As the trio made their way to the ship, Twilight paused to ask a question that had been preying on her mind. "Captain, how did you come up with such a well thought out plan?"
Qwark smiled easily. "Oh, I'd actually come up with a much simpler plan based solely on some crayon doodles I made when I couldn't focus on my lessons with Al. When I presented it to Skrunch-"
"Skrunch?" Twilight asked.
Qwark gestured to the green clad, one eyed monkey, who bowed to Twilight. "He suggested a few alterations. I incorporated them before the presentation."
Twilight smiled. "Well, it's a good plan," she replied. "See you when we get back!" With that, she leapt into the ship.
"What was that about?" Ratchet asked.
"I wanted to know where he got his plan making skills," Twilight replied.
"And?" Clank inquired.
"The monkey's the brains of the outfit."
"Suddenly, everything seems right in the world," Ratchet joked, taking off.
Partway to Aquatos, the ship phone rang. "Oh no," Ratchet muttered as he saw the caller ID.
"Clank! Bubbi!" Derek Tovid said as he grinned from the view screen. "You and Twilight are killing me!"
"Ex...cuse me?" Clank asked.
"I'm trying to make a picture here," Derek explained, "and my Big-Shot stars are nowhere to be found!"
"If you'll examine page 324, paragraph six, subsection 2 of our contract," Twilight interrupted, "you'll see that filming will sometimes be required to be suspended due to danger to the galaxy...at our discretion."
Derek blinked. "So...this isn't something I can work around with incentives?"
"Afraid not," Twilight replied. "Which really sucks, because I love playing Sparks. But right now, the safety of the galaxy is of paramount importance."
"After all," Clank added, "no one will have time to watch the new holo-vid if Tyhrranoids are burning their homes down and shooting them in the back."
"Huh, that's a good point," Derek replied. "I don't suppose your quest to save the galaxy this time around would have you swinging by Holostar Studios and possibly filming the picture while you're there?"
"We'll let you know if it does," Ratchet spoke up. "But for right now, we need to get to Aquatos."
"Aquatos, huh?" Derek mentioned. "Hmm...underwater would make a nice setting for the next film."
"But...but I can't swim!" Twilight complained.
"Oh, even better!" Derek proclaimed. "We can ladle on the drama as Sparks desperately wants to go help Secret Agent Clank, but can't because she can't handle the water due to a design flaw in her cybernetics...and then she and Jeeves build her a little submarine so she doesn't have to get wet! I think we could get the base product built pretty quick, and then film the two of you putting the finishing touches on it when you're next here!" He clapped his hands eagerly. "Filming genuine inventing would be great for the realism!"
Twilight's grin split her face, and the sparkles of excitement in her eyes lit the canopy.
"Should the opportunity arise, we will definitely be stopping by," Clank promised.
"Thanks, babe!" Derek said happily. "We'll keep the set warmed up for you!"
With that, the connection was cut.
"We're almost at Aquatos," Ratchet commented. "Everyone get ready for aquatic entry.
Once the ship entered the atmosphere, Twilight got into the prepared capsule to be properly placed by Skid as he took a separate path into the base. Ratchet was nervous about leaving Twilight's safety up to Skid - he wasn't exactly reliable, as far as he knew - but Twilight wouldn't let him deviate from the plan.
Before long, Ratchet and Clank bumped into Skid again. "How'd it go?" Ratchet asked worriedly.
"No worries, mate," Skid replied seriously. "The package is wrapped and delivered, this side up! No damage, or your money back, guarantee!"
Ratchet stared at him flat eyed. "Drop the spy speech and just tell me."
"She's perfectly safe and sound, waiting for Clank to unseal the capsule," Skid promised. "She even has a few snacks and a GSM in there with her."
"With the Holo-double-display?" Ratchet asked enviously.
"Eeyup!" Skid replied. "She'll be just fine. And here." He handed over the Hacker. "You'll be needing this."
"Thanks," Ratchet replied, stowing the gadget.
"I'll stick close anyway until you two part ways," Skid pointed out. "Be a distraction for the bad guys."
"Our thanks," Clank replied.
Eventually, the trio reached the point where they were to take their separate paths. "I'll be heading back to the ship now," Skid said regretfully.
