The Derelict | Chapter 1 | Red Tape

[Dio]

The Derelict

Chapter 1: Red Tape

The Iron Saddle is less a tavern and more a cozy hideaway for citizens of Stalliongrad’s Island District. Its interior is sprinkled with private booths, tables, and sitting areas illuminated by the soft glow of faerie lanterns. Cordons of shadow are deliberately allowed to form between sitting places, giving the illusion of a much more spacious and airy chamber than the building’s construction would allow.

A large circular hearth is the centerpiece of the Saddle. Rough cut stone pasted together with equally rough mortar forms the base of the fire pit, a shallow depression in the floor enclosed by wire mesh and leading to iron ductwork and flue joints. Though any hazardous smoke is directed up and away from the sitting area, a distinct, smokey pungency continues to linger in the main chamber. The hearth’s mantle is decorated with little tokens of Stalliongrad: Matroyshka dolls, wool ushankas, wood carvings of berkut eagles and ovcharka puppies, and miniature painted pewter replicas of the Island District’s multicolor onion-domed spires.

The bar itself is framed by a long, hardwood counter, polished and varnished to a sheen, but still showing plenty of nicks and dings from constant use. Behind the counter lie rows upon rows of liquors and flavorings from the far corners of Equestria and beyond: Aquellian spirits, Equestrian beer, Crystal Empire mead, and for the brave of heart and strong of stomach, the infamous Unyabsinthe from the land of the Zebras. Dandelion wine from Solstice Heights and Garden Gait’s own famous Riesling occupy their own rack in a corner of the bar, accompanied by more arcane brews from Canterlot proper.

The foreign liquors are plentiful, but the local fare takes center stage. A large poster for Stallianoya, the most famous (or infamous depending on who is being asked) of Stallian drink, is featured on the back wall behind the counter. Below it, a smattering of half-empty bottles labeled with less prominent brands pepper the haphazardly organized lower liquor shelf, contrasting with the upper shelf fare which is meticulously aligned and cared for. Finally, taps with faded labels running to kegs of different domestic and imported brews break the otherwise smooth outline of the counter, standing watch over patrons eager for food and drink. A lone mare tends the bar, wiping up after her patrons with a rag while looking expectantly at you.

You have received a letter from Kalinka Industries, a well-known shipping and manufacturing company in Stalliongrad, to be a part of their newest venture. Though the writer of the letter, CEO Lev Nobleheart, makes no direct mention of what is to be done, you believe it has something to do with rumors of a ghost ship that has recently appeared. Because of its remote location, accurate reports of the ship have yet to surface, but speculation runs rampant. Ghost ship? Ward of Tartarus? Government experiment gone wrong? Nopony knows for sure.

What you do know is that Mister Nobleheart assures you that upon completion of the job, you will be compensated handsomely. The letter ends with a simple set of numbers: a date, time, and place. Thus you find yourself at the Iron Saddle, waiting. Perhaps a drink would help pass the time...

Next Poster: First come first serve. Allow each party member to post once before cycling again.

On Deck: Allow each party member to post at least once before cycling again.

Actions pending resolution:

• All players report to the Iron Saddle.
  
• Players may meet and mingle as they see fit.
  
• You are also welcome to interact with Fable la Fey, the barmare.
  

[Ciraxis]

Stalliongrad. Preset Day.

The first pony to arrive was also the pony who been in The Iron Saddle before. While it was over two years since his hooves graced this establishment nothing had changed. The light, the furniture, even the scratches on the floor remained the same.

Swift Squall remembered tavern as both great source of information and meeting place - and these characteristic still held true. He however doubted if anypony would recognize him, after all he was wearing armored full-face mask. Well he was wearing far more then that actually. The headgear was only part of his body armor. Every joint on his body and chest was covered by adamantinium armor - extremely durable plate pieces additionally enchanted in such way that it reduced their weigh. That parts of his body that weren't protected by metal plate, were instead covered by kevlar fabric with titanium-dipped fiber, additionally soaked in alchemical formula. While this almost black suit was certainly impressive, much more awe inspiring was the weaponry attached to it.

Two long swords strapped to his back, two more shorter blades on the flanks. Apparently four dozens of throwing knives hidden in the bandoleers on his chest and legs. A bola, chakram, two eskrima sticks (apparently heavily enchanted), kusarigama, a collapsible bow and quiver - and that was just weaponry in plain view. The utility belt too held many secrets and tools too - smoke pellets, grappling luncher, garrote, caltrops, blinding powder, darts and some kind of spray containing a strange gel. Overall enough stuff to make small assault on Canterlot Castle. And all of this was made from mithril or better materials.

Squall wasn't taking any chances...especially if his suspicions about this 'job' were correct....

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Fillydelphia. Week earlier....

Squall was enjoying his training routine. The gym echoed with sound of hooves hotting the floor, as the unicorn made various gymnastics moves on parallel bars. However noblepony paused for a moment when his butler - Oak Branch - entered the room.

"Something happened Oak?" unicorn asked in the middle of the Diomidov.

"Well Master Squall the mail has arrived. Most of this are bills but..." older pony paused.

"But?" unicorn prodded while switching to muscle ups.

"Well, one of them was registered letter. From Kalinka Industries Sire."

"Not familiar with them...another job proposition? They should know I am done with that lifestyle."

"Indeed Master Swift. Forgive my curiosity but I allowed myself to open it. The payment they proposing is...surprising."

"Is that so? How much?" Squall asked in mid-swing

"You better dismount from the bars first, Sir." earth pony warned his employer.

"I can take it." younger pony assured.

Oak Branch told him. Squall fell off the bars.

"Are you serious? Of course you serious." Squall asked as he got up "Such stakes are not normal even for such wealth company. Something fishy...." unicorn said rubbing his chin. "Oak, prepare for me Stalliongrad newspapers from last three years and my gear. I am taking this job."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Stalliongrad, Present Day

And so he was, in the city that he called home few years ago, armed to the teeth. Squall only glanced at the various beverages, his distasteful frown hidden by the mask he was wearing. An amusing though passed through his head, that less armed teetotaler would be lynched in such place.

Squall gaze switched towards the mare that was cleaning up after other patrons. The sigh that he gave him....did she met? No..certainly not. She must've been forewarned that bunch of mercenaries would arrive to Iron Saddle today. Squall walked up to her.

"Am I first one yet?" swordstallion asked. The mare confirmed with a nod and unicorn returned one to her.

Walking off Squall pulled out letter that he received. There was no mention what specific job Kalinka Industries had in mind but after some info searching noblepony had pretty good guess what this was all about. The rumor of the ghost ship was fresh, but it was most plausible one. The question was....what company wanted to do with it. Was this bout the cargo...or the ship itself?

