> Fallout: Equestria - Keep Calm & Radiate On, The Nonsensical Diary of Megaspell > by MuseoSansPony > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Hello Random Diary Reader! > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 31345 - DUSTY SWEEPS - LAST LOGIN: 123 YEARS, 5 DAYS, 2 HOURS, 3 MINS, 25 SECS~ Dear Diary, Sweet Celestia, that feels so odd to type after so long.  It only took 123 years, 5 days, 2 hours, 3 mins, and 25 secs to get this terminal fixed... at least according to the login screen. WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 31345 - DUSTY SWEEPS Megaspell - LAST LOGIN: 123 YEARS, 5 DAYS, 2 HOURS, 3 MINS, 25 SECS Ok, ok, it didn’t have that name crossed out, but nice to know I can do that in this text file.  If only I could edit my profile, Dusty died when the megaspells fell. Long story... um... if well... if this is the first entry you are reading.  I guess I control the story, so it should. Hello Random Diary Reader... Can I call you RDR?........ I’m gonna call you RDR. So RDR, welcome to the story of my life…. ok that sounded super cheesy.  Let me introduce myself, I’m Megaspell. Recently hired Mascot/Custodian/PR Pony of Nuclear Horseman Studios.  It's been so long since I had a real job, I wonder what I’m getting paid…. ooooh what kind of benefits will they offer? Right this is the wasteland…. not killing me is probably the only benefit I get.  Or well I suppose not kicking them out of MY studio. Wasteland property rights are strange.  It functions on squater’s rights. You claim a ruin and live in it long enough... it's basically yours.  That’s how I came into the possession of one of the three biggest film production studios in all of Applewood, neigh, all of Equestria!  It was called Warmer Mare’s Studios, owned by sisters Warmer Weather and Warmer Greeting. Since they are not around, I can only assume they are dead... but with so many stories across the wastes of wartime ponies surviving through ghoulification, stasis, or some other strange form of arcano-tech…. them still being alive is not out of the realm of possibility. Sheet, I forgot…. I’m also a ghoul, I think the WSG calls me a Glowing Ghoul.  Which is odd because it also says ghouls can’t reproduce. So why would I be glowing?……... oh wait, it probably means because I literally glow…. I thought it was calling me pregnant.  Can you imagine me with a child? I’m only 18, far too young for a family…. hold on 18+ about 215 years... eh still too young if you ask me. But, you didn’t and now I’ve made things awkward.  Sorry RDR. Anyways, a lot has happened in the past few days.  This unicorn with a broken horn came to the studio.  He was accompanied by a pegasus, Alicorn, Earth Pony, wait, no, two earth ponies, one with posh vibes, the other rather raiderish, and a bunny.  The bunny was the cutest of the bunch, I just wanted to squish her little cheeks, but we just met...it's too early to get that personal with somepony’s pet…. at least I think she was a pet.  First bunny I’ve seen capable of speaking Equestrian. I ran out to meet them... it had been so long since I’ve had guests.  The gangs tend to avoid the studio... even the one composed of celebrity ghouls.  I should have expected them to open fire, Variety is always reporting on feral ghouls and other ghoul violence... well the alicorn was the first and only to shoot.  The broken horn was angry at her, the raider and the bunny laughed, the pegasus ran past me to see if there were other ghouls, and the posh pony was the first to get me a healing potion. All in all, an exciting day.  I’m not one to hold grudges, but the alicorn still frightens me, even disarmed.  It just sucks that physically I’m healed, but now I have open sections showing my bones.  They don’t hurt, but I miss my coat. Might start wearing clothes to cover them. I do live in the wardrobe warehouse. Back to the encounter.  Once I was all healed up, the broken horn, Comic “Action” Sans, said he wanted my permission to use Warmer Mare’s Studio. That is how I found out I counted as its owner.  Even if some of the studio has collapsed while other parts are overrun with robots. Long story short, I said OK as long as I can be their mascot... and the alicorn, Starry Flame was her name, stays far away from me…. I don’t like getting shot. So that is how Nuclear Horseman Studios was founded from the ruins of Warmer Mare’s Studios.  Action wants to bring back the Equestrian Entertainment Industry. Lofty goals, but maybe he can do it.  He’s currently meeting with The Variety of Variety News to get projects broadcast on her radio station. SO COOL! While he was gone, the pegasus…. um Coolman Stan…. fixed up a few generators and got this terminal working.  That’s basically it. Now I’m gonna look at my old entries. Organize them in an order I like, which won’t be chronological because what fun is there in making sense? And check out some other terminal features.  Like what is the SITCOM feature? Can’t be about situational comedies... or can it? Sincerely, Megaspell Owner/Mascot/Custodian/PR Pony of Nuclear Horseman Studios STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > Employee Profile: Dusty Sweeps > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 31345 - DUSTY SWEEPS - LAST LOGIN: ------- ~ Employee ID: 31345 Full Name: Dusty Windswept Sweeps Preferred Name: Dusty Sweeps Gender: F Mane/tail: Brown Coat: Tan Cutie Mark: [upload picture] Eyes: Brown Birthday: 03/13/1020 Age: 18 Picture: [upload picture] Department: 4. Custodial Superior: Rubbish Trash-shoot [Save] [Edit] {Sorry you are not authorized to edit this page, please contact system admin} STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > >> Profile Problems > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 31345 - DUSTY SWEEPS - LAST LOGIN: 1 DAY ~ To: Technical Excess From: Dusty Sweeps >> Profile Problems Dear Technical Excess, I’m contacting you about my employee profile.  I try to upload images of myself and it won’t let me.  In fact it won’t let me edit my profile at all. It keeps saying that I do not have permission to edit the page and to contact the system admin.  Nothing is particularly incorrect, I just would like the option to edit it, if needed. Please let me know if there is a way to fix it. Sincerely, Dusty Sweeps Custodian at Warmer Mare’s Studios P.S. Do we really need a picture of our cutie mark? kind of awkward taking a picture of my flank. STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > >> RE: Profile Problems > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 31345 - DUSTY SWEEPS - LAST LOGIN: 3 HOURS ~ To: Dusty Sweeps From: Technical Excess >> RE: Profile Problems Dusty, Strange.  This is the first time I have seen this issue.  It even gives me the error message and in theory I should have admin access.  Know we are working on fixing it. As to the other question, it might seem odd, but a cutie mark is unique to a pony as a hoofprint.  In some parts of Applewood Cutie Mark stamps are used in place of a signature. Though I understand the awkwardness, PR had a fit when such a section was added.  Once we get your profile unlocked, Talk with All Set in the prop department, he can paint you a picture and get it scanned into the terminal. Tell him “Techy Wecky says pweese" if he refuses. From, Technical Excess P.S. Um...don’t send this to Pony Recourses...they don’t know Set and I are dating... STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > WHAT A BUNCH OF RUBBISH! > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 31345 - DUSTY SWEEPS - LAST LOGIN: 8 HOURS ~ WHAT A BUNCH OF RUBBISH! Literally! Ok, ok, sorry, Dear Diary, WHAT A BUNCH OF RUBBISH! So you just read some of my earliest correspondence with Technical Excess. He was one of my best friends back then.  I kinda miss him. Anyways, he was working on a way for me to access and edit my employee profile. Not that anything was wrong back then, now I’d like to change my name. Well going back over the correspondence I thought of something that might have been against WM rules.  What if I log into my boss’s employee account. His name was Rubbish Trash-shoot, and they say pony names aren’t prophetic.  He was the laziest “Head Custodian” ever. He pawned off all his duties to me. Well I didn’t mind, but I wasn’t getting double pay for double work.  He just sat in his office getting drunk...or so I thought. Turns out it was much worse.  First a tangent. The Warmer sisters were a paranoid bunch, never saw for myself, only rumors at the water cooler.  As such every employee had a security badge that let them in specific locations around the studio.  These badges were linked to your account on the studio’s network. That way security, your boss, or the Warmers could see who entered where across the studio.  The surveillance and paranoia put Pinkie and the MoM to shame. Since I was given Rubbish’s duties, he gave me his badge.  Which was against WM rules, but I didn’t want to get fired.  Currently I have My own, Rubbish’s, Busboy’s, Technical Excess’s, All Star’s, and On Fleek’s ID badges.  They let me into most of the studio, save Security, some select production offices, and the Executive offices. So what did I find when I logged into Rubbish’s profile? The idiot made his password “Password1234”.  Well I found pictures of me, all candid, some ripped from security footage, others not. I even found an unpublished version of my employee profile full of...well let's just say Pony Recourses would not be happy with its content.  Fucking creep. I hate swearing, but he deserves it. Chucked his skull into the Applewood River.  Yeah I found his skeleton in his office years ago while cleaning.  Glad he didn’t ghoulify like me. Fucking creep! I used to wonder what he was doing when he died, now I really do not want to know. So what did we learn today RDR?  My former boss was a creepy stalker.  That and he had somehow given himself sole access to my profile for some perverted reason.  Fucking creep!! Well I guess today was a net win, I can edit my profile and I no longer feel sad my former boss is dead. Sincerely, Megaspell Owner/Mascot/Custodian/PR Pony of Nuclear Horseman Studios P.S. I’ll need to have Chokfi, the bunny who is apparently an artist, make a mock-up of my cutie mark and see if Action can take my picture. P.P.S. I should let Tech know the problem is fixed....if he's still alive....he's definitely alive, I never found a corpse. STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > Employee Profile: Megaspell > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 31345 - MEGASPELL - LAST LOGIN: 1 SEC ~ Employee ID: 31345 Full Name: Dusty Windswept Sweeps Preferred Name: Megaspell Race: Earthpony Glowing Ghoul Gender: F Mane/tail: Brown Coat: Tan, with some missing glowy bits Cutie Mark: Eyes: Brown and glowy Birthday: 03/13/1020 Age: Approximately 133 Picture: Department: ALL OF THEM! Superior: Action Sans [Save] [Edit] STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > >>Profile Problems FIXED > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 31345 - MEGASPELL - LAST LOGIN: 3 SECS~ To: Technical Excess From: Megaspell >> Profile Problems FIXED Hey Tech, Long time no chat.  I don’t know if you are in a place to get this, The Warmer Sisters never let us login from outside the studio.  Wherever you are, I hope you and Set are well. I finally was able to edit my profile. My sleeze of a boss, Rubbish, had locked me out.  