Meeting of Importance[open][dated]

Prism was not sure about relaxing but the journey on the road and this sneaking around clearly had made him paranoid but he was still not use about this Dog.

It clearly didn't sound like one of the Halden and didn't sound like an Equestrian one as well, he stopped his horn glowing knowing that he could still act fast to make sure nothing happened to the Gray stallion next to him.

He watched as the Diamond Dog did its best to smile, clearly something it didn't do often. He listen to it speak. Clearly this was something else for this Gray stallion to deal with.

Prism stopped his defensive stance and smiled "Well you have join the line Pike's here is......." he was pointing to were Pike had been but he was not there anymore a quick scan of the room soon put him outside the office. He called out too him "Did your mother every tell you not to snoop around other pony's homes" He called out to Pike giving him an fierce look.

Pike's ears perked up at the prospect of meeting another business owner looking for deals, Diamond Dog or not. He personally thought he should talk to this new pony first, the one who may be the boss as he is trying to calm everypony. However, at this point even being considered for a deal from these paranoid ponies was far-fetched and he could use all the allies he could get down here in the sewers.

As for the office, Pike did not see anything of note. Maybe some papers and information he could be interested in, but nothing available to his eyes without immediate imprisonment or death. This boss of theirs didn't seem that violent. The red unicorn, however, was at the end of his rope and would probably think of any excuse to have Pike silenced. 'Prism is his name', he thought to himself. 'I must remember this one especially.'

He turned around at the sound of Prism's voice and proceeded to walk toward the dog. "My mother taught me many important things-" He stopped in front of the Diamond Dog, "And one was to greet any new pony." He paused, "Or dog, for that matter, with respect." Pike thrusted his right-front hoof out to the newcomer, "Pike Vanguard, accountant. Nice to meet you-" he said with an inflection as if it were a question, waiting for a name.

Jack turns around as Prism calls after Pike and glares at Pike. Probably he trusted him a bit too much, but this changed now. Jack will maintain his trustful look torwards him, but he'll watch him closely.
"Oh great." he thinks as Pike offers his hoof to Joker. "A businessdog and a businesspony and both of them just want to get profit out of the rebellion. We should better watch them, whether they'll make deals with the griffons as well."
It's just logic for Jack that a businesspony/dog would like to work for both sites to increase their profit.

Joker looks down with completely unconcealed disgust at the hoof offered. He knocked it away with a huff. He didn't have time for pleasantries, every second wasted on these ponies was one second lost for Socks. He took a deep breath, focusing on the offensive creature in front of him.

"The names Joker. I'm new around here, and just need some help, in exchange for a few things. These griffons are complete dirtbags, so I figured you ponies would be a little better for what I'm selling. Unless I was wrong, of course."

Steel chuckled. "Im always willing to hear new proposals from others." he said taking another step forward. "Im Steel Strike, by the way, co-founder of the rebellion. Now for my sake, I need to know why ALL of you are here." he said turning to the main group. "I have things to tend to. Beings who plan on being quick, be quick, beings who intend to sell, or deal with other business with me, wait till I get these folks. Sound good?" he said, looking around. He did have things to tend to, and as much as he loved company, he was going to be there all night.

Prism watched the dog knock Pikes hoof away, this made him smile a little.

He got in close to pike so he could whisper into the stallions ear. "Respect is earned not given as those that have none should get none." he said quietly before pulling his head away and listening as Steel started to speak.

Prism didn't know what Zero and Maya wanted to do but he knew he wanted to talk to this Steel Strike in private away from ears that he didn't want to hear.

"Well Steel Strike, I would like to talk to you in private if I can and I will be as quick as I can." He waited a moment before adding "I don't mine Jake joining if that makes you feel better" I through this best as he was not sure that one of the co-founders would be happy being alone with him at this point.

