Not our world anymore (IC)

[GalacticWar_Xavier]

Twilight caught her breath for a moment before looking to the apple trees. She once again found it funny to see such healthy apple trees, with big, tasty looking apples, on an island which no pony had been to in years at the very least. She reached out with her magic and picked two of the apples from the nearest tree, levitating them down to herself and then levitated one over to Starling, "Apples, a great view and lots of trees and other plants, you were right, this place is pretty much perfect." she said with a smile. She looked back to the apple tree and noticed that something was carved into the trunk. She was about to investigate, when yet another thing grabbed her attention, something shiny on the ground. She decided to investigate the shiny object first and went over to it. She lifted it with her magic and discovered that it was a bullet casing. She had read a little about guns, but she couldn't identify what type it was. All she knew was that these things were ejected from the weapon after the actual bullet was fired from them by igniting the propellant inside the casing. She had read that humans sometimes hunted using guns, as horrific as it sounded, but there couldn't be any animals worth hunting on this island. At least she didn't think so... She wasn't an expert on what different species hunted, nor did she really want to be.

[Blue Fox]

After Starling was finished getting most of the water out of his mane and tail he trotted over to see what Twilight was looking at. Instantly of course he knew what it was and his eyes widened as he looked at it. "What in the hay is this doing here" he said as he looked at it. As far as he knew a war had never been out this way and he was sure none of his men fired anything because they would have heard it. And back when he was a colt none of his family had such weapons like these. He looked around trying to find a reasonable explanation for this but couldn't find one. He looked back to the tree and looked up, still nothing. "Maybe.... maybe we should be a little careful here" he said as he looked back to Twilight, "We can't be sure how long ago this was left here and if whatever shot it is still around I don't want us to be here any more" he said seriously. Starling could be a little bit over protective with how serious he was taking this but when it came down to his safety and more importantly, his family he wasn't prepared to take any risks. "Do you think we should maybe look around ?" he asked before something caught his eye on the tree. He turned and trotted closer before instantly recognising it. He sighed before realising it was a carving him and his little brother made when they were colts. It has their names in initials and dates... Starling could feel his eyes tearing up again and decided to look away, the emotional pain beginning to break through the acceptance he had over the loss of his birth family.

[GalacticWar_Xavier]

Twilight looked to Starling, expecting for a moment for him to say why the bullet casing was here, but it seemed he didn't know. She smiled to him slightly, "Oh, I'm sure there's no one dangerous to us here in such a wonderful place, let me try this." She turned to the inner part of the island, "HELLO?" Twilight called, "Is anyone here?" she then called. She waited for a few seconds, not yet noticing Starling as he realized what the carving in the tree was. She looked back to him, about to say that there was likely no one else on the island when she saw the tears in his eyes, "Starling?" she asked, concerned. She went over to him and wrapped her fore hooves around him, "Honey, what's wrong?" she asked, her tone worried. She looked to the tree carving, in case that had been what he was now upset about. She had been expecting it to have some sort of mean graffiti, but instead had nothing but two initials and dates. She was confused for a second until she noticed that the initials started with S and A, Starling and Autumn. She felt for a moment as if she had been speared through the heart as she knew that this reaction left only one last explanation for why Starling was evasive with his family. She said nothing, and instead just tightened her hug on Starling, putting her head over his shoulder.

Meanwhile, Twilight's call had reached a sort of voice recognition sensor. On the other side of the apple tree, a section of the grass quietly lowered mechanically, creating a ramp that lead down to a door. Its design was strange, unlike that of even the Harmonic Citadel built by the Elves, though it did share some characteristics with it.

[Blue Fox]

Starling closed his eyes as Twilight hugged him. He wrapped one of his fore hooves around her and remained silent. He felt a little bad that this had happened since they were having such a good time but every time he found a memory it was like he was being cut deeper. Like something was cutting through a shield he had held high for so long. A tear rolled down his cheek, falling off to be dried into the grass bellow them, "I'm sorry Twilight, I didn't mean to get upset" he said as he pulled away. He turned back to the engraved initials and placed his hoof on his brothers name. He could imagine them both standing side by side with pieces of jagged rock levitated in front of them. They were so much smaller back then and so oblivious tot he world around them. At nights Autumn would curl up next to him and ask about the stars, and they would spend hours until the sun began to rise talking about what's out there and what's beyond those stars. He remembered how his eyes would grow tired before falling asleep and how he would lay his tail over him to keep him warm before going to sleep himself. He wanted to see his little brother so much.. to tell him how sorry he was that he couldn't do enough to save him. Starling rubbed his eyes with a fore hoof, "He was the one pony who never judged me... I could have been the worst pony in Equestria and he would love me no matter what. If I could only tell him how sorry I am-" he stopped and shook his head, "It doesn't matter" he said before sighing.

