private The Æther Project

[Evil Pink One 13,505]

@C. Thunder Dash

"Ahmm... Yeah.. amnesia...but! I breezed through all the physical test heh... Man your the smart one huh... I know mechanic stuff too...ahmm vaguely..."

Light seems to be curious at what thundy is doing snooping around.

"....so what ya looking for thundy?"

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Kujamih

"Oh, just doing a little research on this here Aether Project. I wanna know it's history and just what is it that I'm getting myself into." Thundy stated as he continued to look for a book or catalog that documented the history of the Aether Project. 

[Blitz Boom 4,612]

@Illiad Easle

As it were evident that Tables and Windy were minding their own business for now, Briar would consider it best to catch up at a different date, and for now, simply move on to something else.

As such, once they were done eating, he would go and deposit the plates where they were supposed to, and if it were near the griffon that ensured Brittle and him got fed, comment on the meal being delicious.

As they then left the room, he'd stand silently, and think of where they might go. A small part of him thought it also an idea to go and explore some, but considering everything, it was probably best to follow his original plan. Brittle shouldn't be exposed to too much at once, so it were best if they wandered in the same areas for a little while, lest they had a reason to go elsewhere.

As such, they would wander towards the gardens once more, and if they were not stopped at any point, Briar would get to work. Be it tending to the plants with water, ripping out weeds, cutting dead leaves, or lifting various equipment around to make it more clean there, he'd go at it with a smile on his face.

Brittle would help too, and would even wander upwards of a meter from him, if there were not others there, to pick up things, or pull weeds. Small scale stuff, but it were a start, and weight wouldn't matter much. She may not be able to control her transformation, but general telekinesis, and flying, wasn't really an issue for her. She'd just never win a race, as she were afraid to fly too quickly, or too high up, in case of a random transformation. And a battle of magic? She'd crumble mentally if it even seemed like someone wished to fight her. A unicorn filly half her age could realistically take her out with ease.

[Evil Pink One 13,505]

@C. Thunder Dash.... 

" Me too... But i tried getting it from people...but they seem to have lost their trust to strangers." 

Light noticed Thundy looking through books for his answers.

" You do know that books aren't that relyable and is inaccurate for information.... And i don't think youd find a book about the aether project here..."

Light then asked a question to the minautor

" Hey... They said theyve prepared this project before this chaos has happened?... So who in the hay is that someone?

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Kujamih

"Hmmm, you're on to something Light. Perhaps once we know who that someone is, then we could find out the answer to the reason why the Aether Project came to be." Thundy said as he looked for a table to sit at. 

[Illiad Easle 3,123]

@Califorum

The stallion nodded and began to lead the way to the upper decks through the rather monotone hallways. "From my best recollection, the story of the project begins with the Oracle Delphi. Over a thousand years ago, before Nightmare Moon's first appearance, she predicted a number of events in the distant future, including Nightmare Moon's return. She wasn't much believed until long after her death, when her prophecies started coming true. One of her prophecies was the incident, and so our researchers began the construction of this air city. A prototype, The Pericles was instrumental in winning the summer war, and improvements on that design gave our researchers the ability to retrofit the Æther from a cloud city to this supreme air ship we have today. It is composed of a large portion of the former city of Æther, the floating gardens of Alphyns, recovered pieces of the Pericles, and a slew of spells and enchantments holding it all together."

The stallion nodded at the end of his summary, "I hope that summary satisfies you? My name is Lemon Zest by the way."

With that they reached the upper deck, which was not too unlike that of a cruise ship, in that it was a long flat area with raised areas to either side, so they weren't on the very top deck. They could see sections that seemed mostly composed of cloud extending far to either side of the project like giant wings, a number of pegasi and griffons moving about on and around them. They could also see some of the large artillery still in the process of shooting down any of the spawn that got too close to the project.

If they were to look down they would find themselves very high off the ground, they would be able to spot out a few spots where cities had once been, but not too much else.

 

@Kujamih @C. Thunder Dash

(I'll do my best to work with everything you've posted. I remind Thundy that he indicated a course towards the Research wing, not the library, which is why Light was able to be near him.)

On 2/4/2021 at 3:49 AM, Kujamih said:

"And what the hay is a memory crawler!?...it better not lay eggs on me..."

