Dodge Junction Calamity Mane's Wild West: Auditions (Open)

[Bellosh]

One day, while taking a breather from working on Rancho Las Vacas, a disquieting notion entered Calamity Mane’s mind. Through all the years of her existence, she never knew any life outside of her passion as a cowgirl. And it was a life that Calamity wouldn’t have traded for anything else in the world. Together with her husband, the mare ensured that the traditions of the Wild West as exemplified by Rancho Las Vacas remained alive and bucking.

But what would happen if one day, Calamity Mane woke up to find that the rest of Equestria no longer cared for any of that? That ponies forgot the western frontier existed, too dazzled by shiny new crystal castles to appreciate the wonders of this grand region? What if oligarchs like Mr. Rockefilly got their way, and converted Appleloosa into a drab carbon copy of one of the seaboard cities? Worst of all, would the youth of the West, following in the hoofsteps of Calamity’s son, reject the ways of their ancestors as hopelessly quaint, and move to greener pastures?

As with a great number of other things, Calamity Mane interpreted this nightmarish line of thinking as a worthy challenge to overcome. If she desired to make sure that the Wild West kept on capturing the hearts of ponies, the rodeo queen would come out of public retirement and bedazzle the crowds as she once did. A simple dime novel wasn’t going to cut it, nor even a pedestrian competition. The frontier was all about vastness, so Calamity needed to think BIG. How ever could she bring the epicness of the West to Equestrian audiences.

Through the mental process of elimination, only one idea of Mrs. Mane’s survived: a travelling stage show. It’d glamorously depict everything: duels at high noon, catchy cowboy songs, showgirl routines, the whole works! But one mare couldn’t do this all alone: Calamity Mane needed help! Word spread through all manner of classifieds that on the first Saturday of the month, she’d be holding auditions for roles in an unnamed Western-themed production. Anypony interested simply just had to walk up to the tent right outside the Dodge Junction train station. Inside the tent, they’d have to prove their worth to Calamity, who’d then decide whether to recruit them or not.

It looked like today would be a mighty dry day, so everypony stopping by better be dedicated the heat from both the sun, and from Calamity Mane.....

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OOC NOTE: This thread is open to all users, but try not to have anypony audition who isn't really fit to participate in a Wild West show. Calamity Mane reserves the right to reject all applicants for any reason she sees fit, as well as dictate which positions that successful applicants will fill.

[StaticPinks]

Rusty "Copper" Tones

[Edit: Changed all references of Appleloosa to Dodge Junction because I am a dumb who doesn't read ]

A lone stallion trots into the small town of Dodge Junction, sweat dripping from his brow as he aimed towards the train station, mentally preparing himself for what he was about to do. The stallion simply known as Copper had an affinity for many things in his long life. Helping ponies, playing his harmonica, demonstrating his nimble knife skills to both friend or foe, and keeping his old duster and desperado clean and praiseworthy. In Copper's mind, he seemed like the ideal picture of a western or southern cowpony of sorts, which led him to the old settlement. On a routine trip to Canterlot to visit his family, he saw a small ad in the local newspaper about hiring somepony with a visage of an old time western pony to perform in some sort of attraction or presentation. Now, Copper wasn't really much of a pony to enjoy a spotlight, rather preferring the sidelines to avoid "unwanted attention", but really, Copper hadn't done anything fun lately, anything that could allow him a small break from traveling and problem-solving, and he did have some of the skills advertised in the news, so Copper said 'heck, why not?', and set out on hoof to the small settlement of earth ponies to lend a helping hoof and hopefully let loose a bit.

This was the motivation that brought Copper to where he was now, toting everything he needed to prove he could be part of the act towards a recently placed tent near the Dodge Junction train station on the first day of auditions, feeling the heat and dryness of the desert environment. He could have taken off his duster and hat to lighten the load, but his mother always told him to put his best hoof forward in any sort of business, and coming into the audition without his western apparel wouldn't do for first impressions.

After a quick trot and a sip from a canteen of water he brought for the occasion, he found himself standing directly in front of the flap to the tent, apparently one of the first here as there was no line up, and started going over what he was planning to do before announcing his presence to what he assumed was the advertiser. Harmonica for playing country tunes? Levitation dexterity with his knife? Hoof-to-hoof combat expertise and honed agility? Check, check and check. With that, Copper set a confident grin on his face, and fixed his desperado hat to the side for a more edgy look before calling out to the lone tent in his slightly southern sounding voice.

"Anypony in there? Ah'm here for yer western-themed production! Ah thought ah would swing by and offer my assistance with my self-taught skills! Saw yer ad in a paper and said 'heck, why not'? And ya better have a fan of sorts in there because today is some hot, hot weather if ah ever did feel!"

[moonshineTheleocat]

Train Puller: Rail Gear

It had been a long and hard train haul across the province of Equestria. But the colossal pony known as RailGear had finally made it back home. After easing the train engine into the station all on his lonesome, he dis-latched himself, and hopped on up to the platform. Other ponies that had been waiting, quickly took his place to start their shifts. Many ponies stepped out of his way, after all who would want to get trampled by somepony who's nearly twice their size? But for such a massive pony, RailGear wasn't a hard flank. Far from it actually. Those who didn't step out of his way, he would carefully walk around, trying not to step on their tails, or their foals who has a tendency to joyfully run through his legs.

