining where you should head next, but well.
>Nopony has control over the blind fate.
>Anyway, you knew what will you use to leave and how will you do that - Frost was going to flex his wing and back muscles - but there was still one more thing that will definitely be useful to you later.
>You hadn't too much to sacrifice, because something might happen soon. Still, you needed to form an actual gesture code you and your friend could remember and use.
>This was important enough for you to stay where you were, sit together in the living room, but not right in front of the door to not be seen immediately, and talked it piece by piece.
>First thing that you had to overcome was the fact that hooves weren't really useful when it came to more complicated gestures.
>Unfortunately, Frost wasn't skilled in special commando code either, since radiooperators used flags and messengers anyway, they weren't usually forced to work undercover.
>Pointing the direction, 'come here', 'go back' were simple enough. Same went for 'stop'.
>After a while, you figured 'hide/get down', which was lowering your hoof rapidly.
>You had no idea how to convey how many enemies you'd see or how to describe the looks of location, but you couldn't think of anything appropriate for now.
>cont

>>27187030
>Luckily, nothing else disturbed the silent night in still standing remnants of the tenement house.
>The officer didn't show up again, and from your windows you weren't able to see the barricade down there, but you had to assume the soldiers returned to being lazy slobs.
>You put all your hope into it. Otherwise you would be discovered right after landing on the yard.
>Obviously Frost was going to carry you down anyway, but who will go first? You or Hran?

I still remember about the suggestion to split up from previous session. It will happen if you will successfully leave.

hran is my vote.

>>27188145
>Not that you were a coward, but maybe you could let Hranchak go first.
>He had a gun that would break havoc on close distances, and the yard below was pretty small.
>The barricade was blocking a tunnel, so it was even better, he could probably take out it's guards very quickly, if necessary. You hoped it won't be the case. Even if hardened, you still didn't want to imagine these Dogs in a tunnel while two slugs were being fired at them.

>Soon, Frost was ready to go. Two stallions holding each other tightly.
>Before you could blush and feel weirded out by the sight, they descended.
>The pegasus was quiet enough to not be discovered.
>Even when you were carried down, nothing happened.
>After leaving, you went through an opposite tunnel leading into the fortified area, discovering that barricade guards were playing some card game, paying little to no attention to their surroundings.
>The terrain matched what you've seen from your window.
>Way too many lights, a tent on your right, some crates - two piles on your left and one in the middle, and a motorbike not fit for ponies by the tent.
>What now?

>>27188543
we could hide behind those tents and crates

>>27188873
Hide behind whichever one is near the least light.

>>27188873
>>27188972
>The darkest place available to you right now was a pile of crates on the most left.
>Everything else was soaked in artificial light, with only dark space being the back of the tent with motorbike, but it was cut off from your position by a moving stream of brightness coming from the spotlight located on one of the buildings, about 20 metres from your position.
>From here you could see another dark spot on your left, so dark you couldn't even tell where it was leading.
>It was literally the only place fully covered in shadows now.
>There were other ways, dimly light.
>Another pile of crates in front of you, about 5 metres.
>The tent with motorbike, obviously.
>Where do you want to go?

>>27189382
They probably move the spotlights in a regular pattern. Like a routine patrol route.

>>27189996
>From the looks of it, the light moved in a certain, slowly executed pattern.
>It was a small zig-zag, not even two metres wide, so you sould basically count it as one continuous stream.
>However, the light moved forwards and backwards regularly, twenty seconds for a full run.
>So you'd have ten seconds for one pony to go to the tent.

>>27190057
Which direction is the tower from where we are?

if only a teleporter were here. we could turn off the power.

good night.

>not using tomorrow theme when night browsing.
Shit I feel so stupid

Since this is our second(?) major stealth section, I just wanted to say a few things. Since every decision in this kind of situation is extremely important, it is very difficult to give us all of the relevant information in a pure text format. When giving the locations of possible options it is important to know both where they are in relation to us (distance and direction) as well as where they are in relation to each other. Having detailed information on what's going on between us and the options is a good idea. It is also a good idea to have detailed information about the option itself, such as how large is the dark area somewhere off to the left? It is very important to know where everything is in relation to our ultimate goal at all times.

