trans_9 | Stupid cloud! Stupid ship! Stupid laws of physics!

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Stupid cloud! Stupid ship! Stupid laws of physics!

Three attempts in and this had not been going well.

Outside the transport tubes in the city hovered one pegasus pony, staring in irritation at said tubes. One hoof rested on what was unmistakably a cloud -- a puffy, friendly-looking white cloud, just the right size to make a comfy napping spot for a pegasus who, well, really liked napping.

"You stupid tube tentacle... things!" she said, expecting that the ship would somehow respond. "Let me take the cloud up to that Hydro-whatsit place!"

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"I'm TRYING to take it up to Hydrowhatsits!" she snapped, shoving the cloud angrily with a hoof. "But every time I try to get it through these tunnels, the ship messes it up! And there's no other way to get there, so I can't even take it the long way. How's a pony supposed to get a place to sleep if I can't move this cloud?"

"What happens when you try to put it through?"

Applejack would much rather skip the hassle and find some other bedding, but she knows Rainbow won't give up until she knows for sure it can't be done.

"The tentacles that move you around just knock it to pieces. The ship can't move clouds like a pegasus, I guess."

Sure, Applejack would like that, but Applejack can't sleep on a cloud. She didn't know what it was like. Sure, tree branches were all right for naps, but for sleeping the night away, nothing beat a good cloud.

At least she wasn't trying to construct an entire new house for herself. Even Rainbow Dash was willing to make a compromise... or just be lazy enough not to go that far, either or.

"So you were trying to tell 'em to kick like one? And they didn't listen?"

Applejack wondered. That was a shame. If not, another bedding would have to be found, and she needed time to think.

"I don't think they even understand. It's like this ship has no way to move clouds around at all!"

She dropped down from the cloud, which obligingly stayed put, to speak more closely to Applejack. "It's just like they said, it's like the Everfree Forest everywhere. Stuff like this just HAPPENS, but I can't wait for a cloud to just HAPPEN to show up where I want it. It'd probably just HAPPEN to disappear, too!"

"Because it's not as cool as you, right?"

Applejack can understand the frustration at not having a familiar place to sleep. Hey, she felt it herself her first few days. But this just won't work, right?

"Huh. Did you try tying it up?"

"I don't have any -- hey!" Rainbow Dash immediately perked up. "Can I borrow your lasso?!"

Not that she could use it for its intended purpose, but for roping a cloud, she could manage!

"Uh...sure," she said, a little reluctant. "Just let me tie it if you have any trouble."

She tossed it at Rainbow Dash's mouth, hoping for the best. If that good lasso disappears, someone's going to be very unhappy.

She caught it, then zipped around the cloud in broad circles, tying it up into one compact ball. With that all done, she tugged it down to Applejack, one end of the lasso still clutched in her teeth and the other between her two hooves.

"Loan me a hoof!" she said around the rope.

"You got it," she nodded, biting the thing. Now it was her turn to have trouble talking. "What do we do now?"

Rainbow used her help to tie a knot, which, contrary to possible expectations, she allowed AJ to get out of before she tightened it. "There. Um.... Wait, how should I know? Tying it up was YOUR idea!"

Applejack looked at their knotted bundle, then the tube. "Oh, right! Well maybe if we push it up the tube? But if I lose my lasso, it's on you," she warned with a Look.

"Okay! How about you climb on top and use the rope to hold on, and I'll push it from behind?" She pushed the cloud down a little more, expectantly. This plan can't POSSIBLY go wrong, right, AJ?

"I can't sit on a cloud!"

Applejack shook her head. "How about you carry the cloud, ride on me, and the tentacles will push me instead of the cloud?"

It's just as bad. But she won't fall through anything.

"You can sit on the ropes that are ON the cloud!" Duh, Applejack. "But I like your idea better. If I'm holding it and it's lassoed together, maybe the tunnel won't be able to break it up!"

"Now get going before I change my mind."

Seriously. She's really doubting this---for the sake of her lasso. But her friend matters more, yeah?

"All right!" She grabbed the cloud in her forelegs, then dropped lightly onto Applejack's back. "Ride 'em, cowpony!"

"Say that again and you won't be riding anywhere," Applejack threatens cheerfully. But they're good to go. She walks up to the tubes, takes a deep breath, and calls out for level five.

Off they go, into the wild.

Rainbow gripped the cloud and Applejack both for dear life, or at least, pure stubbornness to get this thing done.

"Now I know why you wear that hat, Applejack!" she called down. "I really want to wave one right about now! It seems appropriate!"

"Then we'll get one. But you can't have mine," Applejack insists, walking them into the chute to silence any more ridiculousness. "Now go!"

And soon enough, they're going. Will the lasso and cloud survive?

Between her grip on it, the compacting lasso, and the general confusion of the tentacles as to which part of this trio they should be handing up...

"So far so good! A little slow for my tastes, though!" she teased.

"Just you wait. Fly all you want once we're up there," Applejack grunts. The tentacles have focused on her, and they have to push so much more than usual for her that it's really uncomfortable. Oh, this had better work!

"You okay, Applejack?" she called down from behind the cloud. "If it gets too rough I'll untie the lasso and let it go!"

Not that either of them wanted all this effort to go to waste...

"I'm fine! We're not letting 'er go now!"

Applejack was a stubborn pony. She braced herself for more, sure that it couldn't be too much further.

"Hey!" she called back, trying to keep Applejack's mind off the rough ride, "can you imagine what Pinkie Pie would say if she saw this?"

No offense, but she really preferred flying to riding, AJ!

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