Captain's CYOA: Fair Winds and Following Seas Thread 5

>>29854647
[... Gonna need to update the OP a bit more at some point, if players have an idea, feel free to let me know.]
>>29848839
The worst happened.

It happened suddenly, and it happened at the absolute worst time.

Griffonia had indeed commissioned a warship... three, in fact. They were small, fast, sleek little things, but they shouldn't have been able to pierce the Glory's armor and shields.

But then you fired full broadside and it happened.

The barrels of the amidships gun battery exploded, and did so catastrophically, no doubt killing many ponies and causing the Glory to bounce in the air as the fires started to spread.

A piece of shrapnel had hit you, sending you slamming into the bridge's bulkhead. Hurt, badly at that, but that's not your major concern right now.

The beating your ship is taking and the cries and pleads for help from your injured and dying crew is.

You struggle to your hooves, blood dripping from your muzzle as you shake, barely able to move as you lurch to the ladders on the side of the bridge.

You have to get out there, you have to do something.

But even as you move, you know that you won't be successful.

Failure, after all, is something you're more then accustomed to. You couldn't save your family, how are you supposed to save your crew?

You make it to the weatherdeck, and make it several steps before another explosion knocks you flat, leaving you laying on the deck, ears ringing softly and your body aching in pain when you see it.

Your eyes widen in panic. Shanty's on deck, dashing towards you.

You try to lift a hoof to stop her, to tell her to evacuate, to do something, anything-

You never get the oppertunity as the Glory bucks and she's thrown into the air.

Your eyes meet, her panic and fear very, very clear as she drifts there for a singular moment in time...

And then she's gone, off the side and over the railing.

Rage, agony, despair.

Loss.

>>29854675
The ringing in your ears intensifies as you turn to face a whistling sound, and see the shell rocketing towards your position on the deck, and you brace yourself...
~Risen Glory, Day Four~

You bolt up in a sweat, tears streaming down your face and your heart hammering as you feel the sweat and the weight of your failures rolling down your spine.

Your eyes drift to the ringing alarm clock, and you feel that despair and agony of an unmitigated failure hit you like a truck.

Any emotional shoring you might have been able to accomplish is lost to you as you start crying again, your hoof shakily turning off your alarm as you grip your pillow and sob.

Failure, after all, needs a place to stay.
[F]

>>29854675
>if players have an idea, feel free to let me know.
A list of the most important crew members and what they do. That is important to the story. Seaman shanty and the 2 officers whos names I have already forgoten.

>>29854726
[Lt. Roger Wilko and LCMD. Quick Time, as well as CMC Bellows... ya, that sounds like a good idea. I'll make sure to get that up. Paste-Bin it or have it be directly part of the OP?]

>>29854685
Get up and go get breakfast.

>>29854685
Wash your face first.

>>29854742
If it is only a few characters put it in the op. If the list gets to long move it.
You could also have the main characters in the op and other minor ones in a pastebin if you want

>>29854753
>>29854758
You take a slow, deep breath, and force yourself out of bed, dragging yourself to the head for your morning rituals.

You glance at yourself in the mirror and sigh. Behold, the Captain of the Risen Glory... what a mess.

You carefully wash your face and tame your mane and tail before getting into uniform, and then turn, leaving your cabin and making your way to breakfast.

As you step into the Galley, you're spotted by a particular group of ponies who look quite happy to see you this morning. "Aha~! There he is! Yo-hoo, Captain Winds, Darling, come here, sit with us!"

Rarity is gently waving and calling you over, and with her is Applejack, Fluttershy, a bouncy and excited looking Pinkie Pie, though you consider that you've never seen the mare to -not- be excited, and Rainbow Dash, who is gnawing on a bagel like she's a zombie, obviously not a morning pony if her expression and slightly unkempt mane is anything to go by.

You feel the urge to frown but you do keep your face straight. Should you go sit with the mares? They've obviously seen you at this point.

>>29854783
We may as well head over. Ask the lieutenant if she saw anything of note while out patroling. I was quite impressed by how fast you were moving on your way out.

>>29854783
Yeah, how else best to shake off the funk of a bad dream than to hang out with this crew? Go mingle, let them chatter the remaining evil-nasties away.

>>29854783
Saying hi shouldn't hurt. A good captain is also a good host.

>>29854791
>>29854798
>>29854808
You shore yourself as best you can and mentally plug the breeches in your emotional walls and smile at the mares before you collect your meal- omelette, a banana-nut muffin, and a cup of coffee.

"Good Morning." You greet them with an attempt at a warm smile that you know is coming out as just a plain smile. "Lt. Dash, anything to report?"

Dash does a slight salute, obviously dead tired or she probably would have remembered that the Navy doesn't do salutes indoors...

"All quiet skipper..." She lets out a jaw-cracking yawn, "Not a single feather from here to the boarder."

You blink in surprise. "You were really firing on all cylinders on your way out, but now I find even more reasons to be impressed. Thank you for your hard work, LT."

Dash nods before she finally succumbs and passes out in her bagel, to the giggles of her friends.

Rarity's got a smart, coy smile on her lips, and you feel a chill run down your spine. "How are you feeling this morning, Captain? You were quite impressive yesterday, the crew had nothing but nice things to say about you darling, even if some of them are still a bit confused over your actual gender."

You let out a little groan at that, rubbing your face before taking a sip of your coffee. "I swear..."

The mares giggle again at that, before Fluttershy speaks up, which -really- surprises you.

"I-it's quite true. Everypony has been impressed, and even after your... um... rant, last night, you've so far proven to be a very kind stallion, Mr. Captain Winds."

You resist the urge to roll your eyes. "Please, just call me fair, or Captian, or Skipper if you must. Winds is my father, not me..."

You mood dowers for a moment but it goes unnoticed as you keep your face firm, and you weren't looking at any of them so they wouldn't see it in your eyes.

"So tell me, Captain... how was your talk with our Darling Twilight last night?"

>>29854886
It was good. So has pinkie accepted I am a stalion yet.

>>29854886
I liked it.

>>29854919
>>29854928
You don't even sweat it, just cruising past the obvious dig for info. "It was good to get to talk with her candidly. Has Pinkie finally accepted that I'm a stallion?" You move on, turning to look at her.

The pink mare gives you a bright, white toothed grin. "Nnnnnnnnnnnope!" She giggles, her mane bouncing a bit. "Ok, mayybe a little, but only in the sense of some of those Neighponies Animus that Fluttershy likes so much!"

"T-they're called 'Anime', Pinkie." Fluttershy protests quietly, but it goes ignored by the hyperactive pink mare.

You feel the urge to groan, and you're given sympathetic looks from Rarity and Applejack.

"Just let it go sugarcube, ya ain't gonna get through to that one withouta hammer." Applejack advises before Rarity starts again.

"I'm so glad that you and Twilight got to talk, she was quite distressed after you left last night, Darling." She tries again. The concern and curiosity on her face tells you she's doing this because she's digging for info for Twilight's sake, and that makes you waver a bit, but what you and Twilight talked about and...