>>27193056
Well, don't feel stupid. It took me some time to gest used to themes. Now I'm using Tomorrow all the time.

>>27193969
As the advice is always welcome in this thread, I acknowledge it and try to improve, but I have a question you will likely answer one day. I know that it is important to maintain good communication between us, and I'm also aware I suck hard at it since I can't be sure if you clearly understand what I tried to write. So, would you prefer me to stick to the text format, but make it easier to read?

For example, make descriptive points:
1.
2.
etc while sacrificing the narration?

Or add spaces between options to make their narrative description easier to read and discern?

Or would you like me to get that Paint/pen and paper to work and draw you maps of locations you see?

Finally, I'm sorry for disappearing and not letting you know, breaking my promise of second longer run. I felt very mentally tired. I hope this time will be better, even if somewhat shorter.

>>27192230

Let's try the additional spacing and see how it goes.

>Again, you decided you should be as prepared as possible, which meant getting well accustomed with the area you wanted to scale.
>Perhaps more time spent on scanning the place, memorizing all what you could and focus will give you an upper hoof, advantage you could use.

>Starting from the right, first thing you could see was the tent. It was large, rectangle-shaped, and dark green. It's back side, one of the longer walls strangely, was not lit well enough for you to be spotted easily. There was a motorbike parked in front of the tent entrance, made in short wall just by the back side. This potential cover was close, 8 metres or so and all of you could fit behind it.
>However path to it was lit by a spotlight, moving in a certain pattern, back and forth. One full cycle took twenty seconds. The light was coming from your front, from a building 20 metres from you.

>Next place you could use as a hiding spot was a pile of crates, neatly ordered and thus forming a cube.
>It was right in front of you and rather close, five metres between you and the cube.
>However it was too small for three ponies. In fact, only a single pony was able to fit in there without revealing himself.

>Next cover was another pile of crates, on your left, barely. It would keep two ponies safe, you assumed. But it was pretty far. You would need to walk or trot 15 metres before getting there, and gallop could be too loud.
>It wasn't so neatly arranged as previous one, you'd have to crouch to stay hidden, but it allowed you to fire if you were in immediate danger. Some of those crates were opened, so you could use their lids as weak shields.
>There wasn't any source of light focused directly on that pile, but still it was more lit than previous places mentioned.

>cont

>>27195367
>Finally, last pile of crates and small boxes, to your far left.
>Behind it, a dark path started. It was so dark you couldn't tell what was in there and where it was leading.
>Of course, all three of you would be able to fit in there with ease, and you could use the path if it was going were you'd like it to.
>It was certainly going behind neighbouring building, standing right next to the pile.
>There was a Dog standing on top of that building, nearby turned off spotlight.

>Last thing that was useful for you to remember so you could maintain your sense of direction.
>Location of the tower from your current perspective.
>It was slightly to the right, visible behind the building with a working spotlight, the one right in front of you.

Here, I hope this description is better. I tried to keep it narrative but clear. If you have questions, ask them. Now, I'll be away for some time.

>>27195371
I think we should try the tent to see if there is anything useful inside.

>>27195627
>Of all the possibilities, you've decided to pick the tent.
>It was big enough to cover you all, to allow you to stand straight and even move around a bit, although the last thing was very limited.
>It could have some useful stuff stashed inside it, too. Anything really, maybe a distraction you would be able to use, or a powerful weapon.
>Thanks to the fact that you formed a gesture code you could use freely to communicate with other members of your small but very brave team, the only somewhat difficult part of relocating your flanks was avoiding the light.
>You had ten seconds to sneak to your next cover and even littlest of delays will result in your presence being revealed.
>Also it was best to assume you will do better if you were to move one by one. It will take you a bit longer this way, but individual pony should make less noise than a group.