And once he was off that platform? Well all he could think of was stopping by the nearest bar, and like a hungry customer from tautarus, eat them into closing early. But something else had caught his interest. A sign? A sign of something about auditions for the wild west traveling theater? Well, he hardly had any time to watch any shows, nor did he ever have a vacation when one was finally being displayed. If anything, he could take the opportunity to stop by and watch some acting before he went off to go demolish some poor restraunts pantry.

----

And thus RailGear arrived. His colossal size easily allowing him to pear over the crowd as he approached the line, though little did he know... the line was for auditions and not admissions. And shoot, what sort of acting skills would a pony who lives his life on the rails have? Maybe he knew the slang and lingo of the west like Big Iron, but unless there was a train robbery. He'd be nearly useless in such a show.

His head darted around, looking over the crowd to see if he could spot anyone whom he actually recognized before turning back to the stage. "Ah wonder what kind of show they be playin," he mumbled to himself, though it was almost like a deep growl.

[SteelEagle]

There were only a few times in any mare's life when the prospect of a dream fulfilled shone with the brilliance of an undulled sun and equally within her grasp. Applejack was more than content in her life, more than happy to trade the currency of her youth on the hard business of her work and find in her returement the fruits of a lifetime's labor borne in front of her. She considered herself being blessed to live in Ponyville where upon the head of her family was the legacy of a town that loved the Apples almost as much as the Apples loved one another. She considered herself blessed to live in that family, where every soul was boudn together through a sort of communal spirit of love and hard work. She considered herself beyond blessed to live in the time she did where she got to know the missing pieces that made her whole- her friends. She was happy to spend her days doing what she did every day.

But a pony's heart is never tempered by contentness when dreams worm their way through the defenses with sickly promises of execution. Ever since she was a filly first able to gaze out and comprehend a rodeo, she was fascinated by them. Athletics based upon some of the work of her family was beyond exciting for an athletic pony with a growing love of work. And the greates of all the rodeo ponies was Calamity Mane, who was stunning to behold. She worked the lasso and the bull with all the skill a pony could ever have. It wasn't long after that show when Applejack started playing at local rodeos. As she grew into a filly just older than Apple Bloom, she started winning these contests. Ten years in a row. Sure she wasn't facing the best competition, but she was still an elite performer. So elite that she went to the national competition, where despite how she felt immediately afterwards, she did exceptionally well. Did she win aything? No. But she placed well in almost every event. She wasn't the best at anything yet, but she was a close second, third, or fourth in most. She had a dream of being the best rodeo pony in the land or soimply working with her idol, but was happy with simply doing the best.

And she was content, but then her dream came a-knockin'. And boy howdy, it came at a picture perfect time. The harvest was a good time away and there was little need for a daily presence now that there was little for her to do and a few capable farmhooves who were in from out of town. By the end of the full ten seconds she had taken to give the matter any thought once the announcement reached her ears, Applejack had grabbed her lasso, packed a saddlebag, and boarded the next train to Dodge Junction. It was the most exciting train ride she had ever been on and that was saying something as she had been able to enjoy herself on train rides of all sorts- including a full blown mystery train ride! But none of them compared to the ride she took where her boundless energy just about forced her to drill through the train.

When the train stopped, Applejack didn't even wait for the whistle. She was off the train and quickly spotted the tent, making quick time on impatient hooves. Her heart was beating a mile a minute but her mind moved even faster. Would Calamity Mane really be there? Applejack had seen and even competed against her before, but she was in and out like a ghost and Applejack could never pin her down for a conversation. If Applejack proved her worth, then they would have a lot of time to get to know one another. And for the first time since she met Carrot Fields, Applejack's heart was aflutter...with nervous excitement. She trotted into the tent, head held high as she tried to stamp down the butterflies in her stomach.

"Howdy, everypony! Name's Applejack and Ah'm excited ta get a crack at this here shindig!"

[Bellosh]

The first one to show up in line to audition was a familiar face for Calamity Mane. Those ponies who went into town on a frequent basis were likely to have seen Copper around; a drifter who never settled in one area for too long before moving on. Copper had no occupation to speak of, but he played the harmonica like he was its greatest master. Plus everypony around these parts who’ve claimed to have made the acquaintance of the wise stallion could vouch for his good character. Very importantly for Calamity Mane as well, Copper looked like an authentic Wild West, and authenticity was keep to pull off this momentous stage show.

But the hot-shot rancher had to ask herself: could she hire somepony just because they looked the part and played one musical instrument. She’d have to see if Copper possessed other useful talents. “Come on in Copper!” Calamity ushered in the first applicant; “You’ll have to make due with your hat to cool yourself.”

Once the stallion trotted inside, he’d see the copper mare sitting behind a fold-up table, fanning herself with a hat. That didn’t stop Calamity Mane from showing off her characteristically cocky face; lively eyes matched with an almost-smug grin. She quickly challenged Copper; “Alright partner, show me all you’ve got! Are you enough of a hotshot to join the most exciting stage show in Equestria?”

[RarityDash]

Lady Luck often felt a little conflicted with herself. It wasn't that she had qualms about conning wealthy tycoons of the money other hard working ponies were making for them. No, she never felt guilt in a job she pulled, no matter how big or small it was. Whether it was bleeding some puffed up cheating piece of scum of his bits in a simple game of chance or picking of a train with one of the local gangs, Lady felt no remorse. She figured she has as much right to the bits she took as any Rockefilly or Goldplume that might have profited otherwise. Being an outlaw was all she really knew and all she was really good for, ultimately. What else was there for her to do? Head up to that blasted artificial money pit, Las Pegasus and use her skill at cards to help some rich, fat casino-owning pegasus get richer and fatter? She'd rather drown.

