Captain's CYOA: Fair Winds and Following Seas Thread 4

>>29789049
"Not particularly Shanty. Just a proper greeting that is expected of a Officer and a Gentlecolt, after all, this will be her first impression of the crew, and it wouldn't do for her or her escort to not be impressed or at least approving of us." You say, nodding before looking at Wilko and Shanty. "And how was your Shore Liberty?"

Shanty grins wildly. "It was great! I met a cute colt and had some drinks at the club with a few of my mares."

Wilko nods. "I was able to get some cider and put a call in back home- One of my extended family members was crowin' about how excited she was for her Little Sister, something about her being accepted to the Engineers College?"

You whistle. "Really? Good for her, that's a tough college to get into." You say, musing at the thoughts of your alma-mater, trying to think of more things to keep the conversation going.

>>29796728
Sooooo shanty what's the colts name.

I wonder where all the other players got to last few updates?

>>29796728
So, how's everyone feeling about the Princess's impending visit?

>>29796810
[I wish I knew anon. I really do.]
>>29796750
>>29796821
A small smirk lands on your face and you wiggle an eyebrow at Shanty. "Oh~? Our little Shanty found a colt did she? Does she even remember his name?"

The mare blushes and stutters as you and Wilko laugh, and much to your delight, she blushes cherry red and throws her pen at you, which you catch in your magic and hover back to her while she huffs.

"Awwww, don't be like that Shanty- It's all in good taste, I swear. I just need to meet your new coltfriend and make sure he's good enough for my crew." You say with a faux snort and a firm nod like you're some overbearing Stud. You'd know, you've been chased off by a few after getting with their daughters...

Shaking your head, you look to Wilko. "How do you think the crew is feeling about the impending visit Wilko?"

Lt. Wilko hums and then shrugs his shoulders. "I think they're more happy about this boat finally getting off of dry-dock and back into the Sky where she belongs skipper."

Shanty has finally recovered from her embarrassment and taken her pen back before she pipes up, "Aye, I think almost everypony I've talked too so far is just excited we're gonna get to see the Princess! That's so rare, you know? Ever since Princess Twilight ascended, Princess Celestia has been working so hard to train her up n' all."

You hum in thought, thinking of the events of a few years back- Twilight Sparkles Ascendancy was quite the day, wasn't it? You had actually been in Canterlot at the time, and she had flown right by your boat and smiled warmly at you as she had gone by.

You smile at the memory. She's quite the beauty, her and the Elements of Harmony all are.

You shake your head a bit before nodding to Shanty. "I can agree with that, it's always good to see the Princess."

You frown at the sun. Still about fifteen minutes to kill. More conversation topics? Maybe you can prod into Wilko's background a bit.

>>29796872
Have we met princess Twilight?

Is everybody wearing Horseshoes for this? if not tell shanty she is lucky she does not have to wear the fucking things for this visit.

>>29796872
Hopefully it won't cost too much to get the ship back into shape.

>>29796899
>>29796918
You've met Princess Sparkle three times, if you include the time she flew by the boat and waved to you.

And you do include that, because she remembered you.

You smile at the thought, your body resisting the urge to give your tail a merry sway at the memory of 'Doctor' Princess Twilight Sparkle herself giving you your Masters degree in Engineering and Magitek when you graduated from The Canterlot Engineers School, also known as Neighton.

It was one of your greatest accomplishments, considering that you did it while you were in the middle of back-to-back deployments by correspondence, and it's always good to be appreciated for your special talent. And she also congratulated you personally when you made Warrent Officer, though she was with Celestia and Luna at the time, more Princess training.

You note that Wilko's and Shanty's horseshoes are gleaming as brightly as yours and nod in approval.

You quietly consider the boat for a moment. Bits. Everything you want to do comes down to bits. Thankfully, the Risen Glory has a rather large fund set aside for restoration and repair (she is a warship, after all), so you don't think it will cost too much to get her back in the air, fighting fit.

You glance out and spot a quad of ponies flying through the sky, and note the golden radiance of the one in the center of the formation.

The Princess is here.

