//------------------------------// // Chapter Sixteen: Crashing Hopes // Story: We don't go to Sub-Level Five // by RadBunny //------------------------------// Twilight smirked at the communications on her digital monitor, a fancy, floating display off to her left. The Stairway company had been busy. Of course, she wasn’t known as a studious ruler for not having expected this. They were hardly the first organization to try and work behind the back of a ruler. I admit, they were smart. I give Stylus and the others credit. In the past day or two, communications had come in from other kingdoms accusing Equestria of sabotaging a lab dealing in contracts with their military. Apparently the Stairway company had been triple-dipping with their nation relations. Already, her sources indicated Stairway assets were being shuttled to low-risk nations, evading Equestria law. Clearly they thought Equestria had something to lose by not revealing their ace in the hole. We have always succeeded when we’ve worked together, the alicorn thought, a soft smile twitching at her lips. And now we have a new enemy. Not one as blatant as Tirek or Sombra, but one more evil and more insidious than either. What she had read from Flask’s reports had kept the alicorn up for hours. The horrors that this company had inflicted on countless innocents ensured that if it came down to it, Twilight would have no qualms sending the owners and the entire board of directors to the center of the sun. Celestia had confirmed she would allow her precious sun to be used as a purifying fire in this case; Luna said she would watch and bring popcorn. If Twilight was being honest, that fate was more likely than not. But before that, however, Twilight had a different plan. Relationships with other nations hadn’t been bad, with numerous student exchanges, creatures coming and going, but they could be better. They had an evil to face and Twilight knew that to eradicate it completely, she needed the other nations’ help. She had an idea, but it would need a few more pieces to work. “Highness?” one of her Intelligence advisors reported, the mare holding up a paper. “Ah, yes, what do you have for me?” “I think it’s code. Dots and dashes from our seismometers that translate using Borse code. But it’s just a bunch of letters and symbols.” Twilight let out a hum at that, nodding to one of her guards. “Please send for Flask immediately.” Within a few minutes, the pony was brought into the room, confusion on his face as Twilight levitated the seismic report over to him. “Someone is trying to communicate with us, Flask,” Twilight stated bluntly. “Our seismometers have picked up rhythmic vibrations that match up with Borse code. But it’s clearly meant to be abbreviations of some kind. Do you have any idea of what this is?” She saw his eyes widen in recognition, the stallion looking over the report eagerly. Of the things Twilight had expected, Flask’s reaction wasn’t one of them. The stallion abruptly sat down, eyes welling up with tears as he covered his mouth with a hoof to stop from crying out. Soft sobs wracked the older pony’s frame, Flask setting the report aside. But there was no grief on his face as he looked up to Twilight. “One of the ponies who helped me. If he hadn’t been able to get out, this was how he would communicate,” Flask explained. “Using your seismometers. He…” the stallion took a few breaths to compose himself, “he says that my daughter is alive. He’s still in the facility with what appears to be a few others, but they may be able to escape soon. I didn’t kill her, she didn’t…” “All that from numbers and letters?” Twilight asked, Flask nodding after he composed himself, taking a few breaths with a beaming smile on his face. “We created our own language for this. I was going to ask about any seismic readings in the next day or two; he would have waited until around this time to avoid suspicion.” The Princess nodded, deciding to see if there was anything else Flask was holding on to in terms of information. “I am putting together a plan to deal with the Stairway company. It will involve multiple nations, but a few pieces are missing,” she explained, “one might say I’m creating a story, and while we have our villain, we don’t have any creature to rally around. Your daughter might be that pony.” Flask’s ears perked up at that. “Flask, I had a hippogriff in here asking about a good friend of his,” Twilight said. “He worked at the front desk. By all accounts, an employee that wasn’t deemed necessary by the company. Did you ever talk with Astral Sentinel?” The earth pony nodded firmly, a sad smile on his face. “I did. I hoof-picked him for a job. I was hoping he would…” the stallion’s ears plastered back. “I entrusted him with a very important task, and I gave him the tools to stay alive. I don’t know if I was successful, or if he was added to the long list of lives lost because of me.” “Highness?” the Intelligence mare reported, a guard waving her in. “Another reading.” Indicating that Flask should receive it, Twilight watched as the stallion read, his eyes staring in utter disbelief. He hung his head, tears resuming as they dripped onto the floor from his eyes. Flask lifted his head after a few moments and laughed, wiping his eyes and gesturing to the paper. “My question was just answered, Highness,” he explained, “My colleague. From what he can tell, my daughter met up with a pony who has used specific access codes. Astral is alive. He didn’t…” the full weight of the news made Flask unable to rise, the pony trying to regain control of himself. “Sorry, Highness. I didn’t kill my friend, nor my daughter. They’re ok.” “What did you give to