[FO:E] The Northern Wasteland of Equestria 1

[Lycan 01]

Tenpony Tower - Helpinghoof Surgical Ward

Lucky stared up at the ceiling.

Today had been... interesting. Getting blown up, making new friends, having a nervous breakdown, being arrested, and of course, having everything he ever knew and believed about the Enclave turned on its head.

The lights above him were blinding. The doctors and nurses around him were dark shadows, moving in and out of his field of vision.

It would be nice to have his face back. The doctor had said they'd be able to easily rebuild it, and treat the healing scars on his hooves and chest as well. They'd also work on his brain a bit; a quick X-ray had revealed some slight residual damage and small bullet fragments. Maybe that'd fix his memory problems once and for all.

"We're prepared to begin, Mr. Break," one of the doctors informed him. "Are you ready for the anesthesia?"

"Sure thing, Doc," Lucky shrugged aloofly.

The doctor's horn flickered, and the world around Lucky began to blur and fade. The last thing he felt as his consciousness slipped away were the bandages over his face being loosened.

Lucky had hoped that the anesthesia would be heavy enough to prevent him from dreaming.

However......

[Luka]

Bucklyn Cross

Considering recent events, and the shortage of ponies actively wanting to go into the part of the armed structure that doesn't get all the best toys and glory, Staccata decides there's something to work with here. "Your first mission, you had half a squad and no casualties. I have an ongoing project that requires results and discretion."

It appears the two have arrived at a door. "Recon can make use of a wide variety of skillsets."

"Recon? I'm sorry, I'm a heavy weapons specialist... Or heavy assault it was? Squad commander's something similar, but I think Burshine may be..."
He ponders for a bit
"She's with the commander delivering the talismmans, but mybe she's light enough to fit in that kind of things, would have to ask her"

----------------------------------------------

Bucklyn Cross Firing Range

"Well you've got to star at some point don't you?" Nit-Pick puts down the 9mm and looks over at a cabinet. Luckily they have training guns around, and the main armor... really doesn't need the pea-shooters back. He levitates one over to the colt.

It's a simply little single-shot target rifle with a hoof trigger. "Just step up, take the safety off, line up the sights, and squeeze the trigger."

*beat*
"oh right." Nit-Pick finds a step-stool.

The colt would try to reach for the target things but is too short
Until Nit-Pick gives him the stool, then he just climbs on it.
He takes the safety off aims for a while, then shoots
*BANG*
The rifle recoils to a side and the colt falls off the stool onto his side
"Ow!" indeed

[Tag: MCerberus]

[MCerberus]

Bucklyn Cross

Staccata hoffs the talisman back to the knight. "I'll have to speak to her then." She opens the door. Scoops gives a wave and Staccata rolls her eyes. "Dismissed."

Bucklyn Cross Firing Range

Nit-Pick would use his telekinesis to help the colt get right back up to the stool. "Well now you know what it feels like. Let's see a few more shots see where you hit."

[Rebonack]

[Days in the Past]

GRIMDARK

Spoiler

Show

"Run! I'll hold them off!" she cried, her head already spinning from radiation sickness and voice cracking from the pain. She was already too far gone. She couldn't be saved. But she just loved her friends too much to allow them to suffer on her account.

Those words were a death sentence. And though there was objection her friends were wise enough not to make her sacrifice an empty gesture.

They fled.

And she stood alone. Resolute. Defiant. Steadfast.

Against the demon from the bowls of Tartaurus seething toward her.

"BOW bow bow!" burbled the incomprehensibly vast mire of electric blue sludge as it slithers over hissing rocks and dissolving trees. The skeletal forms of ponies growing and bursting along its surface like nightmarish bubbles.

Her body was shaking. Her mind was racing with terror. But despite that she reached into the satchel of explosives Swiss had left with her and hurled the bomb at the terror, screaming her defiance. "I'm not afraid of you!"

The bomb blast made her ears ring as it blew several of the oozy ponies to bits. But the slime was simply reabsorbed into the mass again. No more effective than trying to stop a land-slide.

"I'm not afraid of you!" the lone mare cries out once more, fear welling up in her voice. Much of the pegasus pony's sky blue coat was blotched with radiation sores and her white mane was already falling out. She didn't have much time left even if by some miracle the demon didn't kill her. But if she could just keep the monster distracted... "I am Island in the Clouds! And I am not afraid of you!"