If Pony Recourses still existed, I’d report him. He had pervy candid shots of me. Total creep. Send me a message when you get a chance. Proof! Your Friend, Megaspell Owner/Mascot/Custodian/PR Pony of Nuclear Horseman Studios P.S. This is Dusty BTW, I go by Megaspell now….and I kinda own the studio. STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > Untitled Entry > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 31345 - DUSTY SWEEPS - LAST LOGIN: 4 MINS ~ Huh….I was playing around with one of these work terminals.  This is my second time today messing around with it. There is a profile of me, but for some reason I can not access it.  IT is working on it. Not that anything is wrong in the profile. Dusty Windswept Sweeps, brown mane, tan coat, brown eyes, cheery smile, friendly. ...ok that last part is not in the profile, but I’d add it if I could.  The guy in IT says they are working on it. I hope it gets fixed before my orientation tomorrow. Hard to believe I’ve only been in Applewood for a week…. Ha I guess this employee notes section could function as a diary of sorts.  Let’s start this properly: Dear Diary, Hi, I’m Dusty Sweeps.  I grew up in Bucklyn, Manehatten.  My mom and dad were great parents. They didn’t even care that I dropped out of high school.  To be fair, I was suspended before I graduated, I just opted not to go back. It all started when I got my cutie mark.  I was a late bloomer as they say. Not sure who they are or why they say things like that, but they do.  Basically, I was a blank flank all through high school. You know once you find your talent it appears, right? I thought my talent was in acting.  I mean I wasn’t so good, but practice makes perfect...right?  I was in drama club my freshmen, sophomore, junior, and the beginning of my senior year.  I never got any lead parts, a few background roles or “the ensemble”, but my senior year, I wasn’t cast at all.  I ended up on the backstage crew. Which brings me back to my cutie mark. I never said what it was. It's a flaming pushbroom. I got it when I cleaned up backstage after rehearsal.  I can apparently clean a room in 10 seconds flat….just friction and air resistance is a thing….so the broom may have caught on fire.  It was an accident. I didn’t mean to burn down the auditorium. When I say I was suspended…..It may have actually been expulsion, same net result.  At least I didn’t get arrested for arson. So I hopped on a bus for Applewood.  My parents helped me arrange to live with my aunt in her apartment near downtown, it was up to me to find a job...and I did.  I’m now a custodian at Warmer Mare’s Studios. My boss is a very professional stallion named Rubbish Trash-shoot. Anyways, I gotta go.  I need to hit up Mega-Mart before it closes.  Um… Sincerely, Dusty Sweeps Custodian at Warmer Mare’s Studios P.S. These notes are private, right? Wouldn't want anypony finding out about my accidental arson….might get me fired. STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > Stables and Apartment Hunting > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 31345 - DUSTY SWEEPS - LAST LOGIN: 1 WEEK, 1 DAY, 3 MINS, 1 SEC ~ Dear Diary, Whew, I have a lot of tasks to do around the studio...so I haven’t been able to make a new entry.  Doesn’t help that the Warmers don’t let us log into these accounts from home. The family I’m staying with has a Terminal, but I want my entries to be in one place.  Might make a few posts there, but I’ll need a way to transfer them here. If only I could afford to get into one of them stables...then I’d have a Pipbuck. From what I hear there are 7 in the local area.  Word around the water cooler is they are Stable 64, Stable 83, Stable 100, Stable 103, Stable 106, Stable 107, and Stable 109.  Though 83 is some celebrity affair...I don’t think I’d qualify..and 106 is only open for Stable-Tec Studios Employees...another no-go for Warmer Mare Studios Employees.  Stable 64 is somewhere downtown, but I don’t think I can afford a spot anyways. IT problem is still a thing, but really it's not important.  I need to extend my stay with my cousins... Since apartment hunting is hard in these troubled times. They are either way out of my price range or have no vacancies.  At least my cousins are letting me stay with them...for now. Though a new building is opening walking distance from the studio.  I think the billboard said it will be called “Fair Flat Apartments” or something. The slogan was “Fairly sized apartments at a Flat rate.”  Which is good news if I get in. I’m only one mare, so even a studio apartment would do, and a seemingly guaranteed flat rate rent would be great.  Tech says it's “Too good to be true” and the owners look shifty.  He’s one to talk! He has a house out in Marebank.  Renting one would put my great grandchildren in debt, but he says it was his family’s vacation home until his mom decided to stay permanently up in Hoofington.  So he stays in a fuging mansion rent free while I struggle to find a place outside crashing on a family member’s couch. Anyways, I should get back to work before we have another evacuation drill. Your mostly-homeless pal, Dusty Sweeps Custodian at Warmer Mare’s Studios P.S. I should arrange a time to hang out with both Technical Excess and All Set.  Tech is almost always free to hang out, but I’ve yet to actually meet All Set. STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > Slumlords > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 31345 - DUSTY SWEEPS - LAST LOGIN: 2 WEEKS, 2 DAYS, 8 MINS, 9 SECS ~ Dear Diary, Do you think Warmer Mare’s lawyers would help me get out of a rental agreement?  Pro bono? No….yeah that’s a pipe dream. So I got some good news and some bad news. The good news is I finally found an apartment.  I got one at the new Fair Flats building I mentioned earlier.  I did mention that here and not on my cousin’s terminal? It's a small little studio apartment trotting distance from work.  Rent is as advertised, it's a fair, flat rate. That’s where the bad news comes in...the apartment was not as advertised. Let’s see, the roof leaks, the floor creaks, there’s a terrible draft….oh and the backyard is the Applewood River. For those not aware, the Applewood River is a pony made structure that cuts its way through the city.  It's a failsafe for the rare time Applewood gets rain, the “river” prevents the streets from flooding. When Applewood is sunny, which it almost always is….really not sure why the mayor won’t order any rain from the pegasi...the river is used as….supplementary trash and litter receptacles.  Also more than a few shady businesses use it as a cheap sewer...or is it also the sewer. Needless to say, it reeks something awful. Combined with the terrible draft, I haven't been able to sleep in my new apartment. Also the MoP is not a fan of it as it pollutes the ocean. I’m also up to my eyeballs in extra fees.  Sure, RENT is a fair, flat rate, but trash removal is a fee, water is a fee, parking is a fee...I don’t even own a vehicle, yet I got a charge for it...more than once.  I’d call management, but calls longer than a minute are a fee, requesting maintenance, is a fee….failure to pay fees at time of rent due….is a LATE FEE! I’ve ranted this all to Tech….he told me the owners sound like slumlords.  They prey on helpless ponies like me...desperate ponies. I just wanted my own place….now I’m back on my cousin’s couch wallowing in debt.  Tech looked into the owners….turns out Flim and Flam are known for owning shotty buildings all across Equestria and their allies. Several other “Fair Flats” along with a few office buildings.  So they have money. Money to get very good lawyers.  I’m stuck paying for this apartment for the next year, but can’t live in it.  This sucks. Maybe I should just pack up and head back east… Your Bitless Pal, Dusty Sweeps Custodian at Warmer Mare’s Studios STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > Wardrobe Heaven > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 31345 - DUSTY SWEEPS - LAST LOGIN: 1 WEEK, 4 DAYS, 1 HOUR, 9 MINS, 10 SECS ~ Dear Diary, Today was wonderful. I was tasked with cleaning and organizing the wardrobe warehouse.  Every costume and piece of clothing ever worn on film, all in one place...well at least films made by Warmer Mares.  It was beautiful. Almost made me forget my troubles. Technically, I’m not supposed to be in there...it's actually Rubbish’s task, but he was busy doing...er...something in his office.  So I was tasked with doing it. Rubbish even gave me his ID badge to get in the warehouse. You think anypony would notice if I moved in?  Security maybe? I kinda lost track of time trying on outfits….had to scram when some strange ponies in lab coats came in.  Didn’t get everything clean that I was supposed to...I can do it tomorrow. Especially if there is another megaspell drill.  It is much easier to do my job with all the ponies rushing off to stables and the like. As long as it's not a real megaspell, I should be fine.  Like the Zebras would ever really hit us with one of them...right? Your Stylin’ Pal, Dusty Sweeps Custodian at Warmer Mare’s Studios STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > Visiting Home > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 31345 - MEGASPELL - LAST LOGIN: 2 DAYS, 3 HOURS, 7 MINS, 20 SECS ~ Dear Diary, I visited my old apartment today.  It was my first time out of the studio in...um...I think about 215 years.  Honestly, I have not been there in longer than 200+ years. I think I have another entry from back then about it.  Leaky roof, squeaky floors, terrible draft and whatnot. Well long story short, it's now a raider den. So I didn’t make it very far in. I should have brought the raider looking member of NHS with me.  I think his name is Crest? I feel like that’s his name. I really should ask the members of NHS to make entries here...or have them make employee profiles.  Though I think I need executive level privileges to do that. Then again Rubbish was able to lock me out of my profile and Tech supposedly had Admin privileges. I'll figure it out later. I decided to visit my cousin’s place on my way back to the studio...since it was more of a home here in Applewood than Fair Flat’s Apartments.  Though abandoned, the terminal they once had was missing...so all the old diary entries that were there are unrecoverable. Which sucks because a lot more of my apartment hunting adventures were on that terminal.  Now it's just: I need an apartment, I found one...it sucks, Look wardrobe warehouse! Feels rushed, but whatever. Speaking of the Wardrobe Warehouse, it's my room at the studio.  I think it helped me cope when I became a ghoul...It was a while ago.  There might be an old entry about that...unless that was after the power went out.  I’ll check….um ...later…. Action offered me one of the Cast Trailers, but I like living in the spacious warehouse surrounded by movie costumes. That’s all I really have to report.  I hope you like my diary so far, RDR. Your Nostalgic Friend, Megaspell Owner/Mascot/Custodian/PR Pony of Nuclear Horseman Studios P.S. Reading my old entries, I realized I shifted from “Sincerely” to a changed up “Your Friend” as I went on.  I sort of started back with “Sincerely” with you RDR….guess it was like getting comfortable writing about my life all over again...so from now on expect a themed “Your Friend”....unless you think that’s too cordial as we only just met….If I’m still around when you read this, let me know…. STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > Strange Door > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 31345 - MEGASPELL - LAST LOGIN: 4 DAYS, 5 MINS, 19 SECS ~ Dear Diary, So, I was cleaning and reorganizing the Wardrobe Warehouse today when I discovered a strange door.  