All the same, the life of a western outlaw could be a weary one, and a lonely one. Lady's youth was just starting to dry up, which had her often thinking on how little she really had. She could get money and things as she needed them, but there were things that weren't as easy to achieve for a mare so regularly on the run, who spent most her time lying low across the Aquellian border in Rockwington. She hadn't a solid friend to her name. The number of ponies she could actually say she knew was lower than she'd care to admit. She was an outcast and a loner who wasn't really sure what to do with herself anymore. Where once she had been sure that she had it all together, more frequently than not now, she had started to wonder is she shouldn't try and do more with herself.

That ultimately is what brought the tired mare to Dodge Junction. Calamity Mane's Wild West show. Sounded like a blasted circus. The Lady Luck of just five years back would probably sneer at the very idea. Whoever this Calamity Mane was, if she thought some carnival act was ever going to capture the essence of the frontier where Lady had lived her whole life, she was a darned fool. And yes, sure as sugar, here she was outside the tent. It was funny how things could happen. Ultimately, Lady figured it was at least worth a look. Perhaps there was more to it than it seemed. Perhaps it would be different than Las Pegasus with all its glitz and falseness. Perhaps here she'd find something she was lacking.

Entering the tent, she found some others already assembled. A stallion was just gearing up for his audition and there was a mare who looked ready for his too. It made Lady wonder what she was going to do. She had an array of card tricks she could perform, she supposed, but that would be hard to wow a crowd with. She wasn't any kind of rodeo mare, ultimately. She did have some talent in a scuffle though, and had the eyes to hit a target with impressive enough frequency.

Sauntering in, she opted to just stay quiet and watch as she lined up near the others. She'd see how the auditions went, and if she wanted to be a part of the operation...

​

[StaticPinks]

Copper only had to wait a few moments after calling out to the tent when a face he somewhat knew popped out and greeted him. He had occasionally stopped by in the small town of Dodge Junction in his travels, making quick stops to the local bar, staying a few nights at the inn and conversing with the small number of residents. One of those who he spoke to a few times was none other than Calamity Mane, a retired rodeo pony now making a living off of being a rancher. They had a few words in the past, and he even managed to help her around the ranch, but never really knew her too well. Now that Copper had more time on his hooves, he hoped he could hold a longer conversation with her if he was selected to join in this stage show or not.

“Come on in Copper," she called from the tent while ushering Copper in, “You’ll have to make due with your hat to cool yourself.”

Copper took his hat off and waved it in front of his face, smirking all the while at her comment. It really was quite the humid day out, but nothing Copper couldn't handle. "Well don't mind if ah do, Mrs. Rodeo," Copper spoke up to Calamity, his gruff, adopted southern giving a friendly tone while winking at the mare now entering the tent. "Now, what a thing to see a retired rodeo pony try to take up ringmaster for a traveling stage show. Who gave ya this little idea, Mrs. Mane? Ah know you did mention something abou' southern life not getting enough credit the last time we chatted, but give me the full story. An' why not tell me how you are? What's been goin' down in Dodge lately?"

After entering the tiny tent, Copper took a short look on the interior, not entirely sure what he was expecting. There was simply a registration table and a chair, along with a lot of extra room for the eager contestants wanting to be part of an Equestrian rodeo show. He was glad she thought ahead and made sure they weren't auditioning out in the harsh sun, Copper wasn't sure if he would survive if he was forced to perform outside and sweat more than he needed to.

An almost cocky grin showed on Calamity's face as she took her seat behind the folding table, Copper grinning back all the same. He knew he had this, no doubt. He looked the part, had the right skills and determination. He was almost a living, breathing manifestation of the western life itself, funnily enough since he had never thought a former citizen of Canterlot could turn up the way he did. If somepony told him if he would grow up to wear a duster and Desperado cowcolt hat, play a harmonica and twirl around a knife like foal's play, he would have laughed in their face and continued his old lifestyle.

“Alright partner, show me all you’ve got! Are you enough of a hotshot to join the most exciting stage show in Equestria?”

Copper grinned even wider, a sort of shine permeating in his eyes, taking a stance and with blinding movement, he took out the trusty combat knife from the left flap of his duster with his magic and flipped it in the air. It spun around, hovering in the air like time itself had stopped before Copper sent a flick of his magic and sent the knife a completely different direction, directly towards Calamity's head. Or, at least it seemed like it, as Copper changed it's direction yet again, forcing it straight down into the table in front of Calamity, embedding it deep inside the cheap, flimsy fold-up table with a sharp 'twang' as it hit it.

"Am ah? Honey, if being ah hotshot gets me into this show, then I'm practically on fire right now, and that's not because of the weather, mind ya."

Copper than pulled out another of his many possessions, a silver-plated, slightly rusted harmonica he had kept for many years, closed his eyes and took a deep breath, and like he was a proper musician, played a

on the instrument, played like a seasoned veteran with the hunk of metal and wood. It was one he knew well, it was a song he probably played most often when he would camp out in the wild plains of Equestria, or down by the local tavern. It expressed who he was and his self-sworn duty to the citizens of the fair continent.

After he was finished, Copper opened his eyes and found he is eyes a little wet. Quickly wiping them away, he put on his confident grin and looked Calamity in the eyes.

"So, I know how to play the harmonica, I look like the spittin' image of a stereotypical westerner, and I have a sharp blade. Ah don't know about you, but ah would be shakin' my hoof right now and showin' me the quarters, darlin'. If that's not enough, ah could demonstrate more of my finesse or more tricks with my knife, ah would be glad to. Ah pride myself on what ah taught mahself years ago."