>Soon, without any unwanted events, all three of you found yourselves behind the military tent.
>Lowest part of the wall was pegged down, so you couldn't simply lift it and enter.
>You technically were able to use the proper entrance when the spotlight wasn't nearby, or cut your way in with Frost's knife, easy and without any risk.
>There was one thing, though.
>Despite the wind, which was flapping the material used to close tent's entrance, you were able to hear a muffled hum, coming from the inside, after placing your ear against the wall.
>Someone was in there, probably alone, humming a merry melody to himself.
>Weather was getting worse, soon the snowstorm will hit, but maybe it was for the better. If it will be strong enough, it might dim the lights.
>What will you do now?

>>27196543
Does the tent open on both ends or just one? can we figure out the dogs general location inside the tent? Could we lift up the bottom just enough to peek inside?

>>27197231
>After checking just to be sure you could tell that the tent did open only on one end.
>No going around the spotlight and the guard inside for you, it seemed. At least you were still relatively safe at the moment.
>Maybe if you listened closely and carefully, you would be able to figure out where that conveniently humming Dog inside exactly was?
>No, that wasn't working like you thought it would.
>Thanks to the wind, you were only able to tell where the sound was getting a bit louder. It was muffled to the same degree - which meant that guy was sitting in one place, rather close to the wall since you were able to hear him.
>Still, there was one more thing you could try before coming up with any plans for next few minutes.
>You layed down on the cold ground, cobblestone covered in snow, and crawled closer to the wall. Your muzzle was almost touching it when you put your magic to use, trying to lift the bottom.
>The pegs weren't too densely placed to prevent you from lifting the material just a little bit, so you could peek inside...
>... only to see a green container and some dimmed light of a kerosene lamp.
>You crawled somewhere else and tried again.
>O, there we go.
>Now you were able to see the interior almost properly.
>It was a storage tent, clearly.
>It's guard was sitting on a stack of boxes, humming to himself with slightly squinted eyes and drumming his paws along the rhythm. You didn't recognize the melody.
>He was slightly to your right, farther from the tent entrance.
>You weren't able to see where the lamp was. Likely thanks to all these things stuffed into the tent.

>>27197560
Signal to the others that there's a dog inside, then look for more cover we could use.

>>27197560
Can we cut around a peg to create an opening? Make it look like a tear just incase a guard notices it.

>>27197992
>>27198201
>Slowly you let the material go, and more, you gently placed it where it was before, making sure it won't flap all of a sudden.
>The Dog inside wouldn't probably care about it, but as you thought to yourself often as of recent, better safe than sorry.
>After standing up, you pointed at the tent, signaling that someone was inside and they should be quiet. With this done, you could take a good look around to find more cover you can use.

>The building with moving spotlight was in front of you, now less distant. You'd give it about fifteen metres now, or slightly less.
>Nothing changed about it, the light was still following it's pattern.

>It was not the only building around, though.
>Now, with shift in perspective and ability to calmly focus on your surrounding, it was easier to notice things.
>The light position was first in line of similar tenement houses to those you've seen earlier.
>They were stretching from your front to right, each was about 10 metres wide, and it was safe bet to think the line was going towards the fortification line.
>A lamp was hanged on every gate, and under some of them you could spot Dogs, busy with chit-chat.
>On the far right there was a patrol approaching, moving towards the spotlight building and your current position in moderate speed.
>You estimated it would take them two minutes to reach you.

>On the left side of the tent, but closer to the building and your objective - the tower - was a big container with antennas and gizmos of unknown purpose. It was slightly bigger than a tent.
>Also, one more thing, it was guarded. You could see a soldier leaning against it, his weapon low, just as his level of awareness.
>It was about ten metres from you.
>cont

>>27198299
>Next, north-west from you judging by the tower's direction, there was another building, a shop.
>It had large windows, now broken, and it's interior was completely dark.
>You couldn't see anyone around it, but there were two lanterns on the poles placed not too far from it.
>It was farthest hiding place, between you and the shop would be about twenty five metres, and these two lanterns.