With a pump of her wings she lifts into the air, her shoulder protesting from the injury she had sustained earlier. But the pony pushes through the pain, deftly dodging blobs of electric blue sludge as she beats her wings with ever-increasing strength. She can feel the moisture in the air heeding her call as it resolves into a thick black cloud roiling with lightning. And like lightning she turns and bucks the cloud, sending a bolt of searing white crashing into the abomination with a bone-rattling peal of thunder.

The demon gives a horrible, shuddering scream as the lightning strikes it. But it doesn't slow. It doesn't falter. It doesn't pause its relentless advance.

Because nothing can stop the Smooze.

A blob of slime catches Island in the chest. Her eyes go wide and her mouth opens in a soundless scream of agony as she drops to the earth with a thud. She thrashes futility as the muck dissolves its way through her ribs and begins eating at her organs. Like a fire inside her body slowly melts, electric blue slime replacing flesh. Wings droop as they turn to putty. Black tar begins weeping from empty eyes sockets and mouth. Limbs flow and warp as bones turn to jelly.

But despite all this Island rises to her melting hooves and locks her empty eyes on the demon ready to devour her, defiant to the end. She smiles in spite of herself, in spite of the searing pain. Her beloved friends escaped.

"I'll never bow to you," the smooze pegasus whispers.

The demon descends upon her.

And Thousand Island's thoughts are smothered by the screams of Tartaurus.

[Days in the Past, But Not Many]

The meteor had hit the Smooze with the force of... well... a meteor. And the resulting blast scattered corrupted blobs of slime to the four winds. Most landed where radiation was insufficient and they slowly crumbled into dust.

Freed from their torment at last.

But this isn't their story.

Pain was the first thing to hit her mind as the smooze pony splatters against the wall of the Hippocampus Energy Plant. But a different sort of pain. Pain had become her life a little less than a month ago when she and her friends had so foalishly ventured into the Whitetail Woods following rumors of untouched riches. Horrible, violating pain that shrieks and rips and tears at a pony's very soul. That was perhaps the most terrible of the Smooze's many terrible aspects. It didn't crush the soul of a pony instantly. Instead it spent days, maybe even months, slowly dissolving their Virtue until all that was left was rage and hatred and contempt for everything.

No.

This is a different sort of pain. Not the pain of Tartaurus' flames. The pain of being flung headlong into a wall. The refreshing sort of pain that reminds a pony that they're still alive in some twisted manner of the word.

The smooze pony oozes down the wall and pools at its base, slowly pulling herself into a semblance of shape. She can already feel her body gradually setting into inert blue dirt. The smooze pony is going to need radiation. And lots of it. Fast.

Because you see, nothing can stop the Smooze. And nothing is exactly what stops them. No radiation. Without the vile magic to sustain them they can't last long.

Thankfully the smooze pony had landed at an experimental research site working on a way to squeeze electricity from radiation. And so into the plant she trudges, leaving muddy blue hoofprints in her wake. She can feel the radiation calling out to her and she follows it like a tick to blood. Down into the lower levels where barrel upon barrel of toxic arcane waste is stored. Off comes the top and the contents spill across the floor. With a wet splat the abomination flops into the irradiated puddle and begins soaking up the magic.

For a time she just lays there staring up at the ceiling with empty black eyes. And then? Then she begins to laugh. A horrible, bubbling, churning sound like tar boiling on white hot stones. "I'll never bow bow bow to you..."

[The Present - Below the Ruins of Cloudsdale]

Though the barren fields of rocks and bones. Of blackened twisted cloud carriages and ghouls staring off into the oblivion of eternity a pony in a bright yellow radiation suit trudges.

It had been a lucky find. And Island has been busy thanking Celestia or whoever it was who has been sending her this streak of good favor for it. Radiation suits are meant to keep radiation out. But they're just as good at keeping radiation in. And that means she won't bleed to death any time soon. Especially if she can find ample places to recharge.

Or a source of constant radiation.

Like... say... a sparkle generator from one of these carriages? If Island can rig one of those up to her radiation suit that will help tremendously. Of course... she'll be trotting around with a rad-bomb strapped to her back. But sometimes risks need to be taken.