The minotaurs chuckled, "Just a normal unicorn-zebra half breed, she'll use a combination of magic, potions, and mysticism to root out the most repressed aspects of your memory, got a 75% success rate of memory recovery so far, we'll see how much she can help you remember."

On 2/4/2021 at 8:36 AM, C. Thunder Dash said:

"Why yes actually. I was coming here to learn more about this place and its history. With that information, I'd then like to see how I can contribute to the better of this project."

The receptionist nodded, "For information and history you'd have better luck in the library. For how you might contribute... we're always in need of more researchers and test subjects."

On 2/5/2021 at 12:18 PM, Kujamih said:

" You do know that books aren't that relyable and is inaccurate for information.... And i don't think youd find a book about the aether project here..."

Light then asked a question to the minautor

" Hey... They said theyve prepared this project before this chaos has happened?... So who in the hay is that someone?

The minotaurs were taken aback by that, "Books not trustworthy? What sacrilege is this? Books are our most trusted source of information here on the project, and you'd do well to respect them. Unlike the late Equestria, we don't edit books to our favor, especially not here in the research division."

The minotaur smiled though at the question, "As to who prepared this project, we were known as TrUST before the incident, a group of the best and brightest minds in all of Equis. One of the head researchers is our captain at the moment, Apollo the 13th. Most of the researchers and mechanics here helped build the project themselves, I myself was one of them. I'd be happy to answer your questions on the subject, after we run some confirmatory tests on the two of you. If my hypothesis is correct, then we may know the answer as to how we have survived so long."

 

@Windy Breeze

The dog chuckled, "And I would take offence to being called dog, pony. You can call me Gypsum, I should let you rest. I'm going to the cafeteria myself, can I bring anything back for you?"

 

Tables ate one of everything individually before doing as Windy and combining all of the items. She ate like she hadn't eaten properly in days, and judging by her frame it might well be the truth. When asked about her job she paused a moment, "Logistics, I kept the Canterlot guard stocked up on everything they needed, made sure they got paid and any widows and orphans got their stipend. I was very busy when it was all going down, trying to keep the guard organized as the spawn attacked, I was one of the first to hear that Celestia had fallen, and I left the city first chance I got. Not a moment too soon, the whole castle got warped away by... not five minutes after I got out of there. At least it felt like only five minutes. It was the royal wedding all over again." She shuddered at the memories. "We shouldn't dwell on the past though, best to keep moving forward right?"

 

@Blitz Boom

Brittle and Briar would find that there were hardly any weeds to speak of, maybe a half dozen in the whole field they looked through. It seemed they were quite good at keeping foreign seeds out of their growing areas, maximizing efficiency and yield of productive crops. While the workers there were wary at first, they soon warmed up to Briar and their efforts to help out. One earth pony, a somewhat elderly mare, approached them after a bit, "I heard of creatures like you from my grandmother, thought they were just an old tale like she always told. Is it true you've got even better plant magic than us earth ponies?" Her expression was one of curiosity. The other workers in earshot seemed interested in knowing more as well.

 

[Evil Pink One 13,505]

@Illiad Easle

"... Hmm....our enemy is discord right?... He can easily manipulate time and space right? So why can't he do it with a book?... I mean i can easily sabotage this book.... And usually people think differently and see differently... Meaning the information one gets is sometimes different from person to person... And how sure are we that we understand what the writer is actually portraying?"

Light gave a bit of a pause and continued.

" Tsk look at me trying to be smart... What am i? An egg head!?... You know what? let's just go on with the test..."

Edited February 7, 2021 by Kujamih

[Windy Breeze 15,189]

@Illiad Easle

On 2021-02-07 at 2:09 PM, Illiad Easle said:

The dog chuckled, "And I would take offence to being called dog, pony. You can call me Gypsum, I should let you rest. I'm going to the cafeteria myself, can I bring anything back for you?"

“I think a tray of food is sufficient. Thank you, Gypsum” Serene smiled and bowed slightly to the dog, showing his gratitude for Gypsum's generosity. He went inside a room he randomly picked; the room next to the Gypsum's making them neighbors.

...

As she ate with atleast with some manners to conceal the hunger, Windy listened to Tables as the mare told her job, and explained the day when she escaped Canterlot's impending doom. She was saddened, yet it was in the past, forever will remain unchanged until Discord is brought to justice.