>At last, to your far left was another building and then a narrow alleyway, leading who knows where.
>There was a Dog inside, you could see him, and for some odd reason he was suspiciously looking around from time to time, then diving back into the gloomy unknown.

>These were you current possibilities.
>With good grasp on your surroundings, your thoughts returned to the tent.
>It would be nice to spend some time alone in there to search through and sweep up something nice.
>Alas, you had no idea what to do with guard, not mentioning getting inside.
>You could try cutting around two or three pegs to make yourself an opening wide enough to crawl through.
>Assuming you will fit behind crates or find a wide crack for you to use.
>But he could notice. And even if you'd make the cut look like a tear, it would look suspicious.
>Like, material torn away from two or three pegs at once, with wind blowing from the opposite direction? That would give him something to think about.
>What now?

Such a slow day.

Does the additional spacing help you recognize options and read through them? Do I give enough information?

>>27198308
The spacing doesn't really do anything, but the extra detail is much appreciated.

>>27198308
Was the dog in the tent wearing a helmet?

>>27198400
Yes, but it wasn't strapped to his head, you could see the belts waving around when his head bounced.

>>27198443
I wonder if we can use our magic to make it fall off and than drop a crate on his head. We have to be careful about not letting him see the glow.

>>27198567
That last part will be really, really, really hard.

>>27198649
He isn't really paying attention. Since it's a lit room, if we do everything behind him it should be harder to notice.

>>27198649
what if we did it REALLY fast?

>Now, you were going to enter this damn tent.
>Even if it wasn't exactly the thing you'd label as safe, you wanted to get there.
>Curiousity. Suspense. Potential reward. All these things were slowly overcoming your common sense and urge to get the tartarus outta here.
>You already thought of a way inside, but there was one more thing, or person, standing between you and whatever treasure was inside.
>The Dog.
>You had to do something about him.
>Of all the possibilities and ways to get rid of the guy who was cheerfully making music with nothing but his lungs and throat, one was particularly inviting.
>The magic you had allowed you to manipulate things and stuff out of your physical reach, so you could distract him by, for example, taking his helmet off.
>After that you could knock him out or something, then enter the tent freely.
>However, grabbing his helmet without letting him see the glowing aura was not an easy task.
>To take it off properly you'd have to grasp it as a whole or grip two sides of it.

>You carefully took another peek inside to see what the soldier was doing apart of humming to himself.
>Not much, apparently.
>His head bounced to and fro slightly. You could...
>Wait.
>You had a perfect idea.
>Why bother with taking his helmet off, if you could try to tip its back, making it fall off his head?
>In his current careless state he wouldn't even notice your magic, you were almost certain.
>You only had to get behind him or to his side. One change of location - still remaining in shadow behind the tent - later, you were ready to try.
>cont

>>27199063
>It all went as you expected.
>The helmet fell down after you tipped it, he didn't see a thing, tried to pick it up while looking around a bit more cautiously than before.
>Before he could react in any dangerous way, you grabbed nearest thing with your telekinesis and smacked him with it.
>Fortunately or not, it was a box, similar to those he was sitting on.
>He went out cold, and box tore, revealing a big amount of cans. They made some noise spilling from the now useless box.
>Counting that strong, whistling wind was enough to muffle it, you cut the tent's wall and slipped inside, Hran following suit.
>Frost stayed outside to observe the perimeter and warn you in case of baddies coming.

>The interior was filled with, what a surprise, crates and boxes.
>It wasn't messy, at least before you got there, and you didn't know Doggish, so you couldn't read the labels.
>You weren't able to tell what crates and boxes other than can ones were containing.
>Opening the crates and boxes randomly revealed flasks, canteens, spare uniforms, cans, crackers, toilet paper, paintings...
>Hold up?
>Paintings?
>One crate contained nothing but Equestrian art, pictures removed from their frames, protected from environment, prepared to be shipped somewhere.
>A box nearby was full of smaller wooden or plastic boxes.
>Wooden ones were filled to the brim with necklaces, horn and leg rings, earrings, older version of bits and foreign coins.
>Plastic contained golden and silver teeth.
>Are you going to look for something specific, or you wish to continue opening crates randomly and see what happens?