"Alright mister carriage," the smooze pony burbles at a ruined hulk of metal as she begins pacing around it. "Do you have anything for me? Because if your generator hasn't exploded already that would bow bow bow be wonderful."

[Benson]

Tenpony Tower - Clinic
-snip-

The nurse keeps a neutral expression, but slightly raises an eyebrow.

Swiss may or may not realize that listening to Flim and Flam's suggestions is rarely a good idea.

Flim and Flam then smile at Gwendolyn. "Where to next?" they ask in unison.

"Aah..I'm not quite sure....actually...what time is it? I kinda lost track of it all," The griffon said.

[Luka]

Bucklyn Cross

Staccata hoffs the talisman back to the knight. "I'll have to speak to her then." She opens the door. Scoops gives a wave and Staccata rolls her eyes. "Dismissed."

He salutes
"I'll see if I can tell her"
then departs

--------------------------------------------------

Bucklyn Cross Firing Range

Nit-Pick would use his telekinesis to help the colt get right back up to the stool. "Well now you know what it feels like. Let's see a few more shots see where you hit."

The little colt would just be lifter back onto the stool, he would try again to get the rifle and aim, he would fire several shoots, somewhat accurately, but he seems to be firing a bit too slow

[Tag: MCerberus]

[MCerberus]

Bucklyn Cross

And so the long process of figuring out what the hey went on in Manehatten today would begin. Scoops spills the beans on pretty much everything that doesn't involve ignoring a direct order from a Star Paladin. It... might be something big enough that there might be an active Minister running around the wastes would slip out of the 'classified' realm and become another rumor.

Afterwards, Whadda would report over to the civilians for medical treatment and data transfer. If anypony would want to speak to her she'd be a captive audience...

Princess knows the doctor and scribe getting data off her pipbuck are hers.

Bucklyn Cross Firing Range

True to his name, Nit-Pick has lots of little tiny pieces of advice for the colt to shoot better. He's not expecting rapid-fire though, especially the first time with a gun. After they've had their fill of shooting down range, the unicorn would recall the piece of target paper.

"Tell you what, when you get a bullseye, you can move on to bigger rounds."

[Chaotic Bob]

[Tenpony Tower - Moondancer's Penthouse]

Every step closer to the room raised Down's trepidation another notch.
Every step into the room weakened her resolve.

But this was important. Her fear in the way.

Mind over matter, Miss Down Feather.
Psyching yourself out won't help.


Despite the thoughts and trying to steel herself as if this was a battle, she finds herself pacing ever so slightly instead of accepting Swiss' instruction to sit.
"Is there a side room we could use?"

[Rebonack]

[Tenpony Tower - Moondancer's Penthouse]

Swiss wrinkles her nose a bit at that question.

"Oh... umm... I guess?" then waves a hoof at just such a side-room in question! To the guest bedroom! The mock-pegasus heads through the door and motions Down to follow.

Yeah...

Kind of hard to miss all the nervousness Down is radiating right now.

Like...

Seriously.

"Are you alright?" Swiss asks, her tone tinged with concern.

[Lycan 01]

Tenpony Tower - Leaving Clinic

Flim and Flam shrug. "Not sure," Flim muses.

"It's getting kinda late," Flam sighs.

"We might have time to hit one more store."

"Or we can just head on back to the room."

Both merchants tilt their heads in curiosity, looking to Gwendolyn for guidance.

[Luka]

[Firing Range]

The little colt would look at Nit-Pick
"Uh...What do bigger rounds do?"

[Tag: MCerberus]

[Chaotic Bob]

[Tenpony Tower - Moondancer's Penthouse]

Privacy! Defensibility!
Those are undoubtedly the thoughts behind the initial question, but aren't much dominating her mind right now.

There are other concerns, as she moves to the other side of the room and debates with herself a little bit.

"Okay...how much of the suit do I have to remove for you to fix the repair talisman and EIC?"
External Interaction Components!
Most would know them as the communication and environmental scanner devices.

[Rebonack]

[Tenpony Tower - Moondancer's Penthouse]

Swiss is already pacing around Down trying to get a good feel for the make of the armor. Because without that how is she going to answer the question? "Probably all of it," the changeling replies matter of factly. "This stuff wasn't designed to be serviced while somepony is wearing it."

The changeling speaks the truth!