"Good work Skid!" Ratchet complimented him. "You did better than I thought you would."
"I had not expected you to be so brave," Clank added.
Skid scratched the back of his head. "Before I closed her up safe and sound, Twi said she believed in me," he replied sheepishly. "I couldn't go and let her down, could I?" With that, he turned and raced for the ship.
"This Twilight girl has a future in politics if she chooses to pursue it," a familiar voice whispered from a metal cylinder with an eye slot.
"Slim Cognito?" Ratchet asked in shock. "What are you doing here?"
"Still modding weapons, as usual," Slim replied. "Didn't expect to see you two again. You sure get around. I take it you saved that Twilight girl you were so worried about last time we met?"
"Yeah, she's alright now," Ratchet replied. "Why are you here in Solana?"
"There was a minor...misunderstanding regarding a Suck Cannon upgrade that was mistakenly sold to a minor," Slim explained evasively. "I swear, the kid looked 18. Anyway, I needed to go someplace less conspicuous to do business, so I set up shop here till the heat blows over. Interested in some mods?"
"Not just now," Ratchet replied. "But we'll be back if we want them."
"Think you could bring Twilight with?" Slim asked. "I did some research about her while I was here, and I think she and I could make some...unique modifications that would be quite the upgrade, know what I'm saying? Think she might be interested in learning a few of my...techniques?"
"As long as you come up with a way to suggest it to sound less creepy," Ratchet said nervously.
"She, too, is a minor, after all," Clank pointed out.
"I'll keep that in mind," Slim replied.
One submarine ride later, and Ratchet and Clank took their separate paths further in.
"Twilight and I will meet you further in," Clank promised.
Nodding, Ratchet activated the Tyhrra-Guise, and the two separated.
Through the vent, it wasn't long before Clank found the capsule and opened it. Twilight smiled as she stowed the GSM away in her bags. "Let's go!" she said eagerly.
"We will need to be at least somewhat cautious," Clank pointed out as Twilight started to pull out one of her weapons. "Destroying everything in our path would draw too much attention."
Twilight pouted as she put the weapons away. "Aww..."
Working together as a team, the pair were able to make their way through the vents easily, with Twilight flying over gaps to activate switches, using her magic to deflect laser blasts from security drones, along with occasional assists as Ratchet got various paths cleared using the Tyhrra-Guise.
Before long, they reached Nefarious' office. "We must work quickly," Clank whispered.
"Right," Twilight agreed, rushing to the computer. Focusing her magic, she cast a duplication spell on the hard drive. "Got it!" she proclaimed, catching the duplicate as it fell. "This has all the information on Nefarious' computer."
"And what about everything that might be on these disks scattered around?" Clank asked.
Twilight quickly duplicated each of the disks and flash drives, putting the copies in her saddle bags. "There. That's everything, and he won't even know we were here."
"Well done, Twi," Ratchet said as he entered the office. "Now let's get out of here." He glanced towards a bookshelf stocked with every episode of Secret Agent Clank - and quite a few Sparks miniatures - and shuddered. "Before Nefarious gets back here and sees his favorite stars waiting for him."
Diving into a nearby pipe, the trio made their way to the sewers.
As they descended into the sewers, Twilight spread her wings while Clank triggered his Wing Pack. The trio then glided to a stop near the exit, where a surprising figure was waiting for them.
"Whoa," Ratchet said as they approached. "Deja Vu."
"It's The Plumber!" Twilight said happily.
The Plumber stood up quickly, bumping his head. "Ow!" He turned around. "Well, it's you three again!" he said happily. "Right on schedule! This here's one of the nastiest, smelliest sewers in the galaxy."
"I noticed," Twilight commented dryly, her O2 mask extended from her helmet to block the stench. "I'm definitely going to need a bath when we get back to the Phoenix..."
The Plumber chuckled. "Most guys wouldn't set foot in a place like this. But me?" He inhaled happily. "Ah, I just can't get enough."
"So...what were you working on?" Ratchet asked curiously.
"Looking for sewer crystals," The Plumber replied, holding out a dark green stone. "Gonna make somethin' special for the Missus."