The abandoned airships don't happen often. Unlike boats, flying vessels require much carefully maintained to stay airborne. Either this airship was left derelict recently, or was somewhat different - which made it much more valuable. Kalinka Industries was both shipping and manufacturing company. If they could gain this vessel and work out how it is so resilient, they could make their own copies. A shipping fleet of resistant airships would give Kalinka Industries massive advantage over other companies. Of course all of this was just Squall theory. It could very well be just valuable cargo. Valuable enough to employ "Emerald Flash" for the job - as Squall was famously called in his sell sword days.

Whatever company was after, Swift didn't had sufficient information to find out their goals just yet.

He looked around for adequate place to wait. Ahhh here it was. As dark to conceal his silhouette and equipment, but also bright enough to reveal that somepony was accentually sitting here. Somepony would likely buy a drink to kill some time but Squall sworn off any alcohol. Even if he didn't, Swift would rather stay sober. It was important to have a sharp mind during mission briefing.

[tacobob]

A black furred griffon decked out in working-colt overalls slowly emerged from the train station. Here she was, the 'Jewel of the North ', the 'Steel City', and the land of industry: Stalliongrad. After snatching up her pack, she made her way towards the end of the train where the porters were hoofing over luggage that were too big for the small storage compartments that were found under the cabin's seats. One of the sturdier stallions pushed over a small cart which contained the griffon's hammer. While she normally would not tote a weapon along with her, she decided that this particular item would be useful if she had to knock an obstacle out of her way, or even to scare off anything or anyone that would dare try to get in the way of her finishing this job, whatever it may be. She glanced down at the letter she kept folded in one of her pockets. She was to meet an representative of this ' Kalinka Industries' at a place called the 'Iron Saddle'. While she normally would have preferred to know exactly what she was getting herself into before even hoping the train from Canterlot, the recent murmurings and pony prattling she had heard about from this city had her intrigued. The most interesting rumor she had heard was something about a long lost ghost-ship that had supposedly been spotted. One that had been lost for many a year, and would be the discovery of a lifetime if found and boarded. If it wasn't that, she silently hoped this job would at least not have her harassing Diamond Dogs again.

After following the map located on the back of the letter, the griffon, known to all as 'Zelda' found herself in front of the tavern. Once she finished tucking the letter back into her pocket, the blacksmith made her way inside. She had heard a good deal about Stalliongrad from others, including a new friend of hers, an impressive earth pony named Tankena who was born and raised in this very city. While she would have loved to have run into the green coated mare and given a proper tour of her town, Zelda realized that would be better suited for another time. As she made her way towards the bar, she noted an rather heavily armored and armed stallion, who she wasn't sure what to make of. Was he an overeager live-action role-player getting ready for some event? The blacksmith had made prop armor and weapons for such ponies in the past. They looked exactly like the real thing, but were both very light and had dull edges on their 'blades'. As she got closer, it became very clear that he was wearing the real thing. Maybe he was part of her group? If this the case, she started to worry about her own equipment. While her hammer was useful, her clothing was better suited for work, not battle. Would they be facing cragadiles and manticores in this job?

After planting her rump onto the nearest stool, she quickly glanced over at the assortment of drink specials. While she considered herself quite the social drinker, the young griffon swore to herself that she would be as sober as a chuchmare for duration of this job. Once she made up her mind on what she wanted to drink, she ordered a bottle of Dodge Junction imported Sarsaparilla which promised it would not only give her mass, but it would do so while accompanied with some sass. Both sass and mass were not needed by the griffon, but she always loved a good bottle of the drink, especially with a dash of cherry included. After passing the required bits to the barkeep, Zelda took a swig from her mug and waited to see if anyone else entered the establishment.

[GhostGirl]

Behind the bar, a mare, somewhere between curvy and stocky in build, with a deep purple coat and a thick Fet Loch accent, cleaned glasses and poured drinks and generally tended the bar. That was her job after all, bartender. This was her job, too, chatting up guests and batting her eyes and flirting and laughing. She was distracted momentarily, as were most of her guests, when a unicorn armed as though for war, walked into the Iron Saddle. Fable had seen her fair share of armed ponies before, but none with this many weapons in plain sight. The look on her face betrayed her confusion to her regular patrons. After a moment, though, she shook it away and went back to chatting with her guest.

And then the armed unicorn strode towards her and asked if he was the first. Taken aback, Fable's head bobbed reflexively, which, upon looking back, she figured could be mistaken for a nod if you really weren't paying attention, and started to speak. "First what?" But he was already gone, having assumed that she had said yes. She glanced at her guest and they shared a confused shrug before her attention was torn away by a griffin sitting down and requesting a sarsaparilla.

"Of course, of course! I haven't seen your face around here before, have I? I'd remember it if I did. I never forget a face, or a drink, and I don't remember a griffin ordering a sarsaparilla. I'm Fable la Fey, but my regulars call me Fable. What'd be your name, miss...?" The typical barkeep small talk rolled off her tongue smoothly as she fetched Zelda's drink, passing it to her and looking at the griffin's face expectantly as she waited for an answer.

[Solaria]

How convenient, the unicorn thought to herself, her hooves picking the familiar path down the cobblestones that led upward and away from the main bustle of her resident city.

The mysterious letter she had received named Stalliongrad's own Iron Saddle as the locale of interest, which had given her ample pause before she had decided to investigate. After all, those who weren't hardy enough to live out here in the first place were often trying to avoid the public eye. Not that she didn't do the same, but her sequestered tower served a different purpose entirely: freedom to study and focus. A sanctuary in the chilly crown of Equestria suited the mage just fine, and it was there that she had perused the scroll.

A ghost ship. In the flickering torchlight she had nodded to the empty air. She'd heard murmurings of such during her REA duties in the recent weeks. What was surprising was that she had received the correspondence at all, especially from some mysterious benefactor at Kalinka Industries. Why her? With all due modesty, the mare would admit to considerable arcane talents, but couldn't for the life of her hazard a guess at the motivation. Weren't such things the kindling for epics and legends? Surely not a regular occurrence for a near-hermit like herself.

Almost without realizing it, the unicorn stood before the very establishment detailed in her "invitation." A prickling breeze played at the hood of her traveling cloak, but she smiled anyway. Ah, the Saddle. Not that she was much of a drinker, but it was nice to come down into the throngs now and again. With the tiniest flick of magic, the mage nudged the door open and stepped into the warm smoky interior beyond.

The tall pony cast a calm gaze about, her eyes automatically flicking to her favorite corners. She couldn't have been the only one contacted about such a discovery, and as it was exploring a lost airship alone would be foolhardy. Rather quickly she picked out a few patrons that didn't seem to fit the local description. For one, there was a walking armory skulking in a shaded booth. Surely that wasn't one of the explorers, and just some wanderer passing though? Her brow furrowed in suspicion, but she was confident that if anything started she'd be able to help end it.

No pony else seemed drastically out of place, so she strode to the bar and settled in.

