1 00:00:00,030 --> 00:00:05,250 death the battlefield was strewn with 2 00:00:02,908 --> 00:00:08,219 bloody corpses under a charcoal grey sky 3 00:00:05,250 --> 00:00:11,400 that heaved and threatened rain I was 4 00:00:08,220 --> 00:00:14,700 dying or more precisely my host was 5 00:00:11,400 --> 00:00:17,760 dying and trapped in his memory I was 6 00:00:14,699 --> 00:00:19,439 along for the ride part of my mind 7 00:00:17,760 --> 00:00:21,990 remained coherent enough to wonder about 8 00:00:19,439 --> 00:00:24,268 that I could feel the press of metal 9 00:00:21,989 --> 00:00:27,149 against my host said a helmet which 10 00:00:24,268 --> 00:00:30,538 could easily hold a recollect er was I 11 00:00:27,149 --> 00:00:32,219 going to experience death the rest of my 12 00:00:30,539 --> 00:00:34,649 mind was overloaded by the pain that 13 00:00:32,219 --> 00:00:36,539 tore my abdomen my host had fallen 14 00:00:34,649 --> 00:00:38,370 against the wall of the trench had 15 00:00:36,539 --> 00:00:39,780 propped up just enough to see that most 16 00:00:38,369 --> 00:00:41,570 to his body below the stomach was no 17 00:00:39,780 --> 00:00:43,859 longer as attached as it should be I 18 00:00:41,570 --> 00:00:45,420 could see his intestines and internal 19 00:00:43,859 --> 00:00:48,320 organs spilling out onto the recently 20 00:00:45,420 --> 00:00:50,879 dug dirt mercifully I couldn't feel that 21 00:00:48,320 --> 00:00:54,570 my hosts have lost all feeling below the 22 00:00:50,878 --> 00:00:56,369 top of the wound he was already dead he 23 00:00:54,570 --> 00:01:00,109 must have known it but his body just 24 00:00:56,369 --> 00:01:02,669 hadn't gotten a message yet who was I I 25 00:01:00,109 --> 00:01:04,290 had assumed this was Apple snacks memory 26 00:01:02,670 --> 00:01:06,719 since it came from one of the orbs in 27 00:01:04,290 --> 00:01:09,570 his memory case but that seemed unlikely 28 00:01:06,719 --> 00:01:12,469 now between the armored barding in the 29 00:01:09,569 --> 00:01:14,879 blood I couldn't be sure 30 00:01:12,469 --> 00:01:17,099 several pegasi afloat and forth over the 31 00:01:14,879 --> 00:01:20,250 battlefield searching relaying messages 32 00:01:17,099 --> 00:01:21,839 are calling out names for a moment a 33 00:01:20,250 --> 00:01:23,400 familiar sky-blue mare with her 34 00:01:21,840 --> 00:01:26,310 shockingly brilliant rainbow mane and 35 00:01:23,400 --> 00:01:28,350 tail swooped over my trench she hovered 36 00:01:26,310 --> 00:01:29,850 looking about frantically her 37 00:01:28,349 --> 00:01:31,559 blood-stained purple suit looked nearly 38 00:01:29,849 --> 00:01:34,438 black in the light and her battle saddle 39 00:01:31,560 --> 00:01:37,840 was scorched her eyes fell on me and she 40 00:01:34,438 --> 00:01:40,750 winced then she was off again 41 00:01:37,840 --> 00:01:42,759 Hey a large form of a particularly 42 00:01:40,750 --> 00:01:44,349 statuesque red stallion and similar 43 00:01:42,759 --> 00:01:47,109 military barding slid down into the 44 00:01:44,349 --> 00:01:48,519 trench next to me his eyes went wide as 45 00:01:47,109 --> 00:01:50,368 he took in the morbid reality of my 46 00:01:48,519 --> 00:01:53,069 wounds 47 00:01:50,368 --> 00:01:56,459 so Sarge 48 00:01:53,069 --> 00:01:58,989 we drive the Shrike to bastards back I 49 00:01:56,459 --> 00:02:02,109 felt my muzzle move and the words came 50 00:01:58,989 --> 00:02:05,199 out in a low masculine voice I felt a 51 00:02:02,109 --> 00:02:07,539 drop of wetness at our cheek at first I 52 00:02:05,200 --> 00:02:09,069 thought the other Pony was crying but 53 00:02:07,539 --> 00:02:14,949 then another raindrop fell out of the 54 00:02:09,068 --> 00:02:17,289 sky and another and another yep the Red 55 00:02:14,949 --> 00:02:19,238 Pony nodded wisps of orange mane falling 56 00:02:17,289 --> 00:02:23,979 from under his helmet caked in a dark 57 00:02:19,239 --> 00:02:27,009 red by blood he spoke slowly he did good 58 00:02:23,979 --> 00:02:30,159 soldier mighty good the Magee a sergeant 59 00:02:27,009 --> 00:02:32,879 after this rain was beginning to soak 60 00:02:30,159 --> 00:02:36,879 his coat washing caked blood out of it 61 00:02:32,879 --> 00:02:39,959 my host choked coughing up blood the 62 00:02:36,879 --> 00:02:44,139 taste was warm and coppery in our mouth 63 00:02:39,959 --> 00:02:47,319 postmortem afraid Sarge my host voice 64 00:02:44,139 --> 00:02:50,409 was eerily calm and even he had minutes 65 00:02:47,319 --> 00:02:52,900 left to live if that and he seemed at 66 00:02:50,409 --> 00:02:54,669 peace with it 67 00:02:52,900 --> 00:02:59,739 I'm afraid I won't be joining you when 68 00:02:54,669 --> 00:03:01,568 he go after all we felt cold a chill 69 00:02:59,739 --> 00:03:04,299 deeper than that from the rain 70 00:03:01,568 --> 00:03:07,359 I felt drops of rain kissing the 71 00:03:04,299 --> 00:03:09,810 searingly painful wound I was thankful I 72 00:03:07,360 --> 00:03:12,970 couldn't feel drops landing inside me 73 00:03:09,810 --> 00:03:15,370 don't talk the big one said looking 74 00:03:12,969 --> 00:03:16,090 deeply wounded I am ready to let you go 75 00:03:15,370 --> 00:03:20,099 buck 76 00:03:16,090 --> 00:03:24,789 I think the Zebras are different to say 77 00:03:20,098 --> 00:03:27,399 my god my host actually chuckled he was 78 00:03:24,789 --> 00:03:29,439 in utter agony I hadn't felt pain like 79 00:03:27,400 --> 00:03:31,870 this since the dragon set me on fire I 80 00:03:29,439 --> 00:03:37,530 was sure that my own body was screaming 81 00:03:31,870 --> 00:03:40,980 and he just chuckled like it was nothing 82 00:03:37,530 --> 00:03:43,469 don't worry Sarge we won the day right 83 00:03:40,979 --> 00:03:45,848 no regrets 84 00:03:43,469 --> 00:03:48,878 the big red Stein looked like he was 85 00:03:45,848 --> 00:03:53,078 fighting tears my host just grinned his 86 00:03:48,878 --> 00:03:55,358 muzzle full of his own blood well one 87 00:03:53,079 --> 00:03:58,599 regret never did get to meet that hot 88 00:03:55,359 --> 00:04:00,639 sister of yours Stein frowned 89 00:03:58,598 --> 00:04:02,198 dangerously and I suddenly realized that 90 00:04:00,639 --> 00:04:05,370 his Mane was the same color as Apple 91 00:04:02,199 --> 00:04:08,469 Jacks coat and they had similar freckles 92 00:04:05,370 --> 00:04:11,969 big macintosh bristle then burst into a 93 00:04:08,469 --> 00:04:14,859 gruff laugh now you got a pull through 94 00:04:11,969 --> 00:04:19,720 he grinned so as I can buck your 95 00:04:14,859 --> 00:04:21,280 backside boy it was too late darkness 96 00:04:19,720 --> 00:04:23,979 was already creeping into the edges of 97 00:04:21,279 --> 00:04:26,679 my hosts vision the Reaper Pony had come 98 00:04:23,978 --> 00:04:28,269 to take him home wherever home was 99 00:04:26,680 --> 00:04:30,340 before Celestia and Luna were goddesses 100 00:04:28,269 --> 00:04:32,799 that is 101 00:04:30,339 --> 00:04:34,599 my host tilted his head back staring 102 00:04:32,800 --> 00:04:37,720 into the darkening sky feeling the rain 103 00:04:34,600 --> 00:04:39,850 on his face for the last time a flock of 104 00:04:37,720 --> 00:04:41,230 pegasi soared in from overhead two of 105 00:04:39,850 --> 00:04:44,590 them pulling a passenger wagon full of 106 00:04:41,230 --> 00:04:45,879 other ponies mostly unicorns all the 107 00:04:44,589 --> 00:04:47,529 newcomers were barding of yellow and 108 00:04:45,879 --> 00:04:49,000 pink and carried saddle boxes with 109 00:04:47,529 --> 00:04:52,109 little butterflies on them just like 110 00:04:49,000 --> 00:04:55,810 velvet remedies all except a lead pony 111 00:04:52,110 --> 00:05:01,000 she didn't need the uniform Fluttershy 112 00:04:55,810 --> 00:05:02,589 already was the uniform um oh dear the 113 00:05:01,000 --> 00:05:05,199 shy Pegasus pony looked over the hills 114 00:05:02,589 --> 00:05:06,579 and trenches full of dead and dying her 115 00:05:05,199 --> 00:05:09,490 eyes filled with tears and she began to 116 00:05:06,579 --> 00:05:12,729 tremble but she stomped a hoof down and 117 00:05:09,490 --> 00:05:15,340 forced herself to find her voice oh okay 118 00:05:12,730 --> 00:05:18,939 everypony everyone please be calm we're 119 00:05:15,339 --> 00:05:21,159 going to help fluttershy turned and 120 00:05:18,939 --> 00:05:22,529 called out to her team please if you 121 00:05:21,160 --> 00:05:25,320 would take your positions and hurry 122 00:05:22,529 --> 00:05:27,359 thank you 123 00:05:25,319 --> 00:05:29,310 seeping shadows had nearly engulfed my 124 00:05:27,360 --> 00:05:31,860 hosts vision and his other senses were 125 00:05:29,310 --> 00:05:34,160 fading fast I was looking at the world 126 00:05:31,860 --> 00:05:36,480 from the bottom of a deep dark well 127 00:05:34,160 --> 00:05:38,270 thankfully the pain was at the top of 128 00:05:36,480 --> 00:05:43,200 the well far away from us 129 00:05:38,269 --> 00:05:46,379 we closed our eyes it was hard to open 130 00:05:43,199 --> 00:05:49,829 them again our eyelids were heavy like 131 00:05:46,379 --> 00:05:52,969 they were made of gold when we did there 132 00:05:49,829 --> 00:05:56,370 wasn't much to see just clouds and rain 133 00:05:52,970 --> 00:05:58,250 barely visible we were in a much deeper 134 00:05:56,370 --> 00:06:00,540 well 135 00:05:58,250 --> 00:06:02,310 Fluttershy's head moved between us and 136 00:06:00,540 --> 00:06:05,790 the clouds looking strangely upside-down 137 00:06:02,310 --> 00:06:12,389 cringing at the sight of my host Oh Oh 138 00:06:05,790 --> 00:06:12,780 No she dashed up to us I we I think we 139 00:06:12,389 --> 00:06:17,060 can help 140 00:06:12,779 --> 00:06:21,119 just please hold on we strained to speak 141 00:06:17,060 --> 00:06:26,160 it only came out as a whisper but beyond 142 00:06:21,120 --> 00:06:28,620 you go help the ponies who can our words 143 00:06:26,160 --> 00:06:31,040 trailed off there was no more energy to 144 00:06:28,620 --> 00:06:34,129 put behind them that was enough 145 00:06:31,040 --> 00:06:36,180 hopefully to get the point across a 146 00:06:34,129 --> 00:06:39,750 unicorn in a yellow and pink dress 147 00:06:36,180 --> 00:06:43,199 stepped into view Fluttershy she said 148 00:06:39,750 --> 00:06:46,019 her voice the whisper of a whisper we're 149 00:06:43,199 --> 00:06:48,839 ready for the test run 150 00:06:46,019 --> 00:06:53,120 the world faded to black a black that 151 00:06:48,839 --> 00:06:56,848 was all encompassing no sight no sound 152 00:06:53,120 --> 00:07:00,329 nothing to smell her feel even the taste 153 00:06:56,848 --> 00:07:04,769 of blood was gone from our mouth we were 154 00:07:00,329 --> 00:07:06,508 dead we should have been dead but a 155 00:07:04,769 --> 00:07:08,848 pleasant warmth was spreading through us 156 00:07:06,509 --> 00:07:11,759 I could feel it all the way to my hosts 157 00:07:08,848 --> 00:07:13,409 tale the world came rushing back like we 158 00:07:11,759 --> 00:07:16,949 were being released from a memory or be' 159 00:07:13,410 --> 00:07:19,949 there was no pain it was replaced by the 160 00:07:16,949 --> 00:07:21,720 bone deep chill our body was soaked in 161 00:07:19,949 --> 00:07:26,340 the rain the trench should become 162 00:07:21,720 --> 00:07:31,380 squishy with mud we opened our eyes our 163 00:07:26,339 --> 00:07:31,909 body was healed complete it was a 164 00:07:31,379 --> 00:07:35,829 miracle 165 00:07:31,910 --> 00:07:38,650 it was impossible 166 00:07:35,829 --> 00:07:41,289 what did you do I heard a mayor's voice 167 00:07:38,649 --> 00:07:43,329 cry out from above I looked up to the 168 00:07:41,290 --> 00:07:44,920 rainbow mane mayor dive out of the sky a 169 00:07:43,329 --> 00:07:45,659 rainbow colored wake stretching out 170 00:07:44,920 --> 00:07:49,980 behind her 171 00:07:45,660 --> 00:07:52,660 Fluttershy what did you do 172 00:07:49,980 --> 00:07:54,280 Rainbow Dash stopped hovering in the air 173 00:07:52,660 --> 00:07:57,820 staring in utter shock to her fellow 174 00:07:54,279 --> 00:07:59,919 Pegasus we healed them Fluttershy said 175 00:07:57,819 --> 00:08:02,579 graciously her voice somehow filled with 176 00:07:59,920 --> 00:08:04,720 happiness but not a hint of pride 177 00:08:02,579 --> 00:08:08,740 several of her unicorns are trotting up 178 00:08:04,720 --> 00:08:09,610 to stand by her side I know that Rainbow 179 00:08:08,740 --> 00:08:14,079 Dash assured her 180 00:08:09,610 --> 00:08:19,360 but how flourish I blushed looking 181 00:08:14,079 --> 00:08:24,459 pleased we called a mega spell Rainbow 182 00:08:19,360 --> 00:08:25,810 Dash blinked a what now one of the 183 00:08:24,459 --> 00:08:27,250 unicorns cleared her throat and 184 00:08:25,810 --> 00:08:31,540 Fluttershy took a meek step back 185 00:08:27,250 --> 00:08:33,190 allowing the mayor to explain it's a new 186 00:08:31,540 --> 00:08:34,990 underlying spell framework that allows 187 00:08:33,190 --> 00:08:38,140 smaller spells to be augmented in scope 188 00:08:34,990 --> 00:08:41,860 and intensity the blue Pegasus looked 189 00:08:38,139 --> 00:08:44,559 lost and worried this way 190 00:08:41,860 --> 00:08:45,970 Fluttershy claimed we can heal everyone 191 00:08:44,559 --> 00:08:47,949 in the battlefield with a single spell 192 00:08:45,970 --> 00:08:50,220 no one has to die because we couldn't 193 00:08:47,950 --> 00:08:54,250 get to them in time 194 00:08:50,220 --> 00:08:57,269 every Rainbow Dash turned her stare over 195 00:08:54,250 --> 00:08:59,470 the battlefield my host did too 196 00:08:57,269 --> 00:09:00,730 everywhere ponies were getting to their 197 00:08:59,470 --> 00:09:03,580 feet with expressions of Olney 198 00:09:00,730 --> 00:09:05,529 wildermann only the dead remained dead 199 00:09:03,580 --> 00:09:07,960 their corpses strewn across the hills 200 00:09:05,529 --> 00:09:09,819 and filling the trenches the wounded 201 00:09:07,960 --> 00:09:11,590 even those on the very brink of death 202 00:09:09,820 --> 00:09:15,010 from impossible wounds who are healthy 203 00:09:11,590 --> 00:09:19,930 and whole like my hosts 204 00:09:15,009 --> 00:09:21,220 all of them and like the zebra who was 205 00:09:19,929 --> 00:09:23,439 pulling herself from amongst the bodies 206 00:09:21,220 --> 00:09:26,980 a zebra sword clutched in her mouth 207 00:09:23,440 --> 00:09:29,440 crackling with electrical fire rain wood 208 00:09:26,980 --> 00:09:32,800 ash shouted at Fluttershy you healed 209 00:09:29,440 --> 00:09:37,870 everyone indiscriminately even the 210 00:09:32,799 --> 00:09:43,479 Zebras um do you know what you've done 211 00:09:37,870 --> 00:09:44,320 aye we do you know how many ponies died 212 00:09:43,480 --> 00:09:46,899 here today 213 00:09:44,320 --> 00:09:50,220 Rainbow Dash bellowed and now we have to 214 00:09:46,899 --> 00:09:52,509 fight the whole damn battle over again I 215 00:09:50,220 --> 00:09:55,570 could hear the yellow Pegasus squeak 216 00:09:52,509 --> 00:09:59,230 beginning to cry my heart broke at the 217 00:09:55,570 --> 00:10:01,870 sound I wanted Apple snack to turn 218 00:09:59,230 --> 00:10:04,779 towards her I wanted him to comfort the 219 00:10:01,870 --> 00:10:07,870 mare who had just saved his life but he 220 00:10:04,779 --> 00:10:09,519 didn't even spare her glance instead my 221 00:10:07,870 --> 00:10:11,799 host lowered his head sinking his teeth 222 00:10:09,519 --> 00:10:15,789 into mud to pull up his rifle ignoring 223 00:10:11,799 --> 00:10:17,259 the slimy texture and earthy taste shots 224 00:10:15,789 --> 00:10:21,309 began to sound across the battlefield 225 00:10:17,259 --> 00:10:23,259 outside the trench Fluttershy get down 226 00:10:21,309 --> 00:10:24,909 Rainbow Dash cried out a moment before 227 00:10:23,259 --> 00:10:26,470 the blue Pegasus tackled the yellow one 228 00:10:24,909 --> 00:10:28,480 sending the both rolling into the trench 229 00:10:26,470 --> 00:10:29,889 next to me her wing catching the wake of 230 00:10:28,480 --> 00:10:33,029 a missile as it shot over the trench and 231 00:10:29,889 --> 00:10:38,159 exploded running dirt down on us the 232 00:10:33,029 --> 00:10:38,159 battle was engaged again 233 00:10:38,909 --> 00:10:41,819 though it remedy stopped as we 234 00:10:40,470 --> 00:10:43,080 approached the massive gate that the 235 00:10:41,820 --> 00:10:45,480 steel rangers have built in front of the 236 00:10:43,080 --> 00:10:46,860 stable tech headquarters the armored 237 00:10:45,480 --> 00:10:49,470 plate looked like it had been taken from 238 00:10:46,860 --> 00:10:51,060 a battleships hull it slid down into 239 00:10:49,470 --> 00:10:52,649 grooves into a concrete wall that 240 00:10:51,059 --> 00:10:55,799 bisected but it once been the squat 241 00:10:52,649 --> 00:10:57,419 skyscrapers courtyard steel rangers 242 00:10:55,799 --> 00:11:00,059 stood guard along the roof and in the 243 00:10:57,419 --> 00:11:01,860 open half of the courtyard accompanied 244 00:11:00,059 --> 00:11:03,329 by two of the tank-like Sentinel robot 245 00:11:01,860 --> 00:11:06,480 said it ironically helped prompt the 246 00:11:03,330 --> 00:11:08,190 creation of the anti machine rifle this 247 00:11:06,480 --> 00:11:10,129 outer half courtyard was a mess of 248 00:11:08,190 --> 00:11:12,690 cracked steps and shattered cobblestones 249 00:11:10,129 --> 00:11:15,480 concrete planters were nothing grew in a 250 00:11:12,690 --> 00:11:17,250 dried fountain above the fountain rose a 251 00:11:15,480 --> 00:11:18,690 cracked and badly weathered statue of 252 00:11:17,250 --> 00:11:21,289 once beautiful white unicorn with a 253 00:11:18,690 --> 00:11:23,700 curling purple and pink mane and tail 254 00:11:21,289 --> 00:11:25,559 the statue had suffered not only from 255 00:11:23,700 --> 00:11:27,240 weather but generations of graffiti 256 00:11:25,559 --> 00:11:28,559 before the seal Rangers had taken 257 00:11:27,240 --> 00:11:30,149 possession of the building and began 258 00:11:28,559 --> 00:11:31,529 fatally discouraging Raiders and 259 00:11:30,149 --> 00:11:33,199 miscreants from approaching their base 260 00:11:31,529 --> 00:11:35,490 of operations 261 00:11:33,200 --> 00:11:36,990 everypony else was focused on the guards 262 00:11:35,490 --> 00:11:39,570 and magically powered armor and the 263 00:11:36,990 --> 00:11:40,850 sentinel bot in front of the gate the 264 00:11:39,570 --> 00:11:44,250 senior Paladin mayor trotted forward 265 00:11:40,850 --> 00:11:45,960 addressing them I perked my ears to 266 00:11:44,250 --> 00:11:48,750 listen but felt a sudden hoof nudge from 267 00:11:45,960 --> 00:11:50,220 calamity he pointed the hoof and turned 268 00:11:48,750 --> 00:11:54,360 to see velvet rowdy walking up to the 269 00:11:50,220 --> 00:11:57,810 fountain hello great-grandmother she 270 00:11:54,360 --> 00:12:00,570 said softly great great great great 271 00:11:57,809 --> 00:12:02,778 great she paused 272 00:12:00,570 --> 00:12:06,350 blushing 273 00:12:02,778 --> 00:12:10,929 I've sung your song and I just wanted to 274 00:12:06,350 --> 00:12:15,709 say you saved us I'm here because of you 275 00:12:10,929 --> 00:12:18,198 stable too worked the steel rangers 276 00:12:15,708 --> 00:12:19,369 quieted themselves strangely interested 277 00:12:18,198 --> 00:12:22,429 in my friends almost internal 278 00:12:19,370 --> 00:12:23,328 conversation with the statue calamity 279 00:12:22,429 --> 00:12:26,688 moved away from us 280 00:12:23,328 --> 00:12:27,549 flying quietly towards her you got it 281 00:12:26,688 --> 00:12:32,419 right 282 00:12:27,549 --> 00:12:35,809 velvet dug at the ground I just wanted 283 00:12:32,419 --> 00:12:37,698 you to know there was a tear in her eye 284 00:12:35,809 --> 00:12:40,758 she turned and stepped away moving to 285 00:12:37,698 --> 00:12:42,258 rejoin us calamity landed next to her 286 00:12:40,759 --> 00:12:43,629 wrapping a four leg around her in 287 00:12:42,259 --> 00:12:46,009 comfort 288 00:12:43,629 --> 00:12:49,039 velvet remedy stopped leaned into the 289 00:12:46,009 --> 00:12:51,350 embrace and sniffed once then she broke 290 00:12:49,039 --> 00:12:54,769 away wiping a tear and returning to her 291 00:12:51,350 --> 00:12:56,329 place beside me higher leaf fluttered 292 00:12:54,769 --> 00:12:58,399 out of the sky and landed on the statue 293 00:12:56,328 --> 00:13:03,068 causing the steel rangers to fall into 294 00:12:58,399 --> 00:13:05,750 battle stances uh DS Steel's rumbled I 295 00:13:03,068 --> 00:13:08,778 was willing to bet that behind his mask 296 00:13:05,750 --> 00:13:11,948 he had rolled his eyes those things are 297 00:13:08,778 --> 00:13:15,948 dangerous one of the Knights explained I 298 00:13:11,948 --> 00:13:18,849 chuckled grimly to myself yeah she might 299 00:13:15,948 --> 00:13:21,588 lift your visor and breathe baking you 300 00:13:18,850 --> 00:13:23,659 the mental image was grotesque 301 00:13:21,589 --> 00:13:26,000 having seen a pony killed cruelly like 302 00:13:23,659 --> 00:13:27,740 that was horrifying but somehow the 303 00:13:26,000 --> 00:13:30,828 image of Pilate pulling the same trick 304 00:13:27,740 --> 00:13:33,220 struck my funny bone goddesses there 305 00:13:30,828 --> 00:13:35,739 really was something wrong with me 306 00:13:33,220 --> 00:13:37,300 the nightmare next to me the one with 307 00:13:35,740 --> 00:13:39,879 the machine gun battle saddled giggled 308 00:13:37,299 --> 00:13:43,328 in her armor you can't lift the visor in 309 00:13:39,879 --> 00:13:44,500 these helmets she turned to me that 310 00:13:43,328 --> 00:13:44,948 would be a serious weak point in the 311 00:13:44,500 --> 00:13:46,778 armor 312 00:13:44,948 --> 00:13:50,318 I can't imagine such a design getting to 313 00:13:46,778 --> 00:13:52,028 the shield committee I don't know 314 00:13:50,318 --> 00:13:55,389 exactly what she was talking about but I 315 00:13:52,028 --> 00:13:57,970 gleaned the idea uh yeah I wouldn't I 316 00:13:55,389 --> 00:14:01,209 agreed if protection was the primary 317 00:13:57,970 --> 00:14:04,470 goal of the armor well what other 318 00:14:01,208 --> 00:14:08,799 purpose could armor have she scoffed 319 00:14:04,470 --> 00:14:10,209 intimidation behind us calamity had 320 00:14:08,799 --> 00:14:14,769 flown up to look firelight in the eyes 321 00:14:10,208 --> 00:14:18,609 you grab on and she'll kill you fair 322 00:14:14,769 --> 00:14:21,549 warning a sky rending squeal tore the 323 00:14:18,610 --> 00:14:24,310 air above us the giant arm of a crane 324 00:14:21,549 --> 00:14:25,870 swung into view from behind the wall the 325 00:14:24,309 --> 00:14:27,719 massive steel talons on the end of it 326 00:14:25,870 --> 00:14:30,009 lowering grasped onto the metal gate 327 00:14:27,720 --> 00:14:32,170 slowly with the tortured cry of metal 328 00:14:30,009 --> 00:14:33,759 grinding on concrete the gate to the 329 00:14:32,169 --> 00:14:36,719 steel ranger Citadel stable-tec 330 00:14:33,759 --> 00:14:41,039 headquarters lifted to allow us access 331 00:14:36,720 --> 00:14:46,778 poppy seed the nightmare next to me said 332 00:14:41,039 --> 00:14:50,159 hmm I blinked confused my name 333 00:14:46,778 --> 00:14:52,710 she said I'm night poppy seed 334 00:14:50,159 --> 00:14:55,500 at my continued blank expression she 335 00:14:52,710 --> 00:14:57,600 expounded poppies are a flower from 336 00:14:55,500 --> 00:15:04,710 zebra Landis they have seeds 337 00:14:57,600 --> 00:15:07,040 oh I smiled back little pip I listed my 338 00:15:04,710 --> 00:15:10,050 right fore leg showing off my pipbuck 339 00:15:07,039 --> 00:15:11,759 pip is short for pipbuck I told her 340 00:15:10,049 --> 00:15:15,120 choosing to conveniently forget my name 341 00:15:11,759 --> 00:15:17,779 was my mother's play on pipsqueak all 342 00:15:15,120 --> 00:15:20,399 the ponies and the stables have them 343 00:15:17,779 --> 00:15:22,019 even as I said that I wondered if that 344 00:15:20,399 --> 00:15:23,610 was true considering the often fatal 345 00:15:22,019 --> 00:15:24,269 strangeness of the other stable-tec 346 00:15:23,610 --> 00:15:26,669 stables 347 00:15:24,269 --> 00:15:30,809 I looked beyond the lifting gate a 348 00:15:26,669 --> 00:15:35,129 sudden lump in my throat well in my 349 00:15:30,809 --> 00:15:37,679 stable at least really poppy seed 350 00:15:35,129 --> 00:15:39,269 commented Ida was heard that the pips on 351 00:15:37,679 --> 00:15:43,649 20 men to shoot that Pony with a firearm 352 00:15:39,269 --> 00:15:46,980 I had never heard that before and really 353 00:15:43,649 --> 00:15:50,129 what do you say to that the rest of us 354 00:15:46,980 --> 00:15:51,509 started to move forward Pilate seemed 355 00:15:50,129 --> 00:15:54,000 intent on staying outside in the 356 00:15:51,509 --> 00:15:56,189 Philadelphia outskirts I wished her well 357 00:15:54,000 --> 00:15:58,710 expecting she would still be nearby when 358 00:15:56,190 --> 00:16:01,140 and if we left sheets arrived on her own 359 00:15:58,710 --> 00:16:03,960 for a long time I was more concerned 360 00:16:01,139 --> 00:16:06,210 about the rest of us calamity looked 361 00:16:03,960 --> 00:16:07,620 back at the base of the statue bent his 362 00:16:06,210 --> 00:16:10,110 head forward and snatched a bottle cap 363 00:16:07,620 --> 00:16:12,029 out of the dry fountain bed he flew back 364 00:16:10,110 --> 00:16:14,430 to us taking his place walking in velvet 365 00:16:12,029 --> 00:16:17,449 side dropping the cap into one of his 366 00:16:14,429 --> 00:16:17,449 saddlebags as he did so 367 00:16:17,720 --> 00:16:23,210 the sounds of sporadic gunfire danced in 368 00:16:20,240 --> 00:16:24,620 the air steel rangers trotted laps 369 00:16:23,210 --> 00:16:26,360 around a track running along the 370 00:16:24,620 --> 00:16:29,509 towering wall which encircled the lower 371 00:16:26,360 --> 00:16:30,470 floors of stable-tec headquarters in the 372 00:16:29,509 --> 00:16:32,419 inner half-court 373 00:16:30,470 --> 00:16:33,950 a senior paladin was barking orders at 374 00:16:32,419 --> 00:16:35,360 initiates as they struggled to master 375 00:16:33,950 --> 00:16:38,680 movements in their suits of magically 376 00:16:35,360 --> 00:16:40,669 powered armor oh I get it 377 00:16:38,679 --> 00:16:42,109 calamity said the steel hopes as one of 378 00:16:40,669 --> 00:16:44,299 the initiates bucked at a badly dented 379 00:16:42,110 --> 00:16:46,419 steel plate leaving hoof marks nearly 380 00:16:44,299 --> 00:16:48,709 half a yard from her intended targets 381 00:16:46,419 --> 00:16:50,209 Iran with spell matrix enhances your 382 00:16:48,710 --> 00:16:52,210 strength and endurance to compensate for 383 00:16:50,210 --> 00:16:55,210 the bulk of it right 384 00:16:52,210 --> 00:16:56,420 steel Holmes nodded without a word 385 00:16:55,210 --> 00:16:59,720 interesting 386 00:16:56,419 --> 00:17:01,879 calamity amused enchantment in an 387 00:16:59,720 --> 00:17:02,899 enclave suit negate its weight kind of 388 00:17:01,879 --> 00:17:06,410 like one of those enchantments on 389 00:17:02,899 --> 00:17:08,119 Spitfires Thunder steel hooks glanced 390 00:17:06,410 --> 00:17:09,730 back at the unique anti machine rifle 391 00:17:08,119 --> 00:17:12,229 strapped to calamity the battle saddle 392 00:17:09,730 --> 00:17:14,390 the thing was almost twice as long as he 393 00:17:12,230 --> 00:17:17,240 was when fully assembled so he kept it 394 00:17:14,390 --> 00:17:19,430 broken down while traveling different 395 00:17:17,240 --> 00:17:23,599 approaches but still saw about keeping 396 00:17:19,430 --> 00:17:26,390 the weight down steel had slowed staring 397 00:17:23,599 --> 00:17:27,588 at calamity this was the first time he 398 00:17:26,390 --> 00:17:29,570 had witnessed calamities freaking 399 00:17:27,588 --> 00:17:32,990 knowledge of magical engineering rarely 400 00:17:29,569 --> 00:17:34,609 seen as it was the senior paladin mayor 401 00:17:32,990 --> 00:17:37,069 led us up the steps to the once grand 402 00:17:34,609 --> 00:17:38,990 doors of stable tech what had once been 403 00:17:37,069 --> 00:17:40,700 gleaming polished bronze inlaid with a 404 00:17:38,990 --> 00:17:42,259 richly varnished wood was now tarnished 405 00:17:40,700 --> 00:17:44,900 and discolored meddle with inserts of 406 00:17:42,259 --> 00:17:46,700 warped and rotting timber above the door 407 00:17:44,900 --> 00:17:48,050 the gear shaped stable Tech logo is 408 00:17:46,700 --> 00:17:49,670 embedded in a metal over a pair of 409 00:17:48,049 --> 00:17:52,639 decorative nooks where fires at once 410 00:17:49,670 --> 00:17:54,289 burned ashes from the Nook that stained 411 00:17:52,640 --> 00:17:56,150 the wall and doors below in the streets 412 00:17:54,289 --> 00:18:00,569 making the building look like it had 413 00:17:56,150 --> 00:18:02,710 been crying I shuddered feeling a chill 414 00:18:00,569 --> 00:18:05,678 cocking his ears towards the gunshots 415 00:18:02,710 --> 00:18:08,410 calamity asks he looks I take it that's 416 00:18:05,679 --> 00:18:09,910 a shooting range out back if your 417 00:18:08,410 --> 00:18:11,558 friends here ain't inclined to kick us 418 00:18:09,910 --> 00:18:13,830 out of shoot us anytime pressing 419 00:18:11,558 --> 00:18:16,899 think I could take a few turns at it 420 00:18:13,829 --> 00:18:20,859 trying to impress the Rangers our ghoul 421 00:18:16,900 --> 00:18:22,809 companion retorted calamity laughed hell 422 00:18:20,859 --> 00:18:26,939 nah that ain't it at all 423 00:18:22,808 --> 00:18:29,799 I trotted closer my curiosity awaking 424 00:18:26,940 --> 00:18:31,120 what then surely the four year running 425 00:18:29,799 --> 00:18:34,839 sharp shooting champion doesn't need 426 00:18:31,119 --> 00:18:39,489 lessons I've never seen you miss velvet 427 00:18:34,839 --> 00:18:43,029 remedy snart even when he supposed to so 428 00:18:39,490 --> 00:18:44,410 why the shooting range the leading mayor 429 00:18:43,029 --> 00:18:45,940 had stopped at the front door and was 430 00:18:44,410 --> 00:18:48,550 speaking to somepony on the other side 431 00:18:45,940 --> 00:18:50,950 through an intercom poppyseed trotted in 432 00:18:48,549 --> 00:18:53,589 place next to me looking anxious or 433 00:18:50,950 --> 00:18:56,799 bored hard to tell without being able to 434 00:18:53,589 --> 00:18:58,720 see an expression see this new gun 435 00:18:56,799 --> 00:19:01,000 Spitfires Thunder it's a magically 436 00:18:58,720 --> 00:19:03,910 enhanced anti machine gun made for 437 00:19:01,000 --> 00:19:06,339 Pegasus snipers calamity tipped the brim 438 00:19:03,910 --> 00:19:08,110 of his hat forward it's enchanted so 439 00:19:06,339 --> 00:19:09,449 it's only to post away a few pounds and 440 00:19:08,109 --> 00:19:11,859 only have a feather brush of a kick 441 00:19:09,450 --> 00:19:12,730 fires more like a magical energy weapon 442 00:19:11,859 --> 00:19:15,069 than a firearm 443 00:19:12,730 --> 00:19:17,049 he even has a lightning gem fueling her 444 00:19:15,069 --> 00:19:19,389 insides that's why she sounds like 445 00:19:17,049 --> 00:19:21,039 thunder when she's shot she fires 446 00:19:19,390 --> 00:19:24,280 probably 20% faster than the original 447 00:19:21,039 --> 00:19:28,058 non-magical model and won't ever jam new 448 00:19:24,279 --> 00:19:30,849 moving parts now it was my turn to 449 00:19:28,058 --> 00:19:33,639 whistle all of which means she's more 450 00:19:30,849 --> 00:19:35,500 magical energy rifle than firearm but 451 00:19:33,640 --> 00:19:38,080 she still uses bullets just like my 452 00:19:35,500 --> 00:19:39,849 battle saddle and bullets a subject of 453 00:19:38,079 --> 00:19:43,299 winning gravity so that makes her an odd 454 00:19:39,849 --> 00:19:46,299 combination he smiled to me then looked 455 00:19:43,299 --> 00:19:47,678 frankly it steals and that just means I 456 00:19:46,299 --> 00:19:49,029 best get some lovin with her at the 457 00:19:47,679 --> 00:19:52,360 firing range before taking her into a 458 00:19:49,029 --> 00:19:54,029 battle proper the door into stable tech 459 00:19:52,359 --> 00:19:56,649 was open from the inside 460 00:19:54,029 --> 00:19:58,539 velvet Remini pushed past us rolling her 461 00:19:56,650 --> 00:20:00,430 eyes and tossing her mane 462 00:19:58,539 --> 00:20:03,849 do you and your gun need some alone time 463 00:20:00,430 --> 00:20:07,660 