[Bellosh]

"Well don't mind if ah do, Mrs. Rodeo. Now, what a thing to see a retired rodeo pony try to take up ringmaster for a traveling stage show. Who gave ya this little idea, Mrs. Mane? Ah know you did mention something abou' southern life not getting enough credit the last time we chatted, but give me the full story. An' why not tell me how you are? What's been goin' down in Dodge lately?"

Calamity Mane liked chatting as much as the next pony, but ideally she’d like to get through each audition as quickly as possible so that everypony else would not have to roast out in the line. “Las Vacas is doin’ just fine, and so am I despite havin’ to not piddle about today.” Calamity took a quick peek outside at the other auditioners outside. “Tell ya’ what Copper; you make it in, and I’ll give y’all the complete yarn durin’ our first rehearsal.” He’d have to be satisfied with that promise.

"Am ah? Honey, if being ah hotshot gets me into this show, then I'm practically on fire right now, and that's not because of the weather, mind ya."

Throughout Copper’s entire routine, “Mrs. Rodeo” expressed nothing but interest in his abilities. Right off the bat, she’d be hard-pressed to find another harmonica player better than Copper. Even if Calamity did however, she could also see the stallion as playing the role of an outlaw, looking and sounding gruff enough already. If his knife skills were as sharp as he bragged, that’d just be perfect! “Let’s see if ya’ can play to the gallery with yer knife partner,” Calamity challenged; “But act like yer a no-good outlaw. Be as mean as yer can.”

[StaticPinks]

“Las Vacas is doin’ just fine, and so am I despite havin’ to not piddle about today.” Calamity replied, casting an eye behind the stallion at the number of ponies outside and waiting for an audition. “Tell ya’ what Copper; you make it in, and I’ll give y’all the complete yarn durin’ our first rehearsal.”

Copper grunted in approval, also looking behind him through the small gap in the tent flaps. Ponies were lining up, their motives more or less the same as Copper. He wouldn't want to keep them waiting like Calamity said, there would be time for formalities and catching up later. For right now though, he had an audition to pass.

"Sorry 'bout that, hon. Ah'll try to keep the hello's for another time. Don't want to keep folks from baking to a crisp in this weather."

During the small showboat of athletics and use of levitation, Copper was enjoying himself as much as one could, happy to show somepony his self-taught skills on the road, although it really wasn't something he took too much pride in. You need to really know your way around a knife and be able to do a lot of tricks when you do the kind of work Copper was used to, dispatching criminals, defending himself or others in the great unknown, things like that. He could spin his blade, make it disappear, teleport it behind someone discretely, and block many attacks with it at blinding speeds, but it was only for self-defense and not for cheap parlor tricks. Perhaps he could use that to his advantage, to teach ponies about the proper way to defend yourself if he was chosen for the Wild West show. We would have to discuss this with Calamity at another time, however. Time was ticking and the sun was certainly burning some hides out there.

At the offer of something completely different from Calamity to contribute to the show, Copper's breath stopped at once. He was now being asked to use his knife for more dastardly deeds, acting like the no-good scoundrels he encountered almost daily. The thought of it disturbed Copper greatly, as he was momentarily hit with a crack of past memories, making him flinch visibly as visions of his youth, stealing from the rich ponies of Canterlot for his own deeds, despite his intentions with the money. He stole from families, ponies who made honest livings and had to go through Tartarus and back to achieve their great wealth. The thought of simply using this alternate persona for the amusement of ponies across Equestria unsettled him, not wanting to relive that moment in his life again even if was for show.

Copper took a few moments to regain his composure after letting the waves of emotion and memories flood through him. He shook his head, looked up at Calamity with a sad smile, unsure if he could truly let go of that moment in his life just yet.

"...Mrs. Calamity, Ah'm not rightly sure Ah feel comfortable with playing the role of an outlaw, sorry to say. Ah know ya don't have time for this, but surely there's something else Ah could use that involves mah blade? ...In fact, Ah was just thinking about teaching folks about the proper way of defending yourself, as Ah know plenty about that. Ah know how to block incoming attacks, how tah properly grip the handle with either magic or a leg, and where to strike your opponent to make it count, all for self-defense. Now who wouldn't want to see that, a flashy knife show while also being taught something new? Maybe with some tunes along with it?"

Hopefully his bargaining was for something, he was really interested in being part of something that had to be a huge attraction across Equestria, and had a chance to be around some ponies for longer than a few days. There was no way he wouldn't at least have something for the show.

[Bellosh]

Copper’s history remained almost entirely unknown to Calamity Mane; she always thought it rude to pry into the private lives of ponies. But something strange came over the old stallion when Calamity offered an outlaw role; it appeared that proposal triggered some nasty memories within Copper that he didn’t want to remember. Knowing Copper, it had to be something serious, because he outright objected to performing as a desperado. Since the rodeo queen cherished her close ties to Copper, Mrs. Mane was prepared to accommodate the wise traveller.

Yes... Calamity Mane could easily insert a knife use routine into the stage show. Of course, it’d need entertainment value, and they’d have to be careful not to cross the line into “kids should buy knives” territory to avoid offending the sensibilities of city parents. Despite such concerns, Calamity could see things working out with Old Stallion Copper. “Ah think we got ourselves a deal,” the rodeo queen finally revealed a warm smile, setting onto her table a contract for Copper to sign; “Just sign here, and you’ll be mah first hire into this shindig. Ah’ll be sure to find somepony else who can play th’ bandit part. When yer ready, tell th’ next pony in line to come on in.”