"A hard cider, please," the unicorn intoned quietly with a pleasant nod to both the barkeep and her conversation partner, a rather hardy-looking griffon. "When you're free, of course."

In the meantime, her horn glowed beneath her hood as twinkling arcane sparks traced across the counter before her. After meeting in the middle of a rather complicated design, the lights rose to form a small-scale, violet-hued replica of the mountains west of Stalliongrad. Unable to resist, she had even added a tiny model of the fabled ghost ship adrift in the treacherous air currents before beginning to study the detailed area. If nothing else, it was a good mystery to be unraveled.

Eyes glittering in the glow of her own witchlight construct, Destiny smiled.

[Apolline Allura]

The distance between Canterlot and Stalliongrad could be described, if asked to shorthand, as a few days between one another by unicorn pyrotechnic and former propaganda author Blaze Bright. It was a logical conclusion, given the sizeable space between the two locations names on the map of all of Equestria. Anypony who traveled could already note a day or more between Canterlot and Ponyville, and that was just by train. In her own sister, Ashsmoke's words? The distance between the two cities was best described as:

"Ain't nobody got time for all that."

And with that, Blaze's trip to a prospective goldmine of knowledge and ancient tomes on the Kirin - a race of unicorns rumored to have untold magical ability who's research into the arcane and the mundane would have been priceless to her -was cut short by big sis, who had basically told her there was no way she could make it in time to join. But across the land of Equestria, many different sayings are recorded in the public consciousness and last generationally without fail. The one most applicable to young Blaze Bright's situation? Where there's a will? There is definitely a way. And Blaze's was one of fire. Fire, sparks, wood and a very late night. The day before the meeting as a matter of fact.

Ash had went to bed early, something about work in the morning. Blaze had often considered asking her about her occupation's consistently shifting nature, but was too taken with the idea of travel and treasure to care now. At the window in her room sat an intricately designed cradle for a large, wooden rocket. Which was sitting on it, ready for launch.

Blaze concentrated very hard, igniting a flame at the end of her horn. She had precious seconds to adjust herself after lightning the fuse, which had been made from a number of rare materials she had procured from her time capsule that she had wanted to bury some day. The discoveries made on her journey would outstrip the phoenix feather she had caught one day, or lucky manticore braid Ash had bought to ward off spirits during her whole superstitious phase. Clambering atop the rocket and lying forward, her face lit up. There was Luna's moon. Guiding her flight. Tonight she would be a pegasus.

--

For all of two hours. Surprisngly.

Arriving at to Stalliongrad on a rocket had drawn more than a few eyes, and the patrons of the Iron Saddle were going to get an eyeful when a cloud of smoke, fire and a filly with miraculously safe saddlebags would blow it's way into the front door with a resounding KABOOM.

Blaze Bright had exploded onto the scene to join the crew. Flat on her belly and covered in soot, the unicorn waved sheepishly to the mare behind the bar.

[Ciraxis]

Squall barely managed to sit on the chair, when the griffones appeared at the door. Was she one of the participants for this mission? While she had a hammer, her clothing wasn't fit for something so potentially dangerous. Then agaon, she could be some passing blacksmith. Swift remembered from his brief stay in the city, that Stalliongrad had quite a big population of them. Griffons that is. Then again, why she seemed somehow familiar?

And then entered an unicorn like him. From his position, Squall couldn't see much. Yet the way she walked told him enough. Because of his experiences swordstallion could tell much about a pony solely by the way he or she moved. And this mare's muscles that were shifting and tightening under a skin and byzantium coat was speaking...

"REA......REA Mage..." he said to himself. Not that it mattered. REA was a ponies too, Squall once aspired to join them, had a contact with many of them ...heck even his marefriend was an Army Lieutenant. It wasn't strange that a pony would want a glass or two - especially after duty.

But it seemed that this mare wasn't here for only that as Swift could see, squinting his eyes behind crystalline visors in his mask . The light model of Stalliongrad mountains was obvious give away, but tiny airship sealed the deal - this girl was part of his group. Stallion moved from his seat and made his way towards a Mage. While his equipment had plenty of blades, now he was as silent as snow leopard.

"It doesn't fit isn't it?" he said to the hooded mare. The flick of light shined on his gear and distorted reflections in metal pieces told that they were enchanted. All of them!

"It's especially baffling when one thinks who is Kalinka's CEO. Lev Nobleheart - a businessgriffon but different from others. He's famous for work ethics, compassion and honesty. He's also a philanthropist." Swift Squall recalled, as much to this mare as to himself. Noblepony never had a chance to meet Mr. Nobleheart but his father often had business with him. Advertisements of Kalinka Industries often appeared in titles owned by his parents. Squall even heard that they were friends but never had a reason to pursue the issue.

"Which brings to question..." masked face turned towards a hooded one "What would such griffon want with such strange ghost ship?" he asked. But a moment after the door literally EXPLODED!

Swordstallion turned around in the instant. His magic ready to draw a weapon and deal with the assailant....to see.

A filly? Well a rather old filly, almost a mare. But still Iron Saddle surely wouldn't fit a description of establishment in which teenager would hang out...

Squall gave her a closer inspection. A broken door and pieces of....rocket? It seemed that she was in the hurry...as insane was riding on such thing. But why...?

Swift glanced at the clock...and then recalled the hour at which mission briefing was supposed to begin...

".............You just the kid." he whispered but nevertheless assisted a filly with getting up. The explosive arrival made her all messes up. and while Squall wasn't a cleanness freak by any means, this would not do.

"Barmare...a towel, brush and water bowl please.....Also I will pay for a door." stallion proclaimed.

[tacobob]

The black griffon couldn't help but enjoy the taste of her drink. 'This is really good', she thought to herself as she let the fine sassafras flavor roll around her tongue. She swore that she would have to visit this Dodge Junction one of these days if they made their drinks all this well. Not wanting to be rude, the blacksmith awoke from her sarsaparilla induced daydream to answer the pretty barmare, "Yeah, this is my first visit to Stalliongrad.", the griffon thought it was rather odd that that she had never visited the famous city before. It was a haven for someone in her field. This city has everything a worker of metal would ever need from the basic equipment to the rarest of exotic metals and tools. "This really is a nice place you have here.", she swore to herself that once was able to finish this job she may or may not have, that she would make sure to spend a night at this 'Iron Saddle' properly.

"The name's Zelda. I'm from Canterlot.", she was trying her best to be friendly, but it was obvious that she was distracted by the stallion in the fancy armor. The unicorn's magic nearly pulled her attention away from the armored pony, but she returned her eyes back on the stallion only after catching a quick notice of her little 'ship'. The loud noise coming from outside, which was followed by a soot covered mare did grab her attention, but again, for only a moment. She didn't even want to figure out what just happened. After listening to what the stallion had to say, it was obvious that she was already with several of those who were also seeking the same job she herself had traveled here to find. But first things first.