she shot as she passed calamity he 464 00:20:03,849 --> 00:20:11,919 blinked well yeah that's what I just 465 00:20:07,660 --> 00:20:13,930 said I face soft velvet Romney knickers 466 00:20:11,920 --> 00:20:17,259 and trotted inside ignoring the confused 467 00:20:13,930 --> 00:20:19,509 Pegasus does the news today make you 468 00:20:17,259 --> 00:20:20,890 anxious worried about what might happen 469 00:20:19,509 --> 00:20:23,769 to yourself or your family should the 470 00:20:20,890 --> 00:20:26,620 mega spells fall I know and I understand 471 00:20:23,769 --> 00:20:29,099 your fears because I share them my 472 00:20:26,619 --> 00:20:31,299 companions and I looked around startled 473 00:20:29,099 --> 00:20:32,349 the lobbyists table deck have been 474 00:20:31,299 --> 00:20:35,169 designed to be a welcoming 475 00:20:32,349 --> 00:20:36,519 self-advertisement the sad sweet voice 476 00:20:35,170 --> 00:20:39,130 seemed to come from right in front of us 477 00:20:36,519 --> 00:20:42,269 no matter which way we were facing it 478 00:20:39,130 --> 00:20:44,530 filled the air at that Sweetie Belle 479 00:20:42,269 --> 00:20:48,009 velvet remedy whispered searching for 480 00:20:44,529 --> 00:20:50,950 the speakers like you I hope for the 481 00:20:48,009 --> 00:20:51,430 best but like you I need to prepare for 482 00:20:50,950 --> 00:20:54,309 the worst 483 00:20:51,430 --> 00:20:55,690 I want a safe place for my loved ones to 484 00:20:54,309 --> 00:20:57,519 survive that horrible day should ever 485 00:20:55,690 --> 00:21:00,910 come where our beautiful Equestria falls 486 00:20:57,519 --> 00:21:04,180 beneath the mega spell Holocaust its 487 00:21:00,910 --> 00:21:05,259 automated poppy seed told me starts up 488 00:21:04,180 --> 00:21:07,269 every time we go through that door 489 00:21:05,259 --> 00:21:10,450 didn't use to but then we tried to 490 00:21:07,269 --> 00:21:12,099 disable it only made it worse she 491 00:21:10,450 --> 00:21:14,529 pointed to the large table deck logo 492 00:21:12,099 --> 00:21:15,909 embedded in the floor used to be an 493 00:21:14,529 --> 00:21:17,950 image standing there of that unicorn 494 00:21:15,910 --> 00:21:19,570 from the statue out front made out of 495 00:21:17,950 --> 00:21:21,670 the dancing lights looked like a damn 496 00:21:19,569 --> 00:21:24,399 ghost killing that also killed the 497 00:21:21,670 --> 00:21:27,720 interface from our tour presentation she 498 00:21:24,400 --> 00:21:30,070 giggled wryly inside her armor and joy 499 00:21:27,720 --> 00:21:31,600 explained why neither our guide nor the 500 00:21:30,069 --> 00:21:32,980 steel rangers milling about seemed to be 501 00:21:31,599 --> 00:21:36,639 paying the voice of Sweetie Belle iam 502 00:21:32,980 --> 00:21:38,799 the slice bit of attention I too need to 503 00:21:36,640 --> 00:21:40,600 know my family will be safe but more 504 00:21:38,799 --> 00:21:42,789 than that I want them to be happy I 505 00:21:40,599 --> 00:21:44,169 don't want them locked away in a dark 506 00:21:42,789 --> 00:21:48,009 cramped shelter for the rest of their 507 00:21:44,170 --> 00:21:50,289 lives that's no better than a prison no 508 00:21:48,009 --> 00:21:52,420 I want my family to be safe and secure 509 00:21:50,289 --> 00:21:54,049 inside of one stable text magnificent 510 00:21:52,420 --> 00:21:56,960 stables 511 00:21:54,049 --> 00:21:58,460 our guide let us past display cases most 512 00:21:56,960 --> 00:22:00,590 of which were destroyed in the displays 513 00:21:58,460 --> 00:22:04,009 plundered and framed posters in the wall 514 00:22:00,589 --> 00:22:05,779 all badly faded the posters ranged from 515 00:22:04,009 --> 00:22:08,000 terrifying portents of Armageddon 516 00:22:05,779 --> 00:22:09,079 all of which somehow managed to be more 517 00:22:08,000 --> 00:22:10,970 wholesome and pleasant than the 518 00:22:09,079 --> 00:22:13,819 post-apocalyptic reality they attempted 519 00:22:10,970 --> 00:22:15,259 to prophesize to pictures of smiling 520 00:22:13,819 --> 00:22:16,879 Sweetie Belle urging parents to trust 521 00:22:15,259 --> 00:22:19,940 their children to stable Tech's promise 522 00:22:16,880 --> 00:22:22,340 of long and happy lives all of them had 523 00:22:19,940 --> 00:22:25,730 a unifying message although rarely put 524 00:22:22,339 --> 00:22:28,939 into those exact words we care you need 525 00:22:25,730 --> 00:22:31,779 us you will die without us buy your 526 00:22:28,940 --> 00:22:34,009 tickets for the stable-tec lottery now 527 00:22:31,779 --> 00:22:36,289 we were approaching the end of a hallway 528 00:22:34,009 --> 00:22:38,629 passing a pristine sparkle-cola machine 529 00:22:36,289 --> 00:22:40,460 this one with a large backlit plate 530 00:22:38,630 --> 00:22:42,110 showing an orgasmic Fluttershy drinking 531 00:22:40,460 --> 00:22:44,420 her favorite carrot flavored drink and 532 00:22:42,109 --> 00:22:46,179 an ammunition vending machine which had 533 00:22:44,420 --> 00:22:48,529 been broken into and thoroughly looted 534 00:22:46,180 --> 00:22:50,150 the end of the hall was adorned in false 535 00:22:48,529 --> 00:22:53,299 rocks so the hallway would appear to 536 00:22:50,150 --> 00:22:54,530 transform into a small darken cave the 537 00:22:53,299 --> 00:22:56,149 allusion would have been effective if 538 00:22:54,529 --> 00:22:57,889 chunks of plaster from the cave wall 539 00:22:56,150 --> 00:23:01,040 hadn't broken loose revealing the wire 540 00:22:57,890 --> 00:23:03,620 mesh beneath as our leader stepped into 541 00:23:01,039 --> 00:23:05,000 the cave loud clunking vibrations echo 542 00:23:03,619 --> 00:23:07,219 through the hall and display lights came 543 00:23:05,000 --> 00:23:10,339 on revealing a huge mock-up of a stable 544 00:23:07,220 --> 00:23:12,440 door Sweetie Belle's voice came to life 545 00:23:10,339 --> 00:23:14,059 around us again the recording playing at 546 00:23:12,440 --> 00:23:15,799 a strangely low speed for the first few 547 00:23:14,059 --> 00:23:18,059 seconds making her voice briefly sounds 548 00:23:15,799 --> 00:23:20,319 similar to steel hooves 549 00:23:18,059 --> 00:23:22,480 stable-tec welcomes you to our new line 550 00:23:20,319 --> 00:23:26,200 of subterranean stables featuring our 551 00:23:22,480 --> 00:23:27,789 patented SAS RK no technology SAS 552 00:23:26,200 --> 00:23:29,740 technology is the product of years of 553 00:23:27,789 --> 00:23:31,779 dedicated uncompromising effort bar 554 00:23:29,740 --> 00:23:33,759 stable tech scientists to bring you the 555 00:23:31,779 --> 00:23:34,990 most advanced and enduring designs based 556 00:23:33,759 --> 00:23:39,009 on the three pillars of post-apocalyptic 557 00:23:34,990 --> 00:23:42,640 survival safety amenities and 558 00:23:39,009 --> 00:23:46,089 sustainability velvet remy I exchanged 559 00:23:42,640 --> 00:23:48,160 looks the mock stable door numbered zero 560 00:23:46,089 --> 00:23:49,869 swung open on hinges as we approached 561 00:23:48,160 --> 00:23:52,170 while a soundtrack played the sounds of 562 00:23:49,869 --> 00:23:54,339 actual stable door being pulled open 563 00:23:52,170 --> 00:23:56,350 spinning yellow lights topped off the 564 00:23:54,339 --> 00:23:59,769 simulation something that hadn't been 565 00:23:56,349 --> 00:24:01,049 present its stable to you and your loved 566 00:23:59,769 --> 00:24:03,339 ones will be able to sleep in peace 567 00:24:01,049 --> 00:24:04,990 knowing that our impenetrable stable 568 00:24:03,339 --> 00:24:06,669 doors are built to survive and protect 569 00:24:04,990 --> 00:24:08,500 even if zebra invaders detonate a 570 00:24:06,670 --> 00:24:11,650 balefire bomb direct the outside of your 571 00:24:08,500 --> 00:24:13,690 new safe and secure home with only a 572 00:24:11,650 --> 00:24:15,100 projected 7 percent failure rate even 573 00:24:13,690 --> 00:24:17,769 under those extreme and unlikely 574 00:24:15,099 --> 00:24:19,449 circumstances stable Tech's mighty 575 00:24:17,769 --> 00:24:23,789 stable doors are guaranteed to protect 576 00:24:19,450 --> 00:24:26,710 both you and your family Wow 577 00:24:23,789 --> 00:24:29,649 velvet remedy stifled a giggle before I 578 00:24:26,710 --> 00:24:30,940 could stop myself I whispered velvet 579 00:24:29,650 --> 00:24:34,330 remedies barn door doesn't swing that 580 00:24:30,940 --> 00:24:39,400 way I gasped and quickly corrected 581 00:24:34,329 --> 00:24:41,319 myself I meant staple twos too late the 582 00:24:39,400 --> 00:24:42,490 charcoal coated unicorn with the scarlet 583 00:24:41,319 --> 00:24:44,169 and gold shrieks and her white Mane 584 00:24:42,490 --> 00:24:45,609 fixed me with a stare that told me I 585 00:24:44,170 --> 00:24:48,850 wouldn't be hearing the last of this for 586 00:24:45,609 --> 00:24:51,909 a long uncomfortable time damn it 587 00:24:48,849 --> 00:24:53,490 sometimes I hated my mother not that my 588 00:24:51,910 --> 00:24:56,558 slip of the tongue was really her fault 589 00:24:53,490 --> 00:24:58,730 but it was her fault 590 00:24:56,558 --> 00:24:59,928 still thinking of that dark cramped 591 00:24:58,730 --> 00:25:02,210 cellar that you feared would be your 592 00:24:59,929 --> 00:25:04,239 family's home let the magical light of 593 00:25:02,210 --> 00:25:06,169 SAS technology burn those fears away 594 00:25:04,239 --> 00:25:08,389 through the magical power of your 595 00:25:06,169 --> 00:25:10,249 stables appointed over mayor each stable 596 00:25:08,388 --> 00:25:12,648 will enjoy fully realistic sunlight even 597 00:25:10,249 --> 00:25:15,700 underground with all the warmth and joy 598 00:25:12,648 --> 00:25:18,199 brings Sweetie Belle's voice boasted and 599 00:25:15,700 --> 00:25:20,028 at night a softer light will fill the 600 00:25:18,200 --> 00:25:23,720 hallways provided through enduring earth 601 00:25:20,028 --> 00:25:25,009 Pony technology so far the most accurate 602 00:25:23,720 --> 00:25:26,028 part of the exhibit was the hall 603 00:25:25,009 --> 00:25:28,970 lighting with its ever-present 604 00:25:26,028 --> 00:25:31,009 high-pitched whine of course this 605 00:25:28,970 --> 00:25:34,669 nighttime lighting had been 16 hours a 606 00:25:31,009 --> 00:25:36,230 day every day all the time the realistic 607 00:25:34,669 --> 00:25:37,700 sunlight promised through the over merab 608 00:25:36,230 --> 00:25:40,249 reserved for the underground apple 609 00:25:37,700 --> 00:25:42,288 orchard and based on the color and taste 610 00:25:40,249 --> 00:25:45,249 the things we had called apples I had my 611 00:25:42,288 --> 00:25:48,099 doubts how fully realistic it was 612 00:25:45,249 --> 00:25:50,749 concerned about security fear not 613 00:25:48,099 --> 00:25:53,388 each stable is supplied with a security 614 00:25:50,749 --> 00:25:55,519 level and a fully stocked armory our 615 00:25:53,388 --> 00:25:57,229 friendly PI security system allows the 616 00:25:55,519 --> 00:25:58,849 overmare to keep an eye on everypony in 617 00:25:57,230 --> 00:26:01,308 public areas without prying into your 618 00:25:58,849 --> 00:26:02,599 private affairs Sweetie Belle's 619 00:26:01,308 --> 00:26:05,658 disinvite voice seemed especially 620 00:26:02,599 --> 00:26:07,099 pleased with this feature we here at 621 00:26:05,659 --> 00:26:08,960 stable tech believe in returning your 622 00:26:07,099 --> 00:26:10,428 life to the level of respectful privacy 623 00:26:08,960 --> 00:26:14,058 that you deserve without compromising 624 00:26:10,429 --> 00:26:16,548 your safety we began to trudge the 625 00:26:14,058 --> 00:26:17,989 bizarre mock stable it's layout was 626 00:26:16,548 --> 00:26:19,730 nothing like the real thing designed 627 00:26:17,989 --> 00:26:22,700 more like an amusement park ride that a 628 00:26:19,730 --> 00:26:25,190 functional shelter every few yards would 629 00:26:22,700 --> 00:26:26,808 pass a large window as our leader 630 00:26:25,190 --> 00:26:28,639 approached lights would flicker on 631 00:26:26,808 --> 00:26:30,048 inside eternally sealed rooms where 632 00:26:28,638 --> 00:26:32,569 mannequins would play out scenes of 633 00:26:30,048 --> 00:26:34,879 utopian underground life 634 00:26:32,569 --> 00:26:36,349 with each room we passed Sweetie Belle's 635 00:26:34,880 --> 00:26:38,300 ghost would regale us with some other 636 00:26:36,349 --> 00:26:41,240 aspect of how wonderful and safe living 637 00:26:38,299 --> 00:26:43,129 in a stable would be after the other 638 00:26:41,240 --> 00:26:45,440 stables I had been in I found that this 639 00:26:43,130 --> 00:26:46,970 was creeping me out I couldn't stop 640 00:26:45,440 --> 00:26:49,309 thinking about how so many stables had 641 00:26:46,970 --> 00:26:52,460 apparently turned into lethal traps very 642 00:26:49,309 --> 00:26:54,139 not like these promises somehow I saw 643 00:26:52,460 --> 00:26:56,990 the reaction on Calamity's face that 644 00:26:54,140 --> 00:26:58,580 made it worse here it's stable tech 645 00:26:56,990 --> 00:27:01,339 we've taken the time to think of 646 00:26:58,579 --> 00:27:03,139 everything we know that in the events of 647 00:27:01,339 --> 00:27:05,599 the worst kind of mega spell Cataclysm 648 00:27:03,140 --> 00:27:08,450 it may take Equestria not months but 649 00:27:05,599 --> 00:27:10,129 decades to recover those of us who 650 00:27:08,450 --> 00:27:11,690 choose to survive the destruction may 651 00:27:10,130 --> 00:27:13,490 have to live the most of our rest of our 652 00:27:11,690 --> 00:27:14,990 lives underground and see a new 653 00:27:13,490 --> 00:27:18,289 generation born without knowing the 654 00:27:14,990 --> 00:27:20,750 world outside so each stable includes a 655 00:27:18,289 --> 00:27:22,069 stable tech orchard providing not only 656 00:27:20,750 --> 00:27:24,319 more than enough food for a growing 657 00:27:22,069 --> 00:27:26,389 underground community but complete with 658 00:27:24,319 --> 00:27:28,730 grass for your children's hopes and mist 659 00:27:26,390 --> 00:27:32,020 fountains to simulate rainbows runoff of 660 00:27:28,730 --> 00:27:35,630 one of our patented SAS water talismans 661 00:27:32,019 --> 00:27:38,710 did other stables run out of food stable 662 00:27:35,630 --> 00:27:41,030 twos apple orchard was simply put vast 663 00:27:38,710 --> 00:27:42,940 which may explain why the rest of the 664 00:27:41,029 --> 00:27:45,289 stable never enjoyed magical sunlight 665 00:27:42,940 --> 00:27:46,640 did stable tech actually designed the 666 00:27:45,289 --> 00:27:48,079 other staples with orchards that could 667 00:27:46,640 --> 00:27:50,960 only support a generation or two of 668 00:27:48,079 --> 00:27:52,429 growth or was Sweetie Belle purposefully 669 00:27:50,960 --> 00:27:55,910 downplaying the horrors that she and her 670 00:27:52,430 --> 00:27:57,320 two friends anticipated of course we all 671 00:27:55,910 --> 00:27:59,630 hope and pray that these stables will 672 00:27:57,319 --> 00:28:01,129 never be needed but can any of us afford 673 00:27:59,630 --> 00:28:02,870 to take that gamble and not seek a place 674 00:28:01,130 --> 00:28:04,970 of safety and joy for our loved ones and 675 00:28:02,869 --> 00:28:06,859 ourselves 676 00:28:04,970 --> 00:28:08,150 velvet remedies seemed on the verge of 677 00:28:06,859 --> 00:28:10,069 tears at the parting words of her 678 00:28:08,150 --> 00:28:12,620 ancestor whom we both knew had become 679 00:28:10,069 --> 00:28:14,210 the first over mare of stable to the 680 00:28:12,619 --> 00:28:19,219 stable whose special purpose was to keep 681 00:28:14,210 --> 00:28:21,019 us down there safe forever or I knew 682 00:28:19,220 --> 00:28:24,558 until spike could find the right ponies 683 00:28:21,019 --> 00:28:25,970 to cast Gardens of Equestria I can't 684 00:28:24,558 --> 00:28:28,399 believe you lived your whole lives and 685 00:28:25,970 --> 00:28:29,720 plays like that calamity said as we 686 00:28:28,400 --> 00:28:32,509 walked up the steps to let out the 687 00:28:29,720 --> 00:28:38,089 exhibit I mean one that actually worked 688 00:28:32,509 --> 00:28:41,000 this explains so much I opened my mouth 689 00:28:38,089 --> 00:28:42,668 but couldn't find words