The Shower...

Was private.

>>29854957
A hammer? You mean like our dick?
We left on good terms.

>>29854957
Well using my hammer might not be that bad. She is kind of cute.

>>29854968
>>29854987
You sigh. "We had a long talk, and talked about a lot of different things. We left on good terms, and I'm looking forwards to working with you all and the Princess." You say, raising an eyebrow at Rarity as if daring her to try to pry again.

She backs down however with a pleased smile, nodding a bit before Pinkie Pie starts babbling about your mane and the braid it's in, asking you what kind of braid you like, why your braid is so tight and wrapped in leather, and if it's really called a leather thong because that's what mares wear in the bedroom and just prattling inane thing after inane thing without pause for breath or thought.

You sigh and give AJ a look, before blinking, glancing down at yourself and looking up again, and then giving her a playful grin/smirk.

Applejack does resist the urge to burst out laughing, but only just, and obviously approves of your rather silly, if lewd, joke, about applying the 'Hammer' to calm the hyperactive, sugar-powered mare down, and possibly get her to figure out that you're seriously a stallion.}

Breakfast carries on without much issue, and Dash finally gets up a bit more after the coffee starts to hit her, when Applejack turns to you and asks, "So Partner, wherein's did ya'll grow up, anyhow?"

You blink, surprised at the slightly unusual question. Nopony really cares about where you grew up, your quaint lil' village/town in the forests by Bitaly...

>>29855003
Ask how much she knows about a place called bitaly or if she even knows where it is. Then describe your village like how big it is and how many ponies are there and your daily life.

>>29855003
I have a funny story about that. Back home our library was in a tree so when I went to find the library here it took me a moment to realize I should be looking for a normal building.

>>29855015
On a meta level I am looking forward to seeing Twilight's reaction to this. Poor twilight's library.

>>29855007
>>29855015
You close your eyes for a moment, and let a few of the memories wash over you, a faint, more true smile coming to your face.

"... Tell me, have you ever been to Bitaly?" You ask softly, looking at the mares. Rarity nods, Applejack shakes her head, along with the others.

"It's a beautiful place~ the eastern part of Equestria, several towns and cities of love, music, delicious food straight from the farms, and the best wine that you can get." You sigh at the memories of playing hide and seek in the groves, the adults watching fondly and laughing along as little colts and fillies darted among the grape vines.

"Olive Oil flowed like water, and the food was heavy and filling, but rich and delicious. Everypony had something to say, something to try, something to do... it was home." You whisper, closing your eyes and basking in the warmth of the memory of those summer days.

"My home... Mascarpone." You say, thinking warmly of your home, before Rarity lets out a pleased little squeal.

"Mascarpone! My mother and father took me through there while we were touring Bitaly! The cream cheese was soooooo good~!" She croons, a warm smile on her face.

You chuckle softly. "Yep, that was home. My mother was a mascarpone maker, which of course, is where the name of the town came from."

"Whut the hay is Mare-sky-pony?" Applejack asks, looking a little confused. You chuckle. "It's a whipped 'cream cheese'." You say, gesturing to one of the little cream cheese containers that Dash is currently spreading on her bagel. "Like that."

"Oh."

You smile. "We weren't more then a hundred ponies, but it was our town, and it was better for it, honestly. Maybe fifteen colts and fillies, and inbetween setting and checking on the cheeses, my mother was our schoolmarm." You sigh.

"I remember resting in the shade of our Library, watching the clouds roll by in between lessons, wondering how my Dad was doing, feeling the wind flow through my mane..." [continue describing?]

>>29855053
>continue describing?
Yes

>>29855053
Nah, they already got their answer. If they want to know more about it they can ask.

>>29855053
If they were so happy there, why did they move to Canterlot?

>>29855059
>>29855061
>>29855062
[Music starts gently playing in your ear... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gg4AgvupLeE ]

You hum warmly. "Oooh, ooh, did you have a bakery!" Pinkie asks excitedly, making you chuckle.

"Yes we did, though they made much, much more then just breads and sweets... they made many different kinds of noodles. Macaroni is a much beloved thing in Bitaly, and our humble town was no different."

You rub the back of your head. "Bit of an argument between various members of my family was if it's 'Pasta and sauce' or 'Macaroni and Gravy'. Ah well, can't get the good without the silly sometimes."

Your smile and the warmth fades a bit when Rainbow Dash speaks up, her voice firm, but soft, very uncharacteristic of the brash mare. "... Why did they move to Canterlot?"

You blink a few times before closing your eyes and sighing.

"... Mum and Da wanted to earn a greater amount of bits. Mum was always an cook par excellence and my Da was her sous chef- they got a job fairly quickly at L'angolo Dei Sapori."

"The Bitalian restaurant that was opened by Chef Coltiardi?" Rarity asks.

You nod, feeling a little more morose now. "The very same."

"My goodness, they have quite high standards for their meals, especially since those... canned atrocities have become so popular." Rarity frowns, and you can only nod in agreement.

"They hadn't been working there long... but Momma was popular with the other chefs. She always made the best fettuccine al burro..." You sigh softly, closing your eyes.

Dash wisely takes another bite of her bagel instead of saying anything, before Applejack takes over. "So, what's on the plan o' the day, Skipper?"

>>29855085
We stay vigilant for attack as we wait for our crew to fill up.

>>29855085
Not much. Just the usual maintenance.

>>29855085
We continue to make sure the ship is ready for action at need, so we continue to maintain, repair and improve what we can while we have the opportunity before we have to set out.

>>29855096
>>29855102
>>29855476
You let out a small huff. "We keep on working maintenance, ensuring the ship is in the best condition possible for when the rest of the crew arrives, because once we're underway, we're not going to have the opportunity to make small fixes."

You finished your meal off with the rest of your coffee and a pleased sigh.

Dash smirks a bit at you. "Lookin' forwards to working side-by-side with Twi again?"

>>29857267
Working with Twilight is very productive.

>>29857267
I suppse so.

>>29857403
>>29857829
You hum for a second, as if thinking it over. You quite enjoy working with Twilight, really, but you can't be overtly blatant about it. Besides, it's a platonic friendship. Really.

"I suppose I am." You say with a nod. "Working with her has proven to be very productive. She's a very skilled mare and it's a real honor to have her working with us to get the Risen Glory back up to snuff."

A few moments after you say that, Lt. Wilko trots up to you, panting a bit. "Skipper, glad I found you, we found another bit of sabotage, but this one should be right up your ally."

You blink before turning to him. "Lets hear it Wilko."

"You might want to just see it for yourself sir..."

-A short period later-

You and the Mane 6, plus Wilko and Celestia, are all standing in the gas-plant of the ship, staring at the equipment.

CMC Bellows is straining on a wrench, growling and cursing as she tugs, unable to get a bolt to break free. You frown, surveying the scene and quietly trying to figure out what's wrong for yourself. What's the best way of going about figuring out what's wrong?

>>29860953
By examining everything from top to bottom and stopping where you find something broken or not pumping something correctly or.

>>29860953
Just ask what exactly the problem is.