"I'm sorry, but this Is bugging me.", Zelda eyeballed the stallion's armor once more, "What's with the gear? The armor? The weapons.". The pony was decked out for something major. He had a scabbard or two for his swords, and were those escrima sticks? His armor was also far beyond anything she could ever produce. He was nearly covered in a suit of the finest adamantium armor that she had doubts that even her teachers in Rockwington could have made even on their best days. This guy had to be loaded to able to afford such gear, but what in the world would he need any of this? "You either fell asleep for a thousand years and just woke up, or you're about to pick a fight with an ancient dragon or twenty. Beyond those two things, I can't seem to figure out why a pony would need all that protection, especially if you're here for what I'm guessing we're all here for."

[GhostGirl]

Nearly blending with the snow, Siiri Lionheart stalked toward the Iron Saddle. With no permanent place of residence, at least not one she intended to return to anytime soon, she wasn't entirely sure /how/ she had been located easily enough to be given an invitation to join a scavenging party of sorts. A very large part of her thought that perhaps this was a ruse, that she would enter the bar and her father would be waiting there to take her back home. Another part of her was curious, though, and in the end that part won out. Even if it was a trap, she wanted to at least find out for herself.

So, at last, she drew herself up to her hind legs, her twin blades strapped at her sides, and her bow slung across her back. She carried a small arsenal on her at all times, but these were the only visible weapons, and they were obviously quite well cared for. Finally she reached the door, or new lack thereof, of the Iron Saddle, and stepped inside, head held high, noble as ever. The scene before her was... unexpected. A griffin, good. A unicorn charred and probably injured, not so good. A unicorn carrying an all-too-visible arsenal, definitely not good. A unicorn messing about with an illusion spell of some sort? Not bad. These were the patrons who stuck out to her. The rest seemed to be your typical patrons of a bar of this sort. Gingerly, she stepped around the fallen unicorn and damaged door towards the bar, arriving in time to have Fable pass her a double shot of Koskenkorvus.

"Guess of luck?" she asked, raising a feathered eyebrow. The barmare just flashed her a knowing grin before turning away. The griffiness downed the shot and left the glass at the bar, then pushed herself away and towards an empty table to watch her probable comrades. Observation was key, and if there was one thing she was good at, it was observation.

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

Fable scoffed at Swift Squall. "I think the mare can clean herself up with no help if she pleases," she said, her smile never leaving her face. She brought Blaze a double shot of Fireball. Typically she'd have poured a single, but this mare seemed like she needed it after her entrance. "There's a bathroom over there if you feel like you need to clean up, sweetheart, just leave the glass on a table or the bar when you're done with it," her voice was calm as she addressed Blaze Bright. There had yet to be an incident in the Iron Saddle that had angered Fable, especially when she was so well fed as tonight. Even without Nobleheart's band of merry mares (and griffins and stallion), the bar was hopping. The purple mare turned back to Squall then. "There's no need. Ainsley has to have something to do every morning before the bar opens after all." Winking at him, she went back to the bar, answering the call for another round for what looked like a bachelor party.

[Solaria]

Destiny smiled as she made the little glimmering derelict sway this way and that in an imaginary breeze, the tiny construct subject to each nuanced wave of her horn. Her musings were cut short, however, as the walking armory she had spotted upon first entering the Saddle stealthily crept up beside her. Without even an introduction, the stallion began rattling off information about Lev Nobleheart and ghost ships and everything in between. After a while, the mare began to wonder if he was even talking to her anymore. She hated to think it, but did such a pony have any business carrying so many weapons when he had such a volatile attention span?

The unicorn had raised a hoof to begin her reply, but it seemed fate was determined to keep her thoughts at bay... this time with explosive methods. Literally. The door to the Iron Saddle burst into fiery fragments as some kind of tumbling meteor crash-landed, and almost as an instinct Destiny's magic raised a shimmering violet ward around her form. As the protective bubble had almost sealed itself, the mage managed a better look at the projectile before dropping the defense completely. It was some kind of smoldering filly.

Glancing from the pincushion in his battle stance to the firebrand now accepting a drink from the barkeep, Destiny took the chance to hazard another sweep around the tavern. Where these going to be her companions for the mysterious trip looming before her? If she'd wanted to hang around violent beings with destructive tendencies and blades at their hips, all she had to do was trot down to headquarters. She'd thought this was some kind of cataloging and reconnaissance mission.

What in the world could be on an abandoned ship that they would need so much firepower? She used the term loosely, spying the remains of the rocket nearby. Gathering herself, she straightened her shoulders and turned to the stallion from before and attempted a return to polite normalcy.

"And the hour grows ever stranger, it would seem," the mare said with a smile, inclining her head. "I'm known as Destiny, and whom do I have the pleasure of addressing?"

[Apolline Allura]

Well that was certainly more than she bargained for - and less at the same time.

Apparently riding fire and smoke into a building couldn't be held as a punishable offense, or no one was trying, in which case Blaze went with the flow without question. Eyes did turn in her direction, but only ever so briefly. Ponies and gryphons alike were all still wrapped in deep conversation or contemplation as it were, for the more inebriated types. She didn't sneak out of her home which was now hundreds of miles away just to get swooped up by the law for her unorthodox methods of travel. The landing wasn't nearly as painful as it could have been, which was another little blessing. The unicorn had always had a bit of a higher tolerance for heat, which explained why her belly wasn't seared from riding a rocket for nearly two hours.

What she hadn't expected was such an...interesting stallion coming to her side upon arrival. Her muzzle brightened pinker around the cheeks, an effect of the physiology regarding her red coat. Yes he was concerned, yes he was the first to see to her - but goddess if it weren't embarrassing enough...

Not to mention, she had a little trick for being somepony used to getting covered in smoke and ash nearly daily.

"Why are we whispering?"

A tired giggle bubbled out of the unicorn and was soon followed by the small grunt of effort that came with standing up again. Jet lagged, she figured. Steering a rocket with one's butt would be tiring for anypony after two hours though. Unless one had exceptional flanks or something.

"Thanks, Mister...?" Well of course she hadn't gotten a name. A green stallion had just walked up to Blaze, helped her up, and then proclaimed a need for this and that and that he'd pay for the door.

That last bit wasn't necessarily unwelcome.

Unexpectedly, one of the mares from the magazines under her bed came walking toward her with naturally unnatural curves and Blaze had to do a double take - right, the barmare. Kind voiced with a warm expression and a hot drink. And a flank that could pull a train.

"Thank you," She said, bowing her head to her, then the stallion in turn, "Both of you."

Before she made to do anything else, this drink...

Levitating the glass to her lips, she sipped and brightened instantly, shuddering in pleasure and drooping at the eyelids momentarily from the taste and the slight afterburn left in her throat. Cinnamon spice formed in liquid and bathed in alcohol. Delicious.

