Arabian Swindler

After an hour or two, with Miko getting her things set up, was lunch being served, as changelings were drinking bits of love vials. The actual crew members eating some stew a changeling cook made, and with Miko coming by the dining area to see what's to eat. However once she did, was she given a sight of an azure mare, smiling happily as she was feeding Dejen with a spoon as he was currently talking over with Gem and Felix on some parts of the blueprints.

And with the azure mare was that pink collar that was evidently seen by everyone.

Miko stared for a long moment of time, before turning her focus to one table and moved to it. It’s two current occupants didn’t notice her until a slamming fist and a knife made itself known right near them, making Gem and Felix jump some.

There was a fairly heavy glare form Miko, who said to Felix, “Alrigh’ Rusty. Ya got some half minut t’ tell me why there’s a sheela ova there tha’ got a choker that looks a lot like one of ‘em collars.” Most of the room going fairly quiet, mostly due to the small simmer that was coming off of Miko.

Felix didn’t feel nearly as threatened by her as he could have, but he did get the point of the threat. “Windy’s Dejen’s slave.” He said, though at the narrowed eyes, he went on, “Gift from a friend of his.”

“Slaver friend?” She pressed in a near venomous tone.

“Sulton.” Was the fast response, though that did not curb the chill in the air.

With a snort, they heard Minko say, “Arabian wankers.” Pulling her knife back out of the table and sheathing it.

On one hand, Dejen wanted to defend Harsho as a friend, but on the other hand? He didn’t want to meet that knife near him, or that glare and chilly feeling around her as he wisely keep out of it as he gently pet the mare to relax. Gem however snorted as she leaned back.

“What was your first clue Dejen came from Arabia? His clothes? His accent-- or was it just recently with Windy appearance?”

With a sideways glare that only showed the vixen’s irritation, she snapped, “Oh, sorry there laber-doodle, I’m jus’ takin’ in the fact how it seems most Arabin’ I see got some collared and heeled over slave like a trained dog an’ got them doin’ stuff an’ lordin’ ova dem.” Then said in aggravation towards Felix, “I don’ like dealin’ with slavers.”

“This isn’t a slaver group.” Felix spoke up with a raised hand-- but felt the need to retract said hand when the treasure hunter gave a dangerous look and seemed ready to pull out her knife again.

“If I didn’ know the person ya were, well Rusty boy, I migh’ have gotten a itch to toss ya over da side of this ship an’ straight to the seawater!” Her voice having steadily rose over the course of that moment. “For christ sakes, ya got any clue--” Then stopped and said, “Ah whot am I sayin’? Corse ya don’. Ya made of metal an’ parts an’ can be as green as a li’ll saplin’ tree.” Sounding plenty pissed off. And the Changelings could tell she was too.

A few shifted, some moved a way as to not feel the brunt of the anger as the sounds of hooves clipped in, as Herbal managed to overhear most of Miko words, as he held a frown on his face as he spoke to her. “Like Felix said, we aren’t a slaver group,” ignoring the glare and expression of her as he remained calm and went on. “If they were one? I wouldn’t be here, and most of us, even Mercy and her changelings wouldn’t be here.”

Having a now much flatter look, Miko said, “News flash doc, there’s somthin’ called lying. Check it up some time, cuz only Felix got any sort of say whot you’re like, an’ iffin’ I know him? He ain’t been with you more than a few weeks.” Leaning on the table with an arm and telling, “An’ a few weeks means jack-shit when it come’s to knoin’ if what’s said is truth.”

“Funny, I was about to say the same to you.” said Herbal as he continued on. “All we have is Felix word about you, and while we know he’s honest, we don’t know if your honest on being an adventure Treasure hunter. For all we know, you could be a lying thief that just like to steal out of people graves, and yet we’re giving the benefit of the doubt.” then asked. “However, that is now a moot point. Since you now know of Windy, are you going to leave us and go wherever the wind takes you out of seeing her?”

Raising a brow, Miko said, “I’d rather cut her loose. Mate.” Then jabbed a finger his way, “An’ your point makes no sense, if Rusty over there’s honest, and he’s known me an’ though’ I’d cheat ya, you think he’s suggest me bein’ around you lot?”

Before Herbal could answer, there was a large shout from Windy. “NO!” Attention gain as she clamped around Dejen arm possessively with her wings and forelegs wrapped tight as she glared at Miko and told. “You’re not taking me away from Master! No matter how sincere you think you are!”

To that, Miko rolled her eyes and said, “Grea’. She’s brainwashed too.” Mostly saying this to herself, but hardly said quietly to herself.

Dejen sighed and admitted to Miko as he rubbed his face. “When Harsho did presented Windy? I sorta had the same reaction you did, with me almost cutting his balls off.”

“Should of slit the throat.” Miko said rather offhandedly. “Kills faster.” Though felt a tap on her hand as Felix spoke up.

“Harsho’s the Sultan.” Saying this quietly enough.

Blinking some, Miko said, “Oh, well… then cuttin’ the balls off might ‘ave done the trick anyways. Insult to injury.” Missing the robot bang his head into the table.

“I think what the bot is getting at,” said Gem as she rolled her eyes. “Was that boss couldn’t say no to the guy, don’t know if you’ve been to Arabia, but Sultans are lords of their city, their words are law.”

Turning her gaze to Gem, Miko said, “Let me show ya how much them word-an-law of their’s mean t’ me.” And not a moment later, proceeded to flip the bird to Gem.

Raising a brow, she looked to Felix and remark. “Thinking isn’t her strong suit when pissy, isn’t it?”

Raising his head, Felix said, “No. But the last time she got angry because someone tried to kill her, a pirate ship found itself crashing into the side of a cliff, while it’s crew was busy trying to put out the fires she made and after the captain was hanging by his underwear out one of the windows of the ship.”

Gem snorted, as she look to Miko and told. “Point is? Harsho gave Windy for saving his life, boss couldn’t say no, tried to get Windy to think free, she didn’t like it, so he took her in, end of story.” shrugging a bit as she went on. “What's done been done, we all got used to it and aren’t bothered by Windy wearing a collar anymore.”

This only made Miko frowne all the more, though did cast a glance to Felix and asked, “I am gettin’ payed for doin’ this, righ’?”

Giving a glance, Felix asked, “Since when do you ask for payment that doesn't involve treasure at the end of the road?”

“Since I got to deal with messed up blokes.” Miko said rather dryly, almost to Felix’s dismay at the sudden twist of the situation.

“How about this?” spoke in Dejen, as he gently coax Windy to let go of his arm as he reaches into his pocket and took out his deck of cards as he shuffled them. “We play a simple game of Go Fish, if you win? We’ll discuss payment, when you want payment, and so forth. If I win, you’ll work with us and if there's news of some treasure in the area, that's your payment.” looking at her with a grin as he asked. “Sound reasonable to you?”

With an odd look, Miko asked, “Are ya a twit?” Then asked to Felix, “Is he daft or whot?” Then turned back to the stripped and said, “That’s jus’ stupid. Ya don’ go chasin’ every tell of possible treasure. Most are jus’ fake trails that lead ya into a mess of trouble.”

“Look, I haven’t had a good card game with anyone beside these lot for weeks.” deadpanned told Dejen. “And I don’t play with Felix because he uses numbers to cheat his way to win. Not to mention I rather play Poker-- but I’m guessing you never played it, so Go fish is better suited.” then added in. “Beside, even if there’s probably fake trails, we’re bound to meet and fight slavers, who will have bounties on their head one way or another.”

“So you could probably take their bounties as payment if you really want.” looking at her with a raised brow as he asked. “So are we going to play, or are you going to be a stick in the mud and demand payment now?”

After a long stair, Miko said with crossed arms, “Ya a real dimwit, ya know that?” Than without much of a word, turned heel and left the area. It was with a strange silence they watched her leave the room.

“Boss you idiot!” told Gem as she said. “Great, now we lost the navigator,” glaring at him and questioning. “Was it really necessary to ask for a bloody card game?!”

“I was bored of playing you all the time!”

Herbal sighed and facehoof and told. “You could of become cutthroat and just simply proposal a business deal-- not do it like back in Ramada.” then stop, looking intently to Dejen...and soon questioned. “When did you last sleep?” seeing the shifting eyes looking back and forth as the thestral came up to the Striped, noticing slight bags under his eyes as he cursed.