>>27199077
Keep opening them, this is interesting

>>27199077
Are those camouflaged uniforms? Some extra supplies might be useful since we have no idea how quickly we'll be able to return.

dogs are terrible.

>>27199236
>>27199250
>These uniforms were so useless at the moment you were convinced thy were left here on purpose, to be forgotten.
>Why?
>Most of these were literally parade uniforms. Coloured feldgrau, decorated with little national flags placed on sleeves' sides, badges, neat brass buttons, belts made of finest leather and all that splendorous stuff.
>It took you another, deeper and more scrutinous look - and a different crate - to find actual camouflaged ones. You could take some with you if you wished to.
>As you progressed, opening more and more crates hastily, you stumbled upon various things.
>Tactical vests and special belts, pouches and bags of varying sizes and purposes.
>Small individual first aid kits.
>Bandages, patches, gauzes.
>Full, packed MREs, but there were so little of them you thought they were kept here only as a decoration, or they were meant for units of special purpose.
>Additional helmets, pads, bulletproof vests not meant for ponies, other pieces personal armour.
>A chandelier.
>Really. Whole, intact, secured silver and crystal chandelier. You wondered who in Fillydelphia was rich enough to have one.
>There were also other things. Batteries, cables, barbed wire, tools of most kinds. Well, soldiers shouldn't scavenge in their free time, so presence of these things was logical, but seemingly the crates weren't being opened at all before your arrival.
>You couldn't find real weapons, explosives and ammo anywhere around, though.
>What will you do now? What do you want to take with you, if anything?
>Frost let you know that you were unwittingly causing some commotion.

>>27199436
Take MREs. Take some camo uniforms so we can cut it up to cover our colorful nature. Would those helmets be able to fit? Take a first aid kit for each of us. We can take some of the belts for extra storage. If we had the time I'd like to use the tools to break down the barbed wire into caltrops.

Also can Hran use the tools to modify the dog rifle for pony use?

>>27199523
Simplest way to do it would be removing trigger cover, and there were no tools to easily and quietly cut it away. Still, after removing it a pony would still have trouble to use it.

>>27199509
How many MREs you want to take and where you will place them? You found twenty rations. Helmets are too big for ponies and designed for different head shape. If you need inventory, it's up the thread.

>>27199577
A couple each. Do they use a different type of ammo?

>>27199645
Yes. Also they are harder to hold with legs, all following problems are result of this. Doggish weapons are harder to aim and recoil is much more influential. Reloading them with hooves is also difficult, and I don't mean putting a magazine in it's place.

>>27199509
>>27199645
>Hastily, and after Frost's warning also trying to be quiet at the same time, you grabbed three belts.
>You and Hran simply put them over your clothes. While stallion was passing last belt to the pegasus, you were busy with placing contents of the first aid kits into belts you obtained merely a while ago, also keeping one kit for Frost.
>Then, you stuffed three uniforms in your bags. Not to wear them, obviously, but later you could cut them up and use the scraps as camouflage.
>After some meaningful effort you managed to make place in your equipment for two MREs, unfortunately you already carried much and you were lacking space, same goes for Hran.
>Bags can only go so full, and getting another ones here and now, although an option, will limit your movement.
>Frost was able to pack one more ration, though. Three boxes full of tasty food wasn't too bad, and you still had some of yours.

>You slipped out from the tent, again followed by your trusty orange comrade.
>Just in time, it seemed, as you could hear a call coming from the entrance.
>The Dog calling wasn't sounding agitated in any way, you could even tell he was rather happy. Even if their tongue usually sounded like torture order.
>Anyway, you had to move.
>If he will enter the tent, you'd be in trouble. Even if you tried, you couldn't have made bigger mess in there.