only a little 690 00:28:41,000 --> 00:28:44,869 squeak escaped 691 00:28:42,669 --> 00:28:47,299 we here at stable tech hope you've 692 00:28:44,869 --> 00:28:49,250 enjoyed your tour today if you have any 693 00:28:47,298 --> 00:28:51,139 questions please feel free to ask at the 694 00:28:49,250 --> 00:28:52,519 lobby desk one of our friendly staff 695 00:28:51,140 --> 00:28:57,440 would love to tell you everything you 696 00:28:52,519 --> 00:28:59,029 need to know we were made to wait in the 697 00:28:57,440 --> 00:29:00,890 long haul of rotting wood paneling 698 00:28:59,029 --> 00:29:02,960 outside elder blueberry Sabres office 699 00:29:00,890 --> 00:29:04,700 under the watchful glares of armor and 700 00:29:02,960 --> 00:29:07,610 cased ponies as Steele who spoke with 701 00:29:04,700 --> 00:29:10,730 the elder in private I tried to engage 702 00:29:07,609 --> 00:29:12,408 poppyseed in conversation that worked 703 00:29:10,730 --> 00:29:13,700 until I have accidentally miss depth by 704 00:29:12,409 --> 00:29:15,799 asking what she thought of the steel 705 00:29:13,700 --> 00:29:17,298 Rangers oath wondering whether she felt 706 00:29:15,798 --> 00:29:20,658 the same way as Knight buck had about 707 00:29:17,298 --> 00:29:22,548 following Applejack's principles what I 708 00:29:20,659 --> 00:29:24,950 learned instead was the talking of the 709 00:29:22,548 --> 00:29:28,339 oath to outsiders or tribal says she 710 00:29:24,950 --> 00:29:30,720 called us was forbidden after that she 711 00:29:28,339 --> 00:29:32,369 ignored all my further efforts to chat 712 00:29:30,720 --> 00:29:34,350 I couldn't tell if it was because I had 713 00:29:32,369 --> 00:29:35,849 deeply offended the night or because 714 00:29:34,349 --> 00:29:39,149 there were other steel rangers watching 715 00:29:35,849 --> 00:29:41,158 I contemplated trying to eavesdrop but 716 00:29:39,150 --> 00:29:43,919 then realized the guards wouldn't let me 717 00:29:41,159 --> 00:29:45,419 close enough to the door and I wasn't 718 00:29:43,919 --> 00:29:47,820 entirely sure I want to know what was 719 00:29:45,419 --> 00:29:49,230 being said I was sure there were some 720 00:29:47,819 --> 00:29:51,389 elements of the conversation that I 721 00:29:49,230 --> 00:29:53,750 would do well to hear particularly 722 00:29:51,390 --> 00:29:56,549 anything regarding us or seals mission 723 00:29:53,750 --> 00:29:58,019 but there was probably more than a bit 724 00:29:56,548 --> 00:29:59,400 of a discussion about internal politics 725 00:29:58,019 --> 00:30:01,859 and current affairs within the steel 726 00:29:59,400 --> 00:30:02,280 rangers such things were none of my 727 00:30:01,859 --> 00:30:04,349 business 728 00:30:02,279 --> 00:30:06,839 and after having entered one of Steele's 729 00:30:04,349 --> 00:30:08,069 memories without permission I really 730 00:30:06,839 --> 00:30:10,548 didn't want to stick my hoof into his 731 00:30:08,069 --> 00:30:13,230 affairs uninvited so soon again 732 00:30:10,548 --> 00:30:16,519 furthermore I found that I really didn't 733 00:30:13,230 --> 00:30:20,730 want to know the steel rangers were 734 00:30:16,519 --> 00:30:23,220 distasteful steel hoofs was a steel 735 00:30:20,730 --> 00:30:24,929 ranger not just a former member who 736 00:30:23,220 --> 00:30:26,250 still wore the armor because for some 737 00:30:24,929 --> 00:30:28,980 reason I didn't quite understand 738 00:30:26,250 --> 00:30:30,769 he couldn't remove it but a current and 739 00:30:28,980 --> 00:30:34,319 still active part of the organization a 740 00:30:30,769 --> 00:30:35,548 star paladin to that which although I 741 00:30:34,319 --> 00:30:38,609 didn't quite know what that meant 742 00:30:35,548 --> 00:30:40,288 sounded quite impressive between this 743 00:30:38,609 --> 00:30:42,240 side trip and the memories of his memory 744 00:30:40,288 --> 00:30:43,200 orbs I was being to learn a lot about my 745 00:30:42,240 --> 00:30:47,429 newest companion 746 00:30:43,200 --> 00:30:49,409 well newest for hoped companion and I 747 00:30:47,429 --> 00:30:52,620 found like it except most of it although 748 00:30:49,409 --> 00:30:55,950 not always easily I felt I could trust 749 00:30:52,619 --> 00:30:59,819 him with certain parameters and calm my 750 00:30:55,950 --> 00:31:01,710 friend but I did not envy his Karma and 751 00:30:59,819 --> 00:31:03,329 I was apprehensive about where his 752 00:31:01,710 --> 00:31:06,900 loyalties would fall if the hos met the 753 00:31:03,329 --> 00:31:08,839 apple tree learning about him and also 754 00:31:06,900 --> 00:31:11,159 meant learning about the steel Rangers I 755 00:31:08,839 --> 00:31:14,009 was interested in them as they were 756 00:31:11,159 --> 00:31:16,350 connected to steel hooves and Applejack 757 00:31:14,009 --> 00:31:18,359 a mare in that special circle of friends 758 00:31:16,349 --> 00:31:19,949 whom spike it personally known and who 759 00:31:18,359 --> 00:31:22,949 might grown to care about regardless of 760 00:31:19,950 --> 00:31:24,569 the centuries between us the notion of 761 00:31:22,950 --> 00:31:26,069 defender still swarmed the valleys of 762 00:31:24,569 --> 00:31:27,629 Applejack was like a light in a sea of 763 00:31:26,069 --> 00:31:30,000 darkness at the equestrian wasteland 764 00:31:27,630 --> 00:31:32,860 often seemed to be 765 00:31:30,000 --> 00:31:34,660 but the steel rangers themselves or at 766 00:31:32,859 --> 00:31:36,219 least a great many of them struck me as 767 00:31:34,660 --> 00:31:38,920 little better than well-equipped more 768 00:31:36,220 --> 00:31:41,200 principled Raiders they didn't go about 769 00:31:38,920 --> 00:31:43,840 raping and torturing no bodies hung 770 00:31:41,200 --> 00:31:45,490 mutilated from their walls but they had 771 00:31:43,839 --> 00:31:47,230 no compunction about just sitting back 772 00:31:45,490 --> 00:31:48,910 and letting ponies suffer and starve and 773 00:31:47,230 --> 00:31:49,799 die when they had the technology to do 774 00:31:48,910 --> 00:31:52,480 some good 775 00:31:49,799 --> 00:31:54,309 they were like spike only without the 776 00:31:52,480 --> 00:31:57,759 noble and self-sacrificing reason that 777 00:31:54,309 --> 00:31:58,899 justified their actions i frowned and 778 00:31:57,759 --> 00:32:00,609 turned my thoughts away from the 779 00:31:58,900 --> 00:32:03,910 internal contemplation and back into the 780 00:32:00,609 --> 00:32:05,979 hallway having decided not to eavesdrop 781 00:32:03,910 --> 00:32:07,390 I slipped my ear bloom in one ear and 782 00:32:05,980 --> 00:32:10,420 turned my pipbuck back into the 783 00:32:07,390 --> 00:32:10,810 Philadelphia broadcast but instead of 784 00:32:10,420 --> 00:32:12,730 red-eye 785 00:32:10,809 --> 00:32:16,799 I got another iteration of march of the 786 00:32:12,730 --> 00:32:18,670 parasprites i looked towards my friends 787 00:32:16,799 --> 00:32:20,440 velvet remedy and clammed you were 788 00:32:18,670 --> 00:32:21,700 sitting together occasionally casting 789 00:32:20,440 --> 00:32:23,950 furtive glances at the door two 790 00:32:21,700 --> 00:32:25,269 blueberry Sabres office as velvet helped 791 00:32:23,950 --> 00:32:27,130 divorce calamity from more of the 792 00:32:25,269 --> 00:32:30,279 egregious misconceptions about stable 793 00:32:27,130 --> 00:32:32,260 life the tour had planted I contemplated 794 00:32:30,279 --> 00:32:34,329 joining the conversation but I had 795 00:32:32,259 --> 00:32:35,559 missed a fair bit of it and both poppy 796 00:32:34,329 --> 00:32:38,799 seed in the garden seemed more 797 00:32:35,559 --> 00:32:43,599 interested in them than me so instead i 798 00:32:38,799 --> 00:32:45,669 sat growing restless bored I stared at 799 00:32:43,599 --> 00:32:47,469 the pictures in the walls tattered and 800 00:32:45,670 --> 00:32:50,470 aged darkened oil paintings of buildings 801 00:32:47,470 --> 00:32:53,410 I recognized one of them barely as the 802 00:32:50,470 --> 00:32:55,390 red racer factory I got up and started 803 00:32:53,410 --> 00:32:58,029 to walk the hallway giving the paintings 804 00:32:55,390 --> 00:32:59,710 a closer examination there were 805 00:32:58,029 --> 00:33:01,359 pedestals as well set at regular 806 00:32:59,710 --> 00:33:04,360 intervals each holding a small 807 00:33:01,359 --> 00:33:06,250 architectural model most of the models 808 00:33:04,359 --> 00:33:08,979 had collapsed overcome by the weight of 809 00:33:06,250 --> 00:33:11,500 at least 20 decades but a few were still 810 00:33:08,980 --> 00:33:13,870 standing mostly intact an amazing 811 00:33:11,500 --> 00:33:15,759 testament of the model builder when 812 00:33:13,869 --> 00:33:17,329 stable tech built something they built 813 00:33:15,759 --> 00:33:19,339 it to last 814 00:33:17,329 --> 00:33:20,869 I was just about to pull the ear bloom 815 00:33:19,339 --> 00:33:23,299 from my ear when the current song ended 816 00:33:20,869 --> 00:33:25,819 something both patriotic sounding get 817 00:33:23,299 --> 00:33:29,990 heavy on the use of the oboe and red 818 00:33:25,819 --> 00:33:32,210 eyes voice spoken to my ear my friends 819 00:33:29,990 --> 00:33:35,120 let me share with you a secret 820 00:33:32,210 --> 00:33:39,160 just between you and me I was not always 821 00:33:35,119 --> 00:33:42,619 like this no once I was a young Colt 822 00:33:39,160 --> 00:33:46,550 irresponsible and carefree I did not 823 00:33:42,619 --> 00:33:49,329 understand the need to toil to labor nor 824 00:33:46,549 --> 00:33:52,669 should I have four hours but a child and 825 00:33:49,329 --> 00:33:55,429 childhood is the time for innocence for 826 00:33:52,670 --> 00:33:58,700 exploration for happiness and growth 827 00:33:55,430 --> 00:34:00,769 I was lucky fortunate beyond my 828 00:33:58,700 --> 00:34:03,769 deserving to be blessed but the safe 829 00:34:00,769 --> 00:34:05,029 places to roam security from the fiends 830 00:34:03,769 --> 00:34:07,910 and the horrors of the equestrian 831 00:34:05,029 --> 00:34:11,360 wasteland and companionship in the form 832 00:34:07,910 --> 00:34:14,630 of my beloved dog winter oh the 833 00:34:11,360 --> 00:34:18,230 adventures we had sounds beautiful 834 00:34:14,630 --> 00:34:20,180 doesn't it a time of peace and joy that 835 00:34:18,230 --> 00:34:21,980 I can return to in my mind at the end of 836 00:34:20,179 --> 00:34:23,659 the day after the question wasteland has 837 00:34:21,980 --> 00:34:26,630 thrown the worst of me of its horrors 838 00:34:23,659 --> 00:34:29,059 and despair between the visions of my 839 00:34:26,630 --> 00:34:32,840 peaceful past and I gloriously bright 840 00:34:29,059 --> 00:34:34,789 future I find the strength to go on no 841 00:34:32,840 --> 00:34:39,829 matter how hard the path or how heavy 842 00:34:34,789 --> 00:34:42,949 the load but my childhood picturesque 843 00:34:39,829 --> 00:34:46,099 and ideal and safe is that what your own 844 00:34:42,949 --> 00:34:48,439 children enjoy tell me equestrian 845 00:34:46,099 --> 00:34:53,389 wasteland how many of our children today 846 00:34:48,440 --> 00:34:57,920 are truly happy truly carefree sadly we 847 00:34:53,389 --> 00:35:00,289 both know the answer none today 848 00:34:57,920 --> 00:35:03,500 Equestria is a hard miserable 849 00:35:00,289 --> 00:35:07,630 unforgiving place how Colts and fillies 850 00:35:03,500 --> 00:35:10,000 live with fear violence rape and death 851 00:35:07,630 --> 00:35:12,070 the bleak and poisoned world offers our 852 00:35:10,000 --> 00:35:16,230 children only meaningless struggle and 853 00:35:12,070 --> 00:35:21,519 all too often a cruel and terrifying end 854 00:35:16,230 --> 00:35:27,130 there is no joy out there no hope but no 855 00:35:21,519 --> 00:35:29,710 more this ends here this ends now one 856 00:35:27,130 --> 00:35:31,030 day yes the new Equestria we are 857 00:35:29,710 --> 00:35:34,210 building will offer them the same 858 00:35:31,030 --> 00:35:35,440 utopian security that I once enjoyed but 859 00:35:34,210 --> 00:35:38,679 we cannot wait for that while our 860 00:35:35,440 --> 00:35:40,599 children suffer today the leaders of our 861 00:35:38,679 --> 00:35:42,849 past may have forgotten how each coat 862 00:35:40,599 --> 00:35:44,650 each filly is to be cherished when they 863 00:35:42,849 --> 00:35:47,259 unleash the arrogant wrath upon our 864 00:35:44,650 --> 00:35:49,720 world but we have lived through hell to 865 00:35:47,260 --> 00:35:53,230 know better and we will not wait a 866 00:35:49,719 --> 00:35:55,329 single day as those living within lands 867 00:35:53,230 --> 00:35:57,460 already being reclaimed know our 868 00:35:55,329 --> 00:36:00,639 nation's young ones are and have always 869 00:35:57,460 --> 00:36:03,340 been my highest priority all that we 870 00:36:00,639 --> 00:36:06,250 sacrifice all that we do for them to 871 00:36:03,340 --> 00:36:08,140 give them a better place and in the 872 00:36:06,250 --> 00:36:10,599 meantime we strive to give them the 873 00:36:08,139 --> 00:36:14,099 safety and security that our hooves can 874 00:36:10,599 --> 00:36:17,889 offer and more than that dear friends 875 00:36:14,099 --> 00:36:20,079 much more we provide schools where they 876 00:36:17,889 --> 00:36:22,059 can learn medical centers where they 877 00:36:20,079 --> 00:36:23,679 will obtain free treatment the best 878 00:36:22,059 --> 00:36:25,719 medical care and all the quest reiha and 879 00:36:23,679 --> 00:36:28,509 homes where they can live together with 880 00:36:25,719 --> 00:36:30,279 other children making friends all under 881 00:36:28,510 --> 00:36:34,120 the watchful care of loving approved 882 00:36:30,280 --> 00:36:35,860 mares and stallions soon the armies of 883 00:36:34,119 --> 00:36:40,389 the children of unity will come to your 884 00:36:35,860 --> 00:36:42,849 town not as an invading army oh no but 885 00:36:40,389 --> 00:36:45,809 as an army of engineers and teachers and 886 00:36:42,849 --> 00:36:47,889 doctors they will rebuild your schools 887 00:36:45,809 --> 00:36:49,299 establish hospitals that will provide 888 00:36:47,889 --> 00:36:51,339 the best care in this ruined and 889 00:36:49,300 --> 00:36:53,530 tortured nation and bring to you the 890 00:36:51,340 --> 00:36:55,019 words of the goddess so the you too may 891 00:36:53,530 --> 00:36:58,380 know unity 892 00:36:55,019 --> 00:37:02,699 and once again our children will be able 893 00:36:58,380 --> 00:37:05,340 to play freely the door to blue berry 894 00:37:02,699 --> 00:37:08,969 Sabres office opened steelo's took a 895 00:37:05,340 --> 00:37:11,510 step out little pip could you come in 896 00:37:08,969 --> 00:37:11,509 here for a moment 897 00:37:12,289 --> 00:37:16,139 elder blueberry saber was the first 898 00:37:14,639 --> 00:37:19,109 steel ranger I had actually laid eyes 899 00:37:16,139 --> 00:37:21,960 upon she was a rather pretty older mayor 900 00:37:19,110 --> 00:37:24,510 I suspected that when she was close to 901 00:37:21,960 --> 00:37:25,340 my age or even Velvets she must have 902 00:37:24,510 --> 00:37:27,570 been quite cute 903 00:37:25,340 --> 00:37:29,519 she had a pleasant blue coat and her 904 00:37:27,570 --> 00:37:32,220 mane had once been a berry purple before 905 00:37:29,519 --> 00:37:33,690 it turned mostly silver gray there was 906 00:37:32,219 --> 00:37:36,689 still a few wisps of the original color 907 00:37:33,690 --> 00:37:39,200 I couldn't see her cutie mark her robes 908 00:37:36,690 --> 00:37:41,760 concealed a modest portion of her body 909 00:37:39,199 --> 00:37:43,049 steel hooves guided me in closing the 910 00:37:41,760 --> 00:37:46,080 door behind him with his metal sheath 911 00:37:43,050 --> 00:37:47,640 tail blueberry saber stood in front of 912 00:37:46,079 --> 00:37:49,230 me beside a heavy iron table whose 913 00:37:47,639 --> 00:37:50,989 interlaced frontal design reminded me 914 00:37:49,230 --> 00:37:53,280 oddly of scaffolding 915 00:37:50,989 --> 00:37:55,139 she had one hoof up on the table 916 00:37:53,280 --> 00:37:56,430 although with a closer glance I could 917 00:37:55,139 --> 00:37:58,920 see that the hoof was actually not 918 00:37:56,429 --> 