“Luna dammit, Dejen. You actually said all of that-- while sleep deprived?!” then told. “Doctors orders, get some sleep, lose the stupidity, and in the few hours I hope you actually think smarter next time!” before the Striped could say a word, he told the other changelings. “Get your King to bed now!” and without much warning, Dejen was lifted in the air and was carried away by a small swarm as Windy followed them the best she could as he rubbed his forehead and muttered.

“I should've seen the signs when he proposes that….”

There was a synthetic groan while Felix just plopped down on the table and said, “I really didn’t think Miko would react that badly.” Then lift himself up saying, “And I don’t even know why.” Though while he thought about it, he could come up with a few reasons, but he wasn’t sure what was true and wasn’t. “And what do you mean, ‘be Cutthroat’?”

Gem look to Felix as she explained. “Back in Ramada, and basically the entire Arabia? It's a cutthroat sort of business, especially in information. Boss had to use a poker face mask while in business with information, funding, even damn poker. Cuz from what we seen or heard? If someone reads him and notice something that was troubling him, they would've used it to their advantage.”

There was a sigh of relief as Felix said, “You had me worried there for a moment.” Causing a few looks. “For a moment I thought you’d say something more like he’d try and corner her into working for him or something.”

Snorting, Gem told. “Doubt it. Boss is more of a gambler than anything, sure he could get info, handle it, invent stuff-- but try to corner her to work? Naw, he ain’t that dark hearted to do something like that.” then snorted in annoyance. “But really, how in the Stone did he get away sleep deprived like that? I thought for sure we kept him on a tight sleeping schedule when working or doing other stuff?”

“Did your plan include long hours of working on complicated mechanical work?” Asked Felix. “Because that’s what he’s doing for almost 12 hours each day. He takes rests and breaks and does other things, but sometimes he works into the night, or pulls extra time when I’m recharging.”

Being quiet all around, a changeling soon cursed. “By the Queen, how come we didn’t keep him away from working too long or in the night?”

Turning to address the changeling, Felix said, “Well, form that I can guess that it just never came up. Did he have to work on a couple of jet engine thrusters during a two week period before?”

With a shake of his head, as well as a few nos around, another changeling grumble as the female told. “No...I think the only time he went on a work bing was with that damn plane…” then asked. “What in the Hive are we supposed to do now? We might as well say goodbye to the navigator thanks to a sleep deprived King screwing things up for us.”

Tapping his head, Felix said, “I don’t really know.” Not honestly sure himself. “I… well, I just didn’t expect Miko to get that angry. I could maybe talk to her.” Then admitted, “Or I might get a couple new dents and a good shouting at before she just leaves… that sounds like something she might do to me.”

Gem raises a brow and asked. “Should I help in repairing you in case its the latter option? Cuz the way I see it, she’s going to leave regardless.” then thought it over and remarked. “She probably got piss cuz she met some slavers, them probably mistreating or taking people into slavery and it caused her to feel that justice anger in her.”

“Isn’t that called vengeance?” Asked Felix. (End)

“Yeah, but most people who wanna try to be hero's call it ‘righteous causes’.” answered Gem.

“She’s not a self proclaimed hero, Gem.” Pointed out Felix. “She’s a hardened survivor. I’ve seen her literally crawl her way out of a wreck and break wood to splint her leg then lip away. How we met really, but the point is she pushes to survive and on her own terms.”

Gem hum a bit...as a new voice enter in, as heads turn to see the normally silent gnoll spoke. “From what I gather, she was angry at my employer for having a slave. I can gather she saw people who own slaves mistreated harshly or cruelly. Thus she felt a need to make them pay with their deaths of their sins, she mention that Windy should be let loose, meaning she saw this before. She also mention Windy was ‘brainwash’, meaning she dealt with freeing slaves and knew what types there were.”

“Even knew of Arabian ‘wankers’, meaning she dealt with a few Arabians somewhere before. She probably came by or near Arabia.” Debt then thought and admitted. “But possibly too far from the mainland, maybe near the coast as we would of heard of her if she did cause some trouble to some ‘legal folks’.”

To that, Felix said, “Most of the people that she causes trouble, don’t normally live.” Then shrugged, “I wasn’t kidding about that pirate ship. She literally set the thing on fire, had the captain hanging by their britches out a window and set it to crash into the side of a cliff before she jumped ship. I was in the lifeboat to drag her out of the water when it crashed.” Then went on to say, “She’s done similar things. She’s got a body count, even if most of it is… inadvertent collateral damage.”

“Wait you mean she could've made the Innovation crash with everyone onboard dead!?” nearly shouted Gem as she got on her feet.

“Well….” Started Felix, “Knowing her, she would have literally tossed a wrench into the engine and let it do it’s work… maybe mess with something in the medical lad of your doctor and figure a way to make something explode… she has a knack for making things go away in an overly explosive--”

“WHAT!?” nearly shouted Herbal as galloped to the medical bay, in fears that Kitsune didn’t touch a single thing in his medical bay-- or worse, might hurt Katty!

As they saw the Doctor gone, Gem cursed as she rubs her face and told. “Felix. If she was going to do all of that...Now I got to check the engines in case she didn’t do it before she leaves, just to attempting to kill us.”

“I wouldn’t worry.” Felix said while looking to where the thestral ran off. “Honestly if she was really angry, she would've said some sort of death threat-- and if you didn’t take her seriously, then she might have gone to sabotage who knows what.” Then thought on it and told, “Worst she’ll do is just leave and leave a very angry note behind… maybe punch someone’s face, but better than what she normally does to people she hates.”

Although while this slightly assure some changelings, another said in annoyance. “Great. The Queen is going to the King to make sure he’s ‘safe’.” then another sighed as she asked to Felix.

“If she is leaving for good, you think you can lead us to Humilut in the Iron Holds? Or are we going to try our chances at Equestria?”

While he wanted to be on his way, Felix said, “I’ll at least make sure you know where you're going.” Then went on to say, “But once after that? I should really just get going. While I don’t mind the company, I really want to keep on exploring. The whole… info-broker thing isn’t my thing. I get enough action as it is from my voyage around the world.”

“Alright Felix.” said Gem as she scratched her head some and told. “At least you helped stick around in finishing the remains of the ship we were able to do.” looking at the forgotten blueprints that was near Dejen as she remarked. “Jet engines of all things. A shame we couldn’t add more like the weapons you help design, since all the work we did was on them engines and the ship to make sure it worked properly.”

“Weapons won’t do you any good if you’re a slow moving target.” Felix pointed out simply. “Once the engines and power are worked out? Then you can figure weapons later. Better to be able to escape than getting shot up, right?” A slight shrug at the end of that before going back to looking over the blueprints.

While Gem snort at that, a changeling gave a relieved breath as he said. “At least we managed to change all our shekels into bits, make things easier when we pass Equestria.” he glance to Gem and asked. “How long until we leave from the Isles?”

“With all the parts in and the engines set in? I would say a day or two, but we need to get it fine tune all over in case we missed something.” told Gem as she jabbed a thumb to the doorway as she went on. “And with our ‘expert’ engineer sleeping his ass off? I give it maybe three days of fine tuning and checking top to bottom of the ship before we head out.”

Glancing up, Felix also pointed out, “We’re also doing more than fine tuning. We’re also doing a few preliminary tests to make sure the power output and the fuel consumption will last you.” Pointing at the sheets and telling, “If one is too low or high, the engines won’t do a thing or will just blow when you start them up. The other?” Thinking as he dragged off, “Well, it would be embarrassing if the ship crashed mid-flight because it chugged down all your fuel in a few days.”

“In short everyone? We might be looking at a three day time-- maybe a week.” said the collie as she leaned in the chair and told. “So best let us worry about it after lunch,” then look at the other members of changelings as she snorted and told. “Things would be a lot faster if some of you were engineers too.”

“No offense Gem, but none of us got the training or idea on how to fix half the stuff you and the King do with the ship.” told a changeling as Debt agreed with a snort.

“You might as well ask them to accidentally destroy the ship by attempting to fix anything.”

“I’m just saying it would be better than me and the boss working on the ship by ourselves! It's hard work when its the two of us that have to make the repairs!”

There was a rough sigh as Felix said, “I know I said not to let Miko near the engines except in emergencies, but she can jury rig them to hold together. Partly why I asked her to come…” After a moment or two in thought, Felix got up and said, “I’ll try and see if she’ll stay. If not? Well… I tried.” Leaving the table to rush off and possibly catch Miko before she left.