[Asking Vs. Examining it and finding out on your own, players decide.]

>>29861457
If nobody else votes in time we could go with making a quick inspection before asking if we do not find anything on the initial look. Probably better to wait for a 3rd player on this one though.

>>29861457
I assume we were called here because they don't know what the problem is exactly so I think it's better to examine it. But if they just tell us what they think is wrong we can take a look at it ourselves and then say "yep that's the problem alright." or "no you're wrong. the problem is further up the line of this device"

>>29860973
>>29860995
>>29861469
>>29861473
Your horn lights up as you trot out of the herd you were traveling as a part of to the area and start looking over the area.

A slight frown of concentration is on your face as you step past Bellows, who stops cranking on wrench, and she goes to speak but you gently hold up a hoof, asking her to wait a moment as you continue your scan.

Finally, you find it, and you let out an annoyed groan. "The Liquid Nitrogen Runoff valve?"

Bellows sighs and nods. "Aye sir, she's been jammed open this whole time, w' nary a notice."

You growl a bit before closing your eyes and rubbing your forehead with a hoof. The liquid nitrogen runoff valve was critical to the system- it prevents liquid nitrogen from making it's way up to the envelopes and possibly freezing over the gas lines or worse, freezing and then shattering part of the envelope. A true catastrophic failure... if it wasn't obviously manufactured, as the valve is spring-loaded closed, and can only be opened with pneumatic pressure.

Judging from what you were feeling with your horn, there's a blockage that's holding the line open- most likely a massive chunk of frozen nitrogen. Unfortunately, just leaving it to melt would be a bad idea, as the chunks of frozen nitrogen would pool in the system, and wouldn't be properly diverted into the runoff ducts to be collected and reused. As well, you can't really take the duct apart.

What do? You frown, closing your eyes as you try to consider various options. You have controls to raise the heat in the tubes, and your personal magical dexterity and strength is quite good, so you're fairly positive that you can fix this... but where to start?

>>29861495
Explain to the others exactly what is wrong and say you are going to start by heating it up unless anybody has any better ideas.

>>29861495
Raise the heat, let it melt a little and then try to move the ice inside it with magic could work.

>>29861507
>>29861513
You tisk and explain the problem fairly simply, looking around to the rest of the group. Twilight and CMC Bellows are quickly nodding along.

"Current plan- start gently heating it up, using my magic to tunnel and move the gas into it's proper passage, and then move the ice back down the pipe once it's small enough to get past the valve." You explain, earning nods.

"It's worth a shot at the very least." Twilight agrees, and CMC Bellows nods as well. "Aye, just take it slow Skipper- too much too fast, and th' pipe's gonna pop like a grape."

You nod and turn to the pipe, and close your eyes before guiding your magic into the pipe, surrounding the ice with a shield, expanding the top of the shield into a bubble to push the gas with, and slowly start raising the heat.

Immediately you start to feel the strain. This is much more complicated then using a runic array, and much more magically taxing. You grit your teeth and keep working, and soon have a sizable amount of the ice melted when your eyes snap open.

The valve broke free and snapped shut. It's a one-way valve.

You can't get the ice and nitrogen back down the line.

>>29861768
Say it is a fucking one way valve.

>>29861768
Ask twilight if she can teleport small objects from one place to another.

>>29861768
This:
>>29861791
Or, alternately, ask Twilight to un-pop the movable section of the valve back open by applying her telekinesis against the action of the snap-shut spring while you move the ice-chunk past.

>>29862052
Oh thats good thinking anon.

>>29862052
>>29862124
Your forelegs buckle a bit as you strengthen your hold on the shield, to keep the nitrogen from escaping. "T-twi...light..."

Twilight's at your side in an instant. "Fair! Are you ok? How can I help?"

You hiss between your teeth. "One... way..."

She blinks in confusion before realizing what you said and closes her eyes, her own aura following yours up the piping and quickly pushing the valve flaps open so that you can pull the chunk of ice and gas through and shuck it down the proper ducting.

The moment it's free and clear, you release the spell and collapse, groaning in agony. Liquid Nitrogen has a 1:694... which quickly put a major strain on your shield as it tried to displace all the air already inside the shield, which would have let it escape into the envelopes and float gasses.

Suffice to say, your hurting quite a bit right now.

Twilight is looking you over with a frown, looking up and down and checking your horn. "He's not hurt, but he's suffering from a little magical backlash- too many thaums pushed through his horn at once."

You close your eyes, rolling so that you're laying on your side, letting your head throb in pain. Everything hurts. Hopefully you won't do or say something stupid while your brain's rebooting.

>>29862172
Just let it wash over you, try to envision something mild but pleasant until it passes enough to return to "normal life".

>>29862172
Painkillers pls.

>>29862187
This.

>>29864075
Think of the ponk butt.

File: Fair Winds.png (134KB, 447x576px) Image search: [Google]

134KB, 447x576px

>>29862187
>>29862540
>>29864075
"Fair? Fair are you alright?"

Some voice drifts through your mind, but you can't even right now.

"Number you've dialed is disconnected. Painkiller plz."

The voices around you are very, very confused, but you're just doing your best to think of something, anything to distract you from the pain, at first envisioning what you want to do to the piping and the cursing you'd like to enjoy, but it just makes your head throb.

... No, Ponk's flank is -not- one of those somethings to make you feel better.

Twilight's might be but she's A PLATONIC FRIEND right now.

Though her coat is really soft and you enjoyed being close to her, her wings were really soft too...

What were you thinking about again?

Your head continues to throb till you feel something tap your forehead and feel the haze and pain drain away, making you blink and shift to try to look up, finding yourself muzzle to muzzle with Twilight Sparkle yet again.

"... We've got to keep meeting like this." You muse to her.

Twilight giggles and you carefully get to your hooves, taking it slow, turning and glaring at the pipes for a moment before looking to Bellows, who's still cranking on a wrench. "So what's causing that whole disaster and keeping the valve from staying closed, Bellows?"

Bellows scoffs. "The pneumatic line is being bled into by a patch job done by our Saboteur, Skipper. Sneaky lil' thing, it was hard to spot and I woulda missed it entirely iffin' you had called for me at some point yesterday."

You mentally pat yourself on the back for that one, and then start to consider what you'll need to do now that the minor emergency has been handled. You do, after all, have two Princesses in the room.

>>29864839
I am unclear did we misremember the layout or was that supposed to be a 2 way valve.

>>29864839
Ask Bellows if she can handle this one alone from here. We better check other valves for similar sabotage. We show Rarity and Twilight what they have to lookout for while Dash can fetch the parts we need to repair the damages.
The others can do whatever they deem helpful.

>>29865001
>>29864881
You're just about to start passing out orders and getting Bellows to keep at this one while you check over the rest of the system for anything else when a sudden thought shocks down your spine.

"Wait... that's supposed to be a two-way, modulating valve." You say quietly.

The entirety of the group turns to look at you.

"Beggin' your pardon, skipper?" Bellows says in confusion.