I’ve cleaned this place hundreds of thousands of times in my 215 years living here... It is how I stayed sane after ghoulifying... and never saw it.  Where did it come from? Where does it lead?  Why did it appear now?  Is it more productive to ask actual ponies and not a terminal? It… It kind of gives me the heebie-jeebies… I’ll leave it be for now.  Not sure I’ll be able to sleep soundy here knowing there is this strange door, but I’ll try. Your Cautious Friend, Megaspell Owner/Mascot/Custodian/PR Pony of Nuclear Horseman Studios P.S. Any ghouls reading this, yes, I’m aware ghouls don’t need sleep.  You have no idea how boring things can get staying awake all night.  I can’t even clean then, too dark.  Even if Coolman restored power, we only use the power for essentials and lighting unused buildings just so I can clean at night is not allowed… at least since I blew a fuse last time. P.P.S. Action also says, while I don’t need sleep, it is healthy to let my mind rest...and might prolong me going feral.  Eh, anything to stave off feralism, right? STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > >>Auto Response 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID ---- - %$&*%$ - LAST LOGIN: &^%$ ~ To: Megaspell From: *ERROR* >> Auto Response 1 Some secrets do not need to be uncovered. STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > Strange Door II: Electric Boogaloo > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 31345 - MEGASPELL - LAST LOGIN: 2 DAYS, 8 HOURS, 3 MINS, 30 SECS ~ Dear Diary, So I got bored and couldn’t sleep… and I may have tried to open the strange door.  It did not respond to any of the ID badges I have nor any of the normal keys… what did you think all doors took high tech things to open them?  It didn’t have a keyhole of any kind.  I wish I could post a pic of the door, but I can’t.  You do not want to see my bad art skills, or I’d try to draw it. I asked Action Sans about the door.  To see if maybe he saw some access terminal elsewhere in the studio.  You hang around a studio for 215 years, you might not notice a terminal that suddenly has power.  Good to get a second pair of eyes on it.  He has not seen anything out of the ordinary. Not to sound like a conspiracy theorist, but there was a rumor one of the ministries had bailed the studio out of debt sometime during the war.  Could this door lead to a ministry hub?  I should really ask a Slummy Scum about this… That is if Action can get them to not shoot me on sight for being a ghoul.  For a gang too often shit on by the other gangs, they are oddly bigoted towards my kind… Your Tinfoil Hat Wearing Friend, Megaspell Owner/Mascot/Custodian/PR Pony of Nuclear Horseman Studios STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > Strange Door III: Revenge of the Weirdness > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 31345 - MEGASPELL - LAST LOGIN: 1 DAY, 2 HOURS, 8 MINS, 4 SECS ~ Ok now I’m scared! Dear Diary, I’m freaking out!  I was up late tonight… Action got some of my favorite Fancy Buck Cakes.  I’d thought the Limited Edition Apple Family Zap Apple Jam Fancy Buck Cakes didn’t exist anymore, but he found some.  I just forgot how much sugar they have in them… enough to even make a ghoul hyper.  Anyways, I was having my sugar rush and I could have sworn I heard somepony leave from the strange door.  The very same door I’ve yet to figure out how to open. Needless to say I do not feel safe so far from the other NHS members right now.  I think I’ll move this cake eating party over to the Cast Trailers.  Come back in the morning with a big strong pony like Crest or even Starry… as this door thing is more scary than her minigun. I’m gonna go now… not quite sure why I stopped to make this entry when I’m piss your pants scared. … Ok, yeah, I need to go, NOW! I was shutting down when I noticed I had a new message in my interdepartmental mail box.  I thought it might be Tech, but no.  It's a very threatening looking message about not looking into secrets here at Warmer Mares.  It was dated a few days ago!  Yep, I’m out.  Until I solve this strange door thing, I’m sleeping with the rest of the crew…. um… not in that way pervs, I have my own trailer. Your Panicking Pony Pal, Megaspell Owner/Mascot/Custodian/PR Pony of Nuclear Horseman Studios STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > Work Outing Aftermath > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 31345 - DUSTY SWEEPS - LAST LOGIN: 1 WEEK, 3 DAYS, 4 HOURS, 7 MINS, 2 SECS ~ Dear Diary, Fuck hangovers! Pardon my Fancy.  I went out with some ponies from the other departments.  Tech invited me.  There was some event happening downtown.  Stable-tec was having a raffle… I entered, but didn’t win… just my luck.  There was apparently a Pipbuck 2500 as a prize.  I was more interested in a spot in a stable, but a pipbuck would have been cool too. While I was at the diner nearby the raffle…um...Sleepyhooves Diner a buck got in a fight with an enlisted mare.  She was coming on to him kind of strong, and he didn’t appear interested.  He probably didn’t mean to hit her, but it did happen.  Same buck won that 2500, lucky buck. Anyways, it was my first time drinking.  Now I don’t advocate drinking under age, but I do look old for my age.  The waiter didn’t ID me.  I may have gotten carried away.  Job Offer, from Pony Resources, and Technical Excess, from IT… I’ve mentioned him before, just being consistent, had to help me home. My aunt was not happy… she would not let me call out to “teach me a lesson”. Rubbish apparently got in a chariot accident on his way home.  Not that he was drinking and driving, but his taxi driver was some kind of drug addict.  So he won’t be in today.  Which means I have to do his work for him…. I usually do, but now it's official.  Hope Rubbish is ok…  It just sucks to do it while hung over.  I really hope there is a Megaspell drill again, will make it so much easier.  Tech lent me his noise canceling earphones.  So I’ll listen to the newest Sapphire Shores song while I work. One thing I’m upset about last night is that All Set couldn’t make it.  I WILL MEET THE BUCK THAT MAKES TECH SO HAPPY!  I did forget the relationship was a secret when I asked Tech about it infront of Job.  So Tech has some extra paperwork to fill out today and might be mad at me… Your Hungover, Forgetful Friend, Dusty Sweeps Custodian at Warmer Mare’s Studios STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > [File Removed by Order of the MoM] > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 31345 - DUSTY SWEEPS - LAST LOGIN: 1 WEEK, 1 DAY, 3 HOURS, 8 MINS, 4 SECS ~ //\\:**File Removed by Order of the MoM**:\\// STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > [File Removed by Order of the MoM] > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 31345 - DUSTY SWEEPS - LAST LOGIN: 5 DAYS, 7 HOURS, 3 MINS, 34 SECS ~ //\\:**File Removed by Order of the MoM**:\\// STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > MoM Raid! > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 31345 - DUSTY SWEEPS - LAST LOGIN: 1 WEEK, 2 DAYS, 3 HOURS, 40 MINS, 44 SECS ~ Dear Diary, I saw a Ministry Mare today.  That is about the only good news I have.  Pinkie Pie and her ministry came through and Job Offer, McGuffin , and Boom Op were taken away in cuffs.  I’m not sure what they did or why they got arrested.  I only really knew Job Offer and only from that one work outing 3 weeks ago. I tried to talk to Tech, but all he could offer was rumors.  He’s known Job for much longer than I.  Though he did say Job’s cousin married a Zebra, neither seemed like they were sympathetic to the enemy.  The Zebra in question is about 4th generation Equestrian.  McGuffin had been working on a movie with a Zebra protagonist, but was thinking of casting an earth pony and adding stripes with body paint.  Boom Op was a recent hire, no pony seemed to know him very well. There has been an order to not talk to the press, sent directly from the Warmer Sisters.  On top of that production for the day is ending early… so most employees are able to go home, but not me… Rubbish is back from the hospital, but still “not feeling up to doing the hard tasks”.  So I have to do them.  Again, I really don’t mind, I just wish I’d get a raise or something. Flim & Flam raised rent prices… so much for a “Fair, Flat Rate”... so I’m paying way more than I can afford for an apartment I can’t comfortably live in.  It's worse because I currently have to stay in my own place.  My Aunt and her family are in Vanhoover for a vacation.  Ever since the “coming home drunk” incident, she is not trusting me in her home when she is not there. Hmm… I do have access to the wardrobe warehouse… I wonder if anypony will notice if I move in… only for a week until my aunt is back in town… Your Broke and Sad Friend, Dusty Sweeps Custodian at Warmer Mare’s Studios P.S. Can the MoM see these posts? I have a few entries that have been locked by order of the MoM.  They were just me talking about some strange things I found while cleaning.  Could I be the reason the MoM raided the studio and arrested Job Offer, McGuffin, and Boom Op?  Or were they locked during the raid as something that might be important to the investigation? I’ll send a message to Tech about it… STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > >> Locked Files > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 31345 - DUSTY SWEEPS - LAST LOGIN: 4 HOURS, 41 MINS, 12 SECS ~ To: Technical Excess From: Dusty Sweeps >> Locked Files Dear Tech, So after the MoM showed up yesterday, a few text files on my profile have been locked/removed.  While I get why they might need those files, I kinda want them for posterity.  Is there any way you can use your Admin Access to copy the files? Your Friend, Dusty Sweeps Custodian at Warmer Mare’s Studios STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > >> RE: Locked Files - Above My Head > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 31345 - DUSTY SWEEPS - LAST LOGIN: 6 HOURS, 31 MINS, 22 SECS ~ To: Dusty Sweeps From: Technical Excess >> RE: Locked Files - Above My Head Sorry Dusts, It is very much above my head.  Deleting, locking or copying files requires Executive Access outside of your personal login.  I wish I could help.  Even if I could get either of the Warmers to help, It sounds like it might even be above their heads.  This is a ministry thing.  I bet once the MoM is done with the files there will be a way to get those files back. ~ Tech P.S. Still working on that profile issue.  I’ve hit a wall on it, I’ll try to keep you in the loop on that in the future. STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > Strange Door IV: A Lost Scope > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 31345 - MEGASPELL - LAST LOGIN: 4 DAYS, 7 HOURS, 9 MINS, 45 SECS ~ Dear Diary, Sorry for the lack of updates.  Moving to the Cast trailers made me realize how much of a pigsty they are.  Like I get we are in the post apocalypse, but we will never get to a post-post apocalypse if we don't make an effort to bring back civilized equinity.  Not the Holier than thou attitude of that Tenpony place, but simply cleaning up after one’s self.  So I spent a few days cleaning up the trailers and the area nearby.  It took longer than expected. So after all that I finally got back to the wardrobe warehouse with Chris… this is the pony I thought was named Crest… We checked everywhere and there were no ponies nor strange doors.  I swear to the goddesses Celestia and Luna, the door was there a few days ago.  Now when I meet with the Slummy Scums I have no proof.  Maybe it's for the best, that “auto response” still worries me.  