Clank looked curiously at the Sewer Crystal. "That's...an unusual gem," he commented.
"Oh, that's just what it looks like when harvested," The Plumber replied. He held out his other hand. "This is what they look like if you know how to clean 'em up." He opened his hand.
The stone was much smaller than the raw Sewer Crystal...but it sparkled on every facet and shone with a rainbow of colors. It looked like a successful crossbreeding between a cat's eye and a fire opal.
Ratchet, Clank, and Twilight all gasped in shock. "It's...it's beautiful," Twilight breathed.
"Yeah, but if you don't know exactly what you're doing with cleaning them up, all ya get is stinky dust," The Plumber pointed out. "If'n ya find any in here, I'll pay ya bolts for 'em. 2,000 a piece!"
Twilight blinked. "Can I...take a closer look at that raw stone?" she asked.
"Sure thing," The Plumber replied, holding it out.
Twilight examined the Crystal for a time with her magic, then grinned widely. Closing her eyes, she focused as her horn glowed.
The sewers suddenly echoed with the sounds of shattering crystal and the death screams of King Ameboids. Crystals flew to surround Twilight, held in her magical grip.
"There we go," Twilight said happily. "Every sewer crystal in the entire sewer system that's ready for harvesting. ...101 total."
The Plumber grinned as he accepted the crystals and handed over the promised bolts. "You don't do anything by halves, do you Twilight?"
Twilight grinned widely, shaking her head as the trio headed back to their ship, leaving The Plumber to his polishing.
Twilight OP'ed plz nerf
Typo in the title of this chapter. Aresnal
Great chapter as always.
I'll bet Twilight's being OP is for the sake of comedy or something...
I swear to Celestia...-is The Plumber a Brony!? He really just gives me the kind of 'All-Knowing' vibe!
The spell Twilight used at the end there seemed to be a combination of Rarity's gem finding spell and simple telekinesis, so nothing too OP really.
Awesome!
Nice chapter... and now I'm scared Nefarious will try to clone Twilight or some other sick fan fantasy thing. But the idea of Twilight actually getting to invent a mini sub on camera sounds fun.
5974688
That's exactly it.
Rarity's gem finding spell and basic Telekinesis, combined with a specific gem-type focus and alicorn level of magic power. Although, given what Twilight's shown in the past, the only thing the alicorn level of power is needed for is the range.
This is both adorable, and terrifying...
You sonuva b****! I hate that bit of the game. And you just, curbstomped it into oblivion. HOW DARE YOU!
Is not actually pissed off. Just feels slightly insulted.
5974674
The Plumber is basically all knowing. He routinely breaks the fourth wall, always has useful, if hidden, advice, and any item he gives save those bolts for the sewer crystals will have some major plot relevance at some point.
5974706
Cloned? Oh God, that would be trouble.
Well, as interesting as it might have been to have Twilight join Ratchet and Clank in fighting ameboids in the sewers, what with the various twists, turns, ambushes, and sections where the magneboots are needed, it's not like it was any more than a side mission to raise funds for mods and equipment. Money, I might add, that none of the three probably even need at this point...
Twilight: "Oh, it's not for us, silly! Any bolts gathered on these side missions are intended to help fund and equip our allies aboard the Phoenix!"
Clank: "That is correct. I went through the mission accounts and discovered that the bulk of our official funding is tied up with the Phoenix itself."
Ratchet: "Yeah - until the ship is fully completed, stocked, and staffed, Twilight, Clank, and I are the only members on board with decent equipment. Heck, even the rangers assigned to us only have basic stock gear and training! So we decided to help them out a bit, you know?"
Ah... So all the side missions not directly related to thwarting Dr. Nefarious are essentially going to be resource acquisition runs to support Q-Force?
Clank: "Indubitably!"
Ratchet: "Well, that, and maybe get some 'on location action footage' for Derek Tovid. It might be better if Dr. Nefarious assumed that Clank was here with his assistants as part of his acting career."
Clank: "Ooh! I hadn't thought of that!"
Twilight: "This is going to be so much fun! I can whip up a copy of my costume prosthesis to wear and... Oh! Maybe we can film some scenes with Captain Quark to sent to Derek once his part in the campaign is no longer secret."