"... Bellows, that line is supposed to be a two-way valve, not a one-way." You say. "So if some of the nitrogen is needed it can be thrown up to the envelopes..."

Bellows blinks once before she pales. "You don' think..."

"... That they've been filling the gasbags with nitrogen so we can't heat/light it off, and get lift? I do think that." You say flatly.

You bite your lower lip in thought before you quickly explain to Rarity what to look for, and after searching around the gasplant for a moment, give her a diagram map of the valving and piping, where everything goes, and tell her to take Dash to assist her.

Then you turn to Twilight and Celestia. "How can I help you, Captain?" Celestia asks, giving you a soft smile.

>>29865035
So the bastards had time enough to re-plumb parts of the ship. That bodes ill by all accounts.

Lets see, there are repairing spells we know exist, Twilight is about the most talented unicorn we know- let's lean on her a little and ask her if there are any enchantments that would highlight, perhaps with a glow or something, recently changed/meddled with/dangerous/malfunctioning items/pipes/locations? And is there any sort of bomb-sniffing spells? Anything along these lines, we should scan the ship with.

>>29865035
Well, that explains why all of the liquid nitrogen went missing.

>>29865521
This works.

What a fun boat adventure this is.

>>29865521
>>29865641
You sigh and give Celestia half-hearted grin. "Well, at least we know what happened to all the nitrogen now, Your Highness."

Celestia sighs with an amused smile on her face and gently shakes her head as you turn your attention to Twilight. "Princess Sparkle, are there any enchantments or repair spells that you could meld together that would have recently replaced/repaired piping and equipment glow? We're going to have to trouble-shoot this line-by-line so that we can guarantee the float gas is working properly, or the Risen Glory is going to go down like a lead balloon."

"Of course Fa-Captain! Captain. I'll work with Rarity, she's the best when it comes to detection spells, we'll get right on it, and we'll take CMC Bellows with us to make sure we've got everything."

Twilight smiles warmly at you before trotting past you and calling out to the others, starting to give orders and do the Princess thing before Celestia takes control of conversation.

"Are you well, Fair? That looked very taxing."

>>29868206
Guess we're okay now, probably should avoid magic for a few more minutes?

>>29868206
"That took a wee bit more power than I was expecting, Princess. It set me back for a minute or two, was all. I'm fine now."

>>29868206
I should have checked the pipe before I did it.

My little pony is shit. But my favourite ponieeee is diamond tiara <3 rawrrr

>>29868249
>>29868686
>>29868809
You let yourself sit on your haunches and let out a sigh, slumping just a bit. "Oof. I'm fine, Your Highness. It took a bit more power than I was expecting, and I should have checked the piping before I actually started breaking up the dry-ice, but all in all I should just avoid casting for a bit, or I'll get Doc Time on my flank yelling at me about over-taxing myself."

Celestia giggles a bit at that, rolling her eyes. "Still, that was quite impressive Captain. I'm pleased I've picked the right stallion for the job, apparently. Not every pony is capable of performing feats like that and are able to afterwords worry about a Doctor simply yelling at them for taxing their magical reservoirs."

You decide to do that mature thing and roll your eyes before sitting back a bit. "Well, either way, the Risen Glory is getting back to it's proper state of being."

Celestia nods idly, before glancing at the working ponies and then at her two guards. "... Captain, may I have a few moments of your time for a private conversation?"

>>29869157
Of course princess.

>>29869157
Supporting >>29869174 because saying no to Celestia is just asking for trouble.

>>29869157
Let's head to our cabin then.

>>29869157
"Of course, Princess." ...I hope we still have some shampoo left, Celestia's gonna require at least half a bottle. It'll probably be extra challenging because of how her hair keeps moving like that.

>>29869174
>>29869219
>>29869221
>>29869236
"Of Course, Princess." You say. "We can use my cabin."

You trot off as the rest of the maintenance crews join Twilight and her friends and are quickly sent off to do more of the maintenance. At least the crew is working well with the Princess and her friends.

You mentally muse over having a heart-to-heart in the shower with Celestia and stifle a snicker at the thought of using up your entire bottle of mane-n-tail and body soap trying to help Celestia wash up, before shaking your head as you step into your Cabin, Celestia's guards posting up on either side of your door as she follows you through, closing the door behind her before she puts up Sound-proofing spells.

"You're the second Princess who's wanted to have a heart-to-heart with me in two days, Your Highness. I'm either doing something right or something very, very wrong." You muse, sitting on the edge of your bed.

Celestia titters a bit in amusement. "Indeed, my guards told me all about the late night talk you had with my dear Twilight last night. But we'll talk about that in a bit."

Oh.

"Fair Winds, please... after last night, I wanted to make sure that I wasn't putting too much on you, too quickly. I know I've picked the right pony to handle everything that's happening, and I know you're capable of it, but I won't force any of my little ponies to do anything they don't want to do. Consider this... not so much an escape clause, but more of a promise from me to you. A favor, if you will."

You frown. That was a bit confusing, but you think you got the jist of what she said? Maybe you should ask for her to clarify, or tell her to continue, or dance around the issue, see if she likes it when the horseshoe is on the other hoof.

>>29869261
Ask for clarification, what is it exactly she's offering to us right now? A break?

>>29869261
>ask for her to clarify

>>29869288
>>29869334
You lean forwards a little bit. "... Your Highness, please. Clarify that just a bit? Are you offering me a break, or what?"

Celestia lets out a little sigh. "One favor to you, Fair, from me- Anything in my power that I can grant you, I'll do."

You blink in surprise, and she gently holds up a hoof. "Once this tasking is completed, and the mission is finished, all you need to do is ask."

>>29869405
Unless you can bring the dead to life there is nothing you can offer me.

>>29869405
How about a promotion or funds for this ship then? Just spitballing here really.

>>29869405
Guess we'll just keep the favour. Surely, we'll think of something significant for the favour in the future.

>>29869428
>>29869438
>>29869471
Several different thoughts cross your mind, but in the end, your can only frown and close your eyes.

The one thing you want can't be offered, and anything else isn't really any use to you right now.

As such... "Thank you, your Highness." You say, deciding to hang on to the favor for a rainy day, so to speak.

Celestia smiles at you, before her gaze hardens a bit, though the smile is still there. "Now then... what are your intentions towards Twilight?"

>>29869506
I can assure you we are are just friends. Although I would not be totally averse to a relationship at some point in the future.

>>29869506
To befriend her and work with her but who knows what the future holds anypony.

>>29869506
"Another good question would be, what are Twilight's plans toward me? I certainly wasn't expecting things to take the direction they took last night. I've been a lone pone for so long that even the thought of a relationship never crossed my mind! However she is quite a nice pony, and if she finds me iinteresting in 'That Way', I won't shove her away. It could be good for both of us."

>>29869550
>>29869552
>>29869562
You freeze in surprise.

Suddenly, you're staring down one of the 16-inch guns that the Risen Glory carries, in the form of a pony who's -very- concerned about her... 'daughter'?

Whooooooookay.