I might get more info on Warmer Mare’s Studios than I would have ever known as an employee. Crud! When is that meeting? … Ok, just checked with Action.  The pony’s name is Slurry.  He is the Slummy Scum's foremost ministry expert, we are meeting next week.  Hopefully we can still look into things sans strange door. I’m gonna clean the warehouse to see if maybe we missed the door… Your Undeterred and Curious Friend, Megaspell Owner/Mascot/Custodian/PR Pony of Nuclear Horseman Studios STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > Hot Minute Update > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 31345 - MEGASPELL - LAST LOGIN: 5 DAYS, 10 HOURS, 5 MINS, 42 SECS ~ Dear Diary, Been a hot minute since I’ve made an entry.  Basically, I’ve been assisting in raising caps for NHS.  Still super odd that caps are currency.  I used to collect those things when I was little.  If anypony finds my parent’s apartment in Manhatten there are a little over 400 caps hidden in a vent in one of the bedrooms.  The box is decorated with way too much glitter. Anyways, I’ve cleaned and organized the prop warehouse.  Found some items that we could sell.  It was a fair bit harder picking what costumes from my room to sell.  Excuse me for liking having a large collection of movie costumes.  I ended up parting with some of the scary costumes.  Believe it or not, there is a gang in the desert who likes wearing costumes over their armor…. So there is a market for them. I also made attempts to clear some of the rubble on the outside of the studio lot.  This gave access to several other buildings on the lot.  One of which is the executive offices.  I will try to clean that first… as cleaning a soundstage is something I can do in my sleep… literally, one of the days after unobstructing some soundstages Coolman found me sleep walking and cleaning soundstage 34. The executive offices were never something I had to clean… even when Rubbish’s tasks were given for me to do.  According to water cooler rumors they had cleaning robots to help keep things confidential.  Not sure why they needed to be so secretive. 215 years is probably beyond those robot’s warranty, so it might require the equine touch. When I mentioned this to Action, he suggested I borrow Chris’s rifle… well actually he suggested I go with Chris to clear the building, but I don’t want to be a bother… One firearms lesson later, I have a battle saddle and some prop combat armor.  I’ll let you know how effective my first “location clearing” mission is later.  What could possibly go wrong? Your Clean, Cap Collecting Pal, Megaspell Owner/Mascot/Custodian/PR Pony of Nuclear Horseman Studios STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > EVERYTHING HURTS!! > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 31345 - MEGASPELL - LAST LOGIN: 1WEEK, 3 DAYS, 14 HOURS, 15 MINS, 2 SECS ~ EVERYTHING HURTS!! Deep breaths… Dear Diary, Everything really hurts.  I regret not going in to the Executive Offices with backup.  I got through the first floor.  No security, just an inactive Ms. Helpful bot.  Coolman might get it back up and working.  Not to replace me, but to help me… or to sell… both would be fine by me. It was the second floor that I had more of an issue clearing.  It was on a complete security lockdown.  There was a security station on Floor Three, but I didn’t make it there.  A turret open fired when I got to Floor Two, severing my front right leg.  I barely made it out with my life.  Coolman quickly flew me to Mareilly Hills to rest in the megaspell crater. The radiation was enough to reattach the leg.  Oddly, it was not able to heal the damage I got from Starry when I first met Action and Co.  I rested there for a few days and had to reschedule with Slurry.  Though I got a chance to get chummy with the ghoulified former A-Listers of Applewood.  The Leader’s name is Xinkra, she is a zebra… I didn’t even know zebras were A-listers during the war.  She was not too willing to talk about the war.  Though she says I’m welcomed back anytime. Imagine me, the unknown, silly filly, highschool dropout, former janitor from Manehatten is now given an open invite to hang out with some of the most well known ponies of the Wartime Equestrian Entertainment Industry.  True their names mean little in the modern wasteland… especially with the ghoul prejudice of most places, but as a ghoul myself I find it super cool.  Guess nearly losing my life was one of the best things to happen to me socially. As to the Executive Offices, I’m having Action look into Matrix Disruption weapons to tackle Floor Two.  Alternatively I could try to track down Red Alert’s ID badge as he was head of security.  Might make me less of a target… as long as the Friend/Foe indicator in the turrets and bots are functioning properly. I just need to get to the security station, from there I can end the Lockdown… Maybe I’ll be a bother to Chris or Coolman and ask them to help, but now I kinda want to prove myself and clear it on my own… Your Recovering Friend, Megaspell Owner/Mascot/Custodian/PR Pony of Nuclear Horseman Studios P.S. Even though I’m physically healed, the mental trauma is still there.  I’m still gonna rest up for a few days.  Maybe prepare for my meeting with Slurry. P.P.S. Also might get some healing potions or radioactive material to be more fortified when I take the Executive Offices on again. P.P.P.S. Action has gotten me real combat armor to replace the prop armor I had. STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > A Slurry of Updates (Pun Intended) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 31345 - MEGASPELL - LAST LOGIN: 1 WEEK, 6 DAYS, 13 HOURS, 14 MINS, 22 SECS ~ Dear Diary, Been busy collecting Matrix weapons and mentally preparing for attempt 2 on the Executive Offices.  The mental preparation is taking longer than expected.  Guns scare me and I don’t like to be shot at. Slurry and I had a super long talk about the history of Applewood… or Los Pongelese as it was officially named once upon a time.  Now… lets be honest even back during the war, most ponies called the Thirty Mile Zone "Applewood" thanks to the giant sign that is visible from practically everywhere and has stood the test of time. Slurry was able to produce a tabloid article about the supposed ministry connections in Applewood.  Winnyland was MoM, Stable-Tec Studios likely MWT, and rumors placed the MoI in charge of Warmer Mares.  According to the article, the Warmers refused to comment and Ministry Mare Rarity denied it. Though this tabloid was later taken over by the MoI and combined with Variety News.  The article tells of a fire in the studio and how it almost led the studio to bankruptcy.  Then suddenly they had funds to rebuild.  It also says a crime family might be a plausible source of this money, but with Winnyland so close by I doubt it was some mafia pony. Slurry is looking into studio blueprints of pre and post this alleged fire… as well as any info on this fire.  It was before my time at the studio and was never talked about around the water cooler.  I hope he finds info soon. The studio has begun their first production, some history of the wasteland thing.  Kinda dry sounding if you ask me, but the new ponies are fun to talk to.  Cadet is a wandering merchant and Forrest is one of those Applejack’s Rangers.  Looks like Cadet set up a permanent shop in the Studio gift shop.  Not sure where or if Forrest has a studio home.  Dare I say the studio is feeling like it did before the apocalypse. Though I suppose less ponies lived on the lot back then.  I know I dreamed of doing so, and then I did.  Follow your dreams RDR! Tensions are rising between the gangs.  Variety says there might be a war on the horizon.  Having lived through one, I hope it doesn't happen. Your Up to Date Pal, Megaspell Owner/Mascot/Custodian/PR Pony of Nuclear Horseman Studios P.S. I keep laughing at that great pun I used for the title of this entry.  No offense Slurry, it just worked. STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > I Am Dead... Or I Should Be... > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 31345 - DUSTY SWEEPS - LAST LOGIN: 6 DAYS, 21 HOURS, 42 MINS, 51 SECS ~ I am dead… Or I should be… I’m not sure what I am now.  I feel off, I haven’t slept, I don’t feel hungry.  I just keep tasting Coconut and Chocolate… like in the air. I guess I should do this properly… Dear Diary, It was a normal day in Applewood.  I went to work, I clocked in, I got my daily duties… more than half were Rubbish’s tasks… I put on the noise canceling headphones Tech lent me.  I had a recording of the newest Sweetie Belle album I planned on listening to. A few hours into my shift, a megaspell drill was called.  Of course I didn’t hear it, just saw the folks heading off to stables and the like.  It was a common thing, at least once a week they happened.  I… I had gotten into the habit of ignoring them.  With no ponies around, it's far easier to clean and do my other tasks. 30 or so minutes later... or was it less... I'm not sure... there was a series of earthquakes.  Again, not a too uncommon occurrence due to the nearby San Maredreas Fault.  I found a doorway and waited it out, then got back to work.  The studio got hot, like really hot and humid.  I started feeling kinda sick and thought about seeing if I could get the rest of the day off.  I did not make it to Rubbish’s office.  I passed out. When I came to, the sky was covered in clouds, and a green hue lit the night.  One spot to the east, near Mareily Hills, one to the west… probably Santa Marenica or at the very least the beach/ocean.  The only good news was I no longer felt sick… the puddle of vomit was the only proof I was ever sick.  I must have thrown up in my sleep. They actually fucking did it.  The Zebras launched megaspells.  How could I have been so stupid?  I ignored the drills.  I could have been in a somewhat more secure location.  Maybe Stable 64 in downtown would have let me in. This close to Mareily Hills I should be dead… why did they attack a housing development? A beach?  It makes no Celestia damned sense. No sense going home now.  I don’t think Red Alert will mind if I make myself at home in the wardrobe warehouse.  I’ll wait for MoP assistance.  I’m not dead, so maybe they could help me when they arrive… if they arrive. Dead Mare Trotting, Dusty Sweeps I don’t know anymore… P.S. I have collected a bunch of RadAway, but it hasn’t really helped.  I actually feel sick drinking the rad purging potion.  Why bother? STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > Megaspell > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 31345 - DUSTY SWEEPS - LAST LOGIN: 1 MONTH, 1 WEEK, 3 DAYS, 11 HOURS, 32 MINS, 41 SECS ~ Dear Diary, No help has come.  It's been a month.  If no help has arrived by now my worst fears have been realized about other parts of Equestria.  Not much else to update… I did find Rubbish… dead in his office.  He had clearly ignored the Megaspell Drill as I had.  I’ve found other bodies as I’ve been cleaning… it's the only thing keeping me from losing it.  I pushed them aside or shoved them in closets… I’m not equipped to clean corpses.  I’d rather not think about it.  Out of sight, out of mind... I didn’t have many friends in high school… due in part to being a blank flank.  So I’d been used to being alone.  Even my parents loved me from a bit of a distance.  Here in Applewood I had my cousins, aunt, uncle, Tech, All Set (by proxy, never did meet face-to-face), Job Offer (briefly before his arrest), and even Rubbish was friendly.  