mylittlejamjar | Block VIII - Maybe 42 *was* the Right Answer. [Visual]

[Minato's not looking at the scroll as he addresses it, instead looking up at the ceiling of his cloud home as he lies on his bed.]

Over the past few days, I've been thinking. Our situation here doesn't seem to be all that unique, does it? Bunch of people from different universes all gathered in one place for some reason or another... I'm sure a lot of us here have been to at least one other place like that. The Thor for me, Mayfield, Rauken, Garden, 'murder school'... I'm probably not even scratching the surface of how many of these places there are.

[He pauses for a moment to roll over and look at the scroll directly.]

I'm starting to think these places aren't just formed out of coincidence, like there's some bigger cause out there, bigger than Calice or anything else we've seen. Could all just be me being crazy, though. Never know.

Still, I kinda want to hear stories from all of these places, maybe figure something out, or at least have a good time exchanging all the stupid stuff that happens. The idea was brought up a few weeks ago, but with the holidays and everything, I didn't have time to put anything together.

Now I do. Who would be up for sharing, or at least coming and listening?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

You know I actually know just the place in the shop. I can show it to you in person and you can decide if it suits your needs.

[She just doesn't want to say it out loud on scrolls since even private filters aren't immune to Hoovesweek's eavesdropping.]

Got it. I can be down there in a few minutes if you have the time.

Sure thing. I'll see you then.

Got it. I'll be on my way.

[With that, he closes the scroll to head out.]

[It won't take him long to reach the tea house, seeing as the travel between his cloud house and there consisted of a controlled fall. Soon he's landing at the front of the store.]

[Saori is out waiting for Minato and waves to him when she can see him.]

Welcome. I'm glad you could make it. Now's a slow time so we don't have to worry about getting in the way.

[She opens the door into the tea house and ushers him in. They go past the counter and into the kitchen. With her magic, she moves a floor mat out of the way to reveal a trap door which opens to a descending staircase which lit up automatically.]

After you.

[ It's several feet down but it opened up to a much more spacious but well furnished area. While a fully grown dragon may still need to shrink to fit, it could comfortably fit several ponies. There are plenty of chairs, couches and storage spaces built into the walls.]

You see, this isn't the first time I had a secret base built into my tea house. Of course I don't have to worry about things like the Dark Hour threatening Ponyville.

I never bring it up this place on the scrolls since security has been compromised. Basically, anyone is free to use it as a base of operations of sorts. Margulis and I also monitor a special message board upstairs that can be used to arrange events and what not in private. So, what do you think?

[Minato quietly follows, looking around at the large room. The setup was rather familiar.]

...Huh. I had a similar setup when I owned the Crimson Lion. Only thing it's missing is three kinds of security systems.

Don't think it'll work, though. I got a request to not hold it indoors. Not like I'm looking for too much privacy, anyway.

[Something that looks like a bunker might be even worse for the pony in question.]

Hmm...Good point. I'll have to brush up on security magic then.

Ah, what a shame but you're free to use this place if you ever need it. I suppose the best option would be out back behind the tea house. Not many go back there. It should be a nice quiet place to talk.

I'll keep it in mind for future things. There are a lot of uses for a place like this.

...Think we can get a fire or heater back there?

Block VIII - Maybe 42 was the Right Answer. [Visual]

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