“Who wants to bet he’ll fail?” asked a changeling as another snort and told.

“10 mins top we’ll hear loud clunks and possibly a tossed bot.”

“I give it five.” told another as they all doubted Felix could convinced the vixen to stay, especially with how her emotions felt to them.

The first thing to tell that Felix failed was the rather loud scream of possibly pain. By the time those drawn in by the shout came, they found the bot stuck in the grate of a ceiling vent, legs flailing about as he was trying to pull himself out of the tight space. Miko nowhere to be found. (end)

A changeling sighed as she remarked. “10 minutes.” horn glowing as she grunt of the bot, noticing he was wedge into the vent tight as she shouted. “We need some muscles!” a few minutes later, Debt came along as he gripped the bot legs as he pulled down. Everyone ears flinching from the screeching sound of metal-on-metal as Felix was being pulled out, after nearly 3 minutes of the agonizing sound, did Felix got himself dangling upside down by Debt. With loads of dust that was covering his top half, everyone assumed it was from the vents as Debt soon let the bot rest his feet on the ground as the gnoll asked.

“No luck in convincing her?”

Trying to shake and brush the dust off his body, Felix asked, “What was your first hint? The lack of Miko, or me stuck in the vent she stuffed me in?”

“Your girlish scream.” snark a changeling as she used her magic to take the dust off as she scowl and remark. “Even with her gone, we can still sense her anger in this room.” then asked with a raised brow. “Should we expect her to visit the King shortly? Or assume she decided to leave and wash her hands off with being around us?”

Glancing to them all, he said, “Oh she left.” Then said, “Not sure where she--” The loud sputtering of an abused engine seemed to mark where the vixen was, and form the sounds of a loud bang, did the presumed small ship leave.

Moving his head around, Felix said, “Yeah I think she left…"

Another changeling sighed as he said. “Well, you tried.” then glance up to the vent as he gave a groan. “Great, now we gotta fix that, maybe change up the room a bit so there's no trace of her here.” Debt snort as he look down to Felix and remark.

“Looks like I will be informing my employer we’ll be winging it in terms of directions towards the Iron Holds.”

Taking a moment to think, Felix said, “Look, I won’t be staying long in the Isles anyways.” Taking a while longer to think. “And maybe I can stick around long enough to give directions and maybe keep an eye on the new thrusters. Once we hit land in Equestria? Just drop me off and I’ll be on my way and I’ll give you directions. I know this girl that can send you straight to Hurmulie.”

“I’m going to presume that she lives in the Iron Holds?” spoke Debt as from what he managed to overhear earlier, there was someone who lived in Iron Holds that both Felix and Miko knew of.

Shaking his head, Felix told with crossed arms, “Lives in Equestria mostly. I’m hoping she’s around, or maybe some friends of hers. They have this whole ‘world traveling’ deal thing. Know how to get places.” then rolled a hand to continue on. “They’re just east of Vanhoover, maybe a bit further.”

“Good thing we’re heading to Vanhoover, make things easier.” said a changeling as already some were getting started on what repairs they could as another spoke in.

“Maybe we’ll find that rat too, Allute for some info if she was around or not.”

Debt shook his head some as he looks to the changelings and questioned. “How long until that vent is repaired?”

“An hour, tops.” told one as already they were using their magic to repair it as another told.

“Luckily she didn’t break anything else, so it would be a simple repair for us.” Debt nodded his head as he looked to Felix and asked.

“Need some time under the sun to recharge? That little scare probably took some energy from you.”

Shaking his head, Felix said, “Not any. Damage and energy consumption are far different.” Then waved, “I’m going down a deck and get working on the piping. Make sure things are working just fine.” Moving off to do just that.

Plans for takeoff and leaving were placed on postponed before they could occur. During the day of their estimated leave, did they gain some unexpected guests of a couple of Lion’s. What made it so noteworthy was their stark coloring. One being next to all white, only given extra color by her beaded necklace and bracelets. The other was a straggling grey male, mostly in long robes of all things.

The sight alone cause for pause, even more as the darkly blacked maned Lion sat patiently in place… while the white Lioness was moving about in some form of impatiens. It took a moment to decide what to do, but it was given down to Herbal to greet the two, and see why they were there.

The thestral internally sighed, as he knew it was Dejen who would have done this-- if the Striped wasn’t busy giving last check ups to the engines as he trots downward to the docks as he looked to the two and spoke. “Hello, my name is Herbal Health, I don’t mean to be rude but...why are you here?”

The lioness perked up on an instant as soon as she heard him, though the Lion himself spoke in a rather dull and uninterested manner, “I heard it from reliable lips that Felix is here.” His sharp yellow gaze having an almost unnerving feel to them. Unnatural, in a sense. “Is his person around? I have a word or two to say to him.”

Bounding up, Herbal nearly jumped and flared his wings when the white lioness moved up and told, “Dadisi, you’re creeping him out!” Then turned, giving a wide smile of her teeth and saying, “Can you please get Felix out here? We like, have really, really, really important things to talk to him about!”

Clearing his throat a bit, he said. “Yes, of course. One moment.” turning around to get Felix and inform him of the two.

Right before he could enter, he was further told by the one, Dadisi, “Also inform your Queen that Asha here has a few words to share with her as well.”

This caused some concern in the thestral, as normally no one requested of Mercy, well besides that diplomat, but Mercy politely turned the zebra down. Still, with a slight nod to them, he enter back inside the ship as he spoke to a changeling. “Please inform Mercy that the White mane, Asha is wishing to talk to her. Also please relay to Felix that both of them want to talk to him.” the changeling looked surprised, before a nod of a head and a quick message across the Swarm mind came.

A few minutes later, both bot and Queen were walking together as Mercy asked of Felix as they saw Herbal leaving to the medical bay. “You know of these two, can you bring a guess on why the White Mane request to speak to me as well? Wanting to talk to you is one thing, but why me as well?”

Walking down the hall, Felix thought it over and said, “I’m honestly stumped.” Then took a moment to think before saying, “It was Asha, right? Because if my Memory serves right, then she’s a White Mane prodigy. A fairly important and well respected Lioness of her Pride.” Then amended, “Well, will be. She’s still technically young. But Unless this is a last ditch effort of the Zebra’s, then I can’t think of anything.”

Raising a brow, she said. “Last ditch? You make it sound like the Zebras want her out of the Southern Cornerstone.”

“Oh no.” Waved off Felix. “If Chriki was any indication? I think some might be worried about your safety. I have no doubt most see your choice made, but Chriki’s acted like someone that’s been around those political stuff. I think she just saw your polite turndown as a risk. Probably just worried.”

Though while he thought it over, Felix admitted, “But that’s probably not the reason. But it’s the only one that makes… well, a little sense.”

Talking that in, the Queen remarked in a questioning tone. “Why do I have the feeling that some Zebras pressured some of the Lions in attempting to request a White mane to talk to me? From what you told me, the White manes were essentially the ones who are wise woman, correct?”

Nodding, Felix said, “Very much. Pressuring them into doing something just doesn't make sense though. Getting a Whitemane outside the Northern Cornerstone alone is hard, or rare, enough. The only times they do, is to meet the Zebra’s. And even then there’s too much respect to simply tell them to do something.”

Humming a bit, Mercy was at a loss of the reasons of why a White Mane request of her. Still, with a shift of herself into a disguise of the unicorn, she glance to Felix to say. “While I might be willing to hear her out, I’m still being cautious in case some Hunters sneaked in the Isles. No need for a possible risk.”

Chuckling, Felix said, “Knowing Dadisi? He probably has a Striped clan or two hiding around someplace just in case there is a hidden Hunter group.” Then gave a synthesized breath out. “He’s a Black Mane. The best way I can describe them are secret service with black-ops training. I’m a little worried on why he and Asha are both asking for me.”

Giving an agreeing nod, the faux pony walked the robot out of the ship and down on the board onto the deck as she looked to the two Lions of their respective Manes. Talking in the sights of the two, she could summarize that they were...different. The one known as Dadisi was almost like a shadow in his looks and his feelings. His entire emotions were veiled, odd magic surrounding his entire being. What she could sense was a cold, unforgiving aura with high attentive.

Like a predator waiting for a mistake of its prey to exploit for his benefits.

Asha was like the bright sun compare to her shadowy friend. She was warm, welcoming, and so full of joy within herself. She seemed happy to see them, and looks at the Queen with a touch of realization, which only heightened her excitement as the Queen couldn’t help but passively absorb the emotions the White mane gave.