Quark: "Do you think your agent will take me on as a client when the time comes? Mine kinda dumped me after the whole fiasco with the Drek contract."
Ratchet: "I don't see why not. Anyone else want in?"
Skidd: "You know it, Dude! Don't even need another agent! Although he does kinda owe me an apology. 'Celebratory fireworks' my ass..."
Al: "Um... Maybe? I guess?"
Helga: "Bah! Holovids are what almost ruined Keptain Qvark! Still, you three did okay. If the Keptain is in, then so am I - I must make sure he stays in shape and on track after all!"
crayon doodles I made when i couldn't
1. Forgot to capitalise.
Eeyup, now I'm worried what will happen to Twilight later since the grand plan for Nefarious is still the same. That's going to be one angry Ratchet.
5974986
...this is now canon. I'll figure out how to work it in later, but consider this officially canon to the story.
I envy Twi's gamebreaking skills. I never got all the King Ameboids in the area when I played the game way back when.
5975037
The Map-o-Matic helps. Also, not going after them until you have the MagnetBoots.
5974986
You are now the omake king.
DARNIT TWILIGHT! it took me forever to find all the crystals!
5974955 Could also lead to Twilight and her clone going on an inventing spree or them constantly pulling out bigger and bigger guns to combat one another.
5975002
Glad to help!
Perhaps one of their team mates, a ranger, or the president's daughter asks them about the side missions at some point? Then you could almost quote my post line by line if you wanted (replace my scripting format at the very least).
5975130
If you don't mind me quoting it, I'll include it in the next chapter, since they're returning to the Phoenix. Sasha will ask why they took the time to grab those sewer crystals, since they aren't exactly hurting for money.
5974986 Wow.
5975002 MAKE IT WORK!
5975088
Dammit! I was aiming for Captain Omake! how did I overshoot?
5974806 I loved that section, definately on second and third run throughs, Especially with the bouncer gun, it wrecked the Ameboids like no tomorrow, and the best part in my opinion was that since they had no range, I could actually collect more bolts off them than I could from turning in the sewer crystals for 10K each. I usually made about100Kbolts every room I entered, or encounter I had with the Ameboids.
5975171
That's fine. Just let me know whenever you want to use one of my omake bits. I may even suggest how to clean them up a bit for use.
Here's a slightly modified script, adding Sasha in for my parts, plus some possible motive prompts, if it helps:
Sasha (somewhat accusatory tone): "May I ask why you took a side trip to the sewers to raise money? Money, I might add, that none of you three probably even need at this point?"
Twilight (perky, either ignoring Sasha's tone or countering it with cute): "Oh, it's not for us, silly! Any bolts gathered on these side missions are intended to help fund and equip our allies aboard the Phoenix!"
Clank (being himself): "That is correct. I went through the mission accounts and discovered that the bulk of our official funding is tied up with the Phoenix itself."
Ratchet (aware of the issue, but ready with an explanation): "Yeah - until the ship is fully completed, stocked, and staffed, Twilight, Clank, and I are the only members on board with decent equipment. Heck, even the rangers assigned to us only have basic stock gear and training! So we decided to help them out a bit, you know?"
Sasha (considering what she heard and weighing the merits): "Ah... So any side missions not directly related to thwarting Dr. Nefarious are essentially going to be resource acquisition runs to support Q-Force?"
Clank (Still being himself): "Indubitably!"
Ratchet (Adding a thought that just came to him): "Well, that, and maybe get some 'on location action footage' for Derek Tovid. It might be better if Dr. Nefarious assumed that Clank was here with his assistants as part of his acting career."
Clank (Again, still being himself): "Ooh! I hadn't thought of that!"
Twilight (Excited): "This is going to be so much fun! I can whip up a copy of my costume prosthesis to wear and... Oh! Maybe we can film some scenes with Captain Quark to send to Derek once his part in the campaign is no longer secret."
Quark (cautiously hopeful, joins the conversation at this point): "Do you think your agent will take me on as a client when the time comes? Mine kinda dumped me after the whole fiasco with the Drek contract."
Ratchet: "I don't see why not. Anyone else want in?"