>>29796934
Announce the impending arrival. go get ready ourselves.

>>29796934
Seconding >>29796937

>>29796937
>>29796950
No need to go anywhere, you're already ready.

"Here she comes. Atten-HUT." You bark, you, Shanty and Wilko all snapping to attention as the flyers get closer and closer till they come in for a landing a few feet in front of you.

Celestia lands in an almost dainty way, her smile almost as bright as her sun as she graces you all with her presence, followed by three Wonderbolts that you recognize immediately. Going by the Airforce Ranks, Captain Spitfire, First Lt. Soarin' and First Lt. Fleetfoot, and trailing behind them carrying some gear in a Wonderbolts Reserves uniform, somepony you vaguely remember meeting at one of the shows you went to.

Thundermane? Vane? Bah, you'll remember eventually.

You snap to a smart salute, followed by Wilko and Shanty, which is returned by the 'bolts and Princess Celestia. "Good Morning Acting-Captain Fair Winds, permission to come aboard?"

You mentally roll your eyes. It's her bloody ship, she doesn't need to -ask-. "Permission Granted, Your Highness, and your escort. Welcome aboard the Risen Glory." You say, crisply dropping the salute, which is matched by all the other ponies on the Quarterdeck. "Thank you for your prompt response your Highness, the more I've seen of the boat the more worried I've been."

Spitfire steps forwards, letting out a little whistle. "The Princess had the 'Bolts read the reports too there, she was so relieved when she got your Dragonfire message."

"Major Spitfire speaks the truth. When I got words we haven't been getting reports, I feared the worst." Celestia says, and you idly notice that she's given Spitfire the customary Gropo and Airforce 'promotion' that their O3's get, due to the different ranking systems.

After all, there's only ONE Captain to a boat.

You nod a bit, wondering where to start...

[And that's it for tonight. More to come, so don't go away, I need my players!]

>>29797006
Start with our fears of traitors that is the most Important issue.
then move onto getting those guns up and running.

>>29797037
Fears of war I mean we already know there are traitors

>>29797037
>>29797041
Traitors... traitors aren't something you fear. You already know that you're dealing with them.

No, what you truly fear is for the lives of the stallions, mares, colts and fillies that will die because these assflanks wanted to make a quick bit or are just genuine scumbags.

You fear for others and their pain, their loss.

You look up at Celestia, and soft lavender eyes gazing back with a soft nod and understanding showing back clearly.

Of course she would have the same fears.

You square up a bit, so that you're standing properly. Now isn't the time to shy away, now is the time to lean in and get to it. "First things first your Highness, we've finished our inspection of the boat, and we have a list of sabotaged or broken equipment. Is Bu Ships coming to help with our repairs?"

"Yes they are, but they aren't going to be here till this afternoon. In the meantime, I have some other help on the way." Celestia says with a soft smile, making you raise an eyebrow in confusion before you look to the Wonderbolts. "Anything that you need to handle right now, Major?" You ask Spitfire, who shakes her head. Fleetfoot, behind her, raises her hoof.

"Thir, I could use a break."

... Huh, she really does have that lisp. You glance at Spitfire who nods and you turn to Shanty. "Seaman Apprentice, please escort Lt. Fleetfoot to the head, if you'd be so kind."

Shanty salutes before leading Fleetfoot away while you look at Celestia. Wonder who she's brought for interim help, and why they aren't here yet.

>>29799368
Ask Celestia on suitable actions we'll need to take in order to avoid war?
Though it seems almost inevitable.

>>29799368
I belive there was mention that celestia herself could help with the main gun.

anyway take her to the prisoner.

>>29799504
>>29799661
You frown a bit, turning to Celestia, who stops you as she speaks up. “It's lovely to see the Risen Glory is still around. Had the hardest time convincing the ERN not to scrap her.”

You feel your face redden as you think."Princess, all you had to do was generally hint that you liked her, and those old hayfarts on the Admiralty Board probably couldn’t hump each other fast enough to write the orders. Should have thrown some more bits her way to keep her shipshape and Bristol-fashion as well, but you were probably distracted planning on wasting money for the Gala or something."