“Dadisi.” Felix nodded in a curt manner.

“Felix.” Spoke the Black mane, showing that he acknowledged that the bot was there.

“Felix!” And Asha next to tackled the bot, almost knocking him over and giving him a rather big hug. “It’s been so long, how are you? Been any place new? Did you see any--” And not a moment later was she dragged back, a wisp of shadow tugging her away.

The show of magic was a little surprising for Mercy to see, even more since it came from the Blackmane. “Asha. Our being here?” He reminded in a stern manner before looking to Felix. “We have a problem.”

“I hazard that.” Felix told with crossed arms. “But what would you need me for? I thought the Isles were doing fine?” A little lost as to why he was being called by name.

Lifting a brow, Dadisi seemed to consider that before Asha said, “It’s that thing!” Though, how she said it was very… vague. “You know, the thing east of here. Really big and… pointy and you helped with and it being really important and then the ships and, you know!”

For a moment, Felix felt like he had no idea what she was talking about. Or, until Dadisi said, “The Wheel is broken.”

“Oh.” Started Felix. Before it hit him. “OOhh…” Then said more lowly, slumping a bit, “Oooooohh…..”

Raising a brow, Mercy horn gently glow as she formed the words in a question. “I’m going to presume that this ‘Wheel’ is highly important to the Isles, correct?”

Turning his head, Felix said, “think of it as an early warning system if Slavers come around the eastside of the Southern Islands. The Striped manage it, but during one of my trips here I helped… well, improve it with some more… advanced software know-how.” Then scratched his head. “I taught them and a few ponies that live here how to work it…”

“But the damage done is too severe.” Dadisi told simply. “We need the expert in the field to fix it. We were going to send an emissary to Equestria for a pony that could help, but when we caught wind that Felix was within the area, we rushed to get him.”

Thinking a bit, Mercy could see the reasoning of that, why get a pony from Equestria, when the original technician was here? She gave a nod to that, but soon asked. “I can see why you want to talk to him. But why does Asha wants to talk to me as well?” then added dryly. “Or she wants to talk to a Queen like myself since she never got the chance?”

Giggling, Asha said, “Well, a little of that.” Then perked up and said, “I wanted to ask if I can come with!” Making both Queen and Felix pause.

Sighing, Dadisi said, “Asha’s been trying to find a way out of the Isle to travel outwards. And when she heard there was a Changeling Queen on a ship heading out, she thought she could do two things at once. Protection of a Hive with a queen, and see the world.”

Turning his optic to the blackmane, Felix asked, “I thought you were your cousins babysitter?”

“I am not her over glorified babysitter anymore.” Dryly told the Lion. “She can take care of herself now. She chose to take this path, and while her Pride isn’t thrilled, they really can’t detain her. Even if they tried.”

A slight brow rose from that, as she asked in a dry manner. “While I can slightly understand the latter of seeing the world, I am presuming that the Zebras sent a request, or someone in the political ladder, decided to send someone to protect me since I’m not too keen on staying in one specific area?”

Turning to gaze at the disguised Queen, Dadisi told, “You would be surprised. You’re not the only Queen that set hoof in the Isles since we made a policy against Hunter interference. There are a few, though I will not name where or a number.” A bit of information that interested Mercy to an extent.

“To make it simple?” Asha said, “A few of the Zebra’s, mostly Shamen Alkaki, an ambassador that saw the treatment Hunters gave to Changelings, was a little frazzled.” Then shook her head. “She mentioned some pretty messed up stuff. So, I thought I’d come with!” Then giggled, “They really didn’t expect me to volunteer to go, they weren't sure if they even send anyone.”

“It’s called, ‘personal space’ Asha.” Told Dadisi. “The Queen said no, and they didn’t want to press the matter any further. You just happen to be an overly convenient loophole that tossed themselves right at the situation without warning.”

“A rather useful convenient loophole to them. Assure that I will have some protection, and you get your wish.” remarked the Queen as she said. “But the decision isn’t up to me, it's up to my mate. Who is both the Captain and head of our group. Who is also currently working on the engines in last minute checkup.”

Sitting down, Asha said cheerfully, “I can wait.” Then told on, “Dadisi and Felix can then get going and deal with the problem.”

Felix seemed to wince to that and told to Mercy, “We might have to change plans. This tower that I’m needed to look at is pretty important. I might have to get down the directions you have to take and get moving.” Then asked to Dadisi, “Just how bad is the damage?”

“Sabotage levels.” Dadisi told. “One of the Stripped noticed the offender in the act and trying to escape. One of the larger slave rings was trying to make an opening. We’re rushing on shoring up defenses, but it will only take a few days for others to notice the gap in our sight.”

“Imperative I get going then.” Felix seemed to hiss to himself. “Give me a moment to get the directions to someone, I’ll be out within a few minutes.” That seemed to be enough for Dadisi, who got up and almost slothfully began to walk his way off the deck.

Turning to Mercy, Felix said, “I’m really sorry to leave like this--”

“Its fine.” assured Mercy with a smile and raised hoof. “I get it, this island safety with its people is more important than us. We’re just glad you managed to help us be nearly complete with our ship.” then added. “Just tell me the directions, one of my children already has a pencil and paper ready to write down everything I hear from you.”

Felix gave a nod and began to tell a number of places and coordinates. First starting from their current position and leading over the ocean. Form there where they would reach Vanhoover and the streets and bars that Allute might be hiding around. From there he gave directions to some town east of Vanhoover called Grainseed, a little unmarked place on the map around some hills. And to meet some mare named Clementine at a marked building called ‘World Traverse’.

Hearing her children writing down everything as she gave a nod. “It's been done. May the odds be in your favor, Felix.” Sending another message to her kids to alert Dejen to come here as she saw Felix giving a salute to her and rushing off the ship to where Dadisi was waiting for him. She herself sat on her haunches as she said to Asha. “Dejen will be coming here soon.” she however asked in slight curiosity.

“I’m a bit surprised that you haven’t asked why I used my voice to speak, instead of using my magic with written words.”

There was an odd twinge in Asha’s emotions, one of sympathy Mercy came to realize quickly. “You can’t.” It was said with such a certainty. “Your body was damaged. A blade to the throat cut you deep. I can still hear the strained pain behind the cold edge on your flesh.”

A frown came on her face as Mercy spoke. “I’ll admit, that was surprisingly in depth of you to say.” feeling a mixed confusion of how Asha knew of that, and an uncertainty on how she ‘heard’ the pain the Queen endured. “How did you managed to figure that out? My disguise doesn’t show the scar across my neck.”

Smiling some, Asha told, “I don’t see it with my own eyes.” Then placed a paw to her chest. “I see with my spirit's eye. I can tell you weren't a pony because… well, I can feel that you’re not a pony.” Then told on, “White Manes can see… hear, taste and feel things others can’t.” Then giggled, “I don’t know your past… but I can still hear the echoes of it. I can still feel the painful echo every time you write. You… miss your voice.”

A low frown was on her expression as she felt...a bit sad that she couldn’t use her voice, and couldn’t help but say. “Yes ...I...I do miss it so much. It's been nearly 3 years since I last heard of it. The only time I remember it was in the past. It..it's sometimes hard to remember that I need to talk without even using my voice.” she let out a low sigh and admit.

“But...it's better than being dead, that's for certain.”

Smiling more brightly, Asha told, “And that’s why I’m here.” Then went on to say, “I can see and feel things others can’t. The hope is if there’s a danger to you, I’ll sense it before it happens and make sure you’re safe-- or if hurt, heal you.”

A slow nod came on the changeling, as she didn’t bother to turn to hear the footsteps of her male. As Dejen, wearing some overalls as he was wiping something off his hands with a rag as he looked at the White mane with a raised brow and asked. “I’m guessing your Asha and you're wondering if you can tag along with us, right?” then introduce himself with a grin.

“You probably heard from Mercy, but my name is Dejen. Gotta say, sorta surprise to meet a Whitemane up close. From what Felix told me you all prefer the natural area in the Northern Cornerstone.”

With a laugh, Asha told, “I was too much of a pawful. I wanted to see the world and it was driving my Pride bonkers.”

Laughing a bit, Dejen nod his head as his amber eyes look Asha over, before saying. “Well, I wouldn't exactly say no, but I’m curious on what you can do. I mean Felix mention you White manes are wise woman, but what can you do exactly?”