00:38:01,049 touching the metal surface trapped 919 00:37:58,920 --> 00:38:04,710 between the hoof and the desk was the 920 00:38:01,050 --> 00:38:06,930 round black ball of a memory orb little 921 00:38:04,710 --> 00:38:09,420 PIP steel have said his voice oddly 922 00:38:06,929 --> 00:38:11,069 strained I need you to look into that 923 00:38:09,420 --> 00:38:13,800 memory orb and tell me what's inside 924 00:38:11,070 --> 00:38:16,970 there I looked at him 925 00:38:13,800 --> 00:38:19,350 puzzled then at the Steel Ranger elder 926 00:38:16,969 --> 00:38:22,250 she nodded with a smirk that looked ugly 927 00:38:19,349 --> 00:38:27,630 on what should have been a pretty face 928 00:38:22,250 --> 00:38:29,659 all right I said broaching slowly I was 929 00:38:27,630 --> 00:38:32,180 a little surprised at my own hesitation 930 00:38:29,659 --> 00:38:35,369 something in the room just felt off 931 00:38:32,179 --> 00:38:38,460 still I did a steel of ask lowering my 932 00:38:35,369 --> 00:38:40,289 horned orbs the orb and focusing I felt 933 00:38:38,460 --> 00:38:43,409 the odd washing sensation as reality 934 00:38:40,289 --> 00:38:44,940 slipped part of me panicked suddenly 935 00:38:43,409 --> 00:38:48,239 thinking that they were incapacitating 936 00:38:44,940 --> 00:38:49,980 me a memory of my own that Avella remedy 937 00:38:48,239 --> 00:38:52,109 shooting me with my own dark gun flashed 938 00:38:49,980 --> 00:38:57,690 through my head 939 00:38:52,110 --> 00:39:01,140 then I was no longer with them the first 940 00:38:57,690 --> 00:39:02,760 since I gained was smell even before I 941 00:39:01,139 --> 00:39:04,920 could see the barn I could smell the 942 00:39:02,760 --> 00:39:08,250 rich scent of hay overlaid with other 943 00:39:04,920 --> 00:39:08,789 less pleasant earthy odors sight came 944 00:39:08,250 --> 00:39:11,340 next 945 00:39:08,789 --> 00:39:13,500 I wanted to blink as a dazzling sunlight 946 00:39:11,340 --> 00:39:15,260 beautiful and pure filtered into the 947 00:39:13,500 --> 00:39:19,230 barn through an open hayloft 948 00:39:15,260 --> 00:39:21,360 then came touch first the touch of the 949 00:39:19,230 --> 00:39:27,840 cloak I was wearing a rough but not a 950 00:39:21,360 --> 00:39:31,440 pleasant cloth then I felt odd the body 951 00:39:27,840 --> 00:39:34,769 I was in was different but I couldn't 952 00:39:31,440 --> 00:39:36,929 really put my hoof on how I had been in 953 00:39:34,769 --> 00:39:40,320 earth ponies before the lack of a horn 954 00:39:36,929 --> 00:39:42,059 was no longer startling to me and the 955 00:39:40,320 --> 00:39:44,309 body was less alien than that of a horny 956 00:39:42,059 --> 00:39:47,340 male much less than my exceptionally 957 00:39:44,309 --> 00:39:49,799 freaky experience a spike but I still 958 00:39:47,340 --> 00:39:53,130 felt somehow wrong and it was like an 959 00:39:49,800 --> 00:39:55,080 itch that just wouldn't go away my host 960 00:39:53,130 --> 00:39:56,610 was standing in a bed of hay watching 961 00:39:55,079 --> 00:39:57,199 his too familiar mares walked into the 962 00:39:56,610 --> 00:39:59,579 barn 963 00:39:57,199 --> 00:40:02,699 they ambled right past me without so 964 00:39:59,579 --> 00:40:04,710 much as a glance and what's this y'all 965 00:40:02,699 --> 00:40:08,909 wanted to talk about rarity what we die 966 00:40:04,710 --> 00:40:10,949 out in the barn for well the elegant 967 00:40:08,909 --> 00:40:12,449 white unicorn said looking her freckled 968 00:40:10,949 --> 00:40:14,579 friend with a frazzled blond mane 969 00:40:12,449 --> 00:40:16,259 Rainbow Dash said that the last week of 970 00:40:14,579 --> 00:40:19,079 the Summer Sun celebration she came to 971 00:40:16,260 --> 00:40:21,450 you and you didn't mind I wanted to 972 00:40:19,079 --> 00:40:22,889 snigger rarity had managed to strike a 973 00:40:21,449 --> 00:40:25,710 perfect tone between gospel and 974 00:40:22,889 --> 00:40:27,269 suggestiveness yet I could tell without 975 00:40:25,710 --> 00:40:28,710 a doubt that she was only playing on the 976 00:40:27,269 --> 00:40:32,190 orange mare with a three apple cutie 977 00:40:28,710 --> 00:40:33,539 mark call it intuition but I just knew 978 00:40:32,190 --> 00:40:35,519 that rarity only had eyes for the 979 00:40:33,539 --> 00:40:38,519 stallions and that mid Applejack's 980 00:40:35,519 --> 00:40:40,940 expression all the funnier oh hey no 981 00:40:38,519 --> 00:40:44,429 Applejack nearly shouted backpedaling 982 00:40:40,940 --> 00:40:45,980 galdang not you too Rainbow Dash was 983 00:40:44,429 --> 00:40:49,848 drunk 984 00:40:45,980 --> 00:40:52,159 and I told her I really wished my host 985 00:40:49,849 --> 00:40:53,210 would laugh because it was hard to be in 986 00:40:52,159 --> 00:40:56,899 stitches when your body wouldn't 987 00:40:53,210 --> 00:40:58,278 cooperate but in the very least I could 988 00:40:56,900 --> 00:40:59,630 tell Apple snack that whatever he had 989 00:40:58,278 --> 00:41:02,748 been afraid I might find in here was 990 00:40:59,630 --> 00:41:04,278 just rubbish Applejack regained her 991 00:41:02,748 --> 00:41:05,778 composure as rarity fluttered her eyes 992 00:41:04,278 --> 00:41:09,108 which failed to stifle a ladylike 993 00:41:05,778 --> 00:41:12,498 snicker quite fast enough Oh for the 994 00:41:09,108 --> 00:41:13,578 lover Applejack stomped did you drag me 995 00:41:12,498 --> 00:41:14,108 all the way back here just to mess with 996 00:41:13,579 --> 00:41:16,930 me 997 00:41:14,108 --> 00:41:19,778 she put a hoof to her freckled face ah 998 00:41:16,929 --> 00:41:23,558 hell did Rainbow Dash put you up to this 999 00:41:19,778 --> 00:41:25,818 this one for practical jokes ain't it 1000 00:41:23,559 --> 00:41:30,289 actually well yes 1001 00:41:25,818 --> 00:41:30,940 rarity admitted it was her idea I knew 1002 00:41:30,289 --> 00:41:35,028 it 1003 00:41:30,940 --> 00:41:36,440 Applejack huffed stompin again but I 1004 00:41:35,028 --> 00:41:38,748 really do have something I need to talk 1005 00:41:36,440 --> 00:41:42,920 to you about the graceful unicorn said 1006 00:41:38,748 --> 00:41:45,379 abruptly turning quite serious Applejack 1007 00:41:42,920 --> 00:41:49,730 could tell the mood had changed funny 1008 00:41:45,380 --> 00:41:53,829 even that at her expense was over what 1009 00:41:49,730 --> 00:41:58,389 is it I've come across some new magic 1010 00:41:53,829 --> 00:42:00,829 rarity said gorgeously zebra magic 1011 00:41:58,389 --> 00:42:02,259 she stopped measuring the country 1012 00:42:00,829 --> 00:42:04,609 mayor's reaction 1013 00:42:02,259 --> 00:42:05,650 you mean like the things the Kois to 1014 00:42:04,608 --> 00:42:10,268 brew 1015 00:42:05,650 --> 00:42:13,960 not exactly no rarity lowered her voice 1016 00:42:10,268 --> 00:42:15,979 have you ever heard of a soldier 1017 00:42:13,960 --> 00:42:17,849 Applejack stared at her purple mane 1018 00:42:15,980 --> 00:42:22,440 friend 1019 00:42:17,849 --> 00:42:26,190 no and I ain't sure I want to but 1020 00:42:22,440 --> 00:42:28,710 rarity wasn't ready to stop a soldier is 1021 00:42:26,190 --> 00:42:30,659 an item it can be any item really it 1022 00:42:28,710 --> 00:42:34,380 doesn't have to be a jar that you put a 1023 00:42:30,659 --> 00:42:37,589 soul in to Applejack's looked taken 1024 00:42:34,380 --> 00:42:39,390 aback but the unicorn continued it was 1025 00:42:37,590 --> 00:42:41,039 as if now that she had started talking 1026 00:42:39,389 --> 00:42:43,589 she just couldn't stop until it was all 1027 00:42:41,039 --> 00:42:45,840 out putting a soul into a soldier 1028 00:42:43,590 --> 00:42:47,670 changes the object it becomes 1029 00:42:45,840 --> 00:42:49,829 effectively indestructible for one and 1030 00:42:47,670 --> 00:42:52,860 you can use the soul to hang other 1031 00:42:49,829 --> 00:42:55,619 enchantments on the unicorn stomped at a 1032 00:42:52,860 --> 00:42:57,840 thought then added it becomes a 1033 00:42:55,619 --> 00:43:01,519 foundation not unlike a mega spell 1034 00:42:57,840 --> 00:43:04,200 framework I suppose rarity Applejack 1035 00:43:01,519 --> 00:43:05,849 gasped what the hell has gotten into you 1036 00:43:04,199 --> 00:43:09,480 girl where did you even get this magic 1037 00:43:05,849 --> 00:43:14,460 this is the orange mares voice lowered 1038 00:43:09,480 --> 00:43:16,050 to a hiss this is necromancy rarity 1039 00:43:14,460 --> 00:43:19,250 looked to her friend and nodded her own 1040 00:43:16,050 --> 00:43:23,340 eyes wide I know 1041 00:43:19,250 --> 00:43:26,849 then an answer it's from a zebra book 1042 00:43:23,340 --> 00:43:30,140 called the black book again she paused 1043 00:43:26,849 --> 00:43:33,509 thinking well the black book of 1044 00:43:30,139 --> 00:43:34,949 something I can't pronounce a name but 1045 00:43:33,510 --> 00:43:37,320 it doesn't have vowels and places it 1046 00:43:34,949 --> 00:43:40,139 ought to it has all manner of extremely 1047 00:43:37,320 --> 00:43:43,519 icky things in it soldiers bypass spells 1048 00:43:40,139 --> 00:43:46,440 magic test hair souls apart 1049 00:43:43,519 --> 00:43:49,440 with each word Applejack's expression 1050 00:43:46,440 --> 00:43:52,289 became more horrified rarity seemed not 1051 00:43:49,440 --> 00:43:54,000 to quite notice she gave a smirk like 1052 00:43:52,289 --> 00:43:56,639 she was revealing a particularly juicy 1053 00:43:54,000 --> 00:43:58,559 bit of gossip if you bind to the more 1054 00:43:56,639 --> 00:43:59,909 colorful background of the book they say 1055 00:43:58,559 --> 00:44:01,289 that it was written by a mad zebra 1056 00:43:59,909 --> 00:44:03,489 alchemist who communicated with the 1057 00:44:01,289 --> 00:44:07,300 stars through dreams 1058 00:44:03,489 --> 00:44:10,509 who was they Applejack asked but never 1059 00:44:07,300 --> 00:44:12,880 got an answer now I know all this is 1060 00:44:10,510 --> 00:44:14,260 perfectly dreadful and my first instinct 1061 00:44:12,880 --> 00:44:17,170 was to burn the book and be rid of it 1062 00:44:14,260 --> 00:44:19,120 rarity said for the first time since the 1063 00:44:17,170 --> 00:44:21,760 conversation turned dire Applejack 1064 00:44:19,119 --> 00:44:25,000 looked a little relieved that relief was 1065 00:44:21,760 --> 00:44:26,320 short-lived but the top magician in my 1066 00:44:25,000 --> 00:44:27,760 ministry says that he ought to be able 1067 00:44:26,320 --> 00:44:29,830 to take that soul shredding magic and 1068 00:44:27,760 --> 00:44:31,240 rework it turning it into precision 1069 00:44:29,829 --> 00:44:33,150 spell that will allow him to cut off 1070 00:44:31,239 --> 00:44:35,379 just a small portion of a pony's soul 1071 00:44:33,150 --> 00:44:36,970 enough to create a soldier without doing 1072 00:44:35,380 --> 00:44:41,970 any real damage to the subject of the 1073 00:44:36,969 --> 00:44:45,279 spell and why would you want to do that 1074 00:44:41,969 --> 00:44:46,480 think of an apple jack what soldier 1075 00:44:45,280 --> 00:44:48,160 wouldn't be willing to give up just a 1076 00:44:46,480 --> 00:44:49,840 small bit of her soul to be put into her 1077 00:44:48,159 --> 00:44:53,339 own armor making it completely 1078 00:44:49,840 --> 00:44:55,630 impervious to any bullet any weapon 1079 00:44:53,340 --> 00:44:58,360 rarity was positively glowing in the 1080 00:44:55,630 --> 00:44:59,800 rapture of her idea and it wouldn't have 1081 00:44:58,360 --> 00:45:01,930 to be those ugly metal things that your 1082 00:44:59,800 --> 00:45:03,970 ministry has been working on we could 1083 00:45:01,929 --> 00:45:08,829 make it perfect impenetrable armor and 1084 00:45:03,969 --> 00:45:11,859 dresses beautiful dresses Applejack was 1085 00:45:08,829 --> 00:45:13,960 reeling and it not only what our 1086 00:45:11,860 --> 00:45:15,340 soldiers look absolutely fabulous and be 1087 00:45:13,960 --> 00:45:18,010 immune to the weapons of our enemy 1088 00:45:15,340 --> 00:45:21,070 rarity continued they wouldn't be 1089 00:45:18,010 --> 00:45:22,330 weighed down encumbered until now our 1090 00:45:21,070 --> 00:45:26,890 word barding has always come with a 1091 00:45:22,329 --> 00:45:28,900 price of mobility but now rarity the 1092 00:45:26,889 --> 00:45:31,869 unicorn stopped putting her hooves on 1093 00:45:28,900 --> 00:45:33,550 Applejack solders Applejack could just 1094 00:45:31,869 --> 00:45:35,799 think none of our family would have to 1095 00:45:33,550 --> 00:45:40,360 die in battle anymore if big McIntosh 1096 00:45:35,800 --> 00:45:43,090 had no rarity dropped back stunned by 1097 00:45:40,360 --> 00:45:45,519 Applejack sudden outburst but the orange 1098 00:45:43,090 --> 00:45:47,140 pony wasn't done she advanced on her 1099 00:45:45,519 --> 00:45:49,239 friend jabbing a hoof at her breast 1100 00:45:47,139 --> 00:45:51,389 don't you dare bring my brother into 1101 00:45:49,239 --> 00:45:55,629 this blackness 1102 00:45:51,389 --> 00:45:58,569 rarity gasped eyes wide this talk stops 1103 00:45:55,630 --> 00:45:59,230 now I have a jack demanded I don't hear 1104 00:45:58,570 --> 00:46:03,430 another word 1105 00:45:59,230 --> 00:46:05,289 this is vile no soldier would give up 1106 00:46:03,429 --> 00:46:07,419 what you're suggesting and even if they 1107 00:46:05,289 --> 00:46:09,730 were willing how could we let them some 1108 00:46:07,420 --> 00:46:11,320 prices are just too high don't you think 1109 00:46:09,730 --> 00:46:12,909 if there weren't horrific consequences 1110 00:46:11,320 --> 00:46:14,350 to playing with these things we'd 1111 00:46:12,909 --> 00:46:16,779 already facing zebras with impenetrable 1112 00:46:14,349 --> 00:46:17,500 armor or bullets that could just shoot 1113 00:46:16,780 --> 00:46:22,930 through anything 1114 00:46:17,500 --> 00:46:25,090 or worse I rarity stopped 1115 00:46:22,929 --> 00:46:26,769 she turned her gaze away from Applejack 1116 00:46:25,090 --> 00:46:32,410 a flush of embarrassment on her cheeks 1117 00:46:26,769 --> 00:46:34,230 oh you're so right I I don't know what I 1118 00:46:32,409 --> 00:46:38,399 was thinking 1119 00:46:34,230 --> 00:46:41,409 Applejack let out a sigh of deep relief 1120 00:46:38,400 --> 00:46:42,820 it's okay sugar cube he got wrapped up 1121 00:46:41,409 --> 00:46:46,259 in an ocean didn't really think it 1122 00:46:42,820 --> 00:46:48,490 through have his doll of us now again 1123 00:46:46,260 --> 00:46:52,690 the unicorn looked up to Applejack 1124 00:46:48,489 --> 00:46:53,979 smiling weakly well then I'm lucky I 1125 00:46:52,690 --> 00:46:55,858 have a good friend you can slap me out 1126 00:46:53,980 --> 00:46:59,079 of it 1127 00:46:55,858 --> 00:47:01,090 Applejack gave a chuckle know how I'm 1128 00:46:59,079 --> 00:47:02,199 done then now once you go back to 1129 00:47:01,090 --> 00:47:04,180 Canterlot continue working on your 1130 00:47:02,199 --> 00:47:06,219 designs you have a heap of work on your 1131 00:47:04,179 --> 00:47:09,759 plate as is and neither of us a mention 1132 00:47:06,219 --> 00:47:12,219 this ever again like it never happened 1133 00:47:09,760 --> 00:47:14,380 rarity said genuine thankfulness in her 1134 00:47:12,219 --> 00:47:17,118 voice like it never happened 1135 00:47:14,380 --> 00:47:19,190 Applejack agreed 1136 00:47:17,119 --> 00:47:21,650 rarity and Applejack embraced each other 1137 00:47:19,190 --> 00:47:24,159 in a Haga then the unicorn slipped 1138 00:47:21,650 --> 00:47:28,220 elegantly away and back to the barn door 1139 00:47:24,159 --> 00:47:30,889 hey Applejack called out her friends 1140 00:47:28,219 --> 00:47:32,929 stopped looking back and when he get 1141 00:47:30,889 --> 00:47:34,338 back running that book her better yet 1142 00:47:32,929 --> 00:47:37,129 have somepony else to do it for you 1143 00:47:34,338 --> 00:47:38,328 the orange pony suggested I get the 1144 00:47:37,130 --> 00:47:40,150 suspicion that even reading it was 1145 00:47:38,329 --> 00:47:42,230 messing with your head 1146 00:47:40,150 --> 00:47:45,410 rarity lifted a hoof to her chin and 1147 00:47:42,230 --> 00:47:46,630 thought then nodded yes I do think 1148 00:47:45,409 --> 00:47:50,298 you're quite right Applejack 