[StaticPinks]

“Ah think we got ourselves a deal,” Calamity exclaimed, setting a contract on the table in front of her. “Just sign here, and you’ll be mah first hire into this shindig. Ah’ll be sure to find somepony else who can play th’ bandit part. When yer ready, tell th’ next pony in line to come on in.”

Copper sighed with relief, glad to not dive back into the role of a no-good scoundrel. Copper tipped his hat towards the mare, and grabbed a pencil from the table and quickly signed the paper with his official name "Rusty Tones" along with his nickname of "Copper". He didn't want to stay longer than he needed to, there was still a long line up of willing ponies waiting to try out and help out with the show. He had to get out of this humid weather, at once. Perhaps a relaxing stay with a cold one at the local tavern would help in this unbearably hot climate.

"...That should about do it. Thank yah kindly, Calamity, ah would explain why ah rather not play as ah no good bandit, but I gotta get me outta this weather, spend some time with a cold drink or two and a light siesta. Ah'll be in town for a few, so if yer free, come down to the inn where ah usually stay at and we can chat up some more. See yah at our first rehearsal, Mrs. Rodeo, and don't go too hard on yer next victim!"

With a final tip of his hat and a hearty chuckle, Copper left the tent with a feeling of pride and a warm feeling of knowing what he was going to do, as he normally felt this way after helping out a pony in need. Copper exited the tent and quickly spotted the first pony he could see, a rather big stallion who looked slightly confused it what was going on. Ignoring his lost look in favour of his long-awaited cold drink, he patted the stallion on his back before speaking up.

"Hey, if yer here fer the Wild West Show auditions, Calamity Mane is ready fer yah when yer ready, big guy."

Without another word, Copper trotted down the humid street of Dodge Junction, making a beeline for his favorite tavern in the town for a little slice of liquid heaven and a nice rest before he keels over from the heat.

*Exit Copper and Moonshine is free to audition next*

[moonshineTheleocat]

The colossal pony's eyes curiously danced around the set, and even watching other ponies wonder on by. His eyes stopped for a moment when he heard a voice coming from just underneath him, and flicked down. RailGear gave Copper a puzzled look, but just before he could say anything, the pony left like a bat out of tartarus. Maybe to get out of the heat? It wasn't to bad outside though.

Something about Auditions? The pony's eyes glanced upwards for a moment, and finally took note of the big hulking sign that he had never noticed before. Railgear's expression went completely flat with his lips turning from a calm smile, into an upside down one. Oh yes, the dreaded oblivious nature that hangs tightly in the gear clan shows brightly now.

“Well... ahm already here,” Railgear sighed to himself. He was partially wondering how he would fit such a journey on his schedule, but that could always be decided on later. Plus the RailRoads are rather nice to it's employees. After all, it's hard to find big and tough ponies to drag six hundred tons of steel and other junk halfway across Equestria without whining or complaining about a break.

And So, RailGear trotted on towards the entrance of the tent. The pony casually stuck his head through the doorway to take a look around the inside. His body stopped in place till he noticed the other pony who was waiting patiently inside.

“Seem's more like a job interview than an audition,” the colossal pony thought to himself. His hooves resumed their movement. And once again, with each trot he made, the ground shook a little near him with a soft thud. He did seem... hesitant however.

After all, how was he supposed to trot on up to a pony who's half your size for an audition. When A. You don't know what the buck you were auditioning for, and B. Try to do so without intimidating anypony, or making a donkey out of yourself.

Regardless, the pony tried his best to keep his confidence. He kept moving till he was at an appropriate, “Conversational” distance and stopped.

“Uh....” his voice rumbled with a deep baritone as he tilted his head off to the side and downwards so he could do his best to look down to the other and keep eye contact. He outstretched a hoof in a gesture for a hoof-shake. “Howdy. Ahm Railgear.”

[Bellosh]

The next stallion to audition looked vaguely familiar to Calamity Mane, although she couldn’t say they were acquainted. On occasion, she’d see that fellow come into the train station pulling a locomotive with a crew. Certainly, the most impressive attribute of Railgear’s was his enormous size. No doubt he’d make for a good stagehoof... but competent stagehooves could be dug up from anywhere. No, Calamity today was looking only for ponies who were the absolute best at what they do.

“Howdy hotshot!” Mrs. Mane jubilantly welcomed the auditioning stallion; “What brings ya’ to audition for the greatest stage show in the West?” For all Calamity knew, Railgear might want to audition for something he liked doing in his spare time, but had no relation to his current job. Maybe he had a talent that would make crowds of ponies clamor to see more.....

[moonshineTheleocat]

“Well,” Railgear began in thought with a casual tone. Though his voice easily rumbled outside of his chest, and filled the air with a deep baritone. Similar to the type that is quite common to most foke singers.

“Not much actually, ah've rolled into town tugging iron on through the grind from Badland's way,” The pony told the other. The massive stallion then lowered his flank down to the ground. A loud thump filled the air as loose objects clattered gently in position. Some amounts of dust from the sandy wind would also fall from the shelves, desks, and the edges of nick nacks that were rattling about from the colossal stallion's weight. “Then Ah ended up here. Mah vacation is now, and ah figured I'd take the time to watch a show or two.”

The pony then raised a massive hoof to scratch the back of his mane nervously, “I didn't expect to attempt to be part of it. But... now that ahm here... ah reckon ah could give it a try. Mmhmm.”