"I'll just be a moment, but before I head to the bathroom, could either of you point me to a Lev Nobleheart? I got an important letter from him saying to come by here..."

[Ciraxis]

Well certainly REA Mage had some point. Indeed not only the patrons but also evens seemed to become more bizzare. Not that he didn't contribute to it. The irony that he played walking-armory stallion wasn't lost to Squall.

The first pony that responded after the explosion was Fable, not that stallion knew her name. What he did know was that she was passive agressive which her scoffed gave in. Not suprasing really, it must've come with a job.

"Maybe you right. I on other hoof Miss Barmare, think you should ponder twice before serving alcohol to an underage..." Squall replyied to the cuvy mare in the deadpan tone. He wasn't trying to stop her however from doing just that, nor inrerrupting Blaze from drinking it. Swordstallion just frowned under the mask - even if this unicorn was almost a mare and it was more then propable that it wasn't her first drink a principle was a principle.

Of course for Squall other principle was the stubborness, so he was insistent to pay for the door, regredless what the barmare said.

"That's good that you have service covered Miss. But neither the door or the hinges will not buy themslves. Especially since the former is now only good a a kindling, and the later for scrapyard." Swift argued before lighly kicking the metal part. It was twisted by the explosion to the point of uselessnes.

But noblepony didn't had time to worry about it for he found himslef under differnet dilemma. Both female unicorns, an adult and.....almost ault one was asking for his name.

Should he tell them his real one? Swift doubted it would be welcomed with warm reception. Jobs that wearn't tied to heavy engineering or other metalworks was hard to come by and were much sought. The fact that he took a job because he was curious didn't helped one a bit. Neither did the fact that he did not need money. Swift was ready to split his part between other, but would they belive him? Unpropable.

On the other hoof, his nom de guerre was famous. Mostly in mercenary and sell-sword cycle but still very famous. After all it was the reason he got this letter in the first place - Mister Noblehart was looking for swordsponyship legend, not noblepony, even if Squall suspected that he knew they were the one and the same. But famous was what he tried to avoid in any identity he was currently under, and the sudden return of 'The Emerald Flash' after half a decade would start some rumors for sure.

Squall was silent for a second before deciding that the later option was lesser of two evils. After all not one of his future companions (as he already assumed they were) looked like a mercenary that could reconize it. And after this job Flash will be gone again.

"They used to call me, Emerald Flash here and there." Swift shook his mane, that gave the color part of the nickname. The movement also gave both mare a glimpse of his orange coat, that was mostly hidden under the armor.

There was also a griffoness that seemed to take more then just a slight interest into his gear. From her words it seemed that she suspected that he was on the same job as her, just like Squall himself thought about her earlier.

"I wasn't sleeping, that I assure you. Nor I am looking for some dragon blood, unless some reptile looks for mine." he replied.

"And can we truely say what's we are here for Miss Blacksmith? Especially since it's not sport competition, there is no room for fair play. And unless you are a prophet, one can never know whats before them. So why risk, stupidly when you can prepare? Underestimating the circumstances can force paying the price not from just you, but those who care about you as well."

Before the half bird had any decent time to ponder under swordstallion words a freshly arrived unicorn mare asked a question on her own.

"Just like we all did I belive" Swift said, pulling his own letter from the pocket. "And point you we can not, for buissness griffon is not here yet. Go take you time with cleaning youself. I will be sure that you will be mentioned." Squall assured her.

[tacobob]

The griffon’s beak drooped a little lower as she spotted a fellow griffon who was well armed like the stallion. What was going on here? She was pretty sure this little job was just to recover an old air-ship, but some of these guys looked like they were marching off to war. Maybe they were worried that if there was something still aboard the old ship, would it be hostile? Zelda glanced back at her old hammer, which she had brought along mostly to clear cranky debris, maybe she would end up using this on something more alive? She shook her head as she overheard a name she had heard before.

“ Lev Nobleheart? Unless he's being sneaky, I don't think he's here. Just not yet. Probably going to make some sort of dramatic entrance as his kind tend to like..But how...", she glanced at Blaze Bright's sooty-coat, "Did you...", she shook her head once again, "Nevermind. I don’t think I want to know what you rode in on. I'll just be happy not knowing.", she grinned as she watched the mare make her way to the little filly's room. Thankfully this gave her time to continue her strange chat with the over-armored pony warrior. "They used to call you Emerald Flash? I guess you want me to call you that, even if it sounds like a drink you'd get at this bar. Hmmm.", she pondered this drink for a moment, "Some Ironbeak Whisky, a bit of vermouth, some orange bitter and green food coloring to give it that hint of the ol' 'emerald'.", she politely asked the barmaid. She would both drink and talk to an 'Emerald Flash', and while she was already breaking her own oath of not drinking while in town, she could at least play it safe and just nurse on this drink ever so slowly while they waited for this 'Lev'

The easily distracted griffoness returned her gaze towards the stallion as her (hopefully!) drink was being made, "I understand, but sometimes you can go a little too over prepared. I'm just picturing you cantering about in this old wooden air-ship with rotten boards and all, and you got all that heavy gear. You step on a bad piece of flooring and end up falling through the floor-boards and then taking a quick trip to splattyville. And even if the wood is good up there, there's always a risk of you tipping over like a lil' turtle and not being able to get up.", she pushed over one of the bar coasters to illustrate her point, "Guess I'll be the one in charge of pony-propping if this happens.", she let out a dramatic sigh and hoped her new 'boss' would arrive soon.

[Apolline Allura]

Blaze blinked. Was Stalliongrad always this strange? She had done a fair bit of reading on the place before receiving the letter about today's meeting, but at the very least, she had expected less... Formal tones here? Swift Squall was truly a character, but one that Blaze decided she wouldn't mind having on her side if he was indeed involved with this prospective expedition as well. And then the gryphoness easily turning away from her after noting what she was covered in... Maybe the great sport of rocket travel wasn't as exclusive to Blaze as she thought. Or maybe ponies just got covered in soot a lot around here. Both, she reasoned, were good explanations.

An invisible pressure thrummed at her horn, upon which she caught the signature of another magically attuned pony. An interesting looking unicorn whose face was covered in shadow by her hood sat a little farther into the bar at a table. Everything about her presence positively screamed "mage" to Blaze, giving her impetus to head over. She was interested in those with an affinity and a knowledge of the arcane. Ambling carefully over to her with her Fireball still held aloft in a field of magic, the red pony pulled up a chair.

"Hi there, I'm Blaze Bright," She introduced herself with a twinkling smile and a hoof held out, "Did you get a letter from a mysterious benefactor as well?