Astral, Flask?” Twilight asked kindly, trying to keep him on track. “I hard-coded bypasses into the Company’s systems,” Flask stated with a smirk, “I gave him access that not even the owners would be able to shut off. Every door, every system is open to him. It’s the same code I gave my daughter.” “Why?” The question made Flask pause, the pony neatly putting the two reports together and withdrawing a picture from his saddlebags. On seeing it offered, Twilight looked at the familiar photo, Flask and his daughter smiling at the camera. “I saw through the rough times in Astral’s life,” Flask said softly, “and I took a chance. I saw a good pony, and that was more than I could call myself. I saw a hope that maybe he could do what I could not.” “Which was?” Twilight asked, returning the photo. “Help my daughter escape that horrid place,” he said between gritted teeth. “I knew that Astral would do the right thing. I gave my daughter a note to trust whoever I gave the code to, hoping they could at least help each other. I also gave them a simple escape map.” “That’s a lot of trust to put in a pony,” Twilight remarked. “Indeed. But as I said, he was a backup plan; they have a drive containing similar data that I gave you. But the primary goal was to help her escape. They’re smart enough to realize that. If I may make a suggestion?” “Of course.” “If there’s a way, we can establish communications with my colleague, perhaps my daughter and Astral could help them escape, should they remain trapped,” Flask said, brow furrowing in thought. “I will keep that in mind. Considering the location of the facility, I need a bit more time and diplomatic support.” The Alicorn then didn’t say anything for a few moments, a brilliantly devious plan now falling into place. The book’s antagonist had been easily discovered, and now… “Please relay the information regarding the Stairway Incident to all affected nations,” Twilight said, addressing the diplomatic advisors on standby. “Yes, including the military contracts; they are all outdated anyhow. Make it clear that we are all on the same page; including being embarrassed by the same company. We air our dirty military laundry as a sign of trust, and everyone else will be forced to accept their own. We will all have the same files, after all.” A simple chime indicated no advisors had immediate objections; as they shouldn’t. Twilight had briefed them hours ago. “Also, please organize this into a few bulletins. Advise the nations we have suspected survivors. Some creatures who are still trapped. With the bordering nation’s permission, we want to try and establish communications. We welcome their help.” Another chime, Twilight looking over to Flask with an almost too-eager grin on her face, decorum slipping for a bit. “What is your colleague’s name?” she asked. “Vial Centrifuge; or just Vial. We may not want to mention that yet, Highness.” “Understood,” Twilight mused, “also, prepare a news briefing. We have as-of-yet to be confirmed reports that one of the brave whistleblowers who helped expose this organization is still alive, and trapped with other creatures. We are working on a way to get in contact with them.” Her sly smirk now refused to be hidden, Twilight not able to rub her hooves together in glee. The storm that was forming would blow against this Organization for decades, sending it to the trash heap where it belongs, if she had anything to say about it. “Also, it has been learned that the daughter of one of the whistleblowers is still alive within the organization. While this is in the preliminary stages, we have learned a security guard by the name of Astral Sentinel is also alive. We will watch his progress, and…” Twilight then realized she lacked an important bit of info. “What is your daughter’s name?” Flask was all smiles, quickly having seen what the Princess was doing. “Sassi Satin, Highness.” “We will watch the progress of Astral Sentinel and Sassi Satin closely. We will update all nations and the public on their progress as we learn it, assuming the Stairway company allows us immediate access to the site along with all other nations. Any delays produced by the company will be handled promptly. Also, please arrange a meeting between myself and Astral’s parents.” A few yellow chimes this time, indicating a few advisors had some significant questions. As Twilight suspected, the mare trotting down from the steps as Flask let out an approving huff. “You’re roping every nation against them,” he said in confirmation, Twilight nodding. “Not just the leaders, but all the common creatures. Everyone loves a good story, rallying against a bad guy. We have our evil creatures, an organization more disgusting than I’ve ever encountered,” Twilight explained, her voice dropping a bit, becoming more subdued but sincere. “And now we have heroes to root for. And for all the public PR, I promise I’ll do everything I can to get them back safe. I intend to have every nation behind the efforts, Flask.” The stallion’s lips quivered, the pony nodding in thanks as he looked away, tears immediately flooding his eyes. “I’ll w-write down any communications ideas I can think of,” he managed to say. “I’m sorry about not c-coming to you sooner.” “I understand there is a lot of risk for you doing so, and I can still tell there are things you are holding back,” Twilight said honestly, prompting a slight wince of regret, “but your intentions are noble. If it puts ponies at risk, I need to know about it.” “It’s all in the files,” Flask admitted, “but the longer I prevent certain things coming to light, the less…disruptive they will be overall. Thankfully, my involvement will give the public