But...

How willing will Down be to follow that bit of advice?

"I guess I could try to do some repairs while you're wearing it. But that would probably be really uncomfortable."

[Lycan 01]

Somewhere Lost In Time

"Cold Front??"

"Hold position and fight defensively."

"Very good. Forecasting a hailstorm?"

"Requesting an airstrike."

"Squall?"

"Rapid tactical advance under suppressing fire."

"Nor'easter?"

"Trick question. The Enclave does not use colloquialisms, unless attempting to feint an enemy."

In a well-furnished house on the outskirts of New Neighgas, a dark green pegasus stallion with a military-cut black mane stops pacing. He's clad in black combat barding, and whatever cutie mark he once had is forever concealed by gruesome burn scars which form the image of a cloud and thunderbolt. His expression is neutral as he turns to stare at the brown pegasus colt sitting at the table behind him, and he studies the youth for a moment before grinning. "Huh. And here I thought you'd panic and try to bluff," Tough Break observes with a crooked smirk.

A young Lucky Break returns the smirk. "The only thing panic does is get you or your Wing killed," he remarks gruffly, quoting his father.

"Hah!" the ex-Enclave officer grins. "Nice to know you actually attention to the junk I say. Good work, son. I think quiz time is over for now. Maybe it's time... we move on to weaponry?"

Colt-Lucky's eyes go wide. "Really? You're gonna teach me to shoot?"

Tough Break chuckles. "Not yet, Lucky. Let's start with weapon knowledge and maintenance first."

With an excited flap of his wings, the young colt hops up from his seat and follows his dad over to the family gun cabinet, excited to finally start learning about more than just the Grand Pegasus Enclave and the importance of "knowing your enemy."

[Chaotic Bob]

[Tenpony Tower - Moondancer's Penthouse]

The expected answer.
A flaw in the "sleeker" design, everything is more concise...harder to work with while still in one piece.

However expected it was, it clearly wasn't the desired answer as she debates further.
It's very clear that the repairs are important, but she seems just as wary of the idea.

Twitching wings aside, she's trying not to indulge too many nervous tics.
"I, okay...right. Comfort and...how long? To fix just those?"

[Rebonack]

[Tenpony Tower - Moondancer's Penthouse]

Swiss is giving Down a rather concerned look. Obviously the poor pegasus is bothered by something. But exactly what? That she isn't sure about. "I'm sure I'll be able to do the job quickly!" the changeling replies, her tone as reassuring as she can manage. "Eerr... it'll depend on how bad the damage is. But I know I'll be able to get you back in your armor in two shakes of a pony's tail!"

Aaww...

Swiss is trying to make Down feel better!

Isn't that sweet?

Hopefully it helps.

[North of Cloudsdale]

A yellow streak soars across the sky.

The rad-suit is slowing her down. Island can tell easily enough. But the suit is also keeping her alive. And so it'll have to stay.

Amidst the bone-strewn fields of Cloudsdale Island had found a whole bunch of nothing. Though truth be told a sparkle generator probably wouldn't have been the wisest plan. If it had blown up it would take her suit with it. And probably smear her all over the landscape. She isn't sure how much she can survive, but that would likely kill her.

...not that death would be an altogether unwelcome thing. Ride with the Pale Horse to the Everafter and put this abomination she's become behind her.

But that would mean leaving her friends behind...

Island beats her wings all the harder as she plies across the sky toward the faint flicker of lights in the far distance.

[Chaotic Bob]

[Tenpony Tower - Moondancer's Penthouse]

Is it helping?

Well, Swiss now has Down staring at her silently.
Which would probably be a lot less weird or creepy if she would lighten up her visor a bit.

Twitchy wing.
"Make sure everything you need is in here."
There's a stronger tone to her voice with that, some piece of resolve being strung back together.

This is happening, one way or another. A soldier doesn't complain.

[Rebonack]

[Tenpony Tower - Moondancer's Penthouse]

"Ha! Not to worry about that!" Swiss replies as her phantom horn lights up and various tools are levitated out of her saddlebags one at a time. "I've got everything we'll need! As soon as the armor is off I'll get right to work!"

A beat.

"Umm... Were you planning on staying in here while I work? Or were you going to go sit on the couch or something?"

The couch would be comfortable.