[Pretzelparty]

"These stalliongrad ponies must be pretty tough ta be able ta live in weather like this." thought the mare as she plodded through the snow on the streets. Presteza Never really dealt too well with the cold weather, not even in her own hometown(even though Trottingham wasn't so much cold as occasionally chilly and prone to the often period of precipitation. In preparation for this trip she had planned for her visit to absorb the local color of Stalliongrad she'd made sure to get the proper attire so as to fit in. She wore a very lovely looking if simple looking fur-lined cloak and her usual bright blue scarf. In addition to her usual winter gear she bore two large and very heavy looking saddlebags on her side, both full of art supplies that she would leave at the door of the establishment once she got in.

She'd received a curious invitation previous day at the inn she was staying at in this fascinating city. It seemed she was selected to go on an expedition of sorts and was required to meet with a certain local tavern. Her job was to assist in the cataloging of whatever her group would find on this trip. What drew Presteza to go on this trip was that the letter stated the expedition was going to a mysterious ghost ship that was staying aloft by it's own power. Now that sounded exciting! She couldn't wait to see if this ghost ship had literal ghosts on it! For now it was probably best she met the team she was going to spending her time with.

Taking a deep breath she pushed the door open, a cold forceful breeze giving her entrance of a sort of dramatic (if entirely unplanned) flair. "Wow it's cold out there!" said the young unicorn before trotting up to the barmare she asked while shivering slightly if she could have some hot tea to warm her up, preferably mint flavored. While she waited for her drink the mare noticed a few of the patrons here had already begun talking. Maybe some of these ponies... and a griffin were here for the same reason as her?

One stallion definitely caught her eye in regards to how incredibly well prepared he looked, it looked like he was ready for war to break out! After thinking a moment it could be he was part of the security detail for the expedition. Ultimately there was only one way for her to find out if he was though; she had to talk to him. Waiting for a break in the conversation, Presteza approached the group keen on introducing herself and getting some questions answered. "Um excuse me." she began, speaking in her sophisticated manner that she saved for occasions that required professionalism. "But would any of you happen to be here for the expedition to a 'ghost ship'?"

[Ciraxis]

"There is good chance there will not be any wood at all Miss Blacksmith. Look at this..." stallion said while pieces of paper emerged from one of his pockets.

With his magic he carefully placed them on the bar counter. Those were cuttings from newspaper - and seeing the yellow shade on some of them quite old.

"Those are reported sightings of various airships from last 20 years. Or perhaps sightings of just one vessel. If it indeed is the same airship we will pursue question rises....how it managed to stay afloat for 20 years without any maintenance or supervision. Too many questions and not enough answers..."

the visors in the mask, until now glancing at the newspaper fragments turned towards griffones.

"I dealt enough with various mysteries to know to not underestimate them. And in regarding of weight of my equipment..." the 'Emerald Flash' horn that was peeking over the metal mask, lighted up and one of the pauldrons that was covering him detached itself and landed in Zelda's open talon.

"...Find out yourself." he finished. Second later his ears twitched when he heard the sound of another pony entering the tavern. And he was immediately grateful that he was wearing a mask that was covering his face. For it was one of his friends - Presteza.

'What she is doing here?' he asked himself in his mind...only to scoff at the question. Prestzy was one of few ponies that Squall knew were as well traveled as himself. He shouldn't be surprised if he run into her in the middle of Saddle Arabian deserts or Soggalong Swamp. But then again...could she be here for the same reason that he and rest of the team was? Swift didn't believed into coincidences.

For a moment he allowed other members of the group to answer young mare question before he himself moved closer.

"What are you doing here Prestzy?" he asked in the whisper. Luckily his mask was covering any moth movements "Don't say my name. I am here incognito. Refer to me as Emerald Flash. I explain any questions later, when we will be alone." he instructed her before she could open her mouth. Who like who but future Duchess should understand the wish to hide one's noble heritage.

[Dio]

The temporary doors of the Iron Saddle swung open again. In a blast of icy wind heralded the arrival of the tavern’s latest guests: the raptorian silhouette of a short but burly griffon and the snakelike profile of a slender dragon. The door closed, abruptly cutting the wind that suspended their coats and cloaks in fantastical flourish.

For the dragon, the cloak was not a cloak at all, but her wings folded upon her back in the manner of a mantle and cape. She stood two heads taller than the average pony, but her lack of girth allowed her to maneuver in pony-proportioned locales with ease. Peeking out from under her wings was a dull metal chestplate with a leather bandolier slung across it, each pocket containing ampules of various sizes and colors.

The griffon was military by his stance and gait. A woolen ushanka topped with flight goggles sat upon his head and a heavy greatcoat covered most of his body. He, too, was armed. The scabbard of a short sword protruded from beneath the tails of his coat and leather straps from a handgun holster crossed his chest.

The new arrivals sauntered into the tavern, their eyes scanning the crowd until they set eyes upon the gaggle of creatures gathered at the bar. The two silently looked at each other. With a synchronized nod, they approached the bar, taking the last two seats. The barmare brought them their drinks, but was quickly stopped by the dragonness.

She whispered a few barely audible words above the hubbub of the tavern, passing a scroll and a jangling canvas sack presumably filled with bits to the bartender. Fable unfurled the scroll and looked to each individual at the bar in turn. Finally, she set the bits down by the register and rerolled the scroll.

“Everypony, please follow me.” With a wave of her hoof, she directed the entire group to one of the Saddle’s back rooms.

Fable then departs, leaving the group seated at a long table illuminated by the dim glow of a fairy lantern dangling from the ceiling. The fixture casts a singular milky pool of light in an otherwise dark room. In the pool moves a single blue clawed hand from the dragonness. She places an unfurled document scroll upon the table for all to see. The document contains the very same letter that was sent to each of you.

“Greetings,” the dragonness begins. “I presume you’re here because you’ve received a letter…”

Next Character: Swift Squall

On Deck: Zelda

Actions Pending resolution:

• You are free to interact with the dragonness and her griffon companion.
  
• Exception: Presteza and Swift Squall will be granted an exception to continue their interaction en route if desired.
  

[Ciraxis]

Squall wanted to share more quite words with a painter, but yet again his attention was shifted when the door (or rather, what's remained of them after Blaze explosive entrance) opened. Stallion turned around to see griffon and...dragonness?! Such strange pair wasn't usual - even considering the bunch of misfits that already gathered in Iron Saddle - and Swift was savvy enough to conclude that they were for the same reason that he, Presteza and others.

While female dragon was very, very rare sight, unicorn found himself more focused on a griffon. Something in his military stance seemed familiar but at the same time, not enough to recognize it on glance. It was surprising, considering that swordpony was over whole civilized part of the continent and quite a number of places beyond...and yet he couldn't pick point it. That only convinced him that they were for their group.

"It's them. Keep your eyes and ears open Press. We may need it later..." said the stallion quietly, mindful of his friend eidetic memory. Even if stallion himself would miss some details, the painter won't and they could analyze them later.