“Besides good advice and company?” Asked Asha with a tilted head. “Well, I’m also a healer. I can heal severe wounds with either special spells or with some potion mixes taught to me by both my Pride and the Zebra shamen.” Then went on to say, “I can sense ill intent. Trying to lie to me is impossible, even with magic.” Then smiled on, “I can sense changelings too. Oh, I’m also great with kids, and I know a few spells if things get really bad. Like, fight bad, but I'd try and talk things our first. No need for people to get hurt, right?”

Having a hand under his chin, he consider it as he glance to Mercy as she told. “Take her in, she be good in not only helping Herbal, but she was able to sense my ‘spirit’ with my scar.” Which got Dejen to blink in surprise as he look to Asha as he asked in curiosity.

“You can sense people auras? Now that is admittedly a unique skill, at least as far as I can understand.”

Giggling, Asha told, “It’s a Whitemane thing. We all learn it from an early age and are taught how to feel it, the earth, the trees, the wind.” She breathed in and sighed out. “It smells sad here.” She remarked in a somber tone. Looking at them with her shining opal eyes, she smiled, “Maybe you all can use a bit of spiritual healing too, huh?”

Thinking a bit, he admit that maybe...they could. But he couldn’t help but see how good Asha was in sensing as he asked in an amused grin. “So before I give my answer, perhaps I can ask what you can sense from this very strange Striped before you?” adding with a bit of flair. “After all, I am probably one of the few Stripes that aren’t like the natives here.”

“You’re concerned.” Was the first words that left her mouth. “You regret… but also justify. You hide the pain, but it’s always screaming.” Almost looking thoughtful, even while looking at his grin. “You’re scared of the full truth, but ignore it for others, right?” Gaining a patient smile.

Mercy look to the Striped, noticing him holding that grin, but even if he wore the mask, she could see the slight chinks in that mask of his. Asha words...apparently hit a few nerves. Not many can tell what Dejen really thinks. she however slightly felt concern of what pain her male was hiding, as she sometimes had a hard time in sensing what he felt as all she could feel from him was…

A sense of disbelief, concern...and a mixed feeling of unnerved and unease. Yet he kept that grin as he soon hum a bit, as he then nodded his head. “Alright, you can come on.” then added to Mercy. “You can show her to her new room and introduce everyone, I’ll be working the engine like before. Later~.” turning to walk off as when he was out of hearing, did Mercy spoke.

“It's rare for anyone to just see through his mask like that. I’m impressed you saw that much within a glance at him, Asha.”

Having watched the Striped the whole way, Asha said, “It’s something that no one expects from White manes. We see things that others just can’t.” Then glanced to Mercy and said, “You’re worried.” Starting it as a fact before smiling. “I know that pain is something to worry about, but it’s something he’s running form. He needs to make the choice to stand up to it, or keep running.” Then stood up going on, “You can only run for so long…”

Then, like a switch, her somber voice turned to utter bubbly cheer, her feelings once more a ball of sunshine as she said, “So, who are we meeting? Are there any cubs on ship-- or is it fillies? Foals?” Saying this in a prattle to herself. “Oh, what do you do for fun? I’m not sure what you do for fun, but I personally like playing around when I can.”

Shaking her head a bit, she started to lead the lioness inside, removing her disguise as she started to explain. “We have no cubs, or fillies, or foals-- at least not yet. It takes a lot of work to handle them on a ship while on the move.” She then gave a hum as she went on. “As for fun, we do various things. Sometimes we lay around, other times we work on our personal stuff. A few times we indulge Dejen with a game of cards.” Then went on telling.

“But first, we should go and meet-, oh hello Debt, is there something you need?” asked the Queen as she noticed the gnoll coming up by as he spoke in a simple manner.

“I’m here to inform that all the supplies are accounted for.” his burnt face look from changeling to Whitemane as he asked. “Who is this?”

“This is Asha, a White mane of healing and heightened sixth sense. She will be with us for the trip.” then turned her attention to Asha as she introduced. “This is Debt, both our main pilot and Dejen bodyguard.”

“Hiya!” The Lioness seemingly chirped. “Nice to meet you.” Then eyed him and giggled, “Wow, almost as gloomy as Dadisi.” Then said, “Don’t worry, I’ll try and not bothering you too much. But if you ever need to talk, well, I’ll be around.”

With a brief nod, he walked on as Mercy trots with Asha to continue the tour as she spoke. “Debt is usually not much of a talker, so I doubt he’ll talk much with you.” with a shake of her head, she changed the subject and told. “But for now, let's continue on the tour.” Passing by some of her children, as she introduce them one by one as they met with the Lioness as the two females headed to the medical bay as she said.

“You already met Herbal, the ship doctor, but I feel you should also meet his mate as well, and as a warning? She is a Shiflting, a sort of cousin to Changelings.” Already opening the door to see both doctor and Breeder pausing in their bit of study session together as their heads raise up to the Lioness as Mercy was about to introduce and explain--

It was just like every other time that Katty was already moving and asking, “Who’s this?” Already going about sniffing the Lioness. Unlike their last guest, Asha didn’t back up-- instead, the Lioness giggled at the light taps and touches.

“I’m Asha!” Then in turn, nudges and pawed at the Shiftling that barely moved, though only slightly to avoid the slow paw taps. “Who’s this?” Parrot Asha while patting the shilling's head.

“I’m Katty!” Responded the Shiftling in turn before she told, “You smell funny.”

With a large smile, Asha sniffed back and told, “You smell funny too!” The whole ordeal almost odd to see.

Both changeling and thestral merely blinked, as he looks to Mercy as the Queen explain. “Asha will be going with us, she’s a healer and can sense with sixth senses ability. I figure with her helping with magical healing and knowledge, it will help you in your healing abilities too.” he slightly nod as he got on his hooves, moving up by as he said to Asha.

“Don’t mind too much of Katty antennas, it's how she’s able to smell other's and identify them. Shiftlings aren’t known for personal spaces, so she does this to nearly everyone.”

Smiling up, Asha told, “I don’t mind. She reminds me of my sisters.” That made the shiftling pause in her prodding to glance up and ask.

“You come from Colony?” Katty in her ever-brimming curiosity, tilt her head and awaited for a response. It made Asha giggle.

“I come from Pride. Two mothers and a Father, lot’s of sisters.” Smiled the whitemane while ruffling Katty’s head in an ever so playful manner. “And a few brothers.” Then glanced to say, “Hiya, nice to see you again Herbal.” Her smile as bright as before.

“It is...nice to meet you too, Asha.” said the thestral in some hesitance, mostly due to never encountering a lion before as it would be something he would have to get used to. Adding Lions on the list of people I never thought to work with. I fear that list may become longer soon. thought the doctor as he placed a wing around Katty side.

Katty nuzzled the thestral while she was pulled in, though both heard Asha coo out, “Awww, that so adorable~!”

Herbal smile some as Mercy giggle and said. “It is, Katty here is addicted to Herbal and his love. She just can’t help but fawn over him like the stud that he is.”

Herbal raise a hoof as he corrected. “It’s more of giving her just nuzzling and hugging me like a big soft bed.” To which Mercy tease.

“More like an irresistible food source for her to glomp at.”

Katty pouted and nuzzled into her stallion while shifting into her more mare like camo-from. The process interesting Asha some while the Shiftling said, “Love is soft. Love feeds me. Love gets me and all need I give.” Then smiled, “This is good.”

Asha giggled at that and said, “You’re really fond of him, aren't you?” A gleam in her eye. “You’d do anything for him, won’t you?”

Katty gave a firm nod. “Love needs, I give.” Then went on to say, “Like breeding and--”

Clearing his throat, as bits of embarrassment rise from the stallion as he said to Katty. “There's no need to go into details, Sweety.” although Mercy grin and explain to Asha.

“Shiftlings are usually drones, talking in all sorts of emotions, but if given specific emotions? They turn into something else from that emotion. Katty here took a week full of lust to be a Breeder for the dear doctor, to both give him foals-- and to stroke his ego in more than one way.” giggling a bit to see the low flush on the stallion face as he glance away from Mercy slight teasing comment.

“Aw~” Cooed out the big cat. “You did that all for him?” Mostly asking this to a happily nodding Katty. “That’s so sweet!” Then turned to the doctor and said, “It’s almost funny in a sense, right?” Though that served to only confuse them some. Still, Asha giggled to herself and said, “So, where next, Mercy?”