It is indeed a very comfortable couch. Doesn't everypony enjoy comfortable couches?

[MCerberus]

Bucklyn Cross Firing Range

"Bigger bullets, more powder, more recoil, more fun!" Nit-Pick replies. Obviously the little rifle isn't much for firing compared to all the other guns around here. Plus they're Rangers so some colts and fillies like the idea of using the good toys.

[Chaotic Bob]

[Tenpony Tower - Moondancer's Penthouse]

Down stares at Swiss for a few more seconds, expectantly, before seeming to realize that she's the one supposed to be answering.
"No."
That even, resolved tone for just a moment more, before it falters as she realizes she misspoke.
"Er, yes. Staying here. In here."

A little fidget of her wings later, and she raises a hoof up to the side of her helmet. It pauses mid-transit, catching her gaze for one unfathomable reason or another.
"Could you lock the door? Please?"

An important condition, it seems, as she won't be doing anything else until she does.

[Rebonack]

[Tenpony Tower - Moondancer's Penthouse]

Swiss opens her mouth.

Then closes it again.

Then glances back at the door. Then experimentally prods at said door with a hoof. "I don't think it locks normally. Buuut..."

Once again her phantom horn lights up as she jams part of the door with quickly hardening green resin. "There! I can just dissolve it when we're done I guess?"

What is Down so worried about, anyway? That the rest of the team is going to charge in here and attack her while Swiss is working on her armor? That's just absurd.

That concerned look is getting more and more concerned. What's wrong with this pony?

[Luka]

[Buckling Cross' firing range]

His eyes light up a bit
"It's bigger guns?! ok!"
He would try to aim again at the target, this time taking somewhat slightly longer than before....*BANG*

It would seem like the round went half into the Bullseye and half out of it

[Tag: MCerberus]
-----------------------------------------------------

[Some other hall around Buckling Cross]

Burnshine would be trotting around, having already delivered the talisman load, also Blaster told her about Recon possibly needing a volunteer... Though she still seems kind of mad towards her squad

She would be walking in the direction Blaster told him Staccata was, though she would be waiting until her meeting with Scoops was done



Also, a yound Scribe initiate would seem to be going somewhere, packing books, or notebooks.... Paper stuff.

[Tag: MCerberus, anyone who wants to interact with the scribe]

[TheAmishPirate]

[Girdershade - Let's Do the Time Warp Again!]

Sunset found Fleetwing pouring over his notes and checking his sketchy, tattered map of Equestria. If he was right, then judging by the proximity of the Cloudsdale ruins in the far distance, as well as that canyon they'd explored earlier, they were approximately...smack dab in the middle of nowhere. Literally. There was not a single city or well-fortified settlement anywhere near Girdershade, and all the major northern cities were so close in distance that you might as well just flip a coin and pick one. Seeing how trusting to luck usually got a pony killed, he decided to consult his notes one more time:

Tall Tale certainly showed promise; it was rumored to be quite the safe little haven, if you could get over the highly irradiated, highly dangerous woods nearby. And all the rumors of absurdly high alicorn activity. Yeahhhh, on second thought, Tall Tale wasn't such a good choice.

Vanhoover? Nopony went to Vanhoover.

Fillydelphia? Ahahahahahahaha no. Not even if a flood of savage ghouls was sweeping over the land and it were the last remnant of civilization in this Celestia-foresaken land.

New Appleousa? No, too close to the...*shudder* older version of the town.

Bridle Shores? Same problem as Tall Tale: Too close to the alicorns for his liking.

That just left Manehatten. Not the best place to dump off a filly, but certainly one of the safer ones. At least she'd be more likely to get mugged by a halfway-civilized pony than have her face eaten by a ghoul. Perhaps he could give her a decent enough crash course on the way there so she wouldn't be too shocked by the culture. Yes, if she was a bit prepared for it, then Manehatten was the place to go. Plus, he'd heard they had quite the weapons market there for ponies with caps to burn...

Speaking of burning, he'd take a moment and inspect those blueprints, see how hard these fire bombs were to make.

(tldr: At the present moment, Fleetwing is just checking out the blueprints Fizz gave him, having finally decided to head for Manehatten to find Violetta a safe-ish home. He wouldn't object to others hanging out in the shed, so feel free to have your ponies there as well if you'd like.)