[Bellosh]

There was something about the colossal stallion’s demeanor that Calamity Mane couldn’t quite get behind. Sure, being able to shake the entire tent just by sitting down was an impressive feat in of itself. All that however meant nothing if a pony’s love for performing lacked in any way. That Copper fella, he ain’t no showpony by trade, but he made up for it with an exhibitionist streak that naturally revealed itself during his audition. This locomotive puller though, he seemed to be here just because he could. Overall, the stallion reeked of indecisiveness; something Calamity couldn’t afford for any member of her crew.

Although the prospects for the auditioner did not look good with the first impression, Calamity Mane thought it rude to cruelly send the stallion on his way without learning more. Taking on a more neutral tone in her voice from her earlier exuberance, Mrs. Mane continued questioning; “Alright partner, how long exactly does yer vacation last for? Ah just wanna make sure thet ya’ ain’t likely to take Prench leave once you get back to yer regular job.” If the stallion gave any hint that he couldn’t fully commit to the stage show, that would be a deal-breaker right there.

[moonshineTheleocat]

“Well,” RailGear began as he now took his hat off. He turned it upside down, and shoved a massive hoof inside to remove a slip of paper, and held it out to the smaller mare. “… Ahm on a quote on quote, paid vacation fer a year. Ah Damaged a freighter train by derailing it and dragging it along the dirt to get the shipment to the next stop on time after a snow devil rolled into equestria.”

The Large stallion seemed a bit down about it, but he only did what he had to do. And being on time was something that all rail ponies took pride in.

“But! I’d be mighty appreciative if ya gave me a chance to show my mettle.”

[Bellosh]

If it hadn’t been for Railgear’s documents, Calamity Mane would have accused the rail worker of pulling her leg, as so many ponies around these parts do, to a varying degree, on a daily basis (Calamity included). Regardless, she sat there wide-eyed reading the official account of Railgear’s incident. If this form was to be believed, then this stallion would be too reckless to be trusted with any backstage job. Mrs. Mane liked doing things as fast as possible, but even so, she valued safety higher than that. And Railgear’s overly-extended paid vacation had to be a subtle nudge by his employer to go find another job.

Calamity Mane next gave Railgear a staredown while wondering just what exactly he could be useful for. Backstage work was definitely out, so what then? How else could a giant be useful in a Wild West stage show. If Calamity had been running a carnival instead, she’d instantly recruit the stallion as a sideshow, and put his apparent destructive abilities to good-

Now wait a moment... outlaws by nature tend to destroy lots of things too. And ponies would inevitably clamor to see someone lasso a villainous brute like Railgear about as much as they already love seeing bulls herded... but bulls tended not to be team players. Rail’s aptitude for performance work remained to be seen, but Calamity decided to give him a shot. “Alright Railgear, gimme’ yer best outlaw impression,” she assertively instructed; “Let’s see how good of a widow maker you are.”

[moonshineTheleocat]

Railgear wasn't actually wasn't being reckless at the time. The Rail-Roads tended to be a cruel mistress. And getting through tough situations was only part of the job if it meant getting things done. Other wise they'd be fired for failing to arrive at all, or in a reasonable time. Naturally, the Rail-Road applauded his effort, even though it caused a needless amount of damage. But the corporations whom had made the shipments were a little displeased. They needed a scape-goat, and the pony was happy to take the blame for a unanimous decision. So his punishment was simply to make them happy, make it seem like he got fired.

But for the ponies acting skills? He couldn't brag about much. But being a villain was something he could. Back in his days as a colt, growing up in Dodge, his massive size made him a perfect candidate for the villain the deputy and other hands of the laws would try to wrangle. He was tough enough too to take the beating that usually followed, even though he couldn't really tell if they were actually trying to hit him as hard as they could. It was just one of those things he took excellent pride in, as it just made sense for his talent.

And three heart beats was all it took for the colossal stallion to take his character. He quickly raised his front up in the air by rearing back on his hind hooves. His hind legs stretched out as he kept his fore hooves close to his chest, unintentionally showing off his towering structure by blocking out one of the lamps and casting a large shadow across the table. The nicer, and aloof and relaxed expression he wore with puppy eyes, was quickly swapped for the mock impression of a hardened outlaw and loner in the west. Eyes were sharp, and filled with calculative malice. His face was hardened, but no expression filled his lips. It remained plain and flat, truthfully intimidating if the stallion was actually a real blood-mongering outlaw. Brows were lowered almost in a leery scowl.

He didn't hang in his pose for long. In fact it was meant for only a second as the stallion calculated mentally how to come down without destroying the mares table. But he tilted forward, and soon enough, his large black hooves came thundering down on top of the table. Papers would likely fall out of place if they were stacked, and anything solid placed on the desk would bounce and topple over. Those very items would roll to the center of the desk to meet his hooves. The reason being that the table, whom was churning in protest and strain, had warped just slightly where the stallion placed a partial amount of his weight and force at. The thick muscles under his coat rippled lightly with the motions.

His head had been lowered, parallel to the table, but still level with Calamity Mane's head. His chest was still held high, and his nose was merely a few hairs away from contact with the mare's. The stallion's fur down his neck and lining his back were bristling, giving him a wild and demented look. He was breathing hard through his nostrils, not enough to make a sound, but enough to move some fur.

And when he spoke. He spoke with a low tone. But his deep voice made it carry so calmly in the air, the bass behind it was enough to vibrate the air around him and raise tension. “So...” he began with a collected verbal punch. “Do yah think ya got what it takes to take this bull down, yah little rat-tick's brat.”