“Wait, what do you mean by that?” asked Herbal in slight confusion. “What's funny in a sense?” Mercy almost had to agree with a nod, wondering what the cat meant.

Thinking about it, Asha said, “Well…” Blinking one eye close in deep thought on how to say it before saying, “It’s funny… because she’d do anything for you. But at the same time it’s what you ran form, it seems.” Causing an odd shock to just grip the Thestral, while Katty glanced at him in concern.

Without much waiting, Asha said, “So, we ready Mercy?” Turning around and padding out the door, “I really want to see around, I’m not let on ships that much!” Excitement in her tone, leaving behind the shellshocked doc.

She gave a slight not, but couldn’t help but glance behind to Herbal, seeing him doing his best to calm himself as he kept a tight grip on Katty with a wing. I think Asha accidentally set him in a state of confusion. thought Mercy as she walked out with Asha as she guided the lioness around. Getting her to know more of the Queen children that pass by as she showed her around in the bridge, to the crew room, then down to the bottom where Gem was in the Hanger Bay working up a bit on her gemstones as she glanced at the two and said with a grin.

“Hey Mercy, this must be Asha, eh?” turning to greet the lioness as she jaba thumb to herself. “The name’s Gem, I’m the smithy, co-engineer and overall genius for these lot!”

Smiling, Asha said, “Well, you know me already, so, nice to meet you, Gem!” Then thought it over and said, “So you’re the one that makes sure the ship keeps working, right?” Then laughed, “That must be tiring. Having to keep an eye on everything. Like some big oversized garden that always needs weeding.”

Laughing, she told. “Well me and the boss. But yeah, hard to keep everything running when it's the two of us!” then told with a grin. “But, we make do.” then motioned a hand around going on. “But I’m sure you want to see the sights of what we got, eh?”

With a grin, Asha told, “Well, yeah!” Then went on to say, “Well, I might not understand it… I have a hard enough time keeping up with what the Striped make… but I can try!”

Laughing a bit, she said. “Well, to be blunt, there some stuff even I have trouble understanding. Especially with what both the boss and Felix add in,” then motioned with a hand and said. “But I’ll try. What we got here is basically my stuff, my tools, gems full of runes-- and that the boss made.” jabbing a thumb to the plane as she went on. “A prototype still, but she works like a charm for the boss.”

Asha gave it a look… and tilted her head. “What is it?” Having no clue what she was looking at.

“Boss calls it a plane, a Sopwith Pup. Apparently it's the first of its kind,” then shrugged. “I just count it as some sort of Striped thing.”

To that, Asha nodded and said, “Stripes can be so weird at times.”

“Yeah and get this, apparently the thing doesn’t need air balloons to fly, all it needs is an engine to fly in the air.” told Gem with a shrug. “I didn’t believe the boss at first, but after seeing it fly in the air without an air balloon? I believed him.”

The Lioness shrugged and told, “I honestly don’t know how an Airship works. All I know is stuff is put in and it flies. I know how normal sea ships work more than this.” Tapping her paw on the floor.

“Eh, don’t blame you there.” said Gem as she walked more with Asha, noticing that Mercy was gone as she glance to Asha and asked. “Anyway, you hungry? We got some food still fresh from yesterday.”

Nodding, Asha said, “Sure.” Then asked, “you do got things for a Lion, right?” Then went on, “I mean, anything just meaty. You really don’t want to see what happens when we don’t have any to have.”

“Well...we got some meat stew, but it has a bit of beans in them…” then as she lead the lioness out of the Hanger Bay, she lead her towards the kitchen area. “We made some new installments, like a ‘icebox’, which helps freeze stuff to keep it colder.” about to add in more, before glancing to see Windy gathering something on a tray, apparently getting some food for Dejen to eat as the azure mare was humming a tune as the D-dog cursed.

Ah by the Stones. looking to Asha as she sighed and explain. “That's Windy, she’s uh, she’s with Dejen as his slave.” almost dreading what sort of negative action the White mane might give out from that explanation.

“Really?” Asked Asha curiously to Gem before padding on ahead without Gem’s consent to meet Windy. The mare herself was just turning around before she nearly came nose-to-nose with Asha, causing her to pause as the large cat staring rather intently into the pegasus’s eyes…

The intensity stopped when she closed the distance and booped their noses together before backing up and smiling cheerily, “Hi, I’m Asha!”

Windy herself felt rather confused of the intense look, then the boop, and finally being cheery as she responded. “Hello...I'm Windy Skies. What...are you?” Feeling rather confused of the lioness and added in her asking. “And why did you boop me?”

To that, Windy found a sizable paw booping her nose again, Asha giggling, “Because it’s fun.” Then told, “And I’m a lion, or a Lioness since I’m a girl.” Then asked, “What’s that?” Mostly remarking to the pegasus’s load of food.

“This is meat stew that Master didn't finish last night, I was preparing for it so he could finish the rest when he took a break.” Responded Windy.

“Oh, okay.” Asha said before asking, “Is it just meat or does it have other stuff?” Then went on to say, “Because I don’t know about you, but the last time I had something like veggies, I had the worst stomach ache for hours.” Then waved a paw, “It was so no fun.”

“It does have a bit of beans in them.” Admitted the mare as she glanced back to the stew. “It also got a bit of onions too.” then look back to Asha as she said. “If you excuse me, I need to bring this to Master.” turning around as she raises the tray with her hooves, using her wings to get into the air and fly out of the kitchen as Gem let out a low sigh. Rubbing her face as she walked by Asha and said.

“Dang girl, you had me worried for a second, almost thought you would be like them Zebras who managed to see her from a far or by chance.”

With a glance, Asha said, “Well, she's not hurting, so I guess there’s nothing to worry about, right?” Smiling as she said that. “I mean, sure, the Zebra’s would be a bit worried. I mean, with how slavers like to burn down villages and kidnap them…” Then went on, “But can you blame them?”

Going from there, Asha said, “Also, I might be able to handle beans a bit…” Sticking her tongue out, she said, “But onions, yeck! Some beans I could maybe handle, but the Onions are too much.” Then said, “Sorry, all meat diet. I really have trouble eating things that aren't meaty.”

Snorting a bit, she said. “Well, we might as well get some meat from the icebox.” going to the far left to a steel door as she pulled it open as a low breeze of coldness came out. The dog snort from the sudden cold, but endure it as she enter in to grab something as she remarked. “A shame you weren’t here yesterday, would've calm down someone who was suppose to be our navigator-- but flipped when she saw Windy with Dejen.”

Then came out with some cut pig meat as she went on. “Don’t know why, but some of us guess she just hate slavers and assumed Dejen secretly being one.” then asked. “You want this cook, or eat it raw as it warms up?”

Looking to the frozen meat, Asha said, “Well, if it wasn’t a block? I’d have it raw. But I think I’d just cook it over a fire to be sure I can eat it.” Then asked, “What is it?” Giving a sniff, though could hardly pick up what the scent was from the cold. Still, it did smell a bit familiar.

“Pig. Got some from Arabia from the markets.” grabbing a pan as she let the fire warm under it as she let the pieces of meat settle into the pan to warm up. “Curious question, what did you saw in Windy? You were staring intently in the mare eyes before booping her with her nose.”

Smiling to this, Asha told, “Someone that finally has peace.”

“Care to elaborate on that?” asked Gem. “Cuz admittedly from what we saw with Windy? She just likes serving Dejen a lot as his property.”

“But she wasn’t before, was she?” Asked the Lioness. “She was just someone that looked out and wondered about things, but was never allowed. Always confined to what she was supposed to be. Never allowed to be anything more than what she was. To only do as told and have nothing else.”

There was a somberness in Asha’s gaze, a sadness. “She wanted so much more, but could never have it. Now, she has more than she could have ever ask. Why would she want to leave that?”

Humming a bit, Gem said. “You mean before she was given to the boss, she wasn’t happy, but now that she's with him, she likes being his?” thinking a bit as she admitted. “Don’t know how a mare like that enjoys being around the boss-- but I never know her long enough like the boss himself, so that's probably why.”

Looking to the slightly sizzling pan, Asha said, “Maybe because she’s more free now than she was ever let. The cage you see her have, isn’t a cage but a grand palace. A place of real comfort because the place she was before gave her nothing because she once thought herself as nothing.”

Asha tilted her head some and went on, “Sometimes you don’t know how much you have, until you lose it. But she knew what it was like to have nothing, and be given everything. I pity her. She never got to be like you or me a long time ago.”