I hope I gave you enough action to think about for now, because I have to go to bed. Tomorrow will be a bit busy day for me, but I'll be here for the night.

>>27199767
Lets head to the big container.

>>27199831

Cucked famtachi bump

damn dog infested territory.

I should be ready to post in approximately half an hour, give or take a few minutes. Well, likely "give".

>>27205612
Welp. That's a long "half an hour". I'm sorry.

>Oh damn. Oh Celestia.
>Shit. Fuck.
>You had to move, and you had to do it pretty fast. In the wind, cut was slightly flapping, not as strongly as the material meant for blocking entrance, but it was still visible.
>Relocating anywhere really, with possible exception of that alleyway on the left, was risky because of the lights.
>But you didn't have time to think of a neat and relatively safe way to get anywhere, and another, quieter call, followed by surprised eek reminded you about that problem swiftly.

>Without hestitation, but with fair dosis of luck you quietly made your way to the container.
>The patrol you saw earlier, coming from the far right, was now passing by it, slowing down to chat with it's guard.
>Or guards, if you heard correctly. There were voices of a patrol, the one belonging to the leaning Dog you saw before, and another one.
>Just great. At least you were still in shadows, although you barely avoided that moving spotlight.
>You turned to Hran...

>Oh shit. Sweet and innocent childhood of Luna, where was Hran?!
>Or Frost?
>They must've been cut off from you by the light, and with no time to wait, they had to find different hiding places.
>Looking around, you think you caught a glimpse of a pony's tail disappearing by the small pile of boxes you noticed earlier, able to cover only one Equestrian.
>Who was he? Frost of Hranchak?
>Where was your other friend?
>You think you can hear some commotion, coming from direction of the tent.

>>27206161
Calm down and look at our surroundings. Only an idiot would've stayed near the tent so the commotion is most likely only the guards.

>>27206294
>Whoever was making the noises, he couldn't be any of your friends.
>None of them would be stupid enough to stay near the tent with guard aware of an intruder just a thin cloth wall away.
>Right?
>Okay now, calm down Spring.
>You saw a pony tail, so one of the stallions was safe, for the time being. Both cursing and blessing the night, you tried to recall it's colour.
>Nope. It was too dark.
>You caught yourself hoping that it was Hran, and dismissed the thought right away. They were both your friends, and both of them should be hiding here somewhere.
>But where?
>You took a slow look around, both to notice all the details and to calm yourself down.

>Behind you was the tenement house you used to get into the fortified area, and the small stack of boxes, potential cover you saw and didn't decide to use.
>Assuming your eyes haven't played a trick on you, one of your friends was currently over there.
>It was several metres from you, definitely below ten, but you couldn't get there without being noticed.

>On your left were the same places you saw earlier.
>Shop north-west, now about fifteen metres from your current location.
>Narrow alley, the strangely behaving guy was very likely still somewhere in there.
>And the dark path, now south-west from you.
>Of course, you were using the tower location you remembered as your "north".
>The container didn't change in any way. You could hear monotonous, low buzzing coming from the inside.
>It was so low you felt your guts vibrating. It was strangely nice feeling.
>cont

>>27206586
>Your train of thought was disrupted by another sound.
>One you feared most. Well, you'd be more scared if they'd shout something straight at you, but nevertheless what you heard filled you with dread.
>High-pitched, strong but wavy sound of hand-held siren.
>The guards must have warned their superiors or other Dogs in the meantime.
>Previously turned off spotlight now came to life, and it was on your left.
>For now, it was focused on the tent, delaying your detection.
>What now?

>>27206598
Shit, welp keep your position, by no means show the enemy your position.

Try to investigate the source of that sound,

And next time we see our soldier friend take out the crystal an put it near him, I have a teory.