Now I’m just alone with my thoughts… It feels far more lonely than my friendless formative years. I keep replaying the final day over and over, I was so stupid.  Megaspell Drills might be drills, but the ponies who still gave them the sense of urgency are now safely in Stables.  Well maybe not in Mareily Hills… that stable is likely lost… I think it was Stable 83…  I have decided to go by Megaspell from now on.  Dusty Windswept Sweeps died due to her own stupidity.  Let my name be a reminder that ponies should always take dangerous things seriously. If only I could edit my employee profile… Newly Named, Megaspell Jobless… P.S. My cutie mark has changed... I didn't think that was possible. The broom is now on fire by radioactive Balefire... I think that's what it is called... Does this mean my special talent has changed? I guess it is fitting of my new name... The last thing of my old life is gone... STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > Last Entry {RECOVERED FILE} > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 31345 - DUSTY SWEEPS - LAST LOGIN: 3 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS, 5 DAYS, 21 HOURS, 22 MINS, 31 SECS ~ Dear Diary, There have been more brownouts.  I think whatever powered Applewood has been destroyed or disconnected.  The studio backup generator might be failing as well.  I do not know where it is. Even if I did, I wouldn't have the faintest clue how to fix it.  I’ve also lost interest in writing about my life.  I just need to focus on not losing my mind.  Maybe I’ll pick it back up eventually. Why have the pegasi blocked out the sun?  It makes everything so depre {Error file not saved properly, recover and continue? Y/N} STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > Factions of the Applewood Wasteland > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 31345 - MEGASPELL - LAST LOGIN: 1 WEEK, 3 DAYS, 3 HOURS, 4 MINS, 2 SECS ~ Dear Diary, I just got a message from Slurry.  He has located a blueprint of the studio.  He is unsure when he will get it to me as he got hired by some tourists. So I figured it's time you, RDR, get an overview of the Applewood Wasteland Factions.  You may already know them, but you are reading my diary and so you get my thoughts on them. First off, these factions all exist in the Thirty Mile Zone, or TMZ. It is the area of the Equestrian Wasteland locally known as Applewood, or the Applewood Wasteland.  That you may have figured reading this or whatever.  It actually was called that long before due to the very noticeable “Applewood” sign that is viewable from most places in the TMZ.  This area stretches from the Santa Marenica Crater to the West, Marebank in the North, A desert set known as Maretropolis to the South, and The Industrial Zone to the East. Within this area there are 5 major gang factions… at least that I’m aware of at this moment. The main two gangs, the ones Variety says are on the verge of war, are the Orange Oscars (Double Os) and the Golden Globe Apples (GGA). Rival Gangs who were once a single gang 20 years back.  I think it was called the Fruit Stars, but when the leader died without choosing which of her daughters would lead the gang... things devolved to a civil war.  Fruittiedale was a kind mare.  Tried to recruit me to her gang, I declined. The Double Os operate out of Winnyland.  The only MoM hub to not bear the name Fun Farm… I think it was a theme park before the ministries.  It also houses one of the three major Applewood film studios.  Their leader is Orangedale. The GGA operates out of Stable-Tec Studios.  Yes, they do use the studio once used by Stable-Tec… the one that made the Stables.  They use the Lower Lot since the theme park proper (aka the Upper Lot) is overrun with feral ghouls.  Their leader is Appledale. The third major gang is the Mareily Hillers.  I’ve mentioned them before.  They were the residents of Stable 83.  Which was located near the Mareily Hills Housing Development.  Only wealthy A-Listers of Applewood were given admittance to that Stable.  Unfortunately, one of the 2 megaspells sent to Applewood missed their intended target and hit the Stable before it could be closed.  Most of the residents ghoulified.  Under the tutelage of Chieftain Xinkra they have a gang that mimics the structure of the zebra tribes. Next up is The Slummy Scums. It's not technically a gang, but has to operate like one to survive.  Slurry is a member of this gang.  They operate from a series of settlements in the Applewood River… predominantly one known as Riverbed to the south east.  They are the guides of Applewood.  From history to safe passages of travel, they know just about everything.  Their leader is known as Slimeball. Most other gangs allow them passage through their territories as the Scums are neutral to the conflicts of Applewood. However, if interacting with the other gangs, Scum members are often treated worse than/with the same scorn born towards ghouls. Slurry also mentioned a more hostile rivalry with the Mareily Hillers... Though the Scums can still pass through their territory, they are not allowed in Mareily Hills proper. An odd thing about the Scums is they prefer being dirty and smelly... not quite sure why... They do clean up before taking any tourists out into the city. Their armor usually has air fresheners built in and they tend to use stink based weapons. Slurry says it is to disburse enemies rather than kill them. The Scums use a unique dialect of Equestrian called Slum Speech.  I’m not quite sure how to speak it myself, but Slurry says his name is "Urryslay" in that dialect.  I prefer Slurry. The last gang is more of a raider faction. While Raiders exist in Applewood... Like the Fair Flat Apartments group, only one has a name that is widely known: The Lizard Pones. They operate from somewhere in Vaspones Rocks. Some famous rock formation out in the desert. They all act like caveponies and wear lizard, alien, or other odd costumes. They get a mention since they at least try to interact with the rest of Applewood civilly. They bought the scary movie costumes I let Action sell. However, they do not hesitate to attack and pillage wastelanders and caravans passing by their territory. Then there are the non-gang factions. Smaller communities who are just settlements for non-gang ponies. There are 4 that I know of... well 5, but I'm not sure the 5th is real... Due to the incomplete MAS-EBS towers in Applewood we don’t get DJ Pon3’s broadcast.  In place of him, we have Variety News Network Radio.  The DJ is known as Variety.  A reclusive mare who plays a lot of movie soundtracks.  She took over from her father Varsity.  She commands a small army of ponies known as Observers.  Personally I’ve never seen them, but Slurry says they are strange folk.  All earth ponies in suits.  No mane, no tail, same cutie mark… a pair of binoculars.  Spooky. Out of the Applewood Skyport is the settlement of Avant Garde.  Slurry says they operate out of a downed Raptor.  Until the sky’s cleared, the only pegasi in Applewood came from there.  Not sure if they are Enclave or Dashites. On the edge of the Industrial Zone, typically the last trade hub before entering the San Palomino Wasteland, is the settlement of Clockwork. It is situated in an old clock manufacturing factory... I think it was Clockwork & Turner Watches, but due to a decayed sign and wasteland renaming conventions, it got rebranded "Clockwork"...as the rest of the sign fell. Slurry was also looking into some stuff for the settlement leaders, Hour, Minute and Second... They think there is a stable under the factory. Downtown houses Stable 64. I think they are an independent settlement... I know its Action's home stable and he never said they met the same fate as many of the other stables you hear about... I just don't really know much about them. I think he said the Overmare was named Noir. Then there is the newest faction… well newer than NHS.  The Applejack’s Rangers.  I don’t know much about them, but Forrest is a member of this faction.  They recently arrived from out east. I don't even know the name of their leader and I'm too intimidated by Forrest to ask... Lastly, there is us here at Nuclear Horseman Studios... Nuke Horse Studio or NHS work too.  Out of the ruins of Warmer Mare’s Studios, Comic “Action” Sans has made an attempt to revitalize the Equestrian entertainment Industry.  They already started broadcasting something called “The Storyteller” over Variety News… and they occasionally host a podcast called “Rad Meter Podcast”. Not quite sure if this counts as a faction... as members of NHS belong to other local factions. Action is from Stable 64, Chris is an ex-raider, Coolman is either ex-Enclave or a Dashite (too awkward to ask), Ivory is from Tenpony (High class hotel my family stayed at once before offically moving to Manehatten from Bucklyn, now its some bastion of high society), Forrest is one of those AJ's Rangers, Starry is an Alicorn like Luna and Celestia... faction of origin unknown (afraid to ask), Cadet is part of the Sunshine Caravan (trade caravan, no specific base of operation in Applewood), Chokfi.... um... she's a bunny. I think that's all of them.... Wait there is a Turtle they found in the sewers... Looney... second talking, pet-like animal in the group... and this other creature... not sure what species he is (too socially awkward to ask)... I think he goes by Strike... faction of origin unknown. I think that is it… now when I mention a faction you won't be as confused. Your Informed Friend, Megaspell Owner/Mascot/Custodian/PR Pony of Nuclear Horseman Studios P.S. Stupid Megs! I forgot the faction I'm not sure exists. That desert set I mentioned... its been an off and on settlement for years. If Variety News is telling the truth, a bunch of cooky ponies with odd abilities operate out there. Like something straight out of a comic book... kinda like the set itself... Maretropolis is from the Power Ponies Comics. The elusive leader is just called Mayor Mare. I think there might just be a miscommunication between Variety and her Observers on this one. Sounds too surreal... STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > >> Auto Response 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID ---- - %$&*%$ - LAST LOGIN: &^%$ ~ To: Megaspell From: *ERROR* >> Auto Response 2 You were warned.  What comes next could have been prevented. STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > Slurry is Missing! > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 31345 - MEGASPELL - LAST LOGIN: 5 DAYS, 8 HOURS, 5 MINS, 23 SECS ~ Dear Diary, Ok, ok, ok… I might be overreacting, but it has been days since Slurry last sent word.  I had Action ask the Scums about his recent job.  It was only supposed to be a 3-4 day trip.  Its been 5 days and he is not back yet.  Sometimes things take longer, especially with this brewing war between the Double Os and the GGA… but it really has me worried… I got another auto response… It says I was warned… What if Slurry is dead, dying, or in danger?  This could all be my fault.  I got curious, ignored the warnings…  … No! I refuse to give up hope! No body, no proof.  I believe Tech is still alive out there, so too must be Slurry.  Once I locate Slurry, together we will solve this mystery.  You hear that “Auto Response”? You will not intimidate me! I need to punch somepony… and I think I know what.  I’m gonna take on the Executive Offices again!  Celestia as my witness I will make it to the security station! Your Stalwart Pal, Megaspell Owner/Mascot/Custodian/PR Pony of Nuclear Horseman Studios STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > Am I Being Watched? > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 31345 - MEGASPELL - LAST LOGIN: 1 DAY, 9 HOURS, 2 MINS, 2 SECS ~ Dear Diary, Ok, I’m starting to get really paranoid.  