“Eh, maybe you're right.” shrugged Gem, flipping the meat with a spatula as she thought on it...before scrunching her face as she admits. “Then again...you sorta lost me. Parts of it I can understand, like with the cage being a palace, cuz the boss treats her good and well. As well a bit of knowing what it was like to lose stuff...but some parts you said, her being more free than she was let? Or the latter bit of her not being like us and was given everything?”

Looking to Asha as she asked. “You're saying that she was brought up as a slave or something, and was treated like nothing till the boss got her?”

The whitmane gave a smile, if not a low one. “Maybe while I’m here, I’ll show her what it’s like to be a filly… just for a little bit.”

Gem just stare at her, feeling a bit confused as she shook her head. “Eh...anyway meat is going to be done in five.” moving the meat abit with a spatula, she asked. “How much meat do you eat anyway? Three meals a day? If so, we might need to buy loads of meat just to feed you for the entire trip.”

Thinking some, Asha told, “A pound or two a day might do it.” Then gave the dog a look and said, “We’ll be going over ocean. Do any of you know how to fish?”

“A couple of changelings probably know, maybe Debt and Herbal.” slightly mused the dog as she moved around and went on. “Although we might get extra meat just in case, as Equestria is a mostly herbivorous place. Meat is a bit expensive to get from there, so the best place to hunt for meat is with fish.” then she thought on more and added. “We might need to get some seamstress’s here to weave you some clothes for winter time, since I doubt your coat can handle the cold weather when winter hits.”

Making a face to that, Asha said, “Eh… cloths.” Not liking the idea. “Bit restricting, but I guess if I have too…” Thinking some to herself before huffing. “Well, I suppose I could try using a small spell to stay warm, but that’s not going to stop you all for getting me something, is it?”

“Stones no,” told the collie as she told. “You and Katty are the only ones who aren’t used to the cold-- well maybe the boss too,” then shook her head as she continued. “Point is, we might as well craft wool clothing for you to stay warm as I doubt even with magic it’ll keep you warm for the cold winds.” flipping the meat as she thought on it and soon asked.

“Which does remind me on something, are all Striped naturally insane?” looking to Asha as she went on. “Because since I worked with the boss, he tends to jump around the city like a madman, swinging around rooftops, jumping down long distances-- or even just being giant risk takers for no apparent reasons.”

Laughing, Asha told, “It’s called being Racky, in Striped culture. And actually considered a complement.” Then went on to explain, “Striped are sort of nomadic. They live on the edge of death every day and seem to enjoy it. You want to be good at something, you either give it your all, or go home. And no Strip worth their stripes will back down without putting their all into their goal.”

Snorting some, Gem remarked. “Would explain why he enjoy the thrill of poker. Big risks and big rewards.” she took a free plate from a table as she put the cooked meat from pan to plate as she passes it to Asha as she asked with a raised brow. “Generally speaking all Stripes are insane and mad inventors, right?”

Thinking to that first and not bothering her food yet, Asha said, “Insane isn’t the right word.” Moving around the table to keep on telling, “Everyone sees it insane. But it’s actually a way of life. A Striped would say you’re insane for not putting enough effort into something if you gave up after the first try. It’s just a way of life to them, since they are the smaller number of Hyena that live in the Isles.”

“Seriously?” asked Gem with a raised brow. “From the way I heard it with how they stretch all over the Isles, you would think that they would be a large clan or something.” making a hand motioned in a rolling circle and letting stretch outside. “I mean, from what I saw while shopping they practically filled the streets picking up scrap off the ground.”

Shaking her head, Asha told, “Oh, don’t get confused. If you saw two Stripped with the same clothes-- than odds are that was the same one. They’re just fast on their paws, very fast. Even Gazelle can have trouble keeping up with them from time to time-- even if they are technically faster than the stripped.”

“Huh...would explain how the boss is a nimble little punk in a fight.” sitting in a stool, she asked. “Since I’m guessing the Stripes practically invented nearly everything on the Isles, they’re all in good standing with everyone side from Spotted, right? Cuz I at least know that them and Spotted has a sort of issue with one another since they’re both Hyenas.”

Rolling her eyes, Asha said, “Oh, don’t get me started on that bit of history.” Giving an exasperated look with, “It’s just some old spat that the Spotted aren't willing to get over. A problem that they started with the Lions before the Isles became united. The Lion’s have moved past it pretty much, and everyone’s pretty fine with the Striped, but the whole thing has left the Stripped very cautious of strangers.”

“Even an unknown Striped in odd garbs?” joked Gem.

“Definitely an odd stripped they have never seen before.” Told the Lioness, well, until she paused. “Well, maybe they’ll talk to him.” Tapping her chin before telling, “There’s a sort of unspoken rule with Striped that they can talk to one another just fine. But also an unspoken rule that they can’t visit individual homes to different Stripe’s.”

“Seriously? I mean it's one thing for them to not visit some unknown person house...but not visit individual home to different Stripes?” questioned Gem in disbelief. “What are they all different Stripes within the Clan or something?”

Deciding to take a large bite of her food while she thought, Asha chewed for a while before gulping and saying, “It’s a clan thing. Each clan can be about a hundred each, and you can find ten or more of them on each or around the Isle. Only specific clans are allowed to see into other clans. It’s a safety measure so if anyone wanted to hurt the Stripes? They can only hurt one clan, one cell. The rest all cut off or hidden-- and no way for the others to spill.”

Humming some, Gem had to admit, that was kinda clever. In fact it was really clever, lower costs and bodies if a place was breach.

“Unlike the rest of us.” Asha went on, “The Striped are more focused on their ingenuity.” Then went on, “Sure, they have traps, gadgets and a bunch of really wacky stuff…” But then told, “But the Spotted are bigger and stronger warriors. The Lions are vast and powerful too. The Gazelle are swift and smart. And Zebra’s, if negotiation fails, have some of the most advanced magic in the Isle’s.” Then grimaced. “They have real nasty hexs, and don’t have to be in sight range to cast them.”

“Damn. It's a really good thing then that Dejen kept Windy here on the ship instead out with him, otherwise a zebra might of decided to give a hex to the boss without us knowing.” frown Gem as she had a hex on her before-- and it wasn’t pleasant to say the least. Although she did thought and soon asked in curiosity. “I know it’ll be awhile before we leave, but are we going to expect anyone else to pop up to either talk to the boss-- or want to hitch a ride like you?”

“I dunno.” Was the simple response. “And don’t worry about hex’s. Whitemane's like myself are one of the rare few that can get rid of them.” Then smiled, “I can see them. So if you think something funny’s up, let me know.”

Letting a breath of relief out, Gem nodded as she thought a bit and soon asked. “Have you tried desserts before-- or is your body unable to handle anything sweet related food?”

Chewing her meat a moment, Asha shook her head and gulped before telling, “If I want a settled tummy? Then raw meat with maybe little herbs and spices. And little to no fat.” Making a face and telling, “Lions don’t do well with a lot of fat in our food. Lean meat is what we need. My brother tried having something fatty-- and he threw up all his lunch not a half hour later.”

Wincing at that, she said. “Okay good to know, because that way we at least know what sort of meat to give, probably gotta get seafood or maybe rabbits.” Gem felt glad that they had extra meat of fish in the ice box, as well as a few steaks. She doubt Asha could handle steaks as she asked. “What about fruits, can you handle that at least?”

Shaking her head, Asha said, “Last I checked, Fruit isn’t made of meat.”

“Riiight, had to make sure.” said Gem as she then figure that asking about dairy products might not work either. “What about eggs? Can you at least eat eggs?”

Thinking a bit, Asha screwed her face up tight before saying, “Yeah… but they’re not really all that filling.” Then told, “Unless you happen to have a pound of eggs laying around for each day. But I’d get tired of that real fast.”

Slightly nodding, she was about to ask another question, before turning her head as Mercy ‘voice’ spoke in. “Asking nutrition questions on how Asha is able to eat?” Amusement in her tone as she teased. “Decided to play doctor?” Gem snort in slight amusement as she got up and told.

“Someone gotta ask to inform the doc and everyone on a lioness diet, especially since she's on a meat restrictive diet with a few eggs and beans.” then asked with a raised brow. “And where were you while I played hostess?”

Giggling some, Mercy told. “I played hostess with some other guests, apparently some Stripes were interested in talking with Dejen, and they were a bit surprised on how...different he was, similar enough to them-- but vastly different from the common Striped.”