[GalacticWar_Xavier]

Twilight sniffled slightly as Starling pulled away, apologized and told her more about his little brother. It stung her more as she realized that she was getting a sort of vision into what Shining Armor must have felt when Twilight had vanished. She remained quiet as he said that it didn't matter. She didn't want to intrude on that part of his life any farther for now. She didn't know how or why his family was gone, but they were gone. She wanted to help him with it, but here and now wasn't the place and time to do it, "We should probably just explore the island a little bit." Twilight said quietly, "Get a little time before we have to start paddling again." She walked past the tree with the carving and was about to make her way to a different one, when she suddenly caught the sight of the grassy ramp leading down to a door in the middle of the apple tree area. It laid in her path on her way to the next tree, so she gave it a sort of absent stare as she went, not really registering that it was actually there until she had to stop herself from tumbling down the ramp. She jolted to a halt and blinked, suddenly realizing what it was, "Whoa!" Twilight said. She looked at the door, wondering what it was to. There wasn't a sign of a house nearby, so whatever it must be, it was completely underground, "I don't suppose you've seen this before?" Twilight asked.

[Blue Fox]

Starling stayed by the three a little longer before sighing and following after Twilight. He trotted at a casual place as he tried to push the memories aside before he heard Twilight call out about something. He trotted over to her, "What are you-" he stopped as he saw the ramp, his eyes widening as his mouth hung open a little. He stared for a moment before looking to Twilight, "This was definitely not here when I was a colt... at least I don't think it was" he said before taking a few steps forward, "I'm... going to check it out" he said as he went a little further down the ramp. As he went a side panel slid back and a U shaped arm came out. It faced Starling and shot a beam over him. It seemed to be some sort of scanner but that didn't stop Starling from jumping back as the beam washed over him. "What in the hay" he said as it finished it's scan.

(Blocked again)

[GalacticWar_Xavier]

((Sort of a Blocky part there anyways, sorry :P))

The scanner retreated back into the panel after scanning Starling. Twilight winced at every action that took place, expecting something bad to happen each time. However, nothing did. The sides of the panels on the door then glowed red a few pulsing times and it seemed to make a slightly negative-sounding drone. The glow then went away and didn't return. Twilight waited a few seconds with bated breath for something else to happen, but nothing did. Twilight followed Starling down the ramp, "It might belong to whoever left that bullet casing..." Twilight suggested. At the sound of her voice, the arm slid out from the panel once again, startling her again as well. It pointed the scanner at Starling again for a moment, then shifted its aim to Twilight. After scanning her in the same method, it retreated once again. The door glowed from the sides of its panels once again, only this time in a steady bluish white color. The door then opened, some of its panels sliding sideways, while others went downward. It was meant for its machinery parts to take up less space, and thus be less detectable, inside was simply a small room which looked to be an elevator of some sort, "Tenth Cycle Language Matrix Locked-in..." a voice said from the door, it was male and had a tinge of a sort of fairness to it, "Welcome to the Runegardian Research Outpost 'Telmacae', Azuras-designated VIP, Twilight Sparkle. Current Personnel level at 0%, current power level at 45%, Warning, current interior threat level at 100%... Reason: Interior Unpressurized, Detainment Cells are still nominal.... Pressurizing... Interior Research Labs Pressurized... Updated interior threat level at 1.73%. Reason: Minor Flooding on level B20. Lift access restricted from that level." Twilight's jaw hung open throughout the voice's seemingly nonsensical monologue.

"H-hello?" Twilight asked the room, wondering if this was like the objects in the Infinity Skyhall, "How may this facility and construct be of assistance, Twilight Sparkle?" the voice responded, making Twilight startle once again, "Are you like those things in the Infinity Skyhall, can you understand me?" she asked, this voice seemed to know who she was. Azuras had apparently set her as a Very Important Person to whatever it was, as well, "I'm sorry. This construct's responses and knowledge are limited to the operation and functionality of this facility. As per Runegardian Artificial Intelligence Limitation Order, Frostfall 22nd, 4th Blight, Year 26739 dictates. How else may this construct be of assistance?" Twilight scratched a fore hoof behind her mane, not quite knowing what it was referring to, but it seemed as though this was definitely not as advanced as the ones in the Infinity Skyhall, "So this place was built by the Elves?" Twilight asked, "Correct." The voice responded, "This facility's purpose is currently the detainment of 'Extradimensional Sentient Species Member, 0-1'. 0-1 is currently conscious and stable, and asked 37 minutes ago if this construct could relay that it wishes that you specifically, Twilight Sparkle, to go to Cell Block 1 on level B1, and speak to it."