a scapegoat.” “Or a redeemed villain,” Twilight mused with a smirk, “we have a pretty solid track record of those here in Equestria,” her expression then shifted to a sterner one, “that said, actions carry consequences, Flask. Your trial will be after all is said and done, and after your daughter is safe.” Flask simply nodded; the stallion pausing. “If I may be so bold, Highness?” he asked, “when you meet with Astral’s parents, may I do so as well?” The Princess nodded. “I’ll let you know when it happens. I think that’d be a good thing indeed, as you’re the reason he’s likely alive.” A weak smile was Flask’s reply, the pony nodding respectfully before being escorted back to his room. Twilight then abruptly jerked as her own magical memo surprised her. “Oh. Right. Speaking of…tell Queen Crysalis we need to move our monthly teatime ahead by seven-point-three minutes. Please apologize for the delay on my behalf, but I think she’ll enjoy the emotional roller coaster coming her way,” Twilight relayed, then sighing to herself, “I know she must be bored to tears with the lack of drama nowadays with overseeing the reformed hives. I think she’ll be tickled pink about this. In fact, please save some of the public recordings for her.” “So, an easy enough route, right?” Sassi confirmed with Astral, the other bat-pony nodding a bit nervously. “Elevators or stairs down to SL-Thirty where we check the main security feeds,” Astral said, “then we come up to SL-Fifteen to check the supply room. Then we head back here with whatever we find, checking some maintenance tunnels along the way to ensure they’re sealed.” “And my one request?” Astral couldn’t help but smile weakly at that. “Don’t shoot you in the flank.” “There you go. Now, we go quickly, but quietly. When in doubt, trade speed for silence,” Sassi instructed, “and if I’m stern with you, it’s not because I’m angry, most likely.” “Right. Military mode.” “And ‘keep Astral alive mode,” she said with a smirk, “but this should be easy. The Skitters should have cleared out and the smaller Spiders are easy to kill. If we had a unicorn’s help, we could recharge some shielding crystals for the armor,” she let out a huff at that, “but those were burned through far too quick. The Spiders just pile on and deplete the magic.” Right. Actual spiders with paralyzing venom…the size of a microwave. Well, if spiders had only five legs and freaky pinchers on the end of them. “Just follow my lead, Astral, and you’ll be fine.” Nodding firmly, Astral felt his heartbeat skyrocket as Sassi strode out of the small, side-security door. They had already confirmed this floor was clear via the cameras. Walking out onto the gory scene, Astral was quite grateful the new helmet had basic air filtration systems; along with a small oxygen supply on his back. The helmets were a wonder, digital icons relaying Sassi’s location and other information to the security guard. With a simple thought, any creature could create labels or indicators that would show up to their squad. Or in this case, to Astral. The device had multiple other functions like a basic ‘wake up’ alarm system, motion sensors, and a few other features Sassi had rattled off. It was a lot to remember. Another pile of dead bodies served to stifle any of Astral’s thoughts. Many of the ponies had similar armor to him, emphasis on had. Sassi didn’t even pay a passing glance to the bodies however, many of them appearing to have been further eaten. The smoldering corpse of a Skitter near the door indicated that the security protocols were potent indeed. Astral forgot how many amps and volts the metal door could discharge…but there were a lot of zeros behind the number. The remote access built into his armor, along with a wireless ID card was able to bypass the now-useless scanner (which explained how Sassi had been able to get in and out.) They returned to a familiar tram station, no sounds reaching their sensitive ears. Astral tried to keep taking deep breaths as the car slowed. He wasn’t alone anymore and had a bit more firepower to spare. Their armor was a bit bulkier, but it had a sizeable medical kit and spare ammunition strapped on alongside the saddle-guns. It took a bit of getting used to, but the extra metal plating provided a bit of security to the nervous stallion. Sassi’s armor was similar; extra ammunition, a medical kit, and a smattering of grenades dotting her torso. There was so much to think about, his head already starting to- “Astral, you good?” Sassi asked, helmeted head looking back at him. He nodded, trotting to catch up with the mare as they walked towards the elevator. “Just focus on the here and the now. Nothing else. Plenty of time to think about things when we’re back at base,” she said in a clipped, but kind tone. As they stepped into the elevator, Astral took a few deep breaths as they rocketed downwards, far deeper than he could have imagined. “Welcome, to SL-Thirty.” “Thanks, you oxygen sucking-parasite,” Astral muttered, Sassi looking over to him in shock before she abruptly began to laugh softly, holding her sides before getting back in control of herself. “I’ve always hated that voice too. Way too upbeat for a place like this,” she admitted, then nodding to the doors. “Let’s get this done.” Aaaand Military Mare is back. The doors opened to an extremely bland-looking set of hallways. To that, Astral was quite grateful for. No bodies were present, but the general scent of death and decay managed to seep through the helmet’s filters. The hallway from the elevator led into a series of branching hallways, which in turn led to more four-way intersections. Every so often there was a door leading to servers