You don't say anything of that, instead speaking up with, "Princess... these traitors. Do you think they're going to spark up a new war?"

A small frown is now marring the Princesses face and she shakes her head gently. "I pray not, Captain. But I think we're both smart enough ponies to know that prayers don't mean anything when it comes to politics and greedy ponies."

You nod in agreement and turn. "If you'll follow me your highness, I'll take you to the Brig so you can question Prisoner Seventeen yourself. Wilko, put out an all call to get the parts of the gun that broke on deck, and send Shanty with Fleetfoot down to the Brig to meet with us when she returns." You order, leading Celestia and her Wonderbolt escort away.

Spitfire hums, pulling her Solaras shades off and putting them into her uniform pocket as Soarin' speaks up, looking at you with curiosity. "So Captain, I notice that you've got Warrent stripes- there a story behind that?"

>>29799690
Tell her the story.

bemp

bump for storytime

>>29801456

>>29802286

>>29799752
>>29801456
You roll your eyes a bit in amusement as you smirk at the Wonderbolts. "Yeah, there might be a bit of a story behind it. Trot and talk?" You say, gesturing for the ponies to follow you, getting nods of agreement, including from Celestia, as you lead the two 'Bolts and the 'Bolt recruit and Celestia away.

"Quick question, who's the green?" You say, gesturing to the Bolt you don't remember the name of.

"Officer Candidate Thunderlane, one of the flyers outta Ponyville. He's got a set of wings on 'em, and has been pulling the tightest turns I've seen a stallion hit since Soarin'. He'll do well with us." Spitfire says proudly, making you shake your head a bit as you make your way into the skin of the ship.

"Good for him." You muse before shaking your head. "Well, as for how I became acting Captain... it was on Princess Celestia's orders." You say, giving said Princess a bit of a look to which she smiles in a innocent, 'butter-wouldn't-melt-in-my-mouth' kind of way.

"Really?" Spitfire says, raising an eyebrow at you as you look back down the P-way to make sure you're not about to trip over something or walk into a shipmate.

"As sure as taxes and death. The signed form stating me as acting Captain were being held by the CMC the moment I totted up the gangplank." You say.

A soft flutter of wings proves that the Princess seems a bit embarrassed, mostly because the flutter makes -much- more sound due to the larger wings.

"I do apologize for that, CAPTAIN Winds." She says, emphasizing the rank you're acting for. "I knew that something was wrong with my Ship, but I didn't know how bad it was and knew that you would have thrown yourself into the investigation upon getting the rank. If I had known that Captain Cross had been absent for so long, I would have given you the order personally before you left. Even then, you left before I could brief you."

[How do you respond?]

>>29803601
Eh, it turned out okay. Any longer and prisoner 17 would've sent vital information to Cross.
Still don't know why Cross is doing all this though.

>>29803601
Well I suppose that is not important now. What is important is avoiding war and getting this ship ready in case of war.

>>29803666
>>29803672
You shrug a bit, shaking your head. "Better that I arrived when I did, your Highness." You say, opening your Dress Blue's jacket and pulling the folder you had found in Cross's Room and hoofing it over for her. "This is what I found in Captain Cross's room. Prisoner 17 was planning on delivering this to him, and apparently Cross himself hid them there. This is... frankly, straight up Treason."

The two 'Bolts and the Bolt recruit all gasp in shock, wings spreading in surprise as Celestia survey's the folder, before she sighs and hangs her head, looking very sad and rather disappointed.

"Do you know why, Captain Winds?" She asks quietly, but all you can do is shake your head.

"I wish I did your Highness, it would make it easier to find and catch him."

You sigh, straightening a bit as you reach the hatch to the Brig. "That's not, sadly, what's important right now. Right now we need to either find out whom Captain Cross was working with and start prepping to avoid a War... or get the Risen Glory ready to fight one." You say flatly, your eyes hard and losing any of the sparkle or joy they had in them moments before, replaced with the war-ready stallion you are.

The Princess looks a little distraught at that, but she sighs and nods her acceptance. "Very well. Is there anything I should know before I start questioning Dawning Light?"