>>27207867
As much as I'd like to reply and keep the story rolling, at this point I have to go to bed. Again, I won't be able to show up until night. We'll see about Friday. I'm sorry.

good night

>>27208801

have a bump

>>27207867
>And you just tried to calm down recently.
>Well, dammit.
>Feeling the adrenaline rushing through your veins, you got down, just in case the light would pass over you.
>You kept your breath quiet and your mind sharp, imagining what would happen if you'd be discovered now.
>Surprisingly, it didn't induce your panic, quite the opposite, in fact.
>It felt like a bucket full of ice-cold water splashing on your face, keeping you conscious and aware.
>Next objective was now reduced to a very simple command, "don't reveal yourself", shining brightly in your brain.
>Only a second or so ago additional command appeared, you thought about finding your friends, in exactly the same shitty situation as you.
>First, you needed to determine where the siren sound was coming from. Either to avoid that place, or, a brave thought ran through your brain, silence it in some way.
>It wasn't hard to tell the noise was coming from behind the tent, the place you just hastily abandoned.
>The Dogs around were already taking covered positions, carefully observing their surroundings. Even you could tell they weren't sure what to do yet.
>What are your next steps?

I know it is a common problem, but don't be afraid that your reply may fuck something up more or less severely. If you aren't sure what to do, throw ideas around instead of giving a command. And, if things will go south, bad end is still an end, correct?

>>27213620
get your gun ready.

>>27213660
>Getting ready for the inevitable confrontation, you prepared your gun.
>Whatever was going to happen, you weren't defenseless, and you knew you were not alone in this.
>Wait, hold on a second.
>Your magical aura, the only thing allowing you to hold this gun and use it freely, was pretty shiny.
>Not that it would make you visible immediately, but the shimmer would bring some unwanted attention if someone would accidentally or not look in your direction.
>All you could do to get your gun ready was to get it off your back and move it closer to yourself, so you'd know where it was.
>This allowed you to stay covered, because gentle light of your magic wasn't continuous.
>Well, it was something.
>You were still undiscovered, and still alone.
>What now?

Also, the previous message, even if attached to a reply, wasn't referring to that certain Anon. It was directed to everybody here.

>>27213818
now we wait to see what the dogs do. Take a deep breath and exhale slowly. Fire when the dogs start to lose their guard.

>>27213818
>>27213913
NO!! It'll alert the entire camp to our location! We'd have to fight dozens of dogs all by ourself! Self defence only!

>>27213975
in my opinion it's better to strike first instead of waiting and then getting shot at but we'll do it your way.

>>27214141
Be able to kill a couple dogs before we're surrounded by dozens of dogs. Do we even have enough ammo to kill all of them and the inevitable reinforcements with one shot each?

>>27214183
well we do have frost and hran as back up. Maybe not? It's not like we're a dead eye. We could be though as there's no better time.
Just shoot their grenades and they'll explode.

There's kind of not a lot of ways out of this scenario.

>>27214270
Neither Frost nor Hran have any idea what we're up to and one of them could've been captured by our pursuer. In regards to shooting grenades, if we were even able to hit those small things, grenades only shatter when shot by a bullet.

>Thanks to being separated from your friends, danger and the adrenaline, you were a bit conflicted for a brief while.
>You didn't know what to do now, after getting a good look at Dogs, who were adjusting to their new situation just as you were.
>At this point even attack sounded good enough for you. You even started to plan it.
>Frost and Hran wouldn't leave you alone, and you could take the enemy by surprise, aiming at their grenades to make them explode, or less violently just shooting at them.
>Grenades were pretty small targets and you... well, let's say you still weren't all that good with this rifle.
>Then, you began to see all the flaws in your plan.
>Main downside was being revealed, and second was connected to the previous one - reinforcements.
>And likely a tonne of them. Unknown but definitely large numbers of pissed off vicious carnivorous creatures, wanting to avenge their fallen comrades.
>...