I feel like I’m being watched.  Like while I’m out and about tidying up the pathways of the studio… well at least I’m trying, some rubble is too big for me to move… Anyways, I keep seeing somepony out of the corner of my eyes… reflected in windows or water.  Never close enough to get a good look at them, but I know they are there! I’ve mentioned my concerns to Chris and Coolman.  They are seeing about upping security.  Almost makes me wish for the security system the Warmers had used.  To enter the lot, to enter specific buildings… or even some rooms in some buildings you needed a specific badge of specific clearance. It was pretty high tech, a bit much for a movie studio, but the Warmers were notoriously paranoid.  I’d give my right hoof for that security system to be in play… ok it is, but I can not control it.. Not without Executive Level clearance. Speaking of security.  I got to the security room of the Executive Office building… I can’t turn the lockdown off without Red Alert’s or a Warmer Sister’s Badge.  I am out of Matrix weaponry… I’m not good when it comes to aim… so I wasted a lot of ammo.  I need one of those pipbucks as I hear they have an assisted targeting spell.  I could really use it.  So that’s a dead end… I need the badge or more matrix disruption weaponry. Back on topic, what if my stalker is this Auto Response pony… or the one who used that Strange Door?  What if they are the same pony? I’m gonna move back to the cast and  crew trailers again.  Safety in numbers, right? Your Slightly Paranoid Friend, Megaspell Owner/Mascot/Custodian/PR Pony of Nuclear Horseman Studios STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > The Worst Has Happened... > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 31345 - MEGASPELL - LAST LOGIN: 1 WEEK, 3 DAYS, 6 HOURS, 28 MINS, 29 SECS ~ Dear Diary, The worst has happened...  Instead of explaining, here is the report from Variety News… Action helped me set up the speech-to-text feature on this terminal. “Well my sweet Honeycrisps, I have some bad news. The Slummy Scum known as Slurry has been found dead.  The gangs of Applewood have all denied involvement in his death.  Responses ranged from apathy to outrage at the accusation.  The investigation is still ongoing.  Slimeball, the Scum’s leader, has told my observers that Slurry was hired by some ponies new to the Applewood area. If you have any info please find and tell one of my observers.” He’s dead… Dead, dead. Not alive. Gone.  He was the only pony outside NHS who didn't treat me like some kind of monster.  He broke my perceived stereotype of Scums being rude to ghouls… The Mareily Hillers were just a special grudge… Never did get to ask him how that grudge started. A new feature became active on this terminal. Well I noticed it a while ago, but never thought to check it out.  Its called S.I.T.C.O.M… er… Secure Interconenctive Terminal Communication Operational Messenger.  It didn’t exist 215 years ago before the Megaspells fell.  It appears to be a faster means of terminal-to-terminal communication than interdepartmental memos.  I’ll include the chat log below this entry. It's strange… I think my stalker is the pony I’m talking to… And he claims to not have intended to stalk me.  It also appears to allow contact with anypony on the Stable-Tech intranet… whatever that is… somehow in the last 215 years, while without power, my terminal was given access… Maybe this mysterious pony has answers about Slurry… He asked to meet up… I agreed. Your Mourning Friend, Megaspell Owner/Mascot/Custodian/PR Pony of Nuclear Horseman Studios STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > //CHATLOG #001 >> Sept09Observer\\ > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~S.I.T.C.O.M ACTIVE - USER: MEGASPELL_NHS - //CHATLOG #001 >> SEPT09OBSERVER\\ ~ >> Sept09Observer We need to talk. It's about Slurry. ~~//~~ Megaspell_NHS << What do you know? >> Sept09Observer I was about to ask the same question... Megaspell_NHS << Who are you? >> Sept09Observer I am September, one of The Observers for Variety News. We have been watching you for a few days. Ever since Slurry went missing. Megaspell_NHS << SO YOU'RE MY STALKER?!? >> Sept09Observer Sorry about that. We didn't know if you were Slurry's foalnapper or killer. Still Don't. What was your relationship to Slurry? Megaspell_NHS << He was my friend... I've been communicating with him about some strange things I've noticed here at NHS... Well things about the old studio back when it was Warmer Mare's... >> Sept09Observer So you are the reason he had asked me about WM's ministry connections. Can we meet face-to-face? Megaspell_NHS << You stalked me for DAYS! Made me really uncomfortable. Why should I trust you? >> Sept09Observer Interesting. You noticed us. Most don't unless we talk to them first. Megaspell_NHS << That's not making me trust you. >> Sept09Observer Fair enough. Trust is a two way street. I have Slurry's belongings. If you meet me, I'll let you have them. Megaspell_NHS << Ok... Fine, but I want answers. >> Sept09Observer And you'll get them. I'll send July to fetch you later tonight and bring you to the meeting spot. Megaspell_NHS << Why not just tell me where to meet you? >> Sept09Observer I'm not convinced the SITCOM system is as secure as advertised. Megaspell_NHS << SITCOM? That's this message system, right? >> Sept09Observer Secure Interconenctive Terminal Communication Operational Messenger. It was Stable-Tec's beta terminal-to-terminal messaging system developed for the military. Only beta tested in Applewood 3 days before the Final Day. Though Scavengers like you and I have somehow gotten access and made use of it. Megaspell_NHS << If it was for the military, wouldn't it be secure? >> Sept09Observer Yes. But think, Slurry did not have access to a terminal. He told us things face-to-face. Megaspell_NHS << And I said he had top secret documents in my diary... So it is my fault he is dead... >> Sept09Observer It just means somepony else has access to the intranet, or at least your WM employee account, and wants to keep things that are hidden, hidden. Just be careful what you post. Megaspell_NHS << Ok, I'll meet you on your terms. STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > Meeting and Funeral Aftermath > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 31345 - MEGASPELL - LAST LOGIN: 4 DAYS, 5 HOURS, 8 MINS, 9 SECS ~ Dear Diary, Sorry for the lack of updates… you likely know why.  I haven’t been this down since the megaspells fell. September was not nearly as creepy-stalkerish face-to-face.  It was a bit unsettling how similar he and July were.  Just as spooky as Slurry described them...  Aside from stature they could have been twins.  July was tall and lanky while September was more average height. I unfortunately did not get any more info than I already had… as Sept was Slurry’s source.  I did tell him about the Strange Door and the security lockdown in the Executive offices.  That was news to him as Slurry had either forgotten to mention it or intentionally left things out.  He got really concerned, thinking it might not be directly a ministry that was involved in Warmer Mare’s. He did give me Slurry’s things.  I’m not quite sure I have any right to them, but I was hoping to see if he had any leads on his person to who killed him.  Sept said he went through the stuff and I was grasping at straws.  Slurry had been carrying a small pellet gun, some fancy buck cakes, a few hundred caps, a canteen of water, a shirt made of air fresheners, and a camera.  I wonder if he took any pictures before his death.  I’ll see if Action knows how to develop film. Sept did mention how odd it was that his body was virtually unlooted.  It was hidden enough to not be found by scavengers, but not even his killer took essentials like caps, ammo, guns, water or food.  Which means they killed him with a purpose.  There were no blueprints on his person when Sept found him… A few days after my meeting with September, we both attended Slurry’s funeral.  I’d offered Slurry’s items to Slimeball.  She was grateful, but only took the caps, shirt, and food.  Said I could keep the camera and gun. It was at the funeral I talked further with Sept.  Told him how Warmer Mare’s security worked… which led him to give me Red Alert’s security badge.  Which is the highest ranking one I own now.  He said he’d found it while stalking me and used it to spy using the apparently intact security cameras.  I will be giving access to that room to Chris and Coolman, but I’ll keep the badge to access new places… Though I promised to wait until September can join me before I proceed.  Seems the curiosity bug is contagious. I also mentioned the Auto Response thing… September told me to be careful what I write here, but I will not be scared into silence… I’ll just need to look into locking this terminal or entry somehow… Your Still Sad Friend, Megaspell Owner/Mascot/Custodian/PR Pony of Nuclear Horseman Studios P.S. Update: it is not a pellet gun… it is one of the Scum’s stink weaponry.  It said "PU Shooter" not "Peashooter".  I need to finish this entry and air out the wardrobe warehouse.  It smells like the Applewood River… which is probably where the stink pellets were made… Gross... STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > A New Roadblock in the Hunt for Answers > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 31345 - MEGASPELL - LAST LOGIN: 3 DAYS, 9 HOURS, 2 MINS, 32 SECS ~ Dear Diary, Today I met up with September and we went to Variety News.  I was a bit star struck to meet Variety… Did you know she is a batpony?  I think they were called thestrals… I heard they were Princess Luna’s personal guard.  I’d thought they all died when the war ended.  Ivory told me what happened to Canterlot. She had these nasty scars on her back where her wings used to be. I felt too awkward to ask what happened...  Anyways, she was more than happy to let me try to develop Slurry’s film…. Unfortunately, the film must have been exposed to light… probably by Slurry's killer… but she did have some new film to lend me to test the camera for myself. She had July access the Variety News archives for anything regarding strange things at Warmer Mare’s.  I’ll update you if July finds anything.  From there we headed back to the Studio.  With Red Alert’s badge I was finally able to end the 215 year lockdown of the Executive Offices.  A clever lie caused a robot to lead us to the Warmer's Offices… Ok it wasn't a total lie, I said I had a sexual harassment claim to file against Rubbish.  Were he still alive and the war not blown Applewood up, I would have totally submitted a claim against him.  Fucking Creep! I was shocked that the bot… Gal Friday… odd name… took us to the Warmers, not Pony Resources as both offices were in the same building, but I’ll dwell on that another time.  Our newest roadblock is while Warmer Greeting’s Office had collapsed, Warmer Weather’s did not.  However, her terminal is locked.  Well actually it is off.  Turning it on without her ID reactivated the lockdown.  I hid under the desk while September turned it back off from the security room. So now we need to find out what happened to the Warmer Sisters.  Their bodies were not in this building, or anywhere else on the lot.  September is gonna look into properties the Sister's owned... I hate being this close, but not being able to find answers!  After that I took some test pictures to see if I was using the camera correctly.  