The pony paused for a moment, and decided to back off before the table couldn't take any more. He lowered back down onto all fours, and quickly rearranged the mare's desk back the best he could. His expression back to normal and his fur laid back down.

When he was done, he looked up with a nervous smile. “Well? How'd ah do?”

[Bellosh]

Well hot dog. The mild-mannered stallion in the audition tent performed an 180; the gentle giant turning into something rather more frightful. For a brief moment after Railgear struck the table, even Calamity Mane of all ponies felt a twinge of fear within her, subtly gulping. That said a lot, considering that hardly anything was able to faze the mare. Within a couple of seconds, Calamity visibly regained her composure, by which time Railgear reverted back to his real persona.

Still though, Mrs. Mane was a quick decider and a cowgirl of action. Recollecting that one tiny moment of weakness she experienced mere moments ago was all she needed to make up her mind for good. “Yee-haw!!! Yer in!” she excitedly exclaimed, getting up off her chair with a big frontier-sized smile; “Just sign one of th’ forms ya’ knocked over, and we kin git ya’ workin’ as a desperado in no time.” Who knew that railroad worker had something as sinister like that in him?

Now that things with Railgear were mostly wrapped up, Calamity Mane whistled for the next waiting pony to trot on in.....

[SteelEagle]

Applejack was focused and silent as some others went and did their tryouts for Calamity Mane. This rodeo mare could do so many wonderful things with a rope but boy howdy it never came without effort, especially when she was still banged up from field work. Most professional rodeo ponies only ever had one or two events a week. The rest was travel, recuperation, and practice. Applejack didn't have that wonderful luxury of time and the ability to do as she wished. She had the land as her guide and when it was troubled or ready to spill forth its bounty, she was there to tend and receive. This necessitated near endless low-level strain and the occasional bad fall. Getting everything ready for this event had been even harsher than usual. The land fought harder than ever before and she needed to do much more in a short amount of time. No matter though. She wasn't one of those ponies who let niggling little issues like that get in the way. She was one of the best rodeo champions in all of Equestria for a reason, after all. Needless to say, she was confident.

Then there was a whistle and Applejack immediately hilted her long strand of lasso and moved her hat just so, bucking up the saddlebag and trotting on in. Before she was hit by those in the room she was hit by the surroundings, a bit familiar and all. Reminded her rather starkly of her very first rodeo tryout when she was just a little filly- technically a foal, even. She didn't remember much about her act- though she assumed it wasn't much different from the creatively controlled chaos of random running around, miscommunication, and lack of concentration she saw in the Foal's Rodeo Brigade when it came to town to give the little ones their own time to shine- but she did remember the settings. Barred cages that hid the baby bulls the foals could ride, safety equipment everywhere, and row after row of worried ma's and pa's with a Granny in the crowd being all too boisterous. Ahhh, the good ol' days. Why wasn't Apple Bloom as much of a rodeo pony as Applejack was? She should be. Seemed interested in it whenever Applejack was around.

And then she realized who she was around. Calamity Mane was there! It wasn't the first or even second time Applejack had seen her, but not this close and not in a tryout. She had been a judge in the Nationals and her word was law- she was legendary! So many championships that it boggled the mind but more than that, nopony had ever entertained as much as she in all of rodeo history. No show with Calamity Mane had ever failed and no show with Calamity Mane would ever even have that threat above them. She was a walking bag of good times with bits on the side and she was a rancher, a real rancher, to boot. None of this phony “I'm a hardcore rodeo pony but I secretly live in Fillydelphia” shtick you saw with some of the other big names of the era. She worked her flank off day in, day out, and Applejack was heads over heels in respect for Madame Mane of the Western Wild. She'd just have to be sure to do her best to make sure she earned respect back, even if Calamity should have known about the little apple farmer on account of nationals.

She shook her head and smiled, taking off her hat for a bow before plcing it back on and dropping her saddlebag.

“Howdy, Miss Mane! Ah'm Applejack, y'all might remember me from the national rodeo competition in Canterlot! Real nice ta see yer startin' up a real nice rodeo show for tha road. Haven't seen one of them done well in a while! Ah'm here ta try out for- well, Ah'm willin' ta do just about anythin'!” Applejack said as she started to lightly toy with her rope, amped up and ready to go.

[Bellosh]

Calamity Mane knew well enough who Applejack was; a up-and-coming competitive cowpony from the town of Ponyville. Remembering a prior rodeo contest she judged in Canterlot, Calamity thought that the younger mare possessed plenty of natural potential, although it seemed that there was something preventing Applejack from getting up to the top. And unfortunately, Calamity’s outfit lacked room for ponies stuck in second place. Whatever somepony auditions for, Mrs. Mane needed them to be the very best at what they do, because audiences demanded... and deserved no less.

However, Calamity Mane refrained from sending Applejack home right there and then. Seriously considering the apple pony’s offer to do just about anything, Calamity rubbed her chin while giving the other pony a staredown. Applejack wasn’t quite championship material yet, but there might be another use for the earth pony. Aside from Applejack’s good (if unrefined) roundup skills, she may very well have the appearance to play a certain other part, provided she first pass a certain inspection.

“Take off yer hat,” Mrs. Mane finally instructed with a neutral expression after a quarter of a minute; “And do a 360, slowly.” Calamity made a circling gesture with her hoof to make sure Applejack knew to turn around.