>No, attacking them didn't sound like a good plan.
>Like, not at all.
>However, there was nothing wrong with self defence.
>Obviously you'd have to act if you or your male friends would be threatened.
>The mission was crucial, but not enough to make you focus on yourself and yourself only.
>For now, you continued your observation, praying to both Princesses for remaining undiscovered.
>cont

>>27214727
>Finally, the sound faded away and your pursuer emerged from behind the tent you so thoroughly searched.
>He was holding a hand siren, likely found somewhere in there, it couldn't appear in his paws out of thin air.
>And first good news since his interruption, neither Frost nor Hran was with him. A burden was lifted from your heart - it meant both of them were safe.
>Soldiers were slowly leaving their covers, and thanks to behaviour of those closest to your position you could tell they were surprised and annoyed.
>Recent alarm wasn't something they wanted to do something with, seemingly.
>Several of them started to argue with the siren guy, and after that, two others went to see the tent.
>Rest was not so blissfully unaware of your presence, discussing something, probably the event.
>The wind was getting irritating. More and more snowflakes showed up, whirling in the air around you, blurring your vision a bit.

You can continue observing or try to think of a course of action.

>>27214742
Wait until things calm down a bit more and think of what possible locations our other friend might've gone.

>>27214817
>While you waited for anything to change for the better - or worse - the soldiers sent to examine the tent returned.
>All the annoyance and complaints, or what you supposed to be complains, were cut short after a short talk.
>From your position you could see some of the Dogs, and their faces assumed serious expressions.
>Two or three looked around, more or less nervously.
>You wouldn't suspect they had any feelings besides bloodthirst, cruelty and anger, but here you could see concern and uncertainty.
>One of them asked a short question, literally everyone else shook their heads.
>Another sentence, not question this time, and they all went completely silent for a while.
>Then, one of the soldiers shrugged and muttered something, pointing at the dark sky.

>Enough of looking at them for now.
>You've already seen too much of these furry bastards, you still had to determine where your other friend could be.
>Because you already knew, or were convinced, which was pretty much the same now, that one of them was using the pile of boxes behind you as his cover.
>But where would the other one go?
>You could exclude the shop, it was too far and he'd have to pass the lights somehow.
>Same goes for the buildings.
>Which left you with the low pile of boxes to the south-west, the one you'd have to almost crawl to hide behind it.
>And with two dark places. The alleyway with Dog within it, which was risky but on the other hoof, Frost was a soldier. He could get rid of one alone opponent, right? The second thing was that mysterious path.
>He, as a pegasus, had enough time to reach it's beginning. Even without flying, he could just make long jumps with help of his wings.
>The snowfall was becoming thick, you could see the spotlights being slowly shadowed by many snowflakes.

>>27215082
Lets throw a gear at the pile of boxes behind us to try and get the attention of whoever hid there.

>>27215628
>From the places you picked there were two in which both of your friends could hide and to reserved for Frost only.
>You had to determine which one was hiding nearby, but first you needed to get his attention.
>Idea how to do it sprouted in your brain almost instantly.
>Quickly but still remembering about being careful and quiet, you went through your pockets in search of a gear.
>There were still some of them hidden within confines of your clothing, so you picked one, aimed slowly but surely, and threw it behind the pile of boxes.
>This time you've decided to use your hoof instead on relying on magic.
>Especially that the talking Dogs seemingly came to a conclusion on what they were going to do.
>For now, their actions were limited to lighting up their flashlights, in addition to somewhat more dim spotlights. Then, they began to walk in different directions, in pairs, very slowly. One of them actually ran off to somewhere, passing by the container and heading in direction of abandoned shop.
>All of a sudden, you were hit by something small and heavy.
>The gear you used to get attention of your friend was thrown back at you, which meant he indeed was there and he knew about you, too.
>Since you confirmed the location of whoever he was, maybe you could try of a way to contact him without exposing yourself?
>Spotlights were still able to expose you, but the snowstorm was strengthening.
>It may turn into something big later on.
>What do you want to do now?

>>27215909
Do we have any way of writing a note?

>>27216417
You could try scribbling something on a gauze or bandage using charcoal or other dirty things. But it would be crude and well, that gauze won't be of any use.

I honestly wanted to give the late night/early morning folk a chance, but it's almost six o'clock. Until next time, I hope you had fun.

last bump from me