Equestria - Arkley Mansion/Research Center; hidden lab entrance, 12:15 am, 10th July 20xx, Night, Weather: Cloudy
Standing beside the fountain that led to the underground labs, Vickers felt as though he was truly on top of things for the first time all day as he placed the eagle medal within its proper place. He'd had earlier moments of course; such as finding the blue gem in the mansion or the wolf medal within the tunnels. It was rather unfortunate that one of the Zeta team members had stumbled across that very special paper he'd dropped, his orders concerning the operation. Then again, it really didn't matter all that much.
He was rather intrigued to see that several of the Reaper team members had found their way into the tunnels. They were apparently much tougher than he'd first thought; not to mention highly persistent too. Vickers knew that he'd have to move fast from now on. However, he couldn't help wondering how the team would fare against the experimental security detachment that he'd released as he'd passed through the tunnels. Watching the R.R.T.S. pit there strength and agility against the M121's would be quite a show... but sadly one he'd have to miss as he placed the wolf medal within its proper place.
It was too bad really. The Hunters had been caged for a long time; they'd be very, very hungry.
Moments later, the fountain began to drain as a hidden entryway began to open. Once the water was gone a panel on the fountain's side also lowered; revealing a path to a previously submerged lift. Vickers quickly approached the lift and took it down to the labs below. Exiting the lift, Vickers made his way through various ladders and hallways to the main computer room. As he traveled, Vickers was forced to put down several of the enlightened scientists. It appeared that the effects of the viral spill had been harsher in the labs... less messy but no less disquieting.
The creatures that roamed the halls seemed to be totally dehydrated; their limbs withered and stringy while their eyes resembled shriveled grapes. Although he'd dodged a number of them along the way, the ones he'd been forced to put down had scarcely bled at all.
Reaching his destination, Vickers quickly sat at the computer and waited for the system to boot up. Considering the fact that so much had gone wrong, he hadn't had the time to enjoy any of his successes. But now that he was here, Vickers could truly feel as though he was in control of what was happening. Although there was still considerable work to be done, he wasn't concerned. A gentle musical tone informed Vickers that the system was ready and he pulled out a small note book from his vest.
He quickly opened it to a list of codes though he knew them already.
As he tapped out the first of the passwords that would allow him to unlock the laboratory doors, Vickers felt a sudden, vague wistfulness for the excitement of the day. It would be all over soon and there would be nopony to witness his achievements; to share fond memories after the fact. Now that he thought about it, it was almost a shame that none of the other R.R.T.S. would be joining him. The only thing better than a grand finale was a grand finale with an audience.
If the Reaper team wasn't already dead, they would be soon.
***************
Equestria - Arkley Mansion/Research Center; hidden tunnels, 12:25 am, 10th July 20xx, Night, Weather: Cloudy
While continuing to wander through the vast, dank tunnel, Pinkis Cupcake wondered if they would ever find a way out. They had been walking for some time without getting anywhere. Beside her, Derpigun looked as exhausted as she felt. Pinkis let out an exasperated sigh which quickly turned into a shiver. The damp chill emanating from the surrounding stone walls would have been bad enough without being soaking wet.
'Great secret passage. To use it would require somepony to become ill.' Pinkis thought bleakly to herself as they continued.
After disposing of the freaky plant in the bunkhouse, they had come to the rather unpleasant conclusion that there wasn't a way out in that area. Pinkis shuddered again at the memory of what they'd encountered in the basement as they'd searched for the plant's root. Of course once they'd found the blasted thing and applied Derpigun's special concoction, things hadn't exactly been what she'd expected. Soon after leaving the bunkhouse, the group had heard the sudden sounds of water splashing wildly. They'd decided to investigate only to see a shadowy figure pass through the waterfall they'd seen earlier; disappearing behind the curtain of water that cascaded down.
After some deliberation, they'd gone after the figure and found themselves in these miserable tunnels. While investigating, the group had located a member of that other squad who mentioned something about a traitor before being shot. As they'd searched for the shooter, she and Derpigun had gotten separated from the others which had led to their current situation. Pinkis wasn't even sure where they were at the moment.
As they rounded a corner, a sudden commotion somewhere ahead caught their attention. Pinkis and Derpigun exchanged glances before sprinting forward to discover what the cause of the noise was. Rounding another corner, the pair found themselves forced to crawl into a much smaller tunnel. At the end of the passage, they found themselves in another of the much larger tunnels. The tunnel itself had somewhat of an incline to it. To their right was another blank wall. In an alcove across from them, Pinkis noticed most of the others.
Looking on, she could tell that they were preoccupied about something. Following their gazes, she saw the caramel pony and Rainbine racing toward them while being chased by a huge boulder. Pinkis blinked; not quite believing what she was seeing as Derpigun squeaked in surprise. Without even looking at one another, Pinkis knew that Derpigun had an idea of what she planned to do and would back her up as she tensed; waiting for the appropriate time to move. Moments later, she lunged forward; tackling Rainbine out of the air as Derpigun tackled the caramel pony. As they all crashed to the ground inside the alcove, Pinkis heard the boulder impact the nearby wall. Pinkis had to stifle a chuckle as she pinned Rainbine to the ground. Although she was really happy to see somepony else, Pinkis couldn't resist tormenting the pegasus as she spoke in a low growl.
“Hi, Dashie.”