On 2021-02-07 at 2:09 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"We shouldn't dwell on the past though, best to keep moving forward right?"

“Yeah. Having to remember our selfish decisions can leave an overwhelming headache and a heart full of guilt. It's best to forget the memories of the past” Windy agreed, looking at Tables with a small smile, “what may not be ever forgotten is that I have friends who are at Ponyville at the time of the invasion. I may come and find help to... whoever is in charge of reuniting ponies from their missing loved ones”

Edited February 13, 2021 by Windy Breeze

[Blitz Boom 4,612]

@Illiad Easle

Even if there weren't many weeds, Briar would still seek those out that he did feel, and uproot them, and then eat the weeds themselves. He still needed his greens, and there really wasn't any reason to let it go to waste, no? Not the best tasting things of course, but he had worse. Especially in the last year, where you couldn't afford to be picky with what you ate. Though there wasn't a lot of energy in these things, so it wouldn't contribute much to his diet. Maybe next time in the cafeteria, he should try and not just indulge in his meat eater side, but remember to add some salad, as an example.

Brittle would be highly wary of those around them, and stay close to Briar as he worked on pulling up weeds, or whatever other labor he were in the area to deal with. Be it watering, planting, etc. If there were planting to be done for example, Brittle could help, as she'd at least be able to carve some holes into the ground, and watering. Small things, but he hoped that getting her into a routine again, would help her. All the chaos from the last years, had not done her any good, to put it mildly.

She'd scurry over to keep him between herself, and the somewhat aging mare that came towards them though, as they were approached. Briar were not sure what kind of approach this would be, as it could be one wanting to insult Brittle, but he wanted to think the best, and were happy to hear that it were indeed a friendly encounter. How pleasant that thus far, no one had been overtly hostile towards Brittle up here.

On 2021-02-07 at 7:09 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"I heard of creatures like you from my grandmother, thought they were just an old tale like she always told. Is it true you've got even better plant magic than us earth ponies?" Her expression was one of curiosity. The other workers in earshot seemed interested in knowing more as well.

"I would not be so bold as to consider myself to be better than you, madamme. Rather, my kind of magic are simply expressed in different ways. Whereas yours are passive, and does not drain much from you, if I understand correctly - though do feel free to correct me if I am wrong - my own have a more concentrated, active role. It does however, also take more out of me, as it does require me to give of myself, in a quite literal sense.

In a way, I believe the more correct thing would be to say that I am perhaps more specialized in a rapid approach to tending to plants, whereas a more steady, long term stability, is the forte of the earth ponies.

Though I do have the usage of nature magic in a way similar to telekinesis, even if the force are meager compared to the arcane crafts of your average unicorn.

I am Briar Trapjaw, madamme. Might I ask who you are, and to what I owe the pleasure of your company?"

Sharp teeth or not, Briar radiated a kind of warmth that tended to make him seem quite approachable, long as you were able to look past the predatory aspects. So it shouldn't be much of an issue to have a conversation going, though he'd like to know the name of the one whom he spoke with. It made things more civilized, in his opinion.

[Jack Baker 698]

Overwhelming.

That would be the word I'd use to describe my first couple hours on this... "project", as the denizens here loved to describe it. The moment I got off the aircraft that had rescued me I had my sword and repeater taken away and was scanned for any evidence that might point me to being a Discord loyalist of some kind. Which was great and all, until the scans had picked up some sort of huge magic aura around me; caused by the new friend I had recently made. I then spent the next ten minutes trying to convince them that I wasn't a loyalist, and that hunting the spawn of Tartarus, as well as Discord's lackeys for too long may have caused some sort of magic anomaly to appear around me. Because these are strange times we live in; who knows what could happen to anyone living down there right? Very convincing, I know.

Either way, they let me pass, and before I had a chance to take in my surroundings I had the pleasure of choosing one of the project director's deputies to follow, so as to efficiently help forward the project's cause. It wasn't that hard to pick; I'm a fighter, so I fight. I decided to follow the earth pony stallion, who gave me a quick rundown of the place, then showed me my living space before telling me to report to the quartermaster to begin my training. Before he left, he quickly introduced himself as General Quarters. What a name.