[Blue Fox]

Starling was speechless to say the least as he listened to what this 'AI; had to say. It seemed to like Twilight which was a good thing... for now. But it also mentioned that there was something sentient down there which asked for her specifically. And he didn't like that at all. Starling let out a loud whistle that dipped in a tone mid way. In less then thirty seconds a squad of four Talonopolis squad troopers appeared behind them armed with minor weaponry like hand guns. Starling looked to them, "I need you to call in a drop" he said sternly. They looked to each other, "We're not sure you can authorize that on your current suspension Major" replied the captain who was selected to run the team. Starling furrowed his brow, "This is important. Override C-10 Element protection act" he said. The soldiers looked surprised as they all knew the order and the captain nodded as he began making the call. The order basically meant that any commanding officer no matter what status could make call if it was in the name of protecting the Princess of the Elements of Harmony. This also included Winter who was added quite recently. But since this place called for Twilight and there was no way Starling was going in there without being armed to protect her... he made the call.

The package was lowered in by Jet-copter which was an advanced type of air vehicle meant for fast acting quick response. Talonopolis didn't have many of them as they were still at their early stage of development and they were very expensive to make. When his armour was dropped he saw that it looked very different to what he remembered. It had a new coat and had no scratches or dents any more. It looked thicker and more fierce and was now sporting a knew type of weaponry, no doubt something Airimus had invented since the weapon was unlike that of anything Talonopolis had. The captain nodded as he held a hand to his ear, talking to the pilot. "Major I have word that the armour isn't finished. Though its main functions are fully functional" said the captain. Starling nodded before suiting up as the armoured plates slid into their places, the helmet sliding and locking onto his head instead of being place on by himself. The armour kicked to life and a brand new HUD display flickered in front of him. The captain then looked to Twilight, "Your armour has also been delivered ma'am" he said as he looked towards the smaller purple armour that also looked to have changes made by Luna herself. Starling turned to Twilight, It had all happened quite fast but he wanted to make it clear, "Sorry Twi, but if you are going inside... I want to take every necessary move to make sure your safe" he said through his knew and improved speakers. He still sounded deeper but now he sounded more like him.

[GalacticWar_Xavier]

Twilight watched as Starling went about getting everything ready. She was going to wonder if the facility construct was alright with this, but it beat her to the thought, "Although bringing unauthorized personnel and equipment into a sensitive facility such as this is usually restricted, Queen Azuras' order was quite explicit to allow you full, unrestricted access to all Runegardian facilities." Twilight blinked and then smiled slightly, "Well... That's good to know... What about Winter Bell?" Twilight asked, "I'm sorry. That information is beyond your security access level." the construct responded. Twilight raised an eyebrow but let it go for the time being, Winter was her friend, after all. Anything she learned or was to the Elves she would probably tell her. She sighed slightly as she looked over her armor and went to put it on, but as she contacted it with her magic it basically teleported itself onto her. Twilight startled and then smirked, "Well! That's handy!" she said, giving it a lookover. There was now a sunglasses-like visor dipping down on the eye portions of the helmet. it also sported a new, short antenna so she had COM uplinks and other informational widgets. Also, as promised, there was armor on her underbelly, but it wasn't nearly as uncomfortable as she had predicted it would be. A message then appeared on the visor and played through arcane sound, "Twilight Sparkle. I have vastly improved your armor with new equipment and enchantments, including one which will protect your foal from your own magic veins. You will now be able to use your magic to its fullest power without endangering your pregnancy. May Solaris watch over you, Princess Luna. PS: Ask Starling how all that electric Hay works... I have no idea..."

Twilight smirked gratefully at the message and closed it out. She took in a deep breath as she then looked at the lift room, "Well... I think since this appears to be the only way in or out... You four should stay out here and guard the exit while Starling accompanies me in." she said

[Blue Fox]

The captain didn't even look to Starling for authorization. Because he was on suspension, Twilight was the highest ranking personnel in the area regardless of her not actually being enlisted. "Yes ma'am" he saluted before he began setting up his men into positions around the entrance. Starling looked to Twilight and after looking at her for a second, trotted towards the lift. He did a quick check of his systems and as he did so his main weapon whined to life as it powered up. If anything was down there that could harm them he wanted everything ready. He had a strange feeling overcome him as he walked, he feel almost triple times as powerful as he did when he was in his old armour. He almost didn't have to work to move at all as the armour did all the work for him. He entered the lift and as Twilight entered, the lift seemed to self activate as the doors shut and the lift began to go down. Starling could tell they were going a long way down as the lift went on for some time before coming to stop at the designated stop where it was said the sentient life was being kept. The construct then spoke, "We regret to inform you that half of this sector is not responding to power outlets D9 and D19, therefore we will be unable to light the way for you until you reach the cell block sector which seems to still have power" it spoke. The door parted to reveal a long hallway which they couldn't see the end of due to the darkness. There were a few lights here and there but they weren't the type for lighting. "Not a problem" said Starling as the head lamp on his helmet sprang to life illuminating a vast majority of the way ahead and the space around them. "Stay behind me, I'll light the way" he said as he began trotting forward.