“Well, it’s not like he is part of a Striped clan.” Asha said in an offhand manner while she ate. She went on, even at the glances she was given. “A Striped Hyena alone isn’t common unless you’re near their home. To see him on a ship far from home and away from other Striped? It’s a little unusual, and even strange.”

Giving a nod, Mercy agreed. “They asked if he was abandoned as a pup years back.” scrunching her face as she admitted. “Although Dejen response simply confused them as he said he came from a very far away place that they wouldn’t know about. It...also confused me too, as even I assumed Dejen came from here at a young age.”

Raising a brow, Asha told, “Well, as far as I know, or even Dadisi knows, the Eastern Isles is where all Stripped came from. For him to come from anywhere else? Well, I don’t think anyone would know where he could of been unless he had some clan get lost at sea or something for some… long time.” Not really sure how to answer the conundrum that made little sense.

Gem shrug at that as she said. “Maybe his parents left the clan or something any they washed up in Arabia? Maybe the Striped clan they were in reached some limit in population and they volunteer to leave or something?”

“That doesn’t make sense, why would a Striped couple, with Dejen at a young age, leave a Clan at all? The washing up to Arabia is possible, but why leave a secure and potential growing environment for a Stripe?”

Nodding to that, Asha added, “There’s too much ocean between here and Arabia. There’s lot’s of Islands around the Isle’s. Plenty of places for a couple to find another Clan, or have part of the clan to leave for and settle at. I don’t see any leaving that far out for any reason. They know they would be seen as thieves anywhere else with their way of life.”

Mercy consider something as she suggested. “What if...what if Dejen parents were thieves?” Gaining looks as she admitted. “It's a stretch...but during the three years I know of Dejen, he sometimes do questionable things now and then. At least when it comes to our sakes.”

Scrunching her face up, Asha said, “Then his parent’s couldn’t have been Striped.” Causing Mercy to tilt her head. “For a Striped to be called a thief in any way is a huge insult. It’s a sore spot, like, a War time racist term insult. Stripped do everything to prove they are nothing like thieves. Scavengers, but never thieves.”

“But don’t scavengers usually take stuff from the dead?” asked Gem. “I mean, the dead don’t need it anymore, right?”

Asha laughed and told, “We all pass on. When our bodies stay and be taken by the bugs and the trees, do you call them thieves?” Tilting her head and smiling. “Here in the Isles, the Striped area part of the way things are. When something is tossed away, they come in and use it for something else. Continue the cycle of life. It’s not stealing, it’s continuing the use of something. From ore, to metal, to blade, to scrape, to hull to armor and maybe later on, a ring or necklace.”

While Gem hum in consideration to that, Mercy soon asked. “But you mention a ‘War time’ insult, do you mean from before the Isles became the actual United Isles?” Gaining a rough idea that the Striped were called thieves for being just scavengers. “Were the Striped called thieves by everyone back then?”

Shaking her head, Asha told, “No. It was a misunderstanding about the Lions had when they were at war with the Hyena’s. Really, it was all a big misunderstanding in the end, but it’s what’s caused most of the derogatory stuff to come up for the Stripped being Cowards or spineless, yellow belly and even thieves.”

Lifting a paw to roll, Asha told, “Some Lions have these beaded necklaces or bracelets on them, like my necklace, that get taken home to be placed on a special stone to show who our ancestors were.” Her paw on her necklace, she went on, “At the time, the Stripped thought they were just trinkets and took them to be used for other things. The warriors were dead, they wouldn’t use them.”

Rather sadly, the lioness went on, “Well, when Lions came to take these special things from their lost friends, family and Pride-- those things were gone. It enraged them, and claimed the Striped were thieves for taking something so sacred and important to us. Even raiding a few clans, just for these. Shanga za Baba, or Ancestral Beads.”

“Damn, and they probably thought the worst when those Lions came at their clans for the beads.” said Gem as she shook her head. “Guess they assume that they were viewed in the same light as Spotted by all the Lions.”

“Although I’m guessing whatever happen after those raids, the Lions decided to give trouble to the Striped like the Spotted?” asked Mercy.

“Oh no.” Asha began, “The Blackmane's figured out that it was a misunderstanding. And that the Striped didn’t want war like the Spotted did. Things got ironed out fast there.” Then grimaced. “But when the Striped were being slowly excluded from the war, the Spotted began to throw in that their cousins were being cowards or spineless for not fighting, or even switching sides just to stay safe.”

“And then Spotted attacked the Striped.” dryly said the Queen as if assuming that was the case. “It probably shocked the other three races of how quick the Spotted were willing to kill their cousins and fight both them and the Lions at the same time.”

Tilting her head and flattened her ears, Asha said, “Let’s just say that it went bad real fast and it’s why Striped are the smallest race in the Isles, even after the Lions left them alone.”

Ears flattening, Mercy said in a knowing tone. “A near extinction of Striped?” Getting Gem to blink in surprise to near shock.

Shrugging, Asha said in an almost smaller tone. “It’s a Hyena thing. You either go all out, or don’t try at all.”

“Damn...thats bad.” muttered Gem as she shook her head and asked. “Did the Striped gain the support after that little ‘event’ with the Spotted? I mean, not everyday when something like that happen.”

Thinking about it, Asha told, “If I remember history right, the Zebra and Gazelle came along and found the two sides fighting. It was the Zebra’s that brought peace.” Then smiled and told with a giggled, “Officially, they did it with peace talks. But according to Blackmane history, the Shamans and Witch Doctors threatened everyone with hexes, curses and voodoo torture if they didn’t stop fighting.”

Laughing a bit, Gem joked. “That shut the Spotted up fast. I doubt they could handle stuff like that.” Then look to Mercy and asked. “What happen after the Striped got done talking with Dejen? You never did say what happen next.” to which Mercy gave a slight shrug and admit.

“Nothing much, just thanked Dejen, said goodbye and left by diving off the ship in free fall before grabbing onto something and left. I think they were somewhat satisfied with what they learn and know that he should be left alone as if he was from another clan.”

Nodding, the whitemane said, “That sounds right for them.” Going back to her food from there without much more thought.

“Welp, time for me to see what I need to do in the engines, later you two!” told Gem as she got up and walked off, while Mercy wave a hoof and soon said to Asha.

“When you’re done eating, I’ll show you to your new room, which has the basic necessities. After that? Well roam around the ship if you want, or go out and do whatever business you need to handle. It’ll be awhile before we set off, maybe a day or two left until we leave.”

Lifting to nod her head to this, Asha told, “I might leave to pick up a few things and settle down. I shouldn’t be gone longer than a day.”

Nodding some, Mercy got up and said. “When you do come back, ask one of my children on where your room is, and they’ll lead you to it. If you excuse me, I need to do a few things.” Seeing the lioness nodded as Mercy trotted off elsewhere, letting her thoughts think to themselves as she learns some rather new things, as for one? She learns that somehow, Dejen wasn’t raised by Striped, as it would be impossible…

So the question was, who raised him?

It can’t be ponies, they would of never teach him how to do half the things he could, neither diamond dogs, otherwise he might be focused on gems like the rest. My only guess is horses, but that leaves ‘who’ in the air as a lot of things can happen in the Arabian Desert. it was rather hard for the Queen to figure out the male mysterious past, especially his hidden pain that he keeps from them like Asha said.

She doubt either her or Windy could pry it out of the Striped easy, sure Windy could learn something, but the male was rather good at keeping secrets. Which was one of the few things she loved him for. Ugh...sometimes he makes me wonder. thought the Queen as she couldn’t help but have a hoof over her stomach, it was odd that she didn’t see the signs that she was knocked up.

Maybe I need to ask Herbal for some potions to increase virility for Dejen and fertility for me? Maybe asked Katty to help boost Dejen sex drive with her pheromones? That could work. thought the Queen as she mused a bit on getting a certainty of Dejen knocking her up good, as the last time she had to birth a hive was with a Breeder. Sure the guy wasn’t too bad, but she came to appreciate the hands of her Striped very much.

She slightly shook her head, as to refocus as she listen in to her children as everything was in working order, as well as some new requests came in about meat purchase, possibly due to Asha being onboard as Mercy accepted some of those requests as it would help the Hive to go out and gather not only the food, but emotions too. But she did warn them to stay in disguise, as despite being in a safe zone, Hunters were bound to show up sooner or later.