"... If I could ask, in a different way, your Highness, is what are Twilight's plans toward me? I certainly wasn't expecting things to take the direction they took last night." You shift off of the bed, pacing a bit. "I'll admit to not having very many... personal relationships, so the thought of a relationship never crossed my mind. However, she is..." You pause, mostly to prevent yourself from waxing poetic about the mare and the lavender eyes that you can't look away from when they lock to yours, "-A good pony, and a good friend. If she finds me interesting in 'That Way', I won't shove her away."

You pause for a second before scuffing the floor with a hoof and admitting, "It would be good to have somepony I know I can connect with on an intellectual level."

A few moments pass before Celestia's stern glare turns into it's usual motherly smile, and she leans down and nuzzles you gently, whispering in your ear. "I believe you, Fair, but if you break her heart, I'll break your legs, and then your spine."

You gape in surprise as she leans up, a pleased little smirk on her face. "Just remember that Captain, and everything will be just fine. After all, Twilight's older brother was a perfect Gentlestallion for Cadance, I'm sure you can treat Princess Twilight just as well."

>>29869728
Hypothetically... if her heart breaks, would that favour be able to save us?

>>29869764
Depends, do you think we could hypothetically survive being teleported to the sun's surface and left there unprotected for a few minutes... days... years?

>>29869728
That's not a very princessy thing to do.

>>29869728
Of course princess.
>>29869809
Also this.

>>29869728
Wait a minute, does that mean her guards heard our private conversation, or were they just aware of the fact that Twi visited us last night?

>>29870180

We treat everypony well.

>>29872123

>>29875499

Let's boop twilight!

>>29869809
>>29869854
>>29870180
"O-of course, Your Majesty." You say, somehow not stuttering and keeping yourself in firm control.

Wait... does that mean.

Your face banks for a moment before you frown. "... Were the guards listening in on myself and Pr-"

"Please, we're in private, Fair... call her what you actually want to call her." Celestia says.

You snort. "Fine. Twilight and I were speaking -privately-. So who was listening in?"

Celestia smiles softly. "Rainbow Dash, actually. You forgot to sound-proof your porthole." She says, gesturing to the window to the outside, making you facehoof in annoyance.

>>29879056
I am going to make her clean the latrines for that.

>>29879763
You mutter a small curse, pulling your hoof away from your muzzle. "Latrine duty- she'll clean every Head on this boat with her own toothbrush, I swear..."

Celestia shushes. "None of that, please Fair. She meant no harm, and she was worried for her friend. You would do the same, I'm sure."

You sigh, and roll your eyes a bit, but would would admit that you would have done the same.

"Very well, your Highness. Is there anything else?"

Celestia smiles and nods. "Yes, actually. Due to your magical stress, I'm -ordering- you to take the rest of the day off. Relax, take some time to unwind."

>>29880759
Ok then princess.
Climb into bed.

Rainbow Dash better not have spread the details of our private conversation to everyone on the ship.

>>29881369
I doubt it. She is the element of loyalty. Only applejack ignores her element.

>>29880780
You really, really wish to snark at Celestia and say something like 'yes mother', but at this point in time you are hurting a bit and frankly, some quite time sounds perfect. "As you wish, Your Highness. I bid you a good day." You say, with a crisp salute to match.

Celestia smiles at you and leaves, and you let out a little sigh once she's gone before you strip out of your uniform, and hum over the idea of taking a shower or just using a cleansing spell before you get back in bed.

>>29883007
The whole reason for this is magical overload.
Have a good old earth pony style shower. No levitation at all.

>>29883007
Seconding >>29883012
Plus, taking a shower is much more fun and relaxing then just using a spell.

>>29883012
>>29883085
You smile to yourself, chuckling a bit. Sometimes it feels like you've been spending all your time in the shower, but better being clean then tracking in dirt into your sleeping place, right?

You undo your braid by hoof, taking your time and thinking about your Father. He taught you how to braid your mane, so that you could braid your sisters. He always said that the best part of having a long mane was being able to have a bonding activity with the mares of your family.

A smile at the thought as you step into the shower, and let out a sigh as hot water washes over your body. Of course, now it's time for deep shower thoughts.

>>29883667
Think about the danger of overconfidence.

We are so good we thought we did not need to check the route we were taking that nitrogen along. We were to certain of our own knowledge of what was there so we almost paid dearly.

>>29883760
You sigh, taking a slow, deep breath as your eyes slide closed and you gently chastise yourself.

You're not perfect. Nopony has ever claimed you are, nor would you ever claim that you are. Mistakes were made, and they were made because you got cocky and thought that you knew what was wrong and make a course of action without asking for assistance.

You nod firmly to yourself, pleased that you've had this revelation, and let yourself settle into the warmth, your mind blanking for a bit before you hear somepony knocking at the door to your cabin and you let out a little groan, leaning your head against the bulkhead.

>>29883857
Bah, why do they always pick the worst time to visit us?
Tell them to wait a moment as we dry ourselves.

Bump while I read.

>>29883857
This better be important. Princess ordered I take a day off.

>>29883944
>>29886850
You sigh, drying off enough that you're not dripping all over the deck as you walk to your door, your mane still plastered to your neck and back. "Just a moment!"

A few moments later, you consider yourself dry enough, even as you step too the door and open it. "Yes, yes, how can I he-"

Your voice is cut off by a gasp as you blink at the two ponies on the other side of the door. Two more Princesses in fact.

"Oh, my gosh." Cadance says, gaping a bit at you as she tilts her head, as if inspecting you for sale. "Celly wasn't lying Lulu, look at him! He's -gorgeous-. Beautiful even."

"Shrewth. He is prettier then many of the stallions of the courts of yore." Luna hums before nodding. "Greetings, Fair Captain. Mine Sister said that thou weret here, but we see that we've interrupted thy cleansing, and sha'lt leave thee be. Good Morrow."

You can only gape as Princess Luna trots off, leaving you with Princess Cadance.

... What the buck just happened?

Cadance takes a look at your face and giggles. "S-sorry, but that expression is just... too much!" She giggles a bit more. "Looks just like my Shiny when I... well, that's besides the point! Anyway, do you have a moment to talk, Captain?"

>>29887258
As long as I do not do anything strenus it should be fine princess.

>>29887496
You resist the urge to sigh and instead step aside, motioning for Cadance to enter. "Of course, Your Highness, just be aware that I recently overstressed myself magically, and Princess Celestia has ordered me to take the rest of the day easy."

"Of course, Auntie Celly told me as much when I passed by her." Cadance says, closing the door behind her. "You've got a lovely boat Captain... or can I call you Fair?" She says, glancing at you. "Twily can't stop talking about the strong-willed, intelligent pony she met yesterday."

>>29887713
You can call me whatever you wish princess. It is a lovely boat. Let's just hope we do not have to put it to use.

>>29887948
You roll your eyes as you trot a ways towards your head so you can nab a towel and wrap up your mane to let it dry properly. "Please, Princess. You can call me as you wish, you certainly don't need to ask for my permission to use my name."

Cadance smiles. "It's polite to ask, and my Shiny always gets on me for not using his Guard's ranks when they're on duty or working."