1149 00:47:46,630 --> 00:47:54,950 she gave a ladylike frown that book is 1150 00:47:50,298 --> 00:47:56,449 dangerous Applejack wash rarity pushed 1151 00:47:54,949 --> 00:47:57,368 the barn door open with a hoof and walk 1152 00:47:56,449 --> 00:48:00,409 out 1153 00:47:57,369 --> 00:48:01,910 finally my host moved stepping lightly 1154 00:48:00,409 --> 00:48:03,879 so as not to make any noise 1155 00:48:01,909 --> 00:48:06,889 following the beautiful white unicorn 1156 00:48:03,880 --> 00:48:08,749 hey Applejack called Agana 1157 00:48:06,889 --> 00:48:11,210 galloping past me fast enough to make my 1158 00:48:08,748 --> 00:48:13,759 cloak flutter she stopped at the door 1159 00:48:11,210 --> 00:48:15,858 calling out and for whatever nonsense 1160 00:48:13,759 --> 00:48:18,369 Rainbow Dash put you up to that hug does 1161 00:48:15,858 --> 00:48:18,369 not count 1162 00:48:19,519 --> 00:48:24,500 I was back back in my own body and back 1163 00:48:23,300 --> 00:48:26,510 in the presence of steel wolves and 1164 00:48:24,500 --> 00:48:29,300 blueberry saber both high-ranking 1165 00:48:26,510 --> 00:48:31,670 members of the seal Rangers the wearers 1166 00:48:29,300 --> 00:48:34,460 of those ugly metal things Applejack had 1167 00:48:31,670 --> 00:48:36,920 gone ahead and designed gears were 1168 00:48:34,460 --> 00:48:38,300 starting to move in my head again the 1169 00:48:36,920 --> 00:48:39,970 pony my brain was busy 1170 00:48:38,300 --> 00:48:41,930 shoveling puzzle pieces into place and 1171 00:48:39,969 --> 00:48:43,579 the first one that clicked was the 1172 00:48:41,929 --> 00:48:47,000 memory of Applejack and rarity talking 1173 00:48:43,579 --> 00:48:48,380 in spikes memory I should hope this 1174 00:48:47,000 --> 00:48:50,900 ain't nothing to do with that thing we 1175 00:48:48,380 --> 00:48:55,190 never talked about oh no darling gave 1176 00:48:50,900 --> 00:48:56,690 that project of ages ago steel hooves 1177 00:48:55,190 --> 00:49:01,070 interrupted by mental puzzle solving 1178 00:48:56,690 --> 00:49:05,900 with an uncharacteristic tone whoa what 1179 00:49:01,070 --> 00:49:07,610 was the memory I blinked I was no longer 1180 00:49:05,900 --> 00:49:09,680 thinking that the issue was Applejack's 1181 00:49:07,610 --> 00:49:13,610 fidelity which should never have been in 1182 00:49:09,679 --> 00:49:15,009 the question but I was at a loss as for 1183 00:49:13,610 --> 00:49:17,660 what had steel hooves on edge 1184 00:49:15,010 --> 00:49:19,120 clearly Applejack I talked her friend 1185 00:49:17,659 --> 00:49:21,409 away from that horrifying course 1186 00:49:19,119 --> 00:49:24,829 otherwise such perfect armors would 1187 00:49:21,409 --> 00:49:27,980 still be around today it was a 1188 00:49:24,829 --> 00:49:28,940 conversation I offered my brain working 1189 00:49:27,980 --> 00:49:32,210 to figure out how to pull the 1190 00:49:28,940 --> 00:49:33,950 information I wanted out of them between 1191 00:49:32,210 --> 00:49:36,980 the mayors of the Ministry of Technology 1192 00:49:33,949 --> 00:49:38,299 and the ministry of image I wondered if 1193 00:49:36,980 --> 00:49:40,550 I should have been calling the Ministry 1194 00:49:38,300 --> 00:49:43,850 of wartime technology but it was too 1195 00:49:40,550 --> 00:49:45,410 late to change my wording it was a long 1196 00:49:43,849 --> 00:49:48,170 conversation about several things 1197 00:49:45,409 --> 00:49:51,139 most of them trivial I said not exactly 1198 00:49:48,170 --> 00:49:53,110 dishonestly what specifically were you 1199 00:49:51,139 --> 00:49:56,710 looking for 1200 00:49:53,110 --> 00:50:01,289 Stilo shook his head telling you advice 1201 00:49:56,710 --> 00:50:03,639 the answer alder blueberry saber snorted 1202 00:50:01,289 --> 00:50:06,579 well if you won't I have no problem 1203 00:50:03,639 --> 00:50:09,400 telling her the elderly mayor smiled at 1204 00:50:06,579 --> 00:50:10,809 me tell him that this memory proves the 1205 00:50:09,400 --> 00:50:13,210 values of the ministry Mary so 1206 00:50:10,809 --> 00:50:14,980 stubbornly clings to our affection this 1207 00:50:13,210 --> 00:50:16,690 memory proofs that she didn't care about 1208 00:50:14,980 --> 00:50:18,969 the lives of the soldiers but only about 1209 00:50:16,690 --> 00:50:20,500 advancing her own designs and when some 1210 00:50:18,969 --> 00:50:22,359 other Pony came up with a much much 1211 00:50:20,500 --> 00:50:27,250 better Armour design she made sure it 1212 00:50:22,360 --> 00:50:30,550 never saw the light of day oh that was 1213 00:50:27,250 --> 00:50:33,750 what this was about I blinked feeling 1214 00:50:30,550 --> 00:50:36,370 angry now that's what this was about of 1215 00:50:33,750 --> 00:50:38,230 all the much much worse things in that 1216 00:50:36,369 --> 00:50:42,359 memory the elder of the steel rangers 1217 00:50:38,230 --> 00:50:44,380 was focused on this I about spit my bit 1218 00:50:42,360 --> 00:50:47,170 standing up as tall as my little frame 1219 00:50:44,380 --> 00:50:50,130 would allow i huffed how about I tell 1220 00:50:47,170 --> 00:50:52,680 you what I didn't see in that memory 1221 00:50:50,130 --> 00:50:54,640 blueberry saber blinked in response 1222 00:50:52,679 --> 00:50:58,619 Steve Willis took a tentative step 1223 00:50:54,639 --> 00:51:01,029 towards me what I didn't see was my host 1224 00:50:58,619 --> 00:51:02,799 from the blank look in the elders eyes I 1225 00:51:01,030 --> 00:51:05,470 realized I was using terms I'd come up 1226 00:51:02,800 --> 00:51:08,200 with myself I had no idea what the 1227 00:51:05,469 --> 00:51:10,569 proper term for memories host was not 1228 00:51:08,199 --> 00:51:12,759 that it mattered the elder was an earth 1229 00:51:10,570 --> 00:51:15,610 pony she couldn't see into a memory 1230 00:51:12,760 --> 00:51:17,050 without a recollect er anyway it seemed 1231 00:51:15,610 --> 00:51:19,329 increasingly likely that she had never 1232 00:51:17,050 --> 00:51:20,950 actually seen the memory herself or that 1233 00:51:19,329 --> 00:51:23,980 she had many years ago and lacked a 1234 00:51:20,949 --> 00:51:26,049 clear recollection of its contents so I 1235 00:51:23,980 --> 00:51:28,630 tried again keeping my anger at this 1236 00:51:26,050 --> 00:51:30,970 nonsense tightly under control 1237 00:51:28,630 --> 00:51:34,090 I didn't see the pony whose memory was 1238 00:51:30,969 --> 00:51:36,309 naive enough or Huff and while it's not 1239 00:51:34,090 --> 00:51:37,600 entirely unusual I'm quite certain that 1240 00:51:36,309 --> 00:51:39,730 the two ministry mayor's couldn't see 1241 00:51:37,599 --> 00:51:40,869 her either I don't think they would have 1242 00:51:39,730 --> 00:51:44,409 had that conversation if they knew 1243 00:51:40,869 --> 00:51:46,089 somebody else was present both the odor 1244 00:51:44,409 --> 00:51:49,509 and steals are still for at least a 1245 00:51:46,090 --> 00:51:51,100 moment actually paying attention what I 1246 00:51:49,510 --> 00:51:55,140 saw in there was that somepony was 1247 00:51:51,099 --> 00:51:59,049 spying on the ministry mares invisible I 1248 00:51:55,139 --> 00:52:01,119 remembered the itchy strangeness and I 1249 00:51:59,050 --> 00:52:02,530 don't think it was even a pony I'm 1250 00:52:01,119 --> 00:52:07,000 pretty sure I just shared the memory of 1251 00:52:02,530 --> 00:52:09,930 a zebra another puzzle piece slotted 1252 00:52:07,000 --> 00:52:11,710 into my head I lifted my pipbuck sang I 1253 00:52:09,929 --> 00:52:13,000 found this in the rubble of a 1254 00:52:11,710 --> 00:52:15,849 recruitment center out near the shadow 1255 00:52:13,000 --> 00:52:17,380 to facility I played back the old 1256 00:52:15,849 --> 00:52:19,289 recording removing the ear bloom 1257 00:52:17,380 --> 00:52:21,670 attachment so both of them could hear 1258 00:52:19,289 --> 00:52:23,710 I'm sending one of the devices recovered 1259 00:52:21,670 --> 00:52:25,180 from shattered Oh fridge intelligence 1260 00:52:23,710 --> 00:52:27,550 suggests that the Zebras have developed 1261 00:52:25,179 --> 00:52:28,719 invisibility spell fetishes but this 1262 00:52:27,550 --> 00:52:30,880 looks like something designed by the 1263 00:52:28,719 --> 00:52:33,699 Ministry of Magic it's even pipbuck 1264 00:52:30,880 --> 00:52:35,260 compatible I hate to say it but it looks 1265 00:52:33,699 --> 00:52:37,839 like we've got traitors in our midst if 1266 00:52:35,260 --> 00:52:39,850 somepony in the MAS is leaking arcane 1267 00:52:37,840 --> 00:52:42,780 technology to the Zebras the princess 1268 00:52:39,849 --> 00:52:42,779 will need to take action 1269 00:52:44,940 --> 00:52:49,470 what followed the recording was much 1270 00:52:46,800 --> 00:52:51,089 discussion but in the end the only thing 1271 00:52:49,469 --> 00:52:52,588 resolved was that I had gotten at least 1272 00:52:51,088 --> 00:52:54,150 a little bit of the elders trust while 1273 00:52:52,588 --> 00:52:57,299 managing to sidetrack both of them from 1274 00:52:54,150 --> 00:52:58,889 their earlier argument it was over an 1275 00:52:57,300 --> 00:53:01,019 hour later when elder blueberry sabre 1276 00:52:58,889 --> 00:53:02,759 got up and tried to the window staring 1277 00:53:01,019 --> 00:53:05,880 out at an angry red glow coming from the 1278 00:53:02,760 --> 00:53:07,319 walled off portion of Philadelphia if 1279 00:53:05,880 --> 00:53:08,160 you're going in there you won't be able 1280 00:53:07,318 --> 00:53:10,679 to do it like that 1281 00:53:08,159 --> 00:53:14,279 she said not with armor and an arsenal 1282 00:53:10,679 --> 00:53:16,889 and a squad of companions why not 1283 00:53:14,280 --> 00:53:19,230 I asked I'm not worried about getting 1284 00:53:16,889 --> 00:53:21,960 past the wall I can just float us over 1285 00:53:19,230 --> 00:53:26,369 when there's a gap in the patrols that 1286 00:53:21,960 --> 00:53:28,650 was at least my plan because blueberry 1287 00:53:26,369 --> 00:53:30,720 saber turned to me you'll never get 1288 00:53:28,650 --> 00:53:33,180 close to redeye that way he's always 1289 00:53:30,719 --> 00:53:34,828 protected in the very least by a flock 1290 00:53:33,179 --> 00:53:36,960 of Griffin's if not by a wing of those 1291 00:53:34,829 --> 00:53:38,700 damned Alec ones the first sign of 1292 00:53:36,960 --> 00:53:40,949 trouble and he'll hop his sky cherry and 1293 00:53:38,699 --> 00:53:42,389 leave the city you'll lose any chance 1294 00:53:40,949 --> 00:53:46,559 you have of taking him down before you 1295 00:53:42,389 --> 00:53:48,059 even know it damn I was confident being 1296 00:53:46,559 --> 00:53:50,549 able to sneak close until she mentioned 1297 00:53:48,059 --> 00:53:53,338 the alicorns I should have figured this 1298 00:53:50,550 --> 00:53:55,560 couldn't be easy but I was damned if I 1299 00:53:53,338 --> 00:53:57,119 would just give up and go home not after 1300 00:53:55,559 --> 00:54:00,449 the fresh reminder of what these slavers 1301 00:53:57,119 --> 00:54:03,180 were doing to innocent ponies I can help 1302 00:54:00,449 --> 00:54:03,838 you the elder offered if you agree to 1303 00:54:03,179 --> 00:54:07,559 help me in return 1304 00:54:03,838 --> 00:54:11,789 oh this was going to be one of those 1305 00:54:07,559 --> 00:54:13,049 days the elder laid it out for me she 1306 00:54:11,789 --> 00:54:14,579 could get me and maybe one of my 1307 00:54:13,050 --> 00:54:16,980 companions into the walled section of 1308 00:54:14,579 --> 00:54:19,680 the city stripped of our possessions and 1309 00:54:16,980 --> 00:54:20,969 dressed in the rags of slaves I'd have 1310 00:54:19,679 --> 00:54:23,039 to work my way to him from there 1311 00:54:20,969 --> 00:54:25,739 preferably by gaining his trust rather 1312 00:54:23,039 --> 00:54:27,389 than by body count the latter method was 1313 00:54:25,739 --> 00:54:30,929 likely to backfire for the same reason a 1314 00:54:27,389 --> 00:54:32,250 covert assault would he may have more to 1315 00:54:30,929 --> 00:54:35,608 fear from the inmates than the guards 1316 00:54:32,250 --> 00:54:36,809 blueberry saber noted red eyes as armies 1317 00:54:35,608 --> 00:54:38,190 have started rounding up Raiders and 1318 00:54:36,809 --> 00:54:40,380 putting them to work as slavers along 1319 00:54:38,190 --> 00:54:41,730 with the rest some of the ponies will be 1320 00:54:40,380 --> 00:54:43,490 stuck within there are exceptionally 1321 00:54:41,730 --> 00:54:45,929 nasty refuse 1322 00:54:43,489 --> 00:54:49,439 this plan just kept even better and 1323 00:54:45,929 --> 00:54:50,069 better and what do you want from me in 1324 00:54:49,440 --> 00:54:53,929 return 1325 00:54:50,070 --> 00:54:56,220 I asked finally two things 1326 00:54:53,929 --> 00:55:00,179 blueberry saber walked around the office 1327 00:54:56,219 --> 00:55:01,799 as she spoke first red eye has managed 1328 00:55:00,179 --> 00:55:04,079 to develop some sort of engine fueled by 1329 00:55:01,800 --> 00:55:05,789 radiation he's been having the slaves 1330 00:55:04,079 --> 00:55:07,980 mining the Philadelphia crater itself 1331 00:55:05,789 --> 00:55:10,670 free rated de breeze which he can turn 1332 00:55:07,980 --> 00:55:13,619 into usable energy to run his factories 1333 00:55:10,670 --> 00:55:16,710 CeeLo snickered well that's a game 1334 00:55:13,619 --> 00:55:18,059 changer red eyes claims of building a 1335 00:55:16,710 --> 00:55:19,980 new Equestria at least on a 1336 00:55:18,059 --> 00:55:23,670 infrastructural level suddenly gained a 1337 00:55:19,980 --> 00:55:26,190 lot more authenticity indeed blueberry 1338 00:55:23,670 --> 00:55:30,750 saber agreed she turned on me 1339 00:55:26,190 --> 00:55:33,950 I want the plans for that engine okay 1340 00:55:30,750 --> 00:55:38,280 plans for radiation engine that was one 1341 00:55:33,949 --> 00:55:39,569 and number two the Steel Ranger elder 1342 00:55:38,280 --> 00:55:42,480 frowned even more deeply 1343 00:55:39,570 --> 00:55:43,980 our intelligence states that redeye has 1344 00:55:42,480 --> 00:55:47,838 gotten ahold of research into something 1345 00:55:43,980 --> 00:55:50,250 called a bypass spell I felt a jolt I 1346 00:55:47,838 --> 00:55:53,449 had heard of that sort of magic not two 1347 00:55:50,250 --> 00:55:55,949 hours ago and not in pleasant context I 1348 00:55:53,449 --> 00:55:58,858 want you to find his research on bypass 1349 00:55:55,949 --> 00:56:01,529 spells confiscate what you can destroy 1350 00:55:58,858 --> 00:56:05,329 the rest the elder stomped both of her 1351 00:56:01,530 --> 00:56:08,970 forehooves thoroughly obliterated I 1352 00:56:05,329 --> 00:56:09,869 raised an eyebrow since one is the 1353 00:56:08,969 --> 00:56:13,199 Ministry of wartime technology 1354 00:56:09,869 --> 00:56:16,260 interested in spell research 1355 00:56:13,199 --> 00:56:19,649 Steele have stepped in since it's a 1356 00:56:16,260 --> 00:56:21,630 matter of survival he explained the 1357 00:56:19,650 --> 00:56:24,059 Zebras created by passenger mitts midway 1358 00:56:21,630 --> 00:56:26,130 through the war bypass augments another 1359 00:56:24,059 --> 00:56:29,159 magical effect allowing it to ignore one 1360 00:56:26,130 --> 00:56:30,869 specific type of things the zebras for 1361 00:56:29,159 --> 00:56:33,239 instance used it to create balefire 1362 00:56:30,869 --> 00:56:35,099 bursts the much smaller version of the 1363 00:56:33,239 --> 00:56:38,639 mega spell you are familiar with with a 1364 00:56:35,099 --> 00:56:40,920 zebra bypass with that as the briquette 1365 00:56:38,639 --> 00:56:43,139 rot into an area crowded with ponies set 1366 00:56:40,920 --> 00:56:44,460 off the blast and kill every pony within 1367 00:56:43,139 --> 00:56:48,269 a block or two without being harmed 1368 00:56:44,460 --> 00:56:50,190 herself the mental image of an invisible 1369 00:56:48,269 --> 00:56:51,539 zebra walking into a crowded stable 1370 00:56:50,190 --> 00:56:53,429 atrium during one of velvet remedies 1371 00:56:51,539 --> 00:56:57,420 performances suddenly lodged in my mind 1372 00:56:53,429 --> 00:56:59,069 and refused to leave the unicorns of the 1373 00:56:57,420 --> 00:57:00,450 Ministry of arcane