You raise an eyebrow. Is there anything you need to tell her before she interrogates Prisoner 17? You do note that she used his name, as is her right, though it rankles you a bit that a traitor has their name used after they're caught.

>>29803950
I promised him no time on the moon if he cooperates.
That is all I promised him though so do whatever else you need.

>>29803950
Nothing to add, seconding >>29803982

>>29803982
>>29803993
"Just one thing your Highness. He cooperated with the initial interrogation, and if he continues to do so... I promised that he would not be banished to the Moon, as the traditional punishment for traitors is." You say firmly.

You're aware she's glaring at you, and you gaze back with ease. "Your Highness, I'm aware of your aversion to that as a verdict, but that -is- EUP Military Law. Treason is Banishment to not of this world, and imprisoned in that exile. The Moon was what -you- set as that area for exile."

You know it's hard on her for you to say that, and that she's not pleased that you brought it up, but you had to say it.

"... I would never do such a thing again." Celestia whispers, her voice hard.

You shake your head quietly. "I didn't expect you would, but he will cooperate with you, your Highness. Just be aware that we are, as it stands, on the verge of wartime. And we both know what happens to Traitors in wartime."

Execution hasn't been given as a punishment for crimes in Equestria in almost five centuries, but it has always been a part of Military Law- Traitors are not handled with Love and Tolerance, not when it comes to the lives that they kill and slaughter by turning on their allies.

Celestia looks like you struck her and she wants to cry but you stay firm, before opening the hatch to the Brig. "Prisoner 17 awaits you. Your Highness."

Celestia takes a shaky breath before she steps through the hatch and starts down the ladder-well. The 'Bolts are looking at you in shock, and you level them with the same gaze you gave Celestia.

"... Dude. That's cold." Thunderlane finally speaks up, looking a little shocked.

>>29804029
She needs that sometimes.

>>29804029
We have to be, she needs to be reminded of the fact that had we not caught him, 17 likely would've been responsible for the death of everyone on the ship.

>>29804063
>>29804072
Your voice is flat as you gaze at the 'Bolt. "Welcome to the real world. We Ponies are a lucky lot." You snort, idly adjusting your cover with a bit of magic.

"Peace is a glorious thing. It's something hard earned, hard won. Let me make this an absolute fact." You say, pacing a bit. "The Goal, that we've always had is Global Peace, between us and all beings, from Zebraca to Yakistan. Equestria, as a whole, has never been in a war that we started. We are not a Country of war, but every war we've ever been in has been WON by Equestrian ingenuity and unending willpower and desire to never back down, never give up."

You glare at the other ponies, unaware that everypony in the area have stopped, and are watching and listening as you slam your hoof into the deck. "No pony would argue over the choice of Peace and War, but in this case? Where we stand right now? There is only one way we could have peace, and we could have it in the next second, should the war that is brewing starts RIGHT NOW- Surrender."

You pace a bit more, your tail flicking a bit as you stand bold, your heart pounding as you move under the florescent lights that make your coat and metals shine, your uniform glowing a bit as you speak, your heart pounding.

"Anything we do, everything we do has a risk, and one of the biggest risks we face is backing down, giving up, appeasing those who wish for everything we have... from the Diamond Dogs that steal ponies from their homes to be slaves in their minds, to the Yaks and Griffons that consider us nothing more then slaves or food. Appeasement is a disease, and Traitors are a symptom, lured away by sweet whispers of 'guaranteed' peace, or a better power for themselves, right now, with little to no effort on their parts."

You growl, vaguely aware that Celestia has stopped in the stairway. But damn it, you're in it now, and you're not about to stop. Somepony needs to say it, Somepony needs to show these 'warriors' where to draw the line!

>>29804302
[Where should the speech go from here, players?]

>>29804308
I'll take a shot at it. "Appeasement only whets their appetite, for their greed is rapacious! The only thing these types understand is, to make conquest so costly, their attempts to use us to make their lives easier, must be made too expensive for them to attempt! They would grind us under their hooves given the chance, therefore we must make it clear to every creature that we ponies, are a species not to be walked over, but to be respected, to be, if necessary, feared by those who would enslave us! Traitors are the very worst of the batch, those who would attack from within, from trusted positions, and therefore must be dealt with first and most severely!"