You turn, your mane wrapped in a towel. "Well, I assure you I'm not on duty right now, Princess, so you can call me Fair, or Winds, or as-you-will."

Cadance giggles as you mentally review what you know of the second-youngest of the Alicorn mares. Love Magic, very courageous and quite smart, but a little flighty, silly at times, and you think you heard something about her being a foalsitter.

"As for the boat, you're correct. She is lovely, but she's also dangerous to those who would harm Equestria and her Allies... I hope we don't have to prove it again." You say and Cadance nods in response.

"Of course. Oh! Where are my manners, please, call me Cadance." Cadance says with a smile, offering you her hoof.

>>29888111
Welcome aboard the Risen Glory Cadence. Yesterday wasn't the first time we met, but certainly the only one she paid this much attention to me. Now this is your forte Cadence, how bad did it hit her from a scala of one to ten?
Damn, those double trips.

>>29888111
Of course cadance. I will say the same thing I told twilight I will call her by her name in private

>>29888232
*you by your name

>>29888232
>>29888146
You bow your head a bit, shaking it in amusement as you shake her hoof. "Fair. I'll tell you the same thing I told Twilight- in Public, it's Princess and Captain. In private, I'll happily use whatever you prefer."

"I'm glad to hear that... now, tell me more about your connection to my sweet little Twily~ She's never shown enough interest in stallions to know more about them then their name and if their related to one of her friends before... well, there was that -one- guard, but he was no where near good enough for her, just a lazy slob that- oh, you're not interested in hearing me rant." Cadance says, waving her hoof after you finish the hoof-shake.

You resist the urge to roll your eyes. "Well, Yesterday wasn't the first time I met her, but it was the first time we had spoken to one another, and the first time she paid that much attention to me." You muse, sitting back a bit.

Cadence's eyes are twinkling, and she seems quite excited about something as she's staring at you as if she's contemplating something. "Go on, tell me about her!" Cadence says, shifting from hoof to hoof in her excitement.

[Also, a side question- Cadance or Cadence, which would you all prefer?]

>>29889935
Derpi says it is princess cadance.

Well she is smart, excelent to work alongside, friendly although I suppose that one is a given considering her job. Compassionate.

>>29890057
[Then that's how it shall be.]

"Well, what are you specifically asking, Princess?" You muse, tilting your head. "I mean, you must know Twi better then I do. She's smart and quick-thinking, with a solid set of common sense attached to it, excellent to work alongside because she's capable of seeing when her solution isn't the best solution, and she's friendly, but I suppose that's given." You say, rolling your eyes.

Cadance just listens as you start to ramble a bit. "She's friendly and not just because she has to be. She's compassionate, willing to listen when somepony's talking, and she's willing to look you in the eyes when you're talking..."

"Is that something that's important to you? A pony's eyes?" Cadance asks curiously.

>>29890114
Don't think about the horror in your sisters eyes
Don't think about the horror in your sisters eyes
Think about the horror in your sisters eyes
Once we shake that off tell her we suppose they are.

>>29890164
What about the eyes of those killers?
Laughing as watch her die?

>>29890164
>>29890195
You freeze just a bit as your mind is thrown back to That day.

The fear and desperation in your sisters eyes as she tries to break the window.

The Bastards eyes, glinting in joy and an almost perverted pleasure in the torturous pain they caused.

The dead, haunted look that you saw in your own when you were sat on the side of the rode by the burnt house, looking at the blade of your saber and considering following your family before you settled on revenge.

The Ageless Matron of Celestia's- more horrors and terrors then you can imagine lost in her eyes, ponies loved and lost but ponies found and held even.

Curiosity. Intelligence. Innocent but tempered with common sense.

Twilight.

You let out a slow sigh that bleeds out of your muzzle reluctantly. "You could say that." You say.

Cadance blinks at the response and hums quietly in thought before she speaks up again. "Fair, did you know that the Risen Glory isn't the only place where these Officers have struck?"

>>29890254
No I did not.

>>29890254
Details, please.

>>29890264
>>29890276
You blink and frown a bit, undoing the towel from your mane and letting out a pleased huff as you feel your mane is dry, and put the towel aside to deal with later. "I haven't. Could you detail it to me, Cadance?"

Cadance nods. "Twilight's getting briefed on it by Shiny, but someone slipped into the Crystal Empire and stole a few pieces of a design for a new cannon... a magi-tek cannon. It fires pure bolts of force, no cannonball required. The only limit is how many unicorns you have around to power it, but otherwise you can fire it pretty much forever, without having to slow the firing rate."

You gape at this information, but frown after a moment. "Wait, what about Neighton's 3rd law? Wouldn't the opposing force destroy the cannon or cause massive recoil?"

Cadance nods at the question and says, "You're right, it would... if it weren't for an Amplifier and recoil reducer that's built into the system. The Amp helps output more magic, and is charged with ambient magic, while the recoil reducer takes the kinetic energy and turns it into more magical energy, feeding into the amplifier to either boost shots or to charge the amp. Overall return force is half that of a conventional 16-inch gun, and can be fired about 30 times a minute."

Your jaw drops. The common 16-inch 50 Caliber guns that The Risen Glory and all Equestrian Battleships use is one of the most devastating sea-based gunnery emplacements ever designed by thinking creatures, capable of dishing out disgusting force from miles away. It's only drawback was the large shells it used to fire were heavy and needed a well train crew to operate, making a fire rate for an individual gun cut down to about 2-3 rounds per minute.

With nine 16'/50's on deck, the Risen Glory could output a maximum of 27 shells a minute at maximum efficiency. The idea of that 27 turning into two-hundred and seventy 'shells' a minute was staggering, and the implications were terrifying.

>>29890374
Well now I hope even more Twilight is able to keep the peace.

>>29890374
How did they do it? Wouldn't something like this be a secret to all but a select few?

>>29890374
We need to stop rolling our eyes all the time before we get punched.

"Did they get enough of the plan to make their own ahead of us? Are ours ready for mass production? We need to get these equipped ASAP!"

>>29890843
>>29890403
>>29890391
"How long ago did they get these? Did they get enough to make their own ahead of Equestria? Did we get far enough in production to mass-produce these for our airships and sea-going vessels, or at least mount them for city defense?" You rapid fire, your mind still stuck on the idea of the same force of a 16' gun being fired two-hundred and seventy times a minute...

Cadance shakes her head. "Easy Fair, I know it's pretty staggering, but there's still quite a bit of issues with the system. It's still in testing, but they didn't get enough of the plans to have a full-powered version of the cannon." She says. "The plans they stole were for the earliest prototype, which has the amplifier, but -not- the recoil system, which is rather important to the design."

She holds up a hoof as you go to ask more questions about the gun, "I unfortunately don't know more then that- my Shiny is the warrior out of the two of us, and it's been his pet project since we reclaimed the Crystal Empire."

You nod and then frown again. "How did they do it? I've never heard of this project, and I'd imagine most Equestrians haven't either."