[Lycan 01]

(Spoiler'd for length)


Somewhere Lost In Time

Spoiler

Show

A young Lucky spat the pistol out of his mouth and caught it with his hoof. "Dad, can I try a rifle? These pistols always hurt my teeth."

Tough Break frowned. "Well, I'm not sure. Rifles are a bit different from pistols, since you either have to use a battle saddle, or use your forehooves to hold 'em while you aim and shoot. Buuuuut, if you want to give it a shot..."

"I can try holding it with my forehooves," colt-Lucky grinned, hopping up to stand on his hind legs and giving a few flaps of his wings to balance himself.

A moment later, Lucky was holding a small-caliber hunting rifle in his hooves, the trigger-bit clasped between his teeth as he trained the weapon's iron sights on the target circle. "Alright," Tough Break nodded. "Just like with the pistols. Draw a bead on the target, control your breathing, steady your aim, and-"

~blam~

Lucky let out a small yelp as the recoil threw him backwards and onto his back, the rifle pointed straight at the sky. Tough Break's eyes momentarily widened with concern, but Lucky's sheepish grin caused him to chuckle. The two shared a laugh, before the older pegasus turned to look at the target. His eyes widened slightly. "Well I'll be damned..."

Bullseye.


------


"Show me the weakest point on the target."

~blam~

"Why?"

"The wing-joint is less-armored to allow for proper mobility, and a strike at the base of the wing will incapacitate the target. Even if the repair and healing talismans are working, the target will momentarily be robbed of their ability to fly, granting you the advantage."

"The second weakest point?"

~blam~

"Why?"

"Damaging the visor hampers their perceptive abilities, possibly disrupting their EFS, weapons systems, or other sensors. If the damage is severe enough, the may be forced to remove the visor, mask, or the entirety of the helmet, presenting an easier target. The potential for dazing or concussion from the kinetic impact also exists."

"Very good, Lucky," Tough Break nodded, turning to survey his son's handiwork. Several ramshackle targets had been put together, made from old mannequins and scrap metal. Most of them looked like raiders, but one of them bore a striking resemblance to an armored pegasi of the Enclave variety, and sported a large number of bullet holes, particularly around the visor and wing-joint areas. "Anything else?"

A young Lucky, now entering his teen years, looked up from his rifle and smirked. "Armor piercing bullets are a gift from the Princesses?"

Tough Break chuckled. "Yeeeeah, pretty much..." Behind his own smirk, though, the stallion's eyes held a certain sadness. He hoped that his son would never actually need armor-piercing bullets, or anything else he was teaching him about the Enclave. He hoped that his son would be able to enjoy a peaceful, happy life.

But better to have something and not need it, than to need it and not have it...


------

Lucky screamed as several energy beams ripped through the air behind him. Warning shots. He threw his hooves up over his head in a sign of surrender, blinking and wincing against the blinding light of the sun. Even with his vision filled with spots, he could easily make out the outlines of a half-dozen Enclave Troopers quickly hovering closer to him.

"Well now, what have we got here?" one trooper asked, his voice dripping with patronizing condescension.

"Looks like a stray," another remarked with a nod to Lucky's non-branded flank.

"Thought you could sneak up here, huh?" another trooper growled.

"N-n-no!" Lucky stammered. "I was being chased! By griffins! Tried to escape, flew too high! No intentions of staying! Honest mistake!" he exclaimed with a nervous grin.

The troopers stared at him from behind their opaque masks. "Hey Wind Chill, you got some rope in your field kit?" one of the soldiers idly asked, a Corporal judging from the magnetized rank pins adorning his armor.

"Eeyup," another trooper replied.

"Good," the Corporal nodded. "Let's show our friend here what happens to strays who don't know their place."

[Chaotic Bob]

[Tenpony Tower - Moondancer's Penthouse]

"Close enough..."
The hoof resumes its course for her helmet, fumbling a little too long with a catch on the side, before something clicks.

Down sits down, her other forehoof rising up to pull off the now-disconnected visor from her helmet and revealing a unsurprisingly nervous pair of amber eyes.
"One. I'm fine."

Another catch is felt for, released, and both hooves are placed on the side of her helmet. Her eyes rove the room for a few moments, wary of anything that so much as twitches funny.
Other than Swiss. Swiss earns the gaze last, as the only foreknown variable here.