science has failed to 1374 00:56:59,070 --> 00:57:03,019 crack the enchantment before the mega 1375 00:57:00,449 --> 00:57:05,159 spells fell blueberry saber inform Bane 1376 00:57:03,019 --> 00:57:08,219 but it's impossible to know how close 1377 00:57:05,159 --> 00:57:10,769 they were and thus how close redeye is I 1378 00:57:08,219 --> 00:57:12,209 think however that you can grasp why it 1379 00:57:10,769 --> 00:57:13,739 is in everybody's best interest that 1380 00:57:12,210 --> 00:57:17,340 redeye is not allowed to finish his 1381 00:57:13,739 --> 00:57:21,649 research I nodded now imagining spells 1382 00:57:17,340 --> 00:57:25,500 with an alicorn bypass by the goddesses 1383 00:57:21,650 --> 00:57:30,119 so the elder asked do you agree to my 1384 00:57:25,500 --> 00:57:32,849 offer as much as I hated to I didn't see 1385 00:57:30,119 --> 00:57:34,710 another way not now 1386 00:57:32,849 --> 00:57:36,920 now the simply killing redeye wasn't 1387 00:57:34,710 --> 00:57:36,920 enough 1388 00:57:37,389 --> 00:57:44,769 this is a stupid plan I sighed looking 1389 00:57:41,559 --> 00:57:48,549 at my friends almost definitely 1390 00:57:44,769 --> 00:57:49,329 but it's the plan we've got I letting 1391 00:57:48,550 --> 00:57:53,490 you go in there alone 1392 00:57:49,329 --> 00:57:57,279 Calamity insisted especially unarmed I 1393 00:57:53,489 --> 00:58:00,039 smile at his loyalty I won't be in 1394 00:57:57,280 --> 00:58:02,380 totally unarmed I assured him they won't 1395 00:58:00,039 --> 00:58:05,860 be taking my horn and they can't take my 1396 00:58:02,380 --> 00:58:07,690 pipbuck either instead we will be 1397 00:58:05,860 --> 00:58:10,900 wrapping my forelegs and bulky racks to 1398 00:58:07,690 --> 00:58:13,450 hide its presence why do you have to go 1399 00:58:10,900 --> 00:58:16,119 in a lone fell for remedy asks almost 1400 00:58:13,449 --> 00:58:18,329 pleading if anything she seemed to like 1401 00:58:16,119 --> 00:58:22,659 this plan even less than calamity 1402 00:58:18,329 --> 00:58:25,000 because because I don't want the damn 1403 00:58:22,659 --> 00:58:27,849 slavers get their hooves on you you're 1404 00:58:25,000 --> 00:58:31,030 gorgeous and they're beautiful is a 1405 00:58:27,849 --> 00:58:31,360 really bad thing to be I need you out 1406 00:58:31,030 --> 00:58:33,550 here 1407 00:58:31,360 --> 00:58:36,940 your non-combatant and that place is 1408 00:58:33,550 --> 00:58:40,210 full of enslaved raiders please please 1409 00:58:36,940 --> 00:58:42,010 don't make me explain further velvet 1410 00:58:40,210 --> 00:58:45,490 remedy scowled and clearly hating every 1411 00:58:42,010 --> 00:58:47,380 word but said nothing more one of us 1412 00:58:45,489 --> 00:58:50,359 needs to be with you calamity demanded 1413 00:58:47,380 --> 00:58:51,890 one on me 1414 00:58:50,360 --> 00:58:53,980 at least with calamity I felt 1415 00:58:51,889 --> 00:58:57,619 comfortable with a direct answer to 1416 00:58:53,980 --> 00:59:00,800 reasons I said feeling bizarrely like 1417 00:58:57,619 --> 00:59:03,199 blueberry's saber for a moment first 1418 00:59:00,800 --> 00:59:04,600 because you're a Pegasus and Luna only 1419 00:59:03,199 --> 00:59:06,949 knows what they would do with a Pegasus 1420 00:59:04,599 --> 00:59:10,130 you folk aren't exactly a common prize 1421 00:59:06,949 --> 00:59:12,949 down here I pressed my lips together in 1422 00:59:10,130 --> 00:59:16,490 chagrin I don't think we'd be able to 1423 00:59:12,949 --> 00:59:19,669 stay together past the gate calamity was 1424 00:59:16,489 --> 00:59:21,500 not at all satisfied I don't care 1425 00:59:19,670 --> 00:59:23,329 let him try to do what they think I'll 1426 00:59:21,500 --> 00:59:26,659 let him get away with I'm not an 1427 00:59:23,329 --> 00:59:28,909 abandoned you because of that I've been 1428 00:59:26,659 --> 00:59:31,579 expecting that but I still felt a wave 1429 00:59:28,909 --> 00:59:33,319 of genuine gratitude but before I can 1430 00:59:31,579 --> 00:59:34,599 move on to my second reason velvet 1431 00:59:33,320 --> 00:59:39,440 remedy interrupted 1432 00:59:34,599 --> 00:59:42,289 how about steel hoofs I can't go steel 1433 00:59:39,440 --> 00:59:45,579 have said simply Oh Steel Ranger is a 1434 00:59:42,289 --> 00:59:45,579 bit conspicuous 1435 00:59:45,730 --> 00:59:50,949 though outside with exasperation we all 1436 00:59:49,000 --> 00:59:52,929 know you're a ghoul now you don't have 1437 00:59:50,949 --> 00:59:58,449 to hide in your armor anymore you can 1438 00:59:52,929 --> 01:00:00,129 take it off no I can't Calamity cocked 1439 00:59:58,449 --> 01:00:04,169 his head giving steal of zach whirring 1440 01:00:00,130 --> 01:00:04,170 look why not 1441 01:00:05,048 --> 01:00:10,119 because my body is fused to it was the 1442 01:00:07,750 --> 01:00:15,130 ghouls answer listening several gasps 1443 01:00:10,119 --> 01:00:16,269 one of which was for me Oh planned he 1444 01:00:15,130 --> 01:00:20,019 took a few steps back 1445 01:00:16,268 --> 01:00:23,018 yeah that category 1446 01:00:20,018 --> 01:00:26,798 there are types of ghouls now other than 1447 01:00:23,018 --> 01:00:28,358 ghoul pony and zombie Pony velvet remedy 1448 01:00:26,798 --> 01:00:29,400 looked equally surprised by calamities 1449 01:00:28,358 --> 01:00:33,308 reaction 1450 01:00:29,400 --> 01:00:37,990 what kind of ghoul he's a can allot 1451 01:00:33,309 --> 01:00:41,829 ghoul ceelo's nodded Bella Remy and I 1452 01:00:37,989 --> 01:00:47,669 are still in the dark would somepony 1453 01:00:41,829 --> 01:00:47,670 care to explain no more secrets 1454 01:00:49,989 --> 01:00:53,500 ponies who suffered massive amount of 1455 01:00:51,909 --> 01:00:55,118 magical radiation and survived were 1456 01:00:53,500 --> 01:00:56,670 forced to endure the cruel deterioration 1457 01:00:55,119 --> 01:00:58,869 of becoming a ghoul pony 1458 01:00:56,670 --> 01:01:00,849 since the zebras and employed different 1459 01:00:58,869 --> 01:01:02,108 kinds of mega spells it only stood to 1460 01:01:00,849 --> 01:01:05,170 reason that there were minor differences 1461 01:01:02,108 --> 01:01:06,880 in the effects in most cases these 1462 01:01:05,170 --> 01:01:08,050 differences were barely recognizable 1463 01:01:06,880 --> 01:01:11,320 except between the ghoul ponies 1464 01:01:08,050 --> 01:01:13,839 themselves but can't rely ghoul ponies 1465 01:01:11,320 --> 01:01:15,160 were an entirely different sort because 1466 01:01:13,838 --> 01:01:19,299 the mega spell unleashed in Canterlot 1467 01:01:15,159 --> 01:01:22,289 was unlike any other when the bomb 1468 01:01:19,300 --> 01:01:24,670 started to fall Steel has told us 1469 01:01:22,289 --> 01:01:25,380 Princess Luna throw a shield over the 1470 01:01:24,670 --> 01:01:27,760 city 1471 01:01:25,380 --> 01:01:29,829 Canterlot was bombarded by hundreds of 1472 01:01:27,760 --> 01:01:31,330 missile strikes none of them were mega 1473 01:01:29,829 --> 01:01:33,880 spells like the missiles which hit 1474 01:01:31,329 --> 01:01:35,230 clouds there in Philadelphia but they 1475 01:01:33,880 --> 01:01:37,780 would have been devastating all the same 1476 01:01:35,230 --> 01:01:40,960 how they struck home but the princess 1477 01:01:37,780 --> 01:01:43,500 has kept her shield up Belair having a 1478 01:01:40,960 --> 01:01:45,940 nice at listening almost entranced 1479 01:01:43,500 --> 01:01:49,179 calamity paced off to the side fretfully 1480 01:01:45,940 --> 01:01:51,369 I was stationed one of the hamlets that 1481 01:01:49,179 --> 01:01:54,129 surrounded the city just outside the 1482 01:01:51,369 --> 01:01:56,170 perimeter of the shield my squat orders 1483 01:01:54,130 --> 01:01:57,519 were to evacuate the hamlets getting as 1484 01:01:56,170 --> 01:02:00,220 many of the ponies to shelters or 1485 01:01:57,519 --> 01:02:01,719 stables as we could the blasts wash from 1486 01:02:00,219 --> 01:02:03,189 those missiles exploding as the shield 1487 01:02:01,719 --> 01:02:07,799 wiped out hundreds in the first few 1488 01:02:03,190 --> 01:02:07,800 minutes the bombardment lasted hours 1489 01:02:08,289 --> 01:02:13,150 steel loaves took a deep trembling 1490 01:02:10,210 --> 01:02:15,300 breath and pressed on even hidden in his 1491 01:02:13,150 --> 01:02:17,680 armor I could tell he was shaken 1492 01:02:15,300 --> 01:02:19,900 although at the time I thought it was by 1493 01:02:17,679 --> 01:02:21,250 memory of those deaths I would realize 1494 01:02:19,900 --> 01:02:22,829 later it was because of what happened 1495 01:02:21,250 --> 01:02:26,050 next 1496 01:02:22,829 --> 01:02:27,630 Applejack was with me but when Shrek 1497 01:02:26,050 --> 01:02:29,650 started she fled back to Ponyville 1498 01:02:27,630 --> 01:02:31,180 leaving us to do our work while she 1499 01:02:29,650 --> 01:02:34,960 tried to ensure all of her family got 1500 01:02:31,179 --> 01:02:37,509 safely into stable 2 I suddenly wondered 1501 01:02:34,960 --> 01:02:38,860 if Applejack herself had made it had she 1502 01:02:37,510 --> 01:02:41,440 been in sable 2 when it closed 1503 01:02:38,860 --> 01:02:42,670 I saw Bella Remini glancing at me and 1504 01:02:41,440 --> 01:02:44,250 suspected she was wondering the same 1505 01:02:42,670 --> 01:02:46,539 thing 1506 01:02:44,250 --> 01:02:49,179 but the missile strikes were as part of 1507 01:02:46,539 --> 01:02:52,170 the Zebras ploy the mega spell was 1508 01:02:49,179 --> 01:02:54,969 already inside the city a special one 1509 01:02:52,170 --> 01:02:57,220 after all this one was meant to kill 1510 01:02:54,969 --> 01:03:00,609 Luna and Celestia not just three 1511 01:02:57,219 --> 01:03:07,259 quarters of a million ponies the paint 1512 01:03:00,610 --> 01:03:10,280 cloud clamby said roughly stopping yes 1513 01:03:07,260 --> 01:03:14,940 Calamity momentarily took over the tail 1514 01:03:10,280 --> 01:03:18,210 thing cloud is was a great radioactive 1515 01:03:14,940 --> 01:03:20,039 cloud of entropic necromantic gas locked 1516 01:03:18,210 --> 01:03:23,030 ain't it didn't care if you had gas 1517 01:03:20,039 --> 01:03:25,409 masks on nothing protected against it 1518 01:03:23,030 --> 01:03:27,690 everything it touched seeped into and 1519 01:03:25,409 --> 01:03:29,129 rotted I've heard horror stories of 1520 01:03:27,690 --> 01:03:31,260 bodies found partially melted into 1521 01:03:29,130 --> 01:03:34,410 sidewalks or their saddles fused to 1522 01:03:31,260 --> 01:03:36,599 their bones Cantillon still toxic a day 1523 01:03:34,409 --> 01:03:38,308 the streets and buildings soaked it up 1524 01:03:36,599 --> 01:03:42,329 like sponges and are slowly releasing it 1525 01:03:38,309 --> 01:03:46,019 as they decay the zebras one of the 1526 01:03:42,329 --> 01:03:47,839 shield Steel has continued it kept the 1527 01:03:46,019 --> 01:03:50,130 pink cloud concentrated in the city 1528 01:03:47,838 --> 01:03:52,828 strong enough to fatally poisoned even 1529 01:03:50,130 --> 01:03:54,930 Celestia and Luna while the time they 1530 01:03:52,829 --> 01:03:55,640 comprehended that they were dying it was 1531 01:03:54,929 --> 01:03:58,759 too late 1532 01:03:55,639 --> 01:04:01,469 but still they kept up the shield I'm 1533 01:03:58,760 --> 01:04:02,849 told they took turns one power on the 1534 01:04:01,469 --> 01:04:06,480 shield while the other tried to regain a 1535 01:04:02,849 --> 01:04:09,838 little strength that in the end they 1536 01:04:06,480 --> 01:04:12,380 were holding each other for support why 1537 01:04:09,838 --> 01:04:14,639 I asked feeling tears forming in my eyes 1538 01:04:12,380 --> 01:04:17,490 why didn't they just let the shield fall 1539 01:04:14,639 --> 01:04:19,190 the city was already doomed why didn't 1540 01:04:17,489 --> 01:04:23,539 they escape 1541 01:04:19,190 --> 01:04:25,340 would you have steel has asked simply 1542 01:04:23,539 --> 01:04:26,840 I was still in one of the more remote 1543 01:04:25,340 --> 01:04:29,660 Hamlet's when the shield finally came 1544 01:04:26,840 --> 01:04:31,250 down the city had soaked up enough of 1545 01:04:29,659 --> 01:04:35,179 the pink cloud but the exposure wasn't 1546 01:04:31,250 --> 01:04:37,900 fatal but calamity again added to the 1547 01:04:35,179 --> 01:04:40,489 tale eternity discussed in his voice 1548 01:04:37,900 --> 01:04:42,019 by the time Luna and Celestia realized 1549 01:04:40,489 --> 01:04:44,569 the pink cloud was killing them the 1550 01:04:42,019 --> 01:04:47,179 first attack had been hours ago the 1551 01:04:44,570 --> 01:04:50,570 pegasi torii closed up the sky the wind 1552 01:04:47,179 --> 01:04:52,309 was beginning to go wild with a side 1553 01:04:50,570 --> 01:04:55,340 flop of his wings our - like friend 1554 01:04:52,309 --> 01:04:57,409 explained it's less than lunar lift that 1555 01:04:55,340 --> 01:04:59,960 spell dares drop that probably would 1556 01:04:57,409 --> 01:05:02,839 have survived the most likely had only a 1557 01:04:59,960 --> 01:05:04,190 fraction of their former selves but a 1558 01:05:02,840 --> 01:05:05,780 whole heap of other ponies would've been 1559 01:05:04,190 --> 01:05:07,490 doomed as the uncontrolled winds blew 1560 01:05:05,780 --> 01:05:10,670 pink cloud all over them evacuating 1561 01:05:07,489 --> 01:05:12,829 Hamlet's over farms would have destroyed 1562 01:05:10,670 --> 01:05:17,240 all life as far as Ponyville maybe 1563 01:05:12,829 --> 01:05:21,739 father mournfully he informed us I'm so 1564 01:05:17,239 --> 01:05:23,419 sorry to both you I really am but Luna 1565 01:05:21,739 --> 01:05:25,539 and Celestia ain't guys is watching from 1566 01:05:23,420 --> 01:05:27,680 the heavens like a stable t-shirt atcha 1567 01:05:25,539 --> 01:05:29,329 princesses gave their lives so as your 1568 01:05:27,679 --> 01:05:35,960 ancestors could make it into that stable 1569 01:05:29,329 --> 01:05:38,630 live it was a long time for velvet Remi 1570 01:05:35,960 --> 01:05:40,550 and I were ready to talk again for a 1571 01:05:38,630 --> 01:05:42,440 while we just moved away from the others 1572 01:05:40,550 --> 01:05:45,920 found a corner by ourselves and held 1573 01:05:42,440 --> 01:05:47,809 each other in silence in that time I 1574 01:05:45,920 --> 01:05:49,690 decided that I was damn well going to 1575 01:05:47,809 --> 01:05:51,920 keep praying this Leslie and Luna anyway 1576 01:05:49,690 --> 01:05:54,590 it didn't matter if the accounts didn't 1577 01:05:51,920 --> 01:05:56,210 match my beliefs I still believed in my 1578 01:05:54,590 --> 01:05:59,690 heart that somehow Luna and Celestia 1579 01:05:56,210 --> 01:06:03,019 were up there watching us caring about 1580 01:05:59,690 --> 01:06:04,789 us giving us guidance 1581 01:06:03,019 --> 01:06:08,469 I just didn't know if what I believed 1582 01:06:04,789 --> 01:06:12,110 was true I realized it probably wasn't I 1583 01:06:08,469 --> 01:06:14,239 could choose to believe anyway finally 1584 01:06:12,110 --> 01:06:15,769 we gathered together again for round two 1585 01:06:14,239 --> 01:06:18,919 of everypony not going to Philadelphia 1586 01:06:15,769 --> 01:06:21,949 with me I have to admit with my faith 1587 01:06:18,920 --> 01:06:28,519 shaken I no longer felt as confident but 1588 01:06:21,949 --> 01:06:30,039 I plan on anyway second I told calamity 1589 01:06:28,519 --> 01:06:35,480 picking up where we left off 1590 01:06:30,039 --> 01:06:38,900 you're a Pegasus a little pip I think 1591 01:06:35,480 --> 01:06:40,820 that was the first one well it's also my 1592 01:06:38,900 --> 01:06:44,300 second one because you're my escape 1593 01:06:40,820 --> 01:06:46,090 route my life line nobody else can swoop 1594 01:06:44,300 --> 01:06:49,720 in and rescue me of things you're bad I 1595 01:06:46,090 --> 01:06:51,800 need you out there so you can do that 1596 01:06:49,719 --> 01:06:55,969 calamity frown but seem to find that 1597 01:06:51,800 --> 01:06:58,970 more palatable wait he looked at me like 1598 01:06:55,969 --> 01:06:59,899 I was trying to dupe him how the hell am 1599 01:06:58,969 --> 01:07:01,849 I supposed to know when you're in 1600 01:06:59,900 --> 01:07:05,480 trouble where to find you if I'm out 1601 01:07:01,849 --> 01:07:08,239 here and you're and there fortunately I 1602 01:07:05,480 --> 01:07:10,550 already have this planned out these 1603 01:07:08,239 --> 01:07:12,889 slavers at least the rank and file don't 1604 01:07:10,550 --> 01:07:14,000 seem to be the most educated lot I'm 1605 01:07:12,889 --> 01:07:15,379 pretty sure they wouldn't be able to 1606 01:07:14,000 --> 01:07:18,260 tell where my pipbuck ends and a 1607 01:07:15,380 --> 01:07:20,320 peripheral begins so I'm confident I can 1608 01:07:18,260 --> 01:07:23,630 get him with a slaughter detachment I 1609 01:07:20,320 --> 01:07:25,130 smiled that means either a stealth luck 1610 01:07:23,630 --> 01:07:29,480 or the broadcaster we got from the 1611 01:07:25,130 --> 01:07:31,840 Griffins I floated out both I'll take 1612 01:07:29,480 --> 01:07:35,119 the broadcaster you take the self buck 1613 01:07:31,840 --> 01:07:37,280 seals can activate for you when I know 1614 01:07:35,119 --> 01:07:39,099 how to use a stealth buck calamity 1615 01:07:37,280 --> 01:07:42,230 interrupted holding a hoof to the device 1616 01:07:39,099 --> 01:07:43,759 so how do I get your call genius girl in 1617 01:07:42,230 --> 01:07:47,119 case you missed it I don't have one of 1618 01:07:43,760 --> 01:07:48,920 them pit bucks my own I grinned as I 1619 01:07:47,119 --> 01:07:51,109 next floated out velvel remedies custom 1620 01:07:48,920 --> 01:07:53,930 pipbuck still in my saddlebags after all 1621 01:07:51,110 --> 01:07:56,500 these weeks of travel Belva romney gave 1622 01:07:53,929 --> 01:07:59,960 me a pained expression 1623 01:07:56,500 --> 01:08:03,110 yes I kept it I told her before she 1624 01:07:59,960 --> 01:08:05,179 could say anything and yes I know you 1625 01:08:03,110 --> 01:08:07,880 don't like wearing it you shouldn't have 1626 01:08:05,179 --> 01:08:11,119 - this is just a back-up plan if the 1627 01:08:07,880 --> 01:08:16,250 main plan fails clam you raised an 1628 01:08:11,119 --> 01:08:17,869 eyebrow and that is finally I levitated 1629 01:08:16,250 --> 01:08:21,170 homages override device out of my 1630 01:08:17,869 --> 01:08:22,399 saddlebags I have a very important 1631 01:08:21,170 --> 01:08:23,000 mission for all of you to complete while 1632 01:08:22,399 --> 01:08:26,149 I'm gone 1633 01:08:23,000 --> 01:08:27,380 I look to my companions over and decided 1634 01:08:26,149 --> 01:08:30,889 there had never been a better team 1635 01:08:27,380 --> 01:08:32,480 assembled for such a job I need you to 1636 01:08:30,890 --> 01:08:33,770 take this to the Philadelphia Tower and 1637 01:08:32,479 --> 01:08:37,129 attach it to the mainframe when the base 1638 01:08:33,770 --> 01:08:38,870 station once you do it'll give DJ Pony 1639 01:08:37,130 --> 01:08:41,869 both eyes and a voice in Philadelphia 1640 01:08:38,869 --> 01:08:43,220 kicking red-eye out and that will free 1641 01:08:41,869 --> 01:08:46,760 up the receivers in the station to pick 1642 01:08:43,220 --> 01:08:48,560 up my broadcast red eyes almost 1643 01:08:46,760 --> 01:08:51,770 certainly got some heavy forces guarding 1644 01:08:48,560 --> 01:08:54,920 that Tower still have noted I expect 1645 01:08:51,770 --> 01:08:57,350 we'll be in for a battle then you'll 1646 01:08:54,920 --> 01:09:00,230 definitely need a medical Pony Bella 1647 01:08:57,350 --> 01:09:03,620 Remmy asserted a claim be tipped up with 1648 01:09:00,229 --> 01:09:06,789 the brim of his hat well then looks like 1649 01:09:03,619 --> 01:09:06,789 we got ourselves a plane 1650 01:09:08,109 --> 01:09:13,088 go ahead steel have said holding the 1651 01:09:11,408 --> 01:09:15,818 last of his four memory orbs out to me 1652 01:09:13,088 --> 01:09:17,798 in an armored hoof you've seen the 1653 01:09:15,819 --> 01:09:22,298 others you might as well see the last 1654 01:09:17,798 --> 01:09:23,798 one before you go I didn't think I was 1655 01:09:22,298 --> 01:09:27,130 ready for another trip into Apple snacks 1656 01:09:23,798 --> 01:09:29,439 memories the day had been too much of an 1657 01:09:27,130 --> 01:09:31,599 emotional mouse room I felt weak and 1658 01:09:29,439 --> 01:09:34,479 fragile like just another gust it caused 1659 01:09:31,599 --> 01:09:39,429 me to break I put up a warding Hough 1660 01:09:34,479 --> 01:09:41,259 shaking my head Steel's grunted compared 1661 01:09:39,429 --> 01:09:47,470 to the ones you've seen this one is 1662 01:09:41,259 --> 01:09:51,659 gentle he pressed you trust me don't you 1663 01:09:47,470 --> 01:09:54,909 two very specific extents I admitted 1664 01:09:51,659 --> 01:09:59,319 it's not you and Applejack having sex is 1665 01:09:54,909 --> 01:10:01,149 it steel stairs silently then he put the 1666 01:09:59,319 --> 01:10:05,679 orb down letting it roll towards me on 1667 01:10:01,149 --> 01:10:08,619 the floor you have a dirty mind he 1668 01:10:05,680 --> 01:10:10,180 turned and walked out I stared at the 1669 01:10:08,619 --> 01:10:16,050 orb as it rolled to a stop against my 1670 01:10:10,180 --> 01:10:18,039 right for HUF this isn't fair I 1671 01:10:16,050 --> 01:10:19,869 recognized the voice of Rainbow Dash 1672 01:10:18,039 --> 01:10:23,979 almost a full minute before I heard her 1673 01:10:19,869 --> 01:10:26,170 I was steel hooves not Apple snack this 1674 01:10:23,979 --> 01:10:28,779 time not with the heavy arm pressing all 1675 01:10:26,170 --> 01:10:30,100 around me my vision beyond the inside of 1676 01:10:28,779 --> 01:10:32,349 the helmet was limited to the view out 1677 01:10:30,100 --> 01:10:33,640 of my visor but I was graced with an 1678 01:10:32,350 --> 01:10:37,180 exceptionally complex and sophisticated 1679 01:10:33,640 --> 01:10:39,220 eyes forward Sparkle within the helmet I 1680 01:10:37,180 --> 01:10:43,869 seem to have access to everything my EFS 1681 01:10:39,220 --> 01:10:46,180 and pipbuck provided and more breathing 1682 01:10:43,869 --> 01:10:47,640 inside the armor was unpleasant my 1683 01:10:46,180 --> 01:10:50,440 muzzle was pressed against a rebreather 1684 01:10:47,640 --> 01:10:53,110 the air was cool and fresh likely 1685 01:10:50,439 --> 01:10:54,929 supplied by a minor air talisman but the 1686 01:10:53,109 --> 01:10:57,429 mouthpiece was slightly uncomfortable 1687 01:10:54,930 --> 01:11:00,610 the armor itself was bulky and weighted 1688 01:10:57,430 --> 01:11:02,079 down on me but I felt strong stronger 1689 01:11:00,609 --> 01:11:02,819 than in any memory I'd experienced 1690 01:11:02,079 --> 01:11:05,680 before 1691 01:11:02,819 --> 01:11:09,069 the weight however heavy felt no more 1692 01:11:05,680 --> 01:11:11,730 taxing than carrying a light backpack my 1693 01:11:09,069 --> 01:11:15,219 hoofsteps were heavy like my hooves were 1694 01:11:11,729 --> 01:11:18,159 well encased in steel armor exactly as 1695 01:11:15,220 --> 01:11:19,720 they were it was all in all and 1696 01:11:18,159 --> 01:11:22,059 enlightening looking to steal his 1697 01:11:19,720 --> 01:11:25,240 existence and while I could see the 1698 01:11:22,060 --> 01:11:27,640 advantages I did not envy him 1699 01:11:25,239 --> 01:11:30,340 I trod down a hallway focused on the 1700 01:11:27,640 --> 01:11:31,810 wooden double doors at the end this I 1701 01:11:30,340 --> 01:11:32,230 guessed was an office building of some 1702 01:11:31,810 --> 01:11:35,650 sort 1703 01:11:32,229 --> 01:11:37,859 not mercifully a battlefield there 1704 01:11:35,649 --> 01:11:40,179 seemed to be no imminent threats I 1705 01:11:37,859 --> 01:11:41,380 helped myself raise an armored hoof and 1706 01:11:40,180 --> 01:11:44,380 push open the door with measured 1707 01:11:41,380 --> 01:11:47,350 gentleness inside was a barely furnished 1708 01:11:44,380 --> 01:11:50,109 office that looked almost unused a few 1709 01:11:47,350 --> 01:11:51,789 shelves and a desk and this was where 1710 01:11:50,109 --> 01:11:54,399 Rainbow Dash and Applejack seemed to be 1711 01:11:51,789 --> 01:11:56,260 having an argument Applejack was 1712 01:11:54,399 --> 01:11:57,369 standing behind the desk dressed in a 1713 01:11:56,260 --> 01:12:00,039 suit that she looked distinctly 1714 01:11:57,369 --> 01:12:01,599 uncomfortable in Rainbow Dash on the 1715 01:12:00,039 --> 01:12:02,920 other hoof was wearing the same purple 1716 01:12:01,600 --> 01:12:06,970 and black uniform I'd seen on her 1717 01:12:02,920 --> 01:12:09,069 earlier today and years ago or rather a 1718 01:12:06,970 --> 01:12:12,130 new pristine version of the same basic 1719 01:12:09,069 --> 01:12:13,869 design it had a jagged yellow neckline 1720 01:12:12,130 --> 01:12:15,250 and a skull shaped cloud on the flank 1721 01:12:13,869 --> 01:12:17,229 shooting a rainbow colored lightning 1722 01:12:15,250 --> 01:12:20,380 bolt covering where Dash's actual cutie 1723 01:12:17,229 --> 01:12:23,169 mark would be both mares turned to look 1724 01:12:20,380 --> 01:12:24,630 at me Applejack nodded giving steel 1725 01:12:23,170 --> 01:12:26,829 halves a smile of gratitude 1726 01:12:24,630 --> 01:12:28,569 Rainbow Dash only seemed to size up the 1727 01:12:26,829 --> 01:12:31,449 metal warrior clearly unable to 1728 01:12:28,569 --> 01:12:32,739 recognize the pony beneath I recalled 1729 01:12:31,449 --> 01:12:34,420 that the Pegasus wouldn't learn about 1730 01:12:32,739 --> 01:12:36,789 Applejack and Apple snack until a party 1731 01:12:34,420 --> 01:12:39,399 that I suspected was still a year or two 1732 01:12:36,789 --> 01:12:42,939 away her attention returned to her 1733 01:12:39,399 --> 01:12:44,920 orange coated friend it's just not right 1734 01:12:42,939 --> 01:12:47,229 the blue Pegasus spat with righteous 1735 01:12:44,920 --> 01:12:49,449 indignation the Ministry of Awesome is 1736 01:12:47,229 --> 01:12:51,819 putting up almost 50 towers it stalls 1737 01:12:49,449 --> 01:12:53,289 the clouds all over Equestria and here 1738 01:12:51,819 --> 01:12:55,689 you are having to sell sweet Apple acres 1739 01:12:53,289 --> 01:12:57,479 just to get a suit of armor built how 1740 01:12:55,689 --> 01:13:00,888 does that make sense 1741 01:12:57,479 --> 01:13:02,718 okay maybe not an argument 1742 01:13:00,889 --> 01:13:04,670 nazca's building those towers is all 1743 01:13:02,719 --> 01:13:07,698 y'all seem to be doing Applejack 1744 01:13:04,670 --> 01:13:09,050 explained patiently meanwhile my 1745 01:13:07,698 --> 01:13:10,879 ministry is helping to fund over four 1746 01:13:09,050 --> 01:13:12,529 dozen industries giving them subsidies 1747 01:13:10,880 --> 01:13:14,779 they need to keep running until they can 1748 01:13:12,529 --> 01:13:18,079 pull a solid profit and next year 1749 01:13:14,779 --> 01:13:21,500 that'll be 12 more Rainbow Dash gaped 1750 01:13:18,079 --> 01:13:22,880 then cocked her head don't you think the 1751 01:13:21,500 --> 01:13:26,329 Ministry of Technology is a little too 1752 01:13:22,880 --> 01:13:30,199 successful abjectly nudged shakal pony 1753 01:13:26,329 --> 01:13:32,719 hatun smiled no seriously the blue 1754 01:13:30,198 --> 01:13:34,099 pegasus claimed spreading her wings it's 1755 01:13:32,719 --> 01:13:38,029 gotten so sometimes I can't even 1756 01:13:34,100 --> 01:13:39,860 recognize Equestria anymore the orange 1757 01:13:38,029 --> 01:13:42,380 pony with the grain blonde mane gave her 1758 01:13:39,859 --> 01:13:44,329 friend a look I hadn't noticed the gray 1759 01:13:42,380 --> 01:13:45,770 and the other memories although the 1760 01:13:44,329 --> 01:13:48,920 difference in age was at best a few 1761 01:13:45,770 --> 01:13:50,840 years I realized with amusement that at 1762 01:13:48,920 --> 01:13:51,319 some point Applejack has started dyeing 1763 01:13:50,840 --> 01:13:54,440 her hair 1764 01:13:51,319 --> 01:13:57,799 I wondered if at that age I'd feel the 1765 01:13:54,439 --> 01:13:59,059 urge to but then again I'd be a lucky 1766 01:13:57,800 --> 01:14:02,659 mayor to live that long in the 1767 01:13:59,060 --> 01:14:05,210 equestrian wasteland for example do you 1768 01:14:02,658 --> 01:14:09,079 relate all those roads the rainbow mane 1769 01:14:05,210 --> 01:14:12,520 Pegasus asked some of us ain't got wings 1770 01:14:09,079 --> 01:14:14,809 remember there was a club with the door 1771 01:14:12,520 --> 01:14:15,850 steel hose trotted to Applejack's I'd 1772 01:14:14,810 --> 01:14:18,670 like a bodyguard 1773 01:14:15,850 --> 01:14:23,659 Rainbow Dash scowl moved to the side 1774 01:14:18,670 --> 01:14:25,579 come in Applejack called out the door 1775 01:14:23,658 --> 01:14:28,009 pushed open an Apple Bloom walked into 1776 01:14:25,579 --> 01:14:29,510 the room she was beautifully groomed and 1777 01:14:28,010 --> 01:14:32,150 warm business dress of mahogany and 1778 01:14:29,510 --> 01:14:33,469 roses that went well with her mane she 1779 01:14:32,149 --> 01:14:34,908 looked infinitely more comfortable and 1780 01:14:33,469 --> 01:14:37,010 her dress than her older sister did in 1781 01:14:34,908 --> 01:14:38,829 the suit there was a business back 1782 01:14:37,010 --> 01:14:42,039 strapped to her side 1783 01:14:38,829 --> 01:14:45,039 wait rainbow dash said looking between 1784 01:14:42,039 --> 01:14:48,090 the two sisters you're selling your farm 1785 01:14:45,039 --> 01:14:50,019 to your own sister technically 1786 01:14:48,090 --> 01:14:52,090 Apple Bloom said in a politely 1787 01:14:50,020 --> 01:14:55,300 professional voice she sounds sweet 1788 01:14:52,090 --> 01:14:57,039 Apple acres to stable tech the younger 1789 01:14:55,300 --> 01:14:58,360 sister turned her head pulling open her 1790 01:14:57,039 --> 01:15:00,640 business bag and pulling out a clipboard 1791 01:14:58,359 --> 01:15:02,559 with her teeth she offered it to 1792 01:15:00,640 --> 01:15:05,260 Applejack who took the other end and set 1793 01:15:02,560 --> 01:15:06,430 it on the desk between them I think 1794 01:15:05,260 --> 01:15:07,000 you'll find everything is just as we 1795 01:15:06,430 --> 01:15:10,030 promised 1796 01:15:07,000 --> 01:15:11,350 Apple Bloom told her sister I noticed 1797 01:15:10,029 --> 01:15:13,659 her voice was a touch more urbane and 1798 01:15:11,350 --> 01:15:16,870 her older sisters the country accent not 1799 01:15:13,659 --> 01:15:18,699 so strong Steel has moved towards Apple 1800 01:15:16,869 --> 01:15:19,149 Bloom leaning closing whispering into 1801 01:15:18,699 --> 01:15:21,189 her ear 1802 01:15:19,149 --> 01:15:24,239 you're not going to plough the place and 1803 01:15:21,189 --> 01:15:26,500 build a mall are you oh heavens no 1804 01:15:24,239 --> 01:15:31,269 Apple Bloom whispered back looking 1805 01:15:26,500 --> 01:15:34,659 uncomfortable almost guilty her older 1806 01:15:31,270 --> 01:15:35,830 sister caught the look hold on you're 1807 01:15:34,659 --> 01:15:37,289 not gonna kick me and granny off the 1808 01:15:35,829 --> 01:15:40,510 farm are you 1809 01:15:37,289 --> 01:15:43,630 Apple Bloom look wounded how can you 1810 01:15:40,510 --> 01:15:45,730 even ask that I'm your sister because I 1811 01:15:43,630 --> 01:15:48,100 know that look Applejack said sternly 1812 01:15:45,729 --> 01:15:50,729 and it's because I'm your sister that I 1813 01:15:48,100 --> 01:15:53,079 do now spill it 1814 01:15:50,729 --> 01:15:55,059 Apple Bloom sighed then pulled out a set 1815 01:15:53,079 --> 01:15:56,529 of blueprints unfurling them on the desk 1816 01:15:55,060 --> 01:16:01,270 in front of her older sister and the two 1817 01:15:56,529 --> 01:16:02,559 well three really guests you'll still 1818 01:16:01,270 --> 01:16:04,840 have rights to the trees and the apples 1819 01:16:02,560 --> 01:16:06,880 just like we promised stable-tec is only 1820 01:16:04,840 --> 01:16:08,140 buying rights to the land but you'll 1821 01:16:06,880 --> 01:16:09,940 have to move all these apple trees in 1822 01:16:08,140 --> 01:16:11,880 this section here and you won't be able 1823 01:16:09,939 --> 01:16:15,669 to use the bar until next spring 1824 01:16:11,880 --> 01:16:19,529 what Applejack Kocher how eyebrow her 1825 01:16:15,670 --> 01:16:20,880 younger sister why 1826 01:16:19,529 --> 01:16:23,420 because we're going to be building a 1827 01:16:20,880 --> 01:16:23,420 stable there