and electrical junctions, apparently. “Stay close, Astral. I won’t get lost here, but you would,” Sassi said, Astral following to her right, just behind the mare. “Also, this floor raises Tartarus with radio communications. Others have relays, this one has too many electronics. That means I can’t communicate with you if you do get lost and separated.” Indeed, judging from the twists and turns, Astral already had mixed up where they had come from, Sassi then gesturing to one of the walls. There was a slight scratch near one of the emergency lights, the mare nodding in approval. “Hmm. I’m surprised those are still there. If you do get lost, somepony put those scratches. They mean turn right at the next junction. A vertical scratch means to turn left.” “Good to know.” The two didn’t say much, pausing briefly next to a blown-out door. Sassi flicked her lights on, helmet and gun barrels scanning the ruined interior with a huff. “This was one of the server rooms. Looks like there was an overload. Burned everything in a flash. That would explain the odd glitches if the backup systems are damaged. I’m surprised there haven’t been more, but I’m glad that’s the…” her voice drifted off, gaze looking towards the floor. Astral felt a disturbing shiver run up his hooves and down his spine for some reason on seeing the hole. It looked like the concrete had melted, but it was far too small for a Skitter. “Great. This matches with what I was worried would happen,” Sassi whispered, gesturing for Astral to cover the door entrance as she bent down, stabbing at the concrete with a knife with a huff. “The Spiders were slated to have different versions, but nothing official. So much for that. It looks like this version has acidic venom meant for burrowing.” “That doesn’t sound good…” “It isn’t. We would be safe in the security office; that place is totally self-contained and has a defensive grid wired through the rock. But this means they can move in and out of floors easier. They most likely have adapted or bred to have more potent venom too, and that’s not good.” The mare shook her head, tapping Astral on the side as she passed by. “Let’s go. Next up, supply floor. We’re a third done.” Astral nodded, following Sassi down the winding hallways. “I’m surprised they burrowed down here,” she said softly, “as I had mentioned a day or two ago, the creatures swept through every floor once or twice within the first few hours, then after half a day. There weren’t any survivors after the second wave. That hole is new, perhaps just for ease of movement.” Astral nodded, his throat dry. Sassi had been fairly clear in her assessment of how he had been alive. The Skitters simply hadn’t reached the upper floors, and those which they had, already had been ‘swept’ by the creatures. One of the many miracles Astral credited with being alive. They quietly made their way back; each turn being inspected by Sassi as Astral made sure their rear was covered with constant looks back. Something was up; Astral could abruptly feel a change. It was a gut sense of a change. About halfway back, Sassi abruptly held up a hoof, a red icon popping up on Astral’s Heads Up Display (HUD) as the mare tagged an enemy with a thought, the helmet activating silently. “Slowly move to your left, Astral,” Sassi ordered, “quietly.” He did so, hooves barely making a sound as she followed. He caught the brief glimpse of the back end of a Skitter silently stalking down the halls. Something that big should not move that noiselessly. Slowing down the pace, Sassi’s head was on a swivel, the two of them constantly checking every direction. At least the ceiling was low, so they didn’t have to worry about something sneaking up above them. Sassi abruptly crouched, more red dots lighting up Astral’s display- a lot of dots. “Back. Slowly.” As he took a few silent steps back, the dots moved. The shotgun barrels on Sassi’s saddle roared, two dots abruptly blinking out. “Astral, cover our rear!” Scrambling backward, Astral turned to confront a single Skitter creeping towards them, pace now abruptly picking up at the sound of gunfire. Still hearing Sassi’s guns firing, Astral bit down, an odd calm injecting itself into his mind as he cleared their path. The first shot punched a hole in the creature’s chest, the second took off the top of its head. The third turned the rest of the Skitter’s face into red jelly. “Too many, move back! Let’s go, Astral!” Sassi barked, red dots disappearing but re-appearing as fast as the mare tore them apart. Lobbing what Astral could only assume was a grenade, Sassi jumped, delivering a kick that sent a Skitter that got too close crashing into a wall despite her smaller size. With a swift movement, she kicked out the spent magazines to her saddle-guns, loading two fresh boxes with her mouth and taking aim once again. “Keep going!” Astral quickly peered around the next 4-way intersection- and let out a terrified yell of surprise. Out of pure reflex, he punched the box-sized Spider that was on the wall next to his head. Green gore exploded across the stone, the stallion blasting away a second Spider on the ground. “We’re…” his voice faded on seeing the number of red marks continuing to grow on his HUD. Sassi turned back to look at him, then the four-way intersection. “Down that way!” she called out, steel buckshot shredding the front Spiders and Skitters that clambered over the floor and walls. Ensuring the hall was clear, Astral turned to see if Sassi was following. Instead of seeing an armored mare, the stallion watched as a Skitter tore a hole through the ceiling, dropping in front of him and raising a set of claws with a spittle-laden roar.