His hoof getting slapped away was one thing. The prejudice wafted strongly off of the dog like milk gone bad. The unicorn's lecture hit home with Pike. Luckily, he was able to face away from the rest of the crew and hid his fuming, red face. 'Breathe, Pike. Just, breathe,' he thought. There was only one way to recover from this and that was to speak with Steel Strike directly.

Listening to what Steel had said he decided to do his time and wait. He might be up all night in the sewers but he had no intent to sleep down here, nor risk getting caught after curfew. Passing up the chance at talking to a rebellion co-founder would be insane. He already made it this far without any crossbow bolts in his hide, he might as well go all the way.

He turned around and spoke out loud but toward Steel Strike. "I have a deal to make but I will allow these gentlecolts to go ahead of me." He nodded toward Prism with as much respect as he could muster.

Jack raises an eyebrow in surpise as the Diamond Dog slaps Pike's hoof away. "It seems we have two competitors here and maybe that competition will make it harder for them to do whatever they planned." He thinks and looks up as Prism mentions his name. "Yeah, I would like to be in the same room. No offense, but I'll feel safer, if I don't let Steel alone with you."
And of course Jack is curious what Prism is going to say to Steel and how Steel will react to the fact that Prism is a rather known soldier. He would really like to get more military structure into the rebellion and maybe Prism will help him with that.

Maya simply put her crossbow back in her west, but still watched the DD very carefully. She stood solently while the "buisness" guys were talking.
As steel asked, she simply said "Helping Ponies get back what they deserver and to get my revenge on those filthy griffons....Sir" She just felt he would like to be titled like that.

Joker doesn't want to spend a moment more than he has to in these smelly sewers with these stupid ponies, so he jumps right into it, not even pausing to listen to the others.

"I'm selling some illegal products to the populace for my own reasons. I need some help in this manner, somewhere safe to sell and someone to pick it up from the docks when it comes in. In exchange, I can give your little group here a discount and possibly some spying on the featherbags."

Zero hovered up, his hooves behind his back, and looked Steel in the eye.
"I am here to offer my services to the rebellion, and take back Equestria. For myself, and for others...."

He wasn't quite sure if such formality was necessary, but it appeared to be so.

"...sir."

Steel nodded at the beings requests requests. "The rebellion is always glad to accept more beings to get rid of this occupation." he said and turned to Joker. "I'm sure we can discuss this more, once I handle the other two." he said, and turned to Pike. "And I think I'd prefer you first." he said and motioned to Gray. "And I think you being witness to our business would be preferred." he said, and turned to the rest of the group.

"As for the rest of you, there's a sign up sheet. Please fill in your name, and what you can contribute. Every little bit helps. You'll be given assignments in a few days." he said, then motioned to Pike. "Come now. We have business to discuss." he said, entering his office.

((We'll continue me and Pikes meeting, in this thread. For coherence's sake. I'll try to be as quick as possible so as to not keep you other anxious folks waiting long.))

Pike looked to the unicorn and beamed. He didn't expect to be taken in so soon especially after his disappointment with the other ponies. The earth pony arranged his files neatly in his bags and proceeded toward the opening to the office. He ignored all the ponies on the way but gave Jack a friendly nod. Once he drew near to the rebellion co-founder he held out his hoof ever so slightly, still wary from the earlier commotion.

"Pike Vanguard--" he paused, "Sir." He said, imitating the formality that the pegasus previously referred to the unicorn as. "It's a pleasure to meet your acquaintance." He smiled his business-like grin to the other. "I am certain you will be pleased with be pleased with the talents I can provide your organization."

The tan pony still couldn't believe how far he had come with this plan. He knew he was good with words but not so far as to curb justified paranoia. He better not push his luck too far, he thought.

Jack nods kinda surprised as Steel motioned to him. He's happy that Steel wants to have him as a witness, so he can keep an eye on Pike and Jack is really curious about the deal Pike is going to make.
He smiles back with a polite smile as Pike gives him a nod and follows them into the office quietly.