Skidd (All for it, even if still a bit peeved with his agent): "You know it, Dude! Don't even need another agent! Although he does kinda owe me an apology. 'Celebratory fireworks' my ass..."
Al (Likes the idea of finally showing up his brother, but still a bit lacking in self-confidence): "Um... Maybe? I guess?"
Helga (exasperated, but knowing that the mission needs additional funding somehow): "Bah! Holovids are vhat almost ruined Keptain Qvark! Still, you three did okay. If the Keptain is in, then so am I - I must make sure he stays in shape and on track after all!"
5975261
I will be making use of that for the next chapter. Thanks so much.
5975201 The sewers were one of my favorite places in the game.
5974706 It would be cool for the clones not just working and dissolving and breaking apart as they do not have Twilight's Alicorn soul. Physical gods require their own souls.
Think about it. Twilight got vaporized by the elements and when she returned she was an Alicorn. You need to be worthy of the power, you can't just take it.
That was never confirmed!!!!
We only ever got that he was making something 'special'.
I spent... the equivalent of one hundred hours scouring those damned sewers, looking for each and every damned crystal... Twilight... you are so freaking OP it's not even funny. SERIOUSLY WHAT THE ACTUAL HELL!
I suppose this means the other times where we have to gather crystals or gems will be solved just as quickly too...
5975919
Not really.
This is the only time after this that what you're looking for is some sort of gem.
5975938
Huh... OH, right, when I think about it more, the Dessert and Iceland levels were already passed by huh?
Well, that was solved rather quickly... by not solving it at all. Huh.
5975944
Yeah. This scene was basically just - as other commentors have said - the gem finding spell plus telekinesis, just over a large range. Any unicorn with enough power who knew the spell could do it.
5975919 If you are using your map properly, it should take maybe a few hours, tops. All you have to do(assuming you have all the needed tech, is look at the areas where you have been in, and the areas you haven't been in, and if you encounter an king amoeboid wall that does not respond to you, you circle around/find a way to circle around, and confront it on the other side. If you do this right, it should take about 3-5 hours to complete, including travel time.
5976182
... I was ten, give me a break.
5976211 so was I...
5976238
I have azperger syndrome, I win.
5976290
As do I. Please don't use it like that as an excuse.
5976238
But then it means I don't have a one up up him!
Urg. fine, I suck at games.
5976290 preaching to the choir.
5976330
Man, I remember a time I used to think I was the only one with special needs, now I'm finding five a day on the internet.
Huh.
-....the sparkles of excitement in her eyes
now i find this funny because of the story title....sooo like cinamasins do whit their roll credits im doing it too:
ROLL CREDITS
5976332
I know the feeling. Apparently we Aspergers sufferers tend to gravitate towards MLP for some reason. (\/)
5977735
Well not always, there is one other asburgers I met on my fanfiction.net profile... but he obviously hasn't talked to a lot of people.
5977751
Just saying that the folks I know online who have Aspergers jumped from 3 to 20-something since joining this fandom.
5978402
Well cool, I wasn't saying any differently, only that I know others.
5980948
Regulations. She's a brand new species, and an infant. Unless he has convincing reasoning why she should stay on the Enterprise, regulations would be to turn her over to Star Fleet.
5974806
5975201 well i only gone there when i want to grind to make my weapons upgrade, so why not do it while making 2000 BOLTS TIMES 101!!!
5974986 God, i just going to say it, YOU. ARE. A. GENIUS. Everytime you comment, you bless us with wiseness and comedy knowledge.
now to for questions about Deadlock, Can you in Deadlock give twilight REAL robot parts? Can Qwark be there please!? Can anyone or everone on the phoenix be there? Can one of the rangers be there, like Green or Mirc, but for Twilight? PLEASE make Skid badass, (i like him just as much as Al, but Al all readys gets badass in Deadlock, so please, hell he does not need to be in Deadlock, just make him badass here, like when you get to the part of him getting turn in to a bot that make himself, or Twilight, know that he is still Skid and help the team with his new robot parts!!!) Can Twilight make Green and Mirc better guns? Well thats all i got, you answers any Question or none at all, your choice.