She sighs. "Unfortunately, the nobility of Canterlot and a Captain's Board was required to sign off on Shiny's project in order to get funding for the earliest stages- the canon is based on some of the unique properties of various crystals and magicks in the Crystal Empire, but required Equestrian Mages that need to be paid, and the Crystal Empire has just recently gotten economically sound. Sir Fancy Pants, Prince Blueblood, and a few of Sir Pants's closest allies were our backers financially, and Captain Cross headed up the Captain's Review Board who were writing the report for the Commander of Naval Operations."

Unfortunate indeed. Hindsight is 20/20, but obviously Captain Cross had to have been a sailor of not-some inconsiderable trust, being that he was a Captain of the ERN.

>>29891106
I would have thought Sombra would have some sort of treasure horde you could have looted instead.

>>29891134
You tilt your head. "What happened to Sombra's treasure hoard?"

Cadance tisks. "What treasure hoard? He had little to no riches, which is why when Auntie Celestia and Auntie Luna went to war with Sombra, he had no assistance from other empires at the time- he had nothing to play them with. All of the crystals he was mining was for something similar to the amplifier that Twilight came up with, but only applied to Dark-spectrum magic, which created his obsession in the first place..."

Cadance sighs. "Long story short, no, there wasn't any sort of treasure horde that we could have looted. Though we have some of the best Geomancers in the world. Crystal Ponies have a much better grasp of Earth Pony magic, though it focuses more on rock shaping."

You hum in thought as Cadance trots around you, also letting out a little hum in thought.

"You've got such a lovely mane and tail... would you mind if I did something with it?" She asks.

>>29891320
It has to be worksafe if you want it to last longer than a day. Other than that, go nuts.

>>29891438
You hum before shrugging. "Sure, why not? I warn you though, it'll have to be worksafe if you want it to last more then today." You say with a firm nod, gesturing to your mane and the discarded braid thongs.

Cadance's eyes light up and she grins brightly. "No problems there! I can't wait, I barely get to play with anypony's mane anymore, ever since I started ruling the Crystal Empire instead of babysitting, and Twily never liked having her mane done up. Shiny, of course, needs to keep his mane as it is- I just can't bare to mess with it as I'd like." She sighs as she pulls out a large amount of grooming materials.

You suddenly feel a chill down your spine, like you made a very, very big mistake.

She settles next to you, pulling two cushions over for you and her to sit on as she starts brushing out your mane. "So, did you ever work with Shining Armor? I know the EUP and the Royal Guard don't usually train together, but I know that my Shiny did at least a year with each branch before he became Captain..."

>>29891710
It's never mentioned, guess we'll go with yes?

>>29891748
[Hah, remembered to turn my trip off this time- I never specifically mentioned it, so the players can decide honestly. I built a lot of Fair, but he's your character as much as mine. I want to see what the players consider to be Fair's background, help build him out more- who has he known? Hasn't known? Did he travel a lot? What kinds of ships did he serve on? 10 years of military experience is a lot of room to build ideas in, and I've barely scratched the surface beyond 'Made rank, became a Chief Warrent Officer, and is good at engineering, lost his Family within the last 6-ish months.']

>>29891710
Not directly, but I met him and we talked about ourselves a bunch. He seemed like a nice normal stallion. You can't believe my surprise when his little sister became princess. Success runs in the family I guess.
>>29891748
Yeah, whenever a qm asks you about things you don't know as a player but should know as the character, he wants you to build the mc the way you want to.

>>29891710
I did once but we did not spend long together

>>29891710
Shining's a good guy, let's go with the consensus, they've met but spent no real time together. I bet they'd make fine friends given the opportunity.

>>29891772
>>29893433
>>29893679
You resist the urge to nod, knowing that it'll lead to a painful tug on your mane, judging by how Cadance has started holding your mane with her aura. "I did, for a little. We didn't really work -with- one another, as he was spending more time with the officers and the MA's, you know, guard duty and the like, where as I was an Engineer back then." You pause for a moment, humming.

"Jeeze, that was years ago... crazy about his amazing marefriend that nopony believed actually existed, because that's one of those things many stallions over-exaggerate, worn to the ragged edges about his brilliant, if overtly worrying parents, and his genius social recluse of a little sister... funny when his LSBFF became the fourth Princess of Equestria, and the Princess of Equestria at that." You smirk a bit at that, and Cadance giggles.

"Funnier then when his marefriend turned out to be a Princess?" She says, leaning forwards so you can see her as she waggles her eyebrows, making you roll your eyes.

She giggles at you. "You keep doing that, and they'll just start rolling faster and faster before they escape your face you know."

You sigh. "Trust me, I'm aware. I can't help it though. I'm surrounded by jokers."

Cadance giggles again and you feel a light tug on your mane. "Well, you're snarky and sometimes you sound kind of deadpan. Have you always been that way?"

You give her an idle shrug, thinking of how you were back then.

>>29894895
I suppose I always was this way.

>>29895030
You click your tongue after a moment's thought, remembering how your mother always would criticize your bland tone and snarky nature, though your voice used to be much more lively.

You glance back at her. "... I guess I've always been this way." You say.

It rings hollow. Both of you know it, but you're not about to say any more on that.

"So what do you do hobby wise, outside of taking showers with pretty princesses and being an amazing engineer?" Cadance teases lightly.

[Last update for today, I'm pretty much passin' out, I'll be around in about 8 hours.]

>>29895142
I guess it would not suprise you to hear I am a bit of a nerd. I do enjoy a good ogres and oubiltes session. I also play a bit of [horse mtg]

Mostly I just read though. I love to stick my head in a good book. Both ficton and none fiction.

>>29895398
*oubliettes
It is not like me to misspell that.

>>29895142
>taking showers with pretty princesses
Ha, we still need to shower with 3 more different princesses for that title.

>>29895398
>>29895535
You smile a little bit. "Well, considering your husband, you're most likely unsurprised to heard that I enjoy a good Ogres and Oubliettes session, and a bit of Planestrider The Gathering." You say. Cadance giggles.

"What's with all the cute guys being a bit of a nerd?" She teases, gently hoofing your shoulder for a moment, making you chuckle along.

"I doubt anypony will ever have a good answer for that, your highness. But thank goodness for being smart, strong, and good looking... maybe some trouble when you're younger, but hey, it pays off in the end."

Cadance lets out a pleased little hum. "Oh does it ever~ My Shiny is a great example of that."

You chuckle as she pulls on your mane a bit as she starts pulling it up into a high ponytail. "Though you're not bad either~ I'm kinda surprised you don't have all the mares and stallions falling all over you."

>>29897241
Well I have been rather emotionally inaccessible in recent months. For a while I probably did not even notice any flirtations coming at me.

>>29897241
Seconding >>29897267

>>29897267
>>29897287
You sigh a bit. "Honestly, I've been rather... secluded, over the last few months." You admit. "I haven't really been paying attention to ponies flirting with me or not. Too many other things to consider."

Cadance hums at that and lets out a pleased huff. "There we go." She says, levitating a mirror in front of you.