“Pinkie, where did you come from?” Rainbine gasped in shock.
“Oh, I was just in the neighborhood and thought I'd drop in.” Pinkis replied before letting loose with a giggle.
“Alright, that's twice tonight that I've nearly been crushed by stone! What gives?” the caramel pony murmured.
Turning, Pinkis smirked as she watched the caramel pony continue to grumble as she was helped up.
“Don't say anything!” said pony snapped with a raised hoof.
“Did I say anything? I didn't say anything!” the bipedal thing retorted, earning a growl.
“Glad to see you made it.” the green pegasus remarked.
“So, it was you guys we heard passing through the waterfall earlier?” the larger cyan pegasus asked.
“Yeah, but we got separated from the others shortly after we got here.” Pinkis replied.
Derpigun went on to inform the others about what they'd experienced and handed over that burned file they’d found in the fireplace within the room with that whacked-out plant. They also got to learn what the others had been through.
“At least we know the others are in here somewhere also. That's a start.” the bipedal thing commented.
“Uh, Pinkie. Can you like get off me.” Rainbine spoke up.
Pinkis quickly muttered an apology and let the pegasus get up.
Letting her gaze drift, Pinkis was somewhat surprised to see that the boulder had burst through the nearby wall and revealed another chamber beyond. Silently, the group entered the chamber and saw the boulder leaning against another wall along with a metal door to their right.
“Looks like ya just missed Tom.” the bipedal thing remarked.
The caramel pony replied with an irritated squawk and a petulant little hoof-bop to his shoulder.
“It appears we've got webbing on the floor so watch your footing and look out for aerial targets.” the bipedal thing continued as they approached the door.
Pinkis groaned as the big ponies crowded around the door. Letting her gaze drift, she noticed Rarifruit and Derpigun shudder and could sympathize given what she'd seen crawling around back in the bunkhouse. Moments later, the big ponies burst through the door and began shooting at something just out of view; the males aiming at the ceiling while the others aimed at ground level. Soon after, the big ponies gave them the all clear to enter and as they did so, Pinkis could see a thick layer of white webbing covering the room from floor to ceiling; along with the remains of at least eight giant star-spiders. Pinkis smirked as she watched Rarifruit and Edi gawk at the round hairy bodies in fear and disgust. Both unicorn seemed to be having more difficulty navigating through the room also.
“Looks like this was the nest.” the caramel pony commented.
“Maybe somepony should've called in the orkin-pony; cause this a bug-hunt, man... a bug-hunt!” the green pegasus remarked.
Aside from a few amused snorts, almost every pony assembled immediately took to plastering their face with a well-placed hoof. They didn't think the pegasus would even try saying something that corny. Irritably, Pinkis rolled her eyes and turned a glare towards Brutalight, who returned the gesture in kind, as she spoke.
“Are you sure I can't eat 'em?”
“I don't even care anymore!” the caramel pony snapped; looking as annoyed as she felt.
“Gee, what's buggin' you? Cause that's not nice.” the bipedal thing retorted, earning another growl from the caramel coated mare.
“Ya know...” it continued.
“Finish that sentence and I swear to Celestia I'll rip you to pieces!” the caramel pony snapped.
Over a chorus of snickers, Pinkis rolled her eyes while the bipedal thing cooed.
“Oh, for the love of Luna I've had it with all this FUCKING SHIT!” Fluttershout snarled in exasperation.
All eyes turned toward the infuriated pegasus; who stared at the bipedal thing with an expression that was frighteningly similar to 'The Stare' plastered on her face.
“Cease with all the nonsense and let's continue onward or else I'm gonna scream!” Fluttershout hissed, eyes narrowing to snake-thin slits.
“You wouldn't?” Rarifruit contributed, voice laced with a combination of amusement and trepidation.
“I'm getting ready to scream!” Fluttershout continued.
“You’re serious?” Rarifruit replied.
“Am I bothering you?” the bipedal thing retorted in a voice similar to what it used when they'd first met; although this one was in a reedy lilting singsong that was somewhat reminiscent of a certain reserved pegasus she knew.
“I'm sorry, I didn't know.”
Pinkis cocked an eyebrow then shook her head as she watched many of the others shoot the bipedal thing incredulous stares. Rarifruit in particular, seemed quite amused by what was happening. Fluttershout's right eye meanwhile, started twitching as she continued to glare at the bipedal thing. Pinkis had to admit to herself, as she continued to watch, that it was rather funny to see how just how far up the crazy tree the bipedal thing could really climb.
“Here comes the fat pony... by the number!” Fluttershout sneered before inhaling deeply.
“Okay, okay... I take it back! There's no need to go there!” the bipedal thing replied, raising its forelimbs in surrender as Fluttershout let out a self-satisfied snort and smirked.
“Then stop screwin' around AND GET MOVING!” Brutalight shrieked.
As one, the group snapped to attention and replied in unison “Yes Mam!” as the lavender mare stormed off toward a pair of double doors on the other side of the room. The two males meanwhile, quickly fumbled with opening the doors and the group pressed onward. Smirking, Pinkis shook her head as she heard the larger cyan pegasus murmur to herself about how “awkward” the situation was. The big ponies had no idea considering a few of them looked like they wanted to voice an opinion on the matter
Nopony spoke however, which was probably for the best considering Brutalight wasn't known for being in a “good mood” on a good day; and today certainly wasn't a “good mood”.