Steel took a seat behind his seat, and motioned to the seat opposite of his. (There were two, but Gray could choose to stand) He looked back to Pike and took his hoof for a firm shake. "Steel Strike. Smithy, and Co-Leader of this shindig. What can I do for you ?" he asked. The shake wasnt as firm as he liked. But it would suffice.

He knew there was a general distrust of this pony, by Gray and the pony named Prism. But he knew that things happen that are simply out of ones control. But he also knew to keep a very fine eye on Mr.Vangaurd, whom had garnered such interest from the few outside. He may not be guilty, but he also wasn't home free.

Delighted, Pike could hardly keep his voice down in the discreet conversation. "You can certainly help me, mister Strike, but I believe I can also help you." The tan pony said this with a smug smile on his face. Realizing his conceited attitude his face grew serious. "I've been an accountant for some of the more well-off families in Manehattan for a year now and I thought I could grant you my services."

Pike Vanguard looked over to Jack, but still focused his voice toward the co-leader of the rebels. "I'm sure Jack and the other ponies suspected something more than just an accountant. I did suspiciously join their party--" He turned back around to Steel, "And they'd be absolutely right, I am more of an investment banker now." He was reminded of his encounter the other day with Clear Skies and how well that went. The pegasus seemed so out of place like he was now.

Pike gave a discerning look at Steel. "But, I can't invest out of my pockets forever, so I might need to do some work on the side."

Steel eyed him. "Alright then. What kind of work are you looking for?" he said taking notes on the conversation later. "Im not sure we could use an accountant effectively." he added, knowing funds were extremely tight. As he spoke he wrote the notes on the back of a scrap piece of paper.

Pike laughed loud enough so the sound could be heard outside the office. "No no no. I don't intend to be the rebellion's accountant, that would get me in hot water very fast." He lowered his voice. "I'd rather be an accountant to some rich griffons, if you know what I mean." Pike hoped that Steel wouldn't react poorly to this statement as it was somewhat vague and loaded.

Steel nodded. "I understand. Some makeshift rebellion wont bring home the hay. So the question is; What is it you can do for us, or rather, what can we do for you?" he asked, curious. This accountant needed something, or wanted to offer something. And he wanted to know what it was.

Pike cleared his throat, he was waiting for this moment to give his pitch. "Your rebellion is important enough to help me gain access to resources I would not have on my own. Griffon leaders, associates, key members, foreign dignitaries, even or pony or griffon friends and well-wishers of theirs. I would like to know who they are, earn their trust--" Pike smiled, "Earn their money and favor and pass off whatever information I could scrounge up on them to you."

He went into a rude question and answer rebuttal almost immediately. "'But, mister Pike, we already have espionage.' Yes, well those spies might not provide financial information or more subtle social information that I can get from simply being a trusted accountant."

Steel thought this over. Financial information could be extremely useful. In either squeezing money out, stealing it, or having them become sympathetic to the rebellion. He ignored the smarmy attitude of the pony and pressed on. "And exactly what are you looking for in return?" he asked, knowing informants such as these didn't come out with their own price.

Pike looked around, the atmosphere was dingy and dank, but somewhat respectable. "Resources, protection if need be." He looked to Steel again. "I can't ask you for bits but I can ask you for services I would have otherwise pay for on my own, like places to hide out and secure storage. Perhaps even a bodyguard if you have one available although, I don't think that's necessary quite yet." Pike grumbled. "I've been living out of my pony clients' homes. I would like an office for myself if possible."

Steel sighed. "Beyond the underground I cant offer many places. The underground, itself, is a haven. I know of a few places you can hide out, but other than that, I dont have many places above ground I'd consider safe. As for protection possibly. But only when it's necessary. And storage I can provide more easily, above and below ground. Though below usually is considered more safe." Steel mentally nodded at his response, finding it satisfactory. However, there was another matter he'd like to tend to.

"May I see recent investments? I'd like to know what kind of business you'd like to fund. Just as an oversight." he said, knowing helping a businesspony who supported some griffon weapon manufacturer wouldn't be in his best interest.