[SteelEagle]

Applejack was ready to go and loaded for hours of intense action. She had eaten well and heartily lately and had more calories to burn than there were stars in the sky. She had practiced and repracticed her routines more times than she could count and considering the average tree produced a thousand apples and they had over three thousand trees producing apples at an uneven rate across the seasons, she could count well and high. She had studied her failings and worked to improve on them. She was a lean and mean mare of stature, grace, and granite. She'd worked herself until there was naught but finely honed muscles cutting a fine figure. She had honed her skills to the point where except for being trained further she could only get better through actual competition. She came further prepared with a saddlebag full of various ropes, materials, and rodeo gear. Calf roping, breakaway roping, team roping, barrel racing, steer racing, goat tying, bull riding, steer roping, and pole bending were events she was ready for and that list was short.

Instead of giving Applejack the go ahead to show her stuff, Calamity simply stared as if dissecting an animal for study. A full quarter minute passed in an uneasy silence between mare and elder mare before Calamity finally spoke up, her voice curt and her words unexpected. So much so that it took Applejack a full second or two to register them, at which point she removed her hat. Her mane was all pent up still as usual in her ponytail, which by and large was as clean as could be. She brushed back a few strands of mane behind her ear and started to turn in place. One hoof glided slowly and gracefully into place past another as she did as directed. She did all this without delay, but her face told the story of confusion as her eyes were posed in a quizzically comic fashion. What sort of rodeo activity was this? It was hard to grasp. Still, the Apple turned. "We, uhh, here Ah am!"

[Bellosh]

While Applejack followed instructions, Calamity Mane intently absorbed every physical detail of what she observed in front of her. Applejack’s mane was that of a proper country girl; well-kempt, but not in an overly fancy fashion one would find with a big city pony. And those strong rear legs, they looked like the legs of a master bucker. The young mare’s eyes appeared very pleasing as well, even if they currently revealed little else but confusion.

Calamity performed one final inspection once Applejack finished rotating. The rodeo queen walked over to the girl’s side and took a sniff of that blonde mane. It smelled of apples and good soil; a most agreeable aroma indeed. Outwardly, Applejack represented a very ideal catch; just what Calamity Mane needed. “Yer’ a fine-looking piece of calico,” Mrs. Mane finally spoke as she suddenly turned around and headed towards a chest, still acting as if doing the most mundane thing in the world.

Signalling Applejack to follow, Calamity asked without emotion; “How good of a hostess are ya’, Miss Applejack?”

[SteelEagle]

Applejack had been down to the Manehattan docks once or twice in her life to oversee shipments of Apples abroad. Big deals. Lots of bits made. But no matter what, there was something about the attitudes down there that made personal space a sinful thing and made them say things that would get them bucked in the face under most conditions. She wasn't some saintly little creature nor was she some snooty primma donna with such high beliefs that she was above a bit of worldy flirting, but it was above and beyond the call. She was Applejack of Sweet Apple Acres, not some ratchet on the streets and she didn't much appreciate what they had said or what they had done when close. Nothing illegal, nothing traumatizing, but very annoying. It didn't stick around in her mind long, however.

Until this happened. Why the heck was Calamity Mane studying her like that? It all threw Applejack for a loop. Was this some sort of weird test? It would make sense if she was supposed to put her hoof down and tell this nosy mare to stick it where the sun don't shine. But for all of her aggressively bred belief in directness and honesty, Applejack couldn't summon up the will to retard the honor of her shackled words she had spoken when she said she'd do just about anything. So in the absence of her own action she instead did as she was told, biting her lip with increasing nervousness as the Mare of the Western Reach...sniffed her mane. What in the hay was going on here? Thank Celestia she had washed up real good but under the stars and the moon this was getting creepy.

And then Calamity called her a fine looking piece of calico. Now that was an older term and Applejack blushed, her mind still reeling. What was all this- was Calamity hitting on her? Was this simply one mare in a position of power doing what she could to check her out before they got started. Well, if that was the case...Applejack wouldn't know what to say. She was a little bit excited. She was a little bit disgusted. She was also a lot plain creeped out, doubly so as they started walking towards the chest. Finally a question, something for her to be involved in. Positive Applejack returned because if there was one thing she could to ease the odd emotions of the room was by being the most getting alongingest pony of all.

“Well, Ah don't mean ta toot mah horn none, but...Ah'm pretty darn good! Ah've hosted family reunions an' make sure ta throw out tha welcomin' mat ta anypony who comes ta town. Always make sure ponies around you are as happy as a clam- holds true for friends, family, business, the whole shebang! But beg pardon, why does that matter in a rodeo?”

[Bellosh]

“This ain’t no simple rodeo yer dealin’ with,” Calamity Mane sharply replied, her stoicism briefly giving way to a more lecturing tone; “Ah’m runnin’ a stage show, and ah’ll be needin' folks other than rannies.” As she said that, Calamity opened up the chest and stepped aside to let Applejack see its contents. Inside was a folded green dress of sorts accompanied by a matching single-feather headdress, black see-through stockings, and a pair of heeled boots. It shouldn’t have taken a genius to figure out that the dress in the chest was a dead ringer for a saloon filly’s outfit.

“Ah need somepony who can introduce each act, liven up th’ crowd, and t’ do those things while lookin’ both appealin’ and dependable at th’ same time. Not many ponies can do both at th’ same time... but ah pretty sure you can Applejack. And haha, ya’ve got previous event experience t’ boot!” Only now did Calamity Mane flash a cocky grin at the younger mare, patting the saloon filly outfit with a leg; “So what ya’ say partner? Ready t’ be an announcer girl for th’ greatest Wild West stage show on Earth?”