Stallion also noticed that neither of the pair had taken any drinks.

"They want to stay as sharp as possible..." he noticed. It was a decision he himself had made so he could understand it. But why they would do so...well that's was still an enigma.

When the barmare lead them inside the back room, Squall took position within the group that covered the others blind spots. Amusingly enough beside the griffon he found himself the only male in the room. Any other time it would be a source for comedy perhaps but now it was no place for it.

Fable then departs, leaving the group seated at a long table illuminated by the dim glow of a fairy lantern dangling from the ceiling. The fixture casts a singular milky pool of light in an otherwise dark room. In the pool moves a single blue clawed hand from the dragonness. She places an unfurled document scroll upon the table for all to see. The document contains the very same letter that was sent to each of you.

“Greetings,” the dragonness begins. “I presume you’re here because you’ve received a letter…"

"We did and you know this already, so get to the point azhdahā." stallion somewhat rudely interrupted the reptilian female.

"There are the questions that have to be answered. First...why us? It wasn't to avoid the public so what was the reason?"

Indeed while he considered such possibility the presence of Pressy, Destiny who was a REA mage and himself ruled it out. If anything would happen to any of the three investigation would follow - with Squall and Presteza being from the nobility and Destiny working for the army, it was all but guaranteed.

"Whatever it was through, your company did gather each one of us on purpose. You knew you would need the right pair of hooves...and talons. Yet, how did you know so much about us in first place?" noblestallion continued his assault of questions. This question too, was driven from deduction. Pressy didn't exactly thrown around her status as the future Duchess, and Squall himself came to great lengths as to bury and separate himself from his past as the mercenary. They fact that they could connect him to his 'Emerald Flash' persona was unnerving. And who could guess what they knew about others? From his experience unicorn knew that almost all hid at last one skeleton in his or her closet.

"And third...why a shipping company would go for such great length for a single airship?" Swift asked with a serious tone, that also sounded somewhat demanding when coming from behind the metal mask that covered his face.

[tacobob]

"Mmm?", the griffon glanced down at the old newspaper clippings, "I dunno. You ponies love tossing magic on just about anything. Maybe it's powered by that, with unseen enchanted or summoned creatures still onboard to keep things shipshape? Maybe even enchanted mechanical things like the ones I saw banging on those big bells they have over in Germaney." While attending an convention for metal-workers, the young griffon stared in utter awe at the epic-sized clocks they had in the old city. At the strike of a new hour, these elerobrate mechanical figures would exit from a room, move about in a comical fashion, and strike a bell before returning to their place.

She studied the metal pauldron as it fell into her hands, "This....reminds me of carbonadium, but it's feels more solid, more like adamantinium.", she handed the piece back after wiping her claw-prints off it with a napkin from the bar, "You've got to be as rich as Celestia to own just a thing.", she kept her voice down low, "I would have figured you for 'Fancy Pants', but I doubt his ego would permit him to keep his face covered..Er...Emerald?", she glanced over at the pretty mare he was currently exchanging words with. She couldn't hear what they were saying, but the black griffon couldn't help but recognize the girl he was chatting with. It was Presteza, who was a friend of a good friend of hers. She had only seen her in person once, and it was many years ago. The mare knew Fire Walker since she was a filly, and even managed to put up with her obnoxiousness during her later teenaged years. She had heard a good deal about the unicorn, both from her friend Fire Walker and Presteza's own brother, whom she had made armor for not that long ago. He was an odd fellow, so dainty and so dang picky!

As she made a motion to address the mare, the doors opened once again. This time an dragon appeared from the outside, along with a few others she didn't waste time to look at. Why would she even want to look at another griffon, when there was an actual, living, very real dragon in the room with her! This wasn't the first time she had seen such a creature, but that one was just a little pipsqueak, barely the size of a pony filly, and rather rude. Zelda tried her very best to contain herself, but she felt her beak slide open as she let out a gasp. But this all turned into slight annoyance as she noticed that the dragon was wearing armor as well! This was insane! Dragons were born with near impenetrable scales all over their body, yet this one needed even more protection? And here she was with just a inch of fabric to protect her sorry behind.

She followed the dragoness and her griffon guard and promptly asked as soon as she felt it was her turn to do so. "What's the deal with all the armor? I thought we were just hunting down an old Junker for its parts. Some of you look like you're hunting hydras! If I knew protection was needed, I would have brought my suit along with me.", she managed to scrunch up her beak as she waited for a reply.

[Dio]

[ To keep the post size of this GM response under control, I'm going to go ahead and respond to Zelda and Squall. Post order will continue after this interjection. ]

Booming laughter erupts from the griffon, who had remains standing behind the dragonness. “Watch out, we got a live one here! Crikey, you think he’d practiced those lines or something!”

“Now, now, Alistair,” the dragonness chides. “We mustn't take to poking fun at our guests before we really get to know them!”

“I merely asked to ensure I wasn’t dragging along an individual who did not wish to be a part of this endeavor,” she says to you all. “But I don’t think we have that problem here…”

“By the way, karkadann...” She specifically addresses Squall, first in Saddle Arabian, then in Pashto-Draconic, “I think it’s cute when you show off your Saddle Arabian.”

The last bit is spoken with a smile and a wink.

“Allow me to introduce myself. I am Roshina al-Majed and my associate is Mister Alistair Goldmane.” She flourishes from her seat, gesturing to Goldmane who remains behind her. The griffon offers a curt wave and a smug grin barely visible in the dim light.

"There are the questions that have to be answered. First...why us? It wasn't to avoid the public so what was the reason? Whatever it was through, your company did gather each one of us on purpose. You knew you would need the right pair of hooves...and talons. Yet, how did you know so much about us in first place?"

“Don’t think of yourself as unknown, Mister… Flash.” The last bit is spoken with emphasis suggesting familiarity. "Tales of your, shall we say, impropriety run rampant across Equestria. But then again, that’s precisely why you were asked to accompany this expedition.”

She turns to address the rest of those gathered. “I have many contacts that pass things to me by word of mouth, contacts that I trust to give me timely and relevant information on what I need. Namely, you all.”

"And third… why a shipping company would go for such great length for a single airship?"

Again, the dragon is unfazed by Squall’s apparent attempt at intimidation, merely smiling a toothy self-assured smile in response.

“That’s the question for the ages, isn’t it?” She begins.

The dragonness produces a newspaper clipping from her satchel with an article confirming her explanation. The picture shows a regal-looking griffon signing a document with the text detailing figures on the sale of property.

“Kalinka itself is a shipping company, but its founder recently purchased a set of airship drydocks north of Stalliongrad. With business booming, it was a logical next step to get into the ship-breaking and ship-building business. I’m sure you can put it together that salvage and research is a very important part of aeronautical engineering.”