Will post them along with this entry. Your Frustrated Friend, Megaspell Owner/Mascot/Custodian/PR Pony of Nuclear Horseman Studios ... P.S. The pictures ended up not very good, I'll let Sept take the pics from now on... STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > The Plot Thickens... > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 31345 - MEGASPELL - LAST LOGIN: 1 WEEK, 2 DAYS, 7 HOURS, 8 MINS, 2 SECS ~ Dear Diary, Been a bit, but Sept got the property records for The Warmers.  They had a home in Marebank.  We took the day to head out there… it was the farthest from the studio I’ve traveled since the war.  I’d always meant to visit Tech at home and part of me wanted to see if Tech was in Marebank while we were there… but I don't know his address. At the Warmer’s house… which was huge… we found a flyer for Stable-Tec… bringing us back to Downtown Applewood.  Feels a bit round-about, but Sept then got permission to look at the Stable-Tec Archive from The GGA. I was granted permission to be there too, but it's SO BORING!  So I let him look by himself for a few days.  He notified me via the SITCOM system that he found something interesting.  It's a few messages between Applebloom and somepony named Action Star… The name sounds familiar…  Action (the one who runs NHS not Action Star) got me a pipbuck from his old stable.  Which means I can now transfer files from other terminals.  I will grab those messages and put them here. Additionally, July found the article Slurry had once shown me. It was from mid-war about a fire at Warmer Mares.  It was before my time at the studio, but several sound stages, the Executive Office and the wardrobe warehouse.. among other buildings… burned down.  It almost bankrupted the studio, but then they somehow got the funding to fix it.  The article went on to speculate where the money came from.  It alleged anything from Ministries to organized crime. However, July noted that the article was never published, at least not in the version that she had in the archive.  It was flagged by the Ministry of Image as “Defamatory to the legitimacy of the Ministries”.  After this article, the news company named TMZ… which was oddly not Ministry run to begin with... was absorbed into the Ministry of Image and merged with the Ministry run Variety News.  Suspicious if you ask me… It also brings in many more possibilities to what The Warmers were involved in. Your Junior Investigative Journalist Friend, Megaspell Owner/Mascot/Custodian/PR Pony of Nuclear Horseman Studios STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > >> Warmer Mares Acquisition > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- To: Action Star From: Applebloom >> Warmer Mares Acquisition Dear Action Star, How goes The Warmer Mare’s Studio purchase? Be sure you mention we are not interested in buying the studio, just the land.  They can still use it once we have installed the stable and rebuilt the destroyed buildings. In addition, all employees will be entered into a drawing for a spot in the completed stable. Let me know if there are any issues. Sincerely, AB STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > >> RE: Warmer Mares Acquisition > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- To: Applebloom From: Action Star >> RE: Warmer Mares Acquisition Dear Applebloom, I have hit a snag with the purchase. Apparently, Warmer Weather has been talking to another buyer.  They have offered more bits than our offer. Can you authorize me more funds for the purchase? If not, I can look into other prospective locations. From, Action Star STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > >> RE: RE: Warmer Mares Acquisition > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- To: Action Star From: Applebloom >> RE: RE: Warmer Mares Acquisition Action Star, We are unable to allocate more bits for this sale at this time.  See if offering The Warmers a guaranteed spot in the stable will sway their hooves.  Do look into other sites if that is not acceptable. – AB STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > >> Seeking Other [Stable] Locations > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- To: Applebloom From: Action Star >> Seeking Other [Stable] Locations AB, They have opted to not sell to Stable-Tec, but have expressed interest in a spot in one of our Applewood Stables.  As far as other Applewood locations, I’ve found: Mareily Hills, %# Ntsqzrwl Rpnok %#$ Ueodvagkk'o Eyjges Helvh Glglhrz %^&# Ktnul Qskeotgs ~#$%* Sipmpaghd byh Zblm Wefw Mbwp *&^#$ and Etrfmefd might work. We could also put one on our studio lot. I’m open to suggestions. – Action Star STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > TMZ Archive Article #478: Where the Money From Ms. Warmer? (by Newsie Byline) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- //\\:**File Unable to  be copied by Order of the MoI**:\\// STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > If It Were a Radroach It Would Have Bit Us! > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 31345 - MEGASPELL - LAST LOGIN: 6 DAYS, 9 HOURS, 7 MINS, 24 SECS ~ Dear Diary, If it were a radroach it would have bit us! It was so obvious! Stable 83 at Mareily Hills was the “celebrity stable”, of course it would have been the one The Warmer Sisters would have gone to.  Sept and I came to the realization at roughly the same time.  He at The GGA base, me while talking with Xinkra.   I had a hunch based on a note on Warmer’s desk… it was about Cube Brick, who was one of the Marily Hills Ghouls… he was a director in Old Applewood.  Sept met me at the Mareily Hills Crater as Xinkra was pointing out the door to the stable. Sept is gonna need a rad suit, I'll be fine. According to Xinkra, both Warmer Weather and Warmer Greeting ghoulified.  Greeting went feral immediately.  Cube Brick ended up killing Greeting trying to subdue her.  Weather did not last long after and was subsequently put down. All their stuff, and that of any other feral or deceased, was simply left in the entryway.  Xinkra has allowed us to go through it.  The owners are dead and Xinkra treats it as found items.  She nor the Hillers lay claim to the items. They will buy the valuable stuff as payment for organizing the items for them. We start sorting in a few days. Today I finally transferred the files from Stable-Tec and Variety News that should have been before this entry.  However, the TMZ article had some ministry encryption.  July, October, and June… some of Sept’s family? Fellow Observers?  They are working on removing it.  For now the error message will also be here for context. I can’t wait to finally have this mystery out of the way and get back to just being NHS’s Mascot.  Which is why we have to wait a few days, Action needs me for some mascot duties.  I’ve been doing my own thing long enough, time to actually punch in and do my job. Your Super Sleuth Pal, Megaspell Owner/Mascot/Custodian/PR Pony of Nuclear Horseman Studios STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > SO ANTICLIMACTIC! > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 31345 - MEGASPELL - LAST LOGIN: 3 DAYS, 8 HOURS, 2 MINS, 2 SECS ~ Dear Diary, So we FINALLY found it! Ok… September found it… Warmer Weather's ID allowed us to access her office terminal… and that is all.  While my ID, or any ID in the studio that I possess, can act as the username and password for employee profiles/terminals.  I guess the ever paranoid Warmer Sisters felt that was not secure enough.  You do need her ID… or her sister’s ID… to access the terminal, you additionally have to enter a password.  After a few failed attempts we got a password hint: Desk, Window.  Not very helpful if we are not a Warmer sister. I’ve mentioned the many notes on her desk in another entry.  They are as follows: “Jackal said PP is watching. It is ill advised to talk openly.”, “Visit the vacation home soon. Like we did as kids.”, “Mom says Dad is doing well.”, “Zim Zar Quest for Gold is not running on schedule.”, “Appointment at 3:15pm.", "Vet at noon for Sniggles.”, “I would like to get Cube Brick on our next project. Bumble is his secretary.”, “Killian script revisal meeting at 4pm.”, and “Please eat something.” Some words are underlined, but that is it.  Anything else paper or files wise on the desk either burned or rotted.  Out the window is equally cryptic as it is only the iconic “Applewood” sign.  I had Sept take some pictures for reference. Looks like until we figure out her password we are stuck.  SO ANTICLIMACTIC! Sept is having his fellow observers look into it.  I’ve also asked the Scums and the Hillers for input.  It's rather odd to see the Scums and Hillers share a conference room at Variety News pitching ideas.  Maybe it's because they are on neutral ground, or maybe it’s steps to end whatever feud the less hostile gangs have… Or it's because I asked them to play nice… I’ll keep you updated on the process.  For now I’ll go back to cleaning the studio lot.  See where Red Alert’s ID badge can get me into… Try to stay out of any other mysteries.  Though I’m also gonna look out for other employee terminals.  Warmer’s secretive one and the changes to my own since the bombs fell has made me wonder what my co-workers were doing on theirs.  To reiterate… hopefully I will not stumble on any more mysteries.  My current one is annoying enough. Your Feud Ending (Hopefully) Pal, Megaspell Owner/Mascot/Custodian/PR Pony of Nuclear Horseman Studios P.S. Sept did try to do some arcane sciency backdoor thing that he claims works on most other Stable-Tec terminals to unlock Warmer’s terminal, but it didn’t work.  That unnerved him more than the other extra security on the terminal... STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > Just My Luck! > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 31345 - MEGASPELL - LAST LOGIN: 2 WEEKS, 2 DAYS, 6 HOURS, 34 MINS, 29 SECS ~ Dear Diary, The smarter ponies are still looking into the possible passwords.  I went about snooping into my old co-worker’s business.  I expected to find 2 century old gossip, maybe an incomplete project of some kind… I hoped to not find something mysterious, odd, off or otherwise strange.  Just my luck, I found an incomplete project that was also mysterious. It was in regards to a pitch three ponies were working on for something called “Glowmare” or “The Glowmare”... I have an exchange between On Fleek, All Set (the very same who was dating Tech, whom I never met), and Three Act.  They were talking about this Applewood urban legend known as “The Glowmare'' that All had apparently met or saw and wanted to make a series about.  Personally, I have never heard of it before, but after the “concept art” that I found in All’s Studio.  I’m working on getting the art scanned in over at Variety News, but once you see it, you’ll understand why it qualifies as “mysterious, odd, off or otherwise strange.” Additionally, NHS has had some power failures, so if there is a loooooong absence of entries, that is why. Your Mysterious Nexus Pal, Megaspell Owner/Mascot/Custodian/PR Pony of Nuclear Horseman Studios STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > >> Pitch [Draft 1] > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 23489 - ALL SET - LAST LOGIN: 3 DAYS, 23 HOURS, 22 MINS, 28 SECS ~ To: On Fleek From: All Set >> Pitch [Draft 1] Yo Fleek! Can you look over my pitch before zv gtm hb xkv Wfkarvv niya hui luef. File: **FILE NOT FOUND** -All Set STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > >> RE: Pitch [Draft 1] > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 23489 - ALL SET - LAST LOGIN: 1 DAY, 23 HOURS, 22 MINS, 28 SECS ~ To: On Fleek From: All Set >> RE: Pitch [Draft 1] Fleek, I know you have been busy this past week. So just checking in on your thoughts on the pitch. I’m thinking we call it “Glowmare” or “The Glowmare”.  