Up the hooves go, taking the helmet with them and placing it on the floor.
"Two. I'm fine."

The mask over her mouth remains, held to her head by a strap running around the back.

Down slides a hoof past it, feeling across her face and the back of her head for several moments, as if trying to confirm that everything is still in one piece.
"I'm fine."
Twist, click, the mask is detached and placed next to the helmet.
"Three..."

She stares at the pieces of her head gear for several moments, restraining a breath at the sight.
A dried leaf falls out of her short sheered, yellow-green hair and settles to the visor. Blood mats much of the hair, although it seems far from fresh.

It's hard to tell what the kobi pegasus is thinking, as emotion has fled her face far easier than the slow breath she releases.

She's just staring at her helmet with wide eyes.

[Rebonack]

[Tenpony Tower - Moondancer's Penthouse]

Wow... Down honestly seems terrified. Or at least really really nervous. The anxiety washing off the pegasus is actually making Swiss feel vaguely nauseous. Maybe she could...

Swiss takes a deep breath, closes her eyes, and exhales slowly as her phantom horn glows with soft light. The changeling prods at Down with a few soothing motes of emotion. Sure she's using up her own supply of magic to do so, but she doesn't want Down having a panic attack.

"Everything will be just fine," Swiss assures the frazzled pegasus. "Nopony here is going to hurt you. You're among friends and totally safe. Your gear will be fixed and you'll have it back on in no time."

The changeling scoots a little closer and scoops up the mouth-piece of the helmet. "I'm going to make sure your microphone isn't damaged. Alright?"

[Chaotic Bob]

[Tenpony Tower - Moondancer's Penthouse]

The raw, but gentle emotion has enough of an effect to at least get Down breathing properly again. Measured breaths, as opposed to held ones.

Her gaze slides over to Swiss as she moves closer and she quickly scoots away from her helmet.
Although whether it's to give the changeling room, or herself, is unknown.


Ignoring the blood inside, the microphone is completely fine.
Probably would have been somewhat more obvious if that was a broken component, but it doesn't hurt to check, does it?

[Rebonack]

[Tenpony Tower - Moondancer's Penthouse]

Good, that seems to be working. Down is calming a bit. If only a little bit. But a little bit is still better than nothing. Swiss continues her examination and makes a bit of a frown as she examines the helmet. "Secondary computer looks toasty. And the signal relay doesn't look very happy either..."

The changeling floats a few components and tools out of her saddle bag and begins to work, focusing in on her task. "Best thing to do would be to make what repairs I can by hoof and then replace the repair talisman in your armor. If that suit is anything like the Steel Ranger armor most of the talismans will be integrated into the armor right around the sternum."

Sounds like she has done this sort of thing before. What a talented not-pony!

"Are you hungry at all? Or... are you not supposed to eat or drink anything down here?"

[MCerberus]

Manehatten - Bucklyn Cross

Paladin Staccata's office wouldn't be that difficult to find. Considering she's permanently posted at Bucklyn Cross, her name's on the door. Currently she's just looking over stuff and thinking about the day. If only ordering scouts into liquor/cider stores wouldn't be gross abuse of power...

Bucklyn Cross Firing Range
"Not bad, initiate, but your breathing is... well your book instructors will likely talk about that kind of theory at some point."

Then he goes for a box for a new round of excitement. It opens to reveal... a cleaning kit! "Time for maintenance. I'll see about breaking out the 38s next time."

[Chaotic Bob]

[Tenpony Tower - Moondancer's Penthouse]

Down nods as Swiss talks, generally having no idea what she's talking about.
She's never had to fiddle with her suit's internals to this degree. Either the talisman handled it, or someone at base did.

Best to just assume she knows what's going on with the armor.

Although...sternum?
She looks down and her face falls.
"Oh..."
That means all of the armor has to come off. Or...most of it, at least.

It shouldn't be so much of a surprise to her, but perhaps she had gotten wrapped up enough in the success of removing her helmet that she hadn't thought about it.

Unexpected or forgotten, it's spiking her nervousness once again.
"I'll...wait until your done with the helmet."


Probably a good thing that both Steel Ranger and Enclave armor were designed by the same ponies. The various similarities have to make the job easier.
Easier than a reluctant client, anyway.