Pike Vanguard nodded, "Underground is fine, I just need a place to stay and work. Preferably easy to get to and quiet." He wrinkled his nose at the thought of working in the sewers, he didn't have much of a choice.

"As for recent investments I happened upon a very kind mare who needed funding on her business when I was in the Undermarket last." Pike drew a contract out signed by him and a one Clear Skies. "She seemed lost down here but not in her head. I'm glad I bumped into her, she seemed to be having trouble getting her business afloat." Pike chuckled, "I'm sure you're wondering what she offered me in return?" Answering his own question, "Contacts, leads--that sort of thing. Plus, it was a solid investment considering this city's problems."

Steel nodded and looked over the document. He froze once he saw the signature. He sighed and chuckled. "Seems you keep interesting company. This is my sister." He said handing him back the document. "Just as well....I trust you can keep your agreement with my sister." He said and added. "I think this is an acceptable deal Mr. Vanguard." He said holding his hoof out for another shake. He had a feeling about this pony. Not a necessarily good one, but not a bad one either. And he took that his sisters involvement with him as a sign that he could be at least partially trusted.

Pike beamed, he attempted to contain the excitement of this revelation. Although, he knew deep down that both business relationships might get complicated in the future. He placed his non-shaking hoof on top of the other to emphasize the gesture. "Very good, very good!" Pike said, excitedly. "Would it be possible to be set up with a place this evening? I believe it's past curfew and I could use some shuteye." He pushed the document back into his saddlebags. "Also, I hope you don't mind keeping this as an oral contract for now. Again, security for both of us."

Steel nodded. "I'll have an associate of mine lead you somewhere. Now, when you exit could you kindly send the next one in." He asked politely. He knew that this may cause problems in the future, but this is just what the rebellion needed to get kickstand. Informants. Plenty of them.

Smiling, Pike got up and nodded to Jack again. He was absolutely thrilled, his face smeared with a conceited grin. He walked out of the office and looked at the ponies and dog waiting. 'The next one.' He thought. He looked at the couple and decided to leave them be for now, they seemed the most welcome here. He turned to Prism, locked eyes and quickly looked away to the Diamond Dog for fear of anymore hatred from the unicorn.

"I think he wants you next." Pike pointed at the dog. Pike considered him a competitor before but now understood that the dog wanted to make more illicit deals, most of which were too dangerous and risky for his business. "Good luck in there!" He said, excitedly. Pike genuinely wished him luck, as bigoted as he was. These ponies could use some outside help, it would make his own business easier.

Pike sat down in the waiting area until the pony Steel mentioned showed him his new space.

Prism had looked at the signup sheets that Steel had talked about. They looked basic but he was still not happy about putting the sort of information he could onto a piece of paper that could find its way into the wrong hoofs or claws.

He had been listening to the noises coming from the office most of them where Pike but that was about as much he could tell nothing that was any use to him.

After a little bit he watches Pike come out of the office, he had a very smug look on his face. Clearly he had got what he wanted and this didn't really make Prism feel better if anything happened he would be sure to pay this stallion a visit.

Joker was leaning against the tunnel wall, staring at a creased and torn picture. At the sound of Pike's voice, he stuffed the photograph into the inside pocket of his vest, standing up straight and rubbing a tiny bit of salty fluid out of his eye. He glared at the rather smug pony, pushing past the pegasi and the scarred unicorn, walking into the small office.

Steel nodded. "Welcome. I hope my friends out there didn't give you too much of a scare. One can never be too careful in the undermarket." He said then got straight to business. Steel didn't show it, but this was his least favorite of the new entries. However, he had learned to never judge a book by its cover. However racist it was. "So. What can I do for you?" He asked politely.