Could be huge! -All Set STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > >> Urban Legends? > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 23489 - ALL SET - LAST LOGIN: 2 DAYS, 13 HOURS, 12 MINS, 29 SECS ~ To: All Set From: On Fleek >> Urban Legends Alls, Overall the pitch is good.  Art design is not your only talent, my friend.  This wouldn’t happen to be based on that old Marebank urban legend, would it? STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > >> RE: Urban Legends? > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 23489 - ALL SET - LAST LOGIN: 1 DAY, 15 HOURS, 13 MINS, 19 SECS ~ To: On Fleek From: All Set >> RE: Urban Legends? Fleek, Yeah, what of it?  I’ve liked the legend of the Glowmare since I was a foal.  A noir thriller with a supernatural element is the perfect idea for wartime.  Glowmare could route out Zebra spies infiltrating Equestria.  Very patriotic. STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > >> Back to the Pitch > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 23489 - ALL SET - LAST LOGIN: 1 DAY, 17 HOURS, 11 MINS, 11 SECS ~ To: All Set From: On Fleek >> Back to the Pitch Alls, I’ll toss it to Three Act.  See what she thinks of it. STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > >> Who is Three Act? > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 23489 - ALL SET - LAST LOGIN: 1 HOUR, 3 MINS, 10 SECS ~ To: On Fleek From: All Set >> Who is Three Act? Fleek, Who the hey is Three Act?!  I don’t want you sending the pitch to somepony I don’t know! STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > >> RE: Who is Three Act? > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 23489 - ALL SET - LAST LOGIN: 8 HOURS, 32 MINS, 35 SECS ~ To: All Set From: On Fleek >> RE: Who is Three Act? Alls, She’s a new intern in writing.  Wasn’t afraid to stand up to Plotline and Structure on her 1st day.  Good head on her shoulders.  She might have Plotline or Structure’s job in a few years. STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > >> RE: RE: Who is Three Act? > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 23489 - ALL SET - LAST LOGIN: 1 HOUR, 2 MINS, 5 SECS ~ To: On Fleek From: All Set >> RE: RE: Who is Three Act? Fleek, In that case, I guess you can send it to her. STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > >> The Glowmare Pitch > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 23489 - ALL SET - LAST LOGIN: 4 DAYS, 7 HOURS, 24 MINS, 15 SECS ~ To: On Fleek C.C: All Set From: Three Act >> The Glowmare Pitch Dear Co-Workers, Thank you for consulting with me on this project.  I think it is an interesting idea.  I already have many ideas for improvements.  Though, I’m not familiar with The Glowmare.  I prefer to talk in the real world.  Can we meet for drinks sometime after work to talk further? Sincerely, Three Act STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > >> The Glowmare > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 23489 - ALL SET - LAST LOGIN: 1 DAY, 22 HOURS, 2 MINS, 1 SEC ~ To: On Fleek, Three Act From: All Set >> The Glowmare Yo,  Attached is a scan of a painting I made of The Glowmare.  Hope to get to work on the pitch with you tomorrow. File: Glowmare.REIF STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > Glowmare.REIF > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- **ERROR FILE CORRUPT** > Thoughts on Glowmare + Rescan > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 31345 - MEGASPELL - LAST LOGIN: 4 DAYS, 16 HOURS, 39 MINS, 2 SECS ~ Dear Diary, I thought it would be a good idea to make an entry about my thoughts on “The Glowmare” after you, RDR, have now seen the interdepartmental messages.  This entry will also include a rescan of the art I found.  All Set had a scan, but it was corrupted and couldn't be viewed.  It is still copied here for context. So the Glowmare urban legend, according to the Scums… which I interrupted the password cracking to ask… was a rumored glowing pony living in the woods out in Marebank.  Some said she was malevolent, even connecting her to the wendigos of the Hearth's Warming Eve Story.  while others said she is a mare in neon signs that helps ponies in need…. Kinda like the Mysterious Maredowell.  Some accounts even say she was the byproduct of some wartime experiment.  Though each possible origin feels contradictory as sightings allegedly date back to Applewood’s founding.  That was pre-war, but I don’t know when…. The ponies involved, I barely knew.  I think I met Three Act once.  On Fleek was actually at that one work outing I went to.  You know I never met All Set.  The interesting thing is according to All Set’s calendar… a feature I never used on my own employee profile… they were set to meet on the day the megaspells fell.  I guess they scheduled the meeting in person and not via messages.   Anyways, here is the rescan of the image. This is where the real mystery is.  I never met All Set.  Maybe Tech told him what I looked like, but I doubt it.  It's like looking into a mirror.  Not a mirror of me from back then, but me now… Megaspell the glowing ghoul.  It has to be a coincidence, right? There is no way somepony looking like me how I am now, the product of baelfire radiation, could have lived in Applewood since its founding…. Right?  Time Travel isn’t possible, that kind of thing is pure science fiction.   If it was real, somepony would have tried to fix things so the apocalypse never happened.  We are all living in the wasteland, so that’s evidence enough for me. Your Very Confuzzled Pal, Megaspell Owner/Mascot/Custodian/PR Pony of Nuclear Horseman Studios P.S. Sucks that the pitch was also corrupt… Kinda would have liked to read the “noir thriller with a supernatural element.”  It sounded cool… at least until I saw the concept art... > Full Disclosure > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 31345 - MEGASPELL - LAST LOGIN: 4 DAYS, 9 HOURS, 33 MINS, 22 SECS ~ Dear Diary, Action went missing for a few days and I was worried we had another Slurry killing on our hooves.  Turns out they had locked themselves in a far distant soundstage.  It is similar to my setup in the wardrobe warehouse.  It's not so much where they were found, but why they had gone off the grid. RDR, you may notice a change in my pronoun usage in regard to Action.  In past entries I’d called them “he/him”.  Well when Action was located, she told us the reason was about her sexual identity.  So while I won’t go back and edit my entries as they are meant to be about my life as it is happening, from this point on Action will use She/They pronouns. It's actually something she and I have in common.  I too was not born a mare.  It's not something I like to talk about.  But in order to help Action, I will tell you everything.  Full disclosure… even parts I would rather not say. Megaspell was not my first name change.  I’d changed it to Dusty Windswept Sweeps in my teens.  I’d always been a dainty pony.  I preferred dolls and stuffed animals to action figures.  Stuff that colts don’t tend to play with.  Yes, I was assigned colt at birth.  This will be the only time I’ll tell you this, my parents named me Push Broom. I came out to them when I turned ten.  They were supportive, but not completely understanding.  Before I hit puberty, I was put on drugs to block me from developing into a stallion.  I’d argue it may have been why I was such a late bloomer cutie mark wise… I don’t know the science or magic behind it.  I started hormone replacement therapy my senior year of high school. I may have downplayed my high school experience in earlier entries.  I was friendless because of my gender identity.  Even the most outcast avoided me or risked being bullied too.  The only place I was more accepted in was the Drama club… and you know what happened with that.  Cliff notes: accidentally burned down the auditorium and got expelled.  (those interested in the long version, here is the long version: Untitled Entry). In that entry I played it off as after getting expelled I hopped on a bus to Applewood.  It was actually more like I stole the money my parents had saved for college to pay for Sexual Reassignment Surgery, and ran away to Hoofington… a sketchy doctor with the MoP offered to do it off the books… True something-or-other… True Blood… maybe.  I really do not know what he did to me.  I woke up 3 months later in Manehatten General. My parents were not happy.  We talked and after another month of recovery I was on that bus to Applewood.  My pervy ex-boss was convinced to interview me since some guy in Pony Resources is the brother of my mom’s sister’s Son’s fiancé.  It really was all about who you knew and who knew you in Wartime Applewood. The rest is documented here and in the missing entries from my aunt’s terminal. Oh… um… I ran out of my hormones 2 weeks into the apocalypse.  Something about my ghoulness made me no longer require them. Your Transgender Pal, Megaspell Owner/Mascot/Custodian/PR Pony of Nuclear Horseman Studios P.S. Good news for Action. I hear there is a potion out east that can change one’s gender.  It was meant for first generation alicorns, but maybe it can be used for non-alicorns.  I’ll see if Cadet can get some in at the gift shop. STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM > 8 Letters Back > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~WELCOME EMPLOYEE ID 31345 - MEGASPELL - LAST LOGIN: 6 DAYS, 10 HOURS, 36 MINS, 29 SECS ~ Dear Diary, Feels like so much time passes between these entries, when its only been a few days.  Anyways, I have an update on the password into The Warmer’s computer.  After much deliberation a Scum, I think they go by Raunchy Scent (Aunchyray Entscay in Slum speech), suggested that the underlined words were the key.  The rest of the phrases didn’t matter. So: "Jackal, It, Visit, Like, Mom, Zim Zar, Appointment, Vet, I, Bumble, Killian, Please." They tried running it through many different code cyphers, but came up with nothing.  I focused on the “Window” part of the hint.  Out the window was the Applewood sign. Which has 8 letters.  I asked if there are any cyphers that use numbers.  Turns out there are plenty.  It did not narrow it down. It wasn’t until a few days later that it all came together.  Apple Brandy and Citrus Spritz, from the GGA and Double O’s respectively, came to the answer almost at the exact same second.  “JIVLMZAVIBKP”.  Which is utter gibberish, but with my thought of 8 letters they used the Ceasar Cypher (funny that the Warmers would use a Zebra made cypher), but instead of the usual 3 letters back, they went with 8. The password is… … September caught me writing and warned me about spilling too much info… we don’t know who is behind the “Auto Response” messages…  I don’t care.  Museo has hired a new pony named Alope.  Obsessed with coffee, but a great asset to security.  I have him guarding the Executive Offices. The password is “BANDERSNATCH”.  It reminds me of something, but I can’t put my hoof on it.  September is busy for the next few days. He told me to wait until he can accompany me to enter the password, but I’m impatient.  We are so close to uncovering the mystery of the spooky door.  I hate being a goody four hooves… I’ll wait. Hopefully September won’t take too long. Your Code Cracking Pal, Megaspell Owner/Mascot/Custodian/PR Pony of Nuclear Horseman Studios STABLE-TEC INDUSTRIES SPELL-MATRIX OPERATING SYSTEM