>>29804322
This works.

>>29804308
Seconding >>29804322 because I'm terrible at speech writing.

>>29804328
To clarify I am also seconding it.
>>29804335
Same reason as this anon.

>>29804322 >>29804328 >>29804335
"Appeasement only whets their appetite, for their greed is rapacious! The only thing these types understand is, to make conquest so costly, their attempts to use us to make their lives easier, must be made too expensive for them to attempt! They would grind us under their hooves given the chance, therefore we must make it clear to every creature that we ponies, are a species not to be walked over, but to be respected, to be, if necessary, feared by those who would enslave us! Traitors are the very worst of the batch, those who would attack from within, from trusted positions, and therefore must be dealt with first and most severely!" You bark, your voice firm and low. You're loud, but calm, your voice commanding.

You're giving information, not ranting at them, because this is FACTS.

"Many of these groups believe that if they step forth and speak a final ultimatum to us that they will KNOW our answer, and we will surrender voluntarily because they hear Ponies that say they will not fight, that Love and Tolerance is all we know and all we'll do, that decry the actions of those who Stand, Fight, and Die for Equestria and Her people."

Your eyes shine in the light as you speak, slowly wrapping up your point, the entire boat hanging onto your every word, and you're vaguely aware that you can hear your words ringing back to you. Somepony opened the 1MC pipes.

"Those voices don't speak for the rest of us. Life is not so dear and freedom so sweet that we would enslave ourselves and our foals for it. Should the Guard have thrown down their arms when the Minotaurs tried to ride up through the south? Should the Winged Hussars not charged the Line of Vienna? Should we have not taken up arms when the Griffons slaughtered the Northlands?! Or when Sombra took the Crystal Empire?!"

You snort, stomping your hoof again. "The martyrs of history did NOT die in vain, those who gave their lives to stop the advance, to stop those enemies..." You pause.

>>29804373
"You... all of you, tell me... where lies the road to Peace then? To stopping traitors, thieves, assassins and warmongers? It lies here, with you and I, and everypony who stands and their hooves and states firmly that there IS A price we will not pay and that THERE IS A POINT that THEY. WILL. NOT. PASS."

You take a shaky breath. "Today, more then ever, we need to remind the Enemies of Equestria of that. What we have, what we do is something that speaks of a greater purpose, something that not even a cutie mark can determine- Duty. We have a rendezvous with Destiny, and we WILL. NOT. FALTER."

You step forwards, looking an awed looking Thunderlane in the eyes, your heart pounding as you stare him straight in the eyes. "Understand that, if nothing else. We. Are. Warriors. And we will not let them pass this line."

You fall silent, slowly stepping back, taking another slow, slightly stuttering breath as the energy that swelled through your body finally rests. You don't want to look around, and you feel an almost oppressive silence fill the air around you.

>>29804390
I think after a speech like that, any closing remark would just be wasted. Let's stay silent and see what reaction is forthcoming, rather than say something like "That is all, return to your duties." In this case I think it's almost expected that we ride out the reaction, as there is sure to be one.

>>29804390
Nothing more needs to be said, we need to show that what we have said is not some revelation, they are simple facts we should not need to think about so lets get on with the job to show this.

pretty good speech qm and anon who submited the starts of it

>>29804441
Thanks, and kudos to the QM for filling it out with such passion.

>>29805399

>>29804438
>>29804441
You wait exactly fifteen seconds for a response before your turn on your 'heel', your horse shoes clacking firmly for your perfectly executed turn, before you make your way through the hatch to the Brig.

A soft glow and a hum of magic greets you as Celestia closes the hatch behind you, gazing into your eyes, her own a bit wet, though you'd never say as such.

"... Do you truly not trust me that much, Fair Winds?" Celestia whispers hoarsely, and you do your best to ignore the tears rolling down the sides of her muzzle for the moment.

>>29806537
I trust you to do what is needed in the end. Even if you need a little prodding