"What's the deal with all the armor? I thought we were just hunting down an old Junker for its parts. Some of you look like you're hunting hydras! If I knew protection was needed, I would have brought my suit along with me."

“It’s less armor for me and more for comfort. Metal wears better on me than canvas and serves its purpose as stowage for my alchemical reagents. It would hardly serve more protection than scales in a fight. Not that there is going to be any. There is the remote possibility of pirate activity since we are close to the Talonopolis-Stalliongrad Trade Spine. However, since the terrain is difficult to traverse, I’m not expecting trouble from pirates. If it would make you feel safer, I can arrange to have your kit forwarded to our travel ship before we depart.”

“By the by, this will be far from an old junker…”

The dragonness produces two photographs from her satchel, both of which hold fuzzy telephoto shots of a large vessel floating between the mountains. Though the quality of the photos are imperfect, it is easy to tell that the ship is whole and apparently undamaged. Those with eyes for detail may notice strange things about the photographs.

“These photographs were taken from the deck of a Kalinka freighter who took shelter from a storm near one of the mountains. I don’t see any cobwebs in her sails, or sails at all for that matter...”

Edges Triggered

• Destiny - Scholar: The distortion around the ship in the photographs suggests that it is magical in nature or at least carries strongly magical cargo. You also know from your military experience that the ship is similar in design to military patrol vessels: sleek, streamlined, and aerodynamic. What you believe are engines occupy a cluster at what you believe is the stern of the vessel. Despite its structural similarity to military vessels, you cannot identify any weapons on it, suggesting that it is unarmed.
  
• Presteza - Artist’s eye: One of the peaks included in the photograph you remember from other paintings you’ve studied. You remember the height of that mountain and given the scale of the mountain versus the ship, you can estimate the size of the vessel. It’s huge - unnaturally so. You remember from your readings that strong winds blow throughout that section of mountain range, but the ship does not appear to be bending, flexing or otherwise moving. The ship is blurry from the motion of the photographer rather than the motion of the ship. It appears as though it is anchored firmly in place.
  
• This is the information that your character can gather from your collected knowledge and experience. Whether you choose to share with the rest of the party or pursue lines of questioning is up to you.
  

Next Poster: Destiny

On Deck: Blaze Bright

[Solaria]

Destiny calmly followed the barmare to one of the darkened back rooms, seemingly unfazed by the appearance of another griffon and even a dragoness. Obviously such things existed, so it made an odd sort of sense that such an interesting creature would make an call to the frozen crown of Equestria. After all, living in Stalliongrad for such an amount of time as she had would desensitize almost any pony to that which would normally be considered out of the ordinary. As it was, the mare kept near the back of the group and settled into an empty seat when she found one.

The griffon called Alistair drew her gaze on several occasions, but the unicorn was likewise distracted by the information set before her and the others. Roshina had produced some interesting stills of the craft in question, but there was something odd about the vessel itself. Beyond the fact that she had seen similar ships docked in countless military hangars, the distortion in the photo was peculiar. Anypony who had spent their lives around magic like she had would recognize arcane interference. In other words, magic and everyday technology usually didn't mix well.

That meant that either the craft itself was magitech, or it had some very auspicious cargo that hadn't been mentioned (or possibly discovered) yet. Destiny chanced a look at their benefactor again. His military swagger. The keen glint of intelligence in his laser-like raptor eyes. No, he had to know. But why pretend otherwise?

Rather than share her musings with the group at large, she remained impassive with a neutral visage. If the information became pertinent, she'd of course relay it. But until that point, these accomplices were just that... accomplices. The mage was willing to give any new acquaintance the benefit of the doubt, but in delicate situations one had to be careful. Horsefeathers, she didn't even know if this was a delicate situation yet.

As discreetly as she could, the mare allowed her mind to relax, to loosen its grip on that one tiny anchor that served as a tether to her own unique brand of magic. Every unicorn had basic abilities, but nuances made their metaphysical abilities their own. Thankfully for Destiny, her father had taught her iron-clad control and not a whisper of power would escape her without consent.

Freed, the energy seeped into the pony's irises, enhancing them beyond normal and allowing her to further her spectrum of visible light. Curiosity had gotten the better of her, and only the faintest shimmer of violet over her pupils would betray that fact. With her resulting ocular acuity, she focused again on the newspaper clipping.

It was as she'd thought, the magic was strong enough to have seeped into the photograph itself. It was very faint, as this was a print of a print technically, but that only piqued her interest further. Just what was on that ship that could cause this much static?

"Stars above," she mouthed soundlessly, lost in her thoughts.

[Pretzelparty]

"What are you doing here Prestzy? Don't say my name. I am here incognito. Refer to me as Emerald Flash. I explain any questions later, when we will be alone."

Presteza blinked once or twice at the stallion who was armed to the teeth. After hearing his voice and getting a slightly better look at him she immediately figured out who it was; Swift Squall, none other than her close friend Fire's special somepony. She gave him a wink once she heard his request,"So Mister Flash, How's life been for you as of later? Been treatin' yer special somepony well I trust." Another place that Presteza had heard about Squall was from the letters she often received from her brother. Silver didn't seem too fond of him... but Fire obviously loved him so that was good enough in this mare's book to be nice to him!

While Presteza was waiting for the 'emerald flash' respond it seemed that this expidition's contacts had finally arrived. Once they came in Presteza's jaw dropped and her eyes went wide as she laid eyes on an actual dragon!... well she'd seen dragon's before and one up, but that was a baby dragon in Ponyville. This appeared to a real adult dragon... although she was a tad smaller than the other's she'd seen but that didn't put a damper on this painter's excitement.

“Allow me to introduce myself. I am Roshina al-Majed and my associate is Mister Alistair Goldmane. I have many contacts that pass things to me by word of mouth, contacts that I trust to give me timely and relevant information on what I need. Namely, you all. Kalinka itself is a shipping company, but its founder recently purchased a set of airship drydocks north of Stalliongrad. With business booming, it was a logical next step to get into the ship-breaking and ship-building business. I’m sure you can put it together that salvage and research is a very important part of aeronautical engineering.”

“By the by, this will be far from an old junker…”

“These photographs were taken from the deck of a Kalinka freighter who took shelter from a storm near one of the mountains. I don’t see any cobwebs in her sails, or sails at all for that matter...”

For the time being, Presteza would have to save her words of admiration and gushing about her intense desire to paint this magnificent specimen of a dragon before her; there was some mission briefing to be done! As the photographs were placed on the table, the mare's brow arched a bit as she noticed something,"The thing's bloomin' enormous! How in equestria was it built? Even weirder though, if it doesn't have any sails how did it get to wear it was? " Bringing her face closer to the photo, one could see the mare's snout just about pressed to the table as she tried to gather more detail, her breath rustling the papers on the table as well until she picked her head up and grinned,"It looks so ominous... When are we leavin'?!"