Joker paused to look about the small office, but failed to see anything of interest. He listened to the pony speak, and nodded slightly. Oh, how he loathed these creatures. He would like nothing more than to hook them up to a carriage and make them carry all of his product. A small sneer started to form on his lips, the very thought filling him with a malicious glee.

Then, a tiny, cute face flashed through his mind, and the sneer disappeared. Socks needed him, and even if he had to sacrifice his pride, he would do so in an instant for his precious pup. He took a deep breath, and let it out slowly. This was not the time for prejudice. He needed these ponies, and insulting them would not help him.

"Hello, pony. My name is Joker. I sell illegal drugs for profit and safety. The featherbags won't listen, so I thought maybe you would. What I want is safety, somewhere to sell in peace, maybe a guard to make sure the deals don't go south. Also, I need someone who can get my product from the docks when the shipments arrive. In return, I can offer a discount on my services, and special items like weapons and information whenever I can get my claws on it."

After saying his peace he took a step back, watching the disgu-- pony mull over his terms.

Steel sighed. He knew this conversation would be coming up eventually. Do you protect drug dealers? Beings whom make lives out of Joy and suffering? He had heard many stories of the various drugs beings used to get high. And a good portion are the ones that do it to death. Then on the other spectrum, you had weed and "Natural" drugs, things that aren't strictly harmful. He sighed again. "What kind of Drugs?" He asked calmly.

Joker considered. On the one claw, telling this pony the truth wouldn't really come to any trouble. While a controlled substance, Moon Dust in its powdered form was little more than a weakened painkiller, hardly life-threatening. It was addictive, he knew that better than anyone, but it took at least 5 snorts to even get close to anything higher than a warm buzz and a pleasant tingle.

On the other claw, Moon Dust was controlled for a reason. The addictive quality mixed with the pony free spirit had caused quite a few deaths before the war. Only a couple were from overdose, but a few were most definitely from not feeling as they tore their own flesh open on a sharp plow and bled to death. Of course, he would simply have to regulate it, as the dealer, hence the need for security from addicts who thought that they could take him on for a bitbag.

He weighed it in his head for a few moments, mulling over it. He finally settled on the truth and sighed.

"Okay, I'm selling MD. Its in little 10 dose packets, available to normal ponies for 30 bits a pack. I'd be willing to regulate the addicts, and offer you a discount of 10 bits, bringing it up to 20 bits per packet for rebels. I'll need either a list or one of you ponies to make sure they aren't spies or pretending"

Steel mulled it over. Moon Dust wasn't nearly as bad as what he imagined. Could even be useful painkiller in their battles. Although it still left much to be desired. The upside being that this simple drug dealer would also bring in weapons and various items into their hoofs. He closed his eyes. Objectively, what was best? The medicine, and the potential for weapons? Or leaving the drug trade alone, even for a small time dealer such as this. He sat in silence for a minute at least the opened his eyes.

"Deal. With some stipulations. I'll provide the security, and you ensure it's nothing but Moon Dust. Nothing Hardcore whatsoever. Plus I want at least a few weapons with each shipment. And, although this should go without saying, I'd like you to keep it away from the younger beings. No reason to get them muddled up. We got a deal?" he asked, then held out his hoof. He knew there was more to it than this, but for now this deal would remain.

Joker narrowed his eyes at the administrative pony.

"I can promise not to sell below a certain age, and I can secure weapon crates fairly soon. But here's my counter offer. I cannot reach my goal on Moon Dust alone. So therefore, I will indeed get the 'hardcore stuff', as well as whatever else I can get my claws on. I can, however, make a different deal with each one. You cannot expect me to cripple my business for you like this, though."

Steel sighed. "And what exactly IS your goal?" He asked. This was just filler questions while he wrestled with the problem in his mind.

A flicker of something unreadable flits across Joker's face. Its there and gone in an instant, and suddenly his voice gets much lower and growl-like. He speaks in a cold monotone, "Its something near and dear to me, a personal quest, and that's all everydog needs to know."