Your mane is done up in a very high ponytail, like an old neighpon samurai, your mane gently sweeping over your shoulders and no further, gentle bangs curling across the top of your eyes. Your mane is also super shiny and seems to glow in the light.

"Not bad if I do say so myself. You could probably star in one of those neighponies animes that my Shiny likes so much." Cadance giggles.

You shrug a bit as she moves so she's sitting in front of you. "So, would you say you're open to a relationship right now?"

>>29897369
Normaly no but with Twilight it feels different.

>>29897373
You bite your lower lip in thought, turning away a bit from Cadance. You're nervous.

Very nervous.

Your thoughts, unbidden, turn to Twilight, and you feel your heart pound a bit.

"... Tw-" You start, but stop.

Cadance leans forwards, a slightly excited look on her face.

"... Twilight's different." You finally say. "Normally, no... I wouldn't be. But she's different."

Cadance's excited smile is now a self-satisfied one, much like the cat that ate the canary. "Mmm, is that so?" She muses. "She seems to really like you as well... at least, once she saw the pony on the other side of the uniform."

You feel yourself perk up a bit at that, but you slump a little afterwords. There's no way Twilight has time for any of this anyway.

Cadance smiles softly and fixes you with a look. "You should take a chance on it. Especially considering the situation you find yourself in. Why don't you use this day off to your advantage, hmmm?"

>>29897480
I have the day off but Twilight has an incredibly vital job to do right now. Maybe tomorrow.

>>29897492
You frown and shake your head. Nervous or not, you'd be more then willing to step forwards and speak up, but there's a problem with doing that.

"Cadance, I appreciate it, really, but Duty, and The Risen Glory comes first. She has a incredibly vital job to do right now, I don't want to distract her, especially when the Risen Glory is going to be the main protection she has in Griffonia."

You sit up firmly, ignoring the fact that your heart is racing now, trying to shake thoughts of Twilight snuggled into your chest while reading a book or listening to music...

Cadance has a secret little smile on her lips, and looks faintly amused by something. "Uh-huh. Very good." She says, standing up and stretching.

"Oh! Before I forget, I got one more thing to pass along- Shiny wants you to know if you hurt his little sister, he'll do his best to get to you before Celestia does so -he- can break your spine. Ok?" She giggles.

You gape at her for a moment before letting out an annoyed groan which makes the giggles break out into full bore laughter.

Cadance calms down into giggling again a few moments later and gently pats your head with a hoof. "Oh relax Fair, it'll be fine. You go ahead and continue resting. I'm sure me and my Shiny will see you again soon."

With that Cadance flounces out of your room, the door closing behind her making you droop a bit.

The bubbly attitude, the giggling, the desire to play with your mane... she reminds you so much of... your sister, honestly.

>>29897593
Check the braid. Is it worksafe.

>>29897593
Obviously she can't just step into the role, but hanging out with Cadance will probably be good for Fair's psyche. Some part of him won't feel quite as disconnected if there's even a vague sensation that his sister's not quite entirely gone.

>>29897601
>>29898002
You hum, gently pulling your mane around so you can inspect it.

Add your thong to it, and it would absolutely be worksafe... at least, for being a Captain. If you want to do any actual engineering work or go anywhere near the gears shops or powerplants, you'd have to put it in your usual braid.

... But it's fine for today. Your sis... uh... Cadance, did it.

You let out a little sigh and close your eyes, thinking of your little sister, and suddenly feeling a desire to either hug something or be hugged.

You sigh, closing your eyes as you consider how well you and your sister got along, considering she was so much younger then you were.

[More fill-in-the-blankspot time players!]

>>29900497
We got along pretty well. Sure we had the ocasional argument but we never let it come between us.

>>29900524
Also she would consistently kick our arse at planestrider. She was a player of about average skill, not as good as us in general but her style of play hosed ours and she was far better at learning to anticipate the moves of people she played against often then we are.

>>29900497
...and, because she never 'looked before she lept', leaving the toilet seat up never got old either!

The best part was that she was the sort of filly that you couldn't chase around with an earthworm. She was the sort where you'd catch two, then the two of you would chase the other fillies around with them.

>>29900524
>>29900556
>>29900667
You smile at the memories your sister brings up. Little prank wars that you always won (sister dearest just couldn't look before she leaps, which sometimes lead to an unfortunate situation with toilets), Teaching her how to play Planestrider and then being gobsmacked when she absolutely wrecked you in it, even though her overall skill wasn't anything spectacular, just something that she did always hosed you whenever you played.

She was making out to be a masterful tactician. You had been considering sponsoring her for the military academy, a pre-secondary school that had a fantastic reputation for making skilled, thoughtful warriors, but more importantly, some of the greatest leaders of the modern military era.

She could figure a pony out far better then you can. You would never admit it out loud, but a lot of your flirty, sneaky walk-around talking strategies you got from her. She always seemed to be about five to ten steps ahead of everypony else, though thankfully only about a step, maybe two, in front of you.

She was your little sister, and she was the best sister a colt could have. She didn't want to play dress up or with dolls, she wanted to wrestle, learn to shoot (though she never quite got the hang of it, being a Pegasi n' all), or chase the snooty city-fillies that came out to Mascarpone around with worms you'd catch for her. Sometimes you'd chase them too, but you were a bit too old for that.

A longing sigh for days gone by drifts from you as you consider it for a moment before gently shaking your head. Sighing in longing for something that'll never happen isn't good for your health.

Suddenly, another loud knocking comes at your door, snapping you out of your pleasant thoughts.

>>29901491
Must be Luna.
Go open the door.

>>29901505
You sigh, before putting on an professional air and open the door, though before you can even open it you're blown back by Princess Luna. "HUZZAH! TIS MY TURN!"

... The implications are staggering...

"Your Highness, it's generally not-"

"Up-bup-bup! None of that! Here we are Luna! Thou shalt call Us as such! Dearest Twilight said We should make more friends!" Luna bellows, and you feel the urge to whimper.

What got you dragged into this madness anyway?! WHAT DO?! You were -not- prepared for very loud alicorn princesses getting up in your personal space and yelling about how it's her turn to be your friend!

>>29901883
Why do so many princesses want to visit us?
Please, lower your voice.

>>29901883
You have got to teach me how to speak like that.

>>29901883
"Luna, it's my honor to be your host to my humble dwelling. Mine ears are a bit sore from the events of the day, so if you could kindly speak softly for me, I'd appreciate it? Come on inside so that we can talk."

>>29902024
>>29902079
>>29903111
You barely hold back another eyeroll before you respond to Princess Luna.

"Luna, it's my honor to be your host to my humble dwelling. Mine ears are a bit sore from the events of the day, so if you could kindly speak softly for me, I'd appreciate it? Come on inside so that we can talk."

"Of course, thank you dear Captain." She says, finally in a normal tone of voice, stepping inside your room and closing the door, and putting up a silencing ward. You let out a sigh, rubbing your forehead.

"Now then, we have a question for thee, Sir Winds." Luna says, tilting her head.

>>29904774
Certainly Luna.

>>29904774
This:
>>29904810