Steel sighed. After a full 30 seconds he gave a deep sigh. "Fine. Deal." He said mentioning to the door. "Send the next fellow in." He asked politely.

Joker nodded, an unnoticed sigh of relief escaping his lips. He turned and walked out the door, nodding to the ponies outside.

Prism had watched Pike since he had come out of the office, what ever he was up to he had got is way. Prism was going to have to keep an close eye on this pony.

He kept his eye on Pike, he didn't have much else to do till the dog got out of the office anyway and he really didn't know much about this pony so anything he could pick up would be useful.

It was not too long till the Dog had come out of the office and this time Prism didn't want to wait too much longer so made his way to the office not before locking eyes with Pike and giving him a look that said 'I got my eye one you'

He walked passed Joker and closed the door behind him, He gave a nod to Jack before turning to look to steel.

"Alright, good fellow. What can I do for you?" He asked resuming s slightly less strained and cheery tone.

Prism looked at steel with his one eye, he had been called many things over the years but good fellow wasn't one he had heard before.

Using his telekinesis he pulled of the large brown coat he had been wearing and put it over the back of the chair that was in the room. This then revealed that Prism was wearing plate armour.

The amour is what the Equestrian Military where using at the end of the war and this amour showed signs that it has seen battle there was deep scratches across it some that line up with the scars on his body, there was also parts missing looking like it had been ripped away.

Even with this damage it still looked well maintained and held the rank of Captain on one shoulder and a badge on the other showing squad markings.

He looks to steel once the coat was off "I am Captain Steel Prism of our Goddesses 4th Guerrilla Warfare Unit,” he said in a very proud voice “I am here to offer you what assistance I can. I have many year of combat and military training.” He stopped and looked at Steel wanting to see how he acted before he went about asking for anything or trying getting any information.

ESteel stared at the armor. He'd repaired many like it. It was damaged heavily, and it was impressive the stallion had kept it together these past 4 years. He noticed the insignias and recognized it as the a captain's armour. "Well. That's certainly good to hear. I was in the military myself. A battle smith.." he said thinking back to his time as one. "It's good to hear some of us are still around. Like you and Gray here." He said and sighed again.

"It's been a long time Prisim. Since this war was ended. I hope you excuse me, if I'm a bit amazed a captain ended up down here. We could use your help." He said pulling out a folder.

"You will be the smith Jack spoke about," He said more to himself then anyone one in the room.

"Well more or less most of me is still here" He said giving what's left of his right ear a flick.

Prism moved closer to Steel "Well would of liked to help a lot sooner but after Canterlot I was in no shape," His voice trailed off like he was remembering something, then it went to normal "but I am here now and I have some very useful skills that are hard to come by" He said as he looked at folder Steel had pulled out.

Steel looked to him. "What kind of Skills?" He asked, holding the folder in his magic.

Prism smiled "Teleportation and not just myself I can take other as well. It work well getting a small team behind Griffon's lines to saboteur or assassination. I just need to see where I am going to to have at lest of visited resonantly"

Steel still held the folder. "What about training?" He asked curiously.

Prism look at steel, being question on his training was something new to him but this was the first time he had been with someone that didn't know history.

"twenty two years in the military. Full earth pony combat training and Unicorn combat training, advanced military tactics and Guerrilla Warfare fighting. leading troops from small units to hundreds of pony's and eight years hoofs on combat experience fighting Griffon's."
He paused of a moment "You want a list of medals as well?" He said hopping that he wouldn't get any more pointless questions

Steel nodded. That was more than qualified for the position he had in mind. "No, I think that should be sufficient." he said and tossed the folder to Prism. "Here is a list of beings that are in the rebellion. Right now, training, is what I need. I have a rag tag of civilians at the moment. A small portion trained for combat or other areas that are vital. But many that aren't. You are one of the few officers that have come to me, and I wasn't an officer myself in the war. Can I task you with training completely inexperienced folks into some semblance of a fighting group? Along with several other officers?" he asked seriously.