I had barely settled in when my stomach let out a huge growl, reminding me how long it had been since I had eaten anything. Using the maps posted across the facility I managed to find my way to the nearest cafeteria, and I ordered some grub and sat down. 

And now, here I am, finally able to relax and collect my thoughts. I had joined this place on a whim. So much had happened over the last week, and after having two close run-ins with death, not to mention the encounter with my new friend, I thought to myself, "might as well."

 

Speaking of which...

 

What an interesting turn of events this has been... A deep voice echoed in my head. To think their metal constructs would be able to sense my presence...

It's called technology, Than, and it happens to be pretty advanced, I thought back to him as I ate. You seem pretty calm about it though. If they thought I was a loyalist, we could've gotten thrown out. Or even worse, shot on sight. Oh wait, this doesn't really apply to you does it? With you being a spirit and all... you'll be just fine.

The opposite, I'm afraid, Thanatos said. You and I are soul-bound. If you were to perish, so would I. It is why the pact we made carries a deep significance, and why we guardian spirits are very particular of whom we choose to serve. I am putting my very life in your hands...

 

How comforting to know... I said to him as I continued to eat. I glanced around the cafeteria, eyeing a couple of Pegasus mares, one of them having a prosthetic. I could overhear their conversation. One of them was a Wonderbolt, eh? And here I thought none of them made it out...

 

((Damn autocorrect))

@Windy Breeze @Illiad Easle

Edited February 12, 2021 by Jack Baker

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Illiad Easle

"Test subjects? Test subjects for what exactly? I do wonder if there's a place I could demonstrate some of the abilities that I have and see how I could use them for the betterment of this project..." Thundy said to the minotaurs. 

[Illiad Easle 3,123]

@Califorum

Zest nodded, "It was quite the effort to build, ten thousand engineers and researchers oversaw its design and construction. At maximum efficiency we could likely hold a million ponies on board. Right now we've only got about 150 thousand, with more coming every cycle."

A sound rang out across the upper deck, "Speaking of which, looks like the cycle's ending early. We've got to get off the upper deck, you don't want to risk getting thrown off when we move."

Zest would lead them to the interior portion of the upper deck, "Convenient enough, I can show you the performance stages while we're here. Our main one is a replica of the famous theater of Las Pegasus, a triple decker situation where the upper stages can be lifted away to give all the seating a view of the grand stage, where we have most of our group performances, plays, and opera. I assume you're typically a solo act? Maybe with audience participation? You might be best suited for the smaller stages. Smaller crowd, but the audience is closer and can more easily interact."

They entered one of the stage areas, empty, and Zest took a seat while motioning for the others to do the same. "You'll want to be sitting down for this."

 

@Kujamih @C. Thunder Dash

The minotaurs gave Light quite the strange look, ""This whole place was designed with the express purpose of keeping him from interfering. If he could change a book, he could just as easily bring the whole project down. And besides, individuals are far more opinionated than books. Furthermore, it is the purpose of a well written book to be clear in what it portrays. alternative opinions have no place in a scientific description of events.

The deputy minotaur sighed, "Regardless, we should keep moving, we aren't accomplishing anything here." He turned to Thundy, "We're about to start a new cycle, one way you can be very useful is being in an observable room what that happens. If we're lucky you'll feel something familiar that will be useful to our understanding of what is happening."

An even tone sounded in the research area, and the receptionist minotaur started packing away the things on his desk. "Better hurry boss, sounds like you've got fifteen minutes to half an hour."

The researcher nodded, "Come, quickly. Let's get you two sat down and monitored."

They would be led to a pair of rooms with a pane of glass between them. "If one of you could take a seat in each room, try to sit still for the next, oh, fifteen minutes, and let us know afterwards if you felt something familiar."

Each room had a few comfortable chairs in them, as well as a machine similar to the one they had been scanned with when they were brought to the lower levels.

 

@Windy Breeze

Gypsum came back with a tray right as an announcement came over the hidden speakers in the hallway: "The Æther Project will be cycling shortly. Please secure loose objects and take a seat. It's going to be a bumpy ride."

Gypsum smiled as she set the tray down in Serene's room, "You mind if I stay with you for the cycle? It's pretty jarring the first time. Especially since it isn't always done on the first go, and they can cycle a few times before they get to a safe enough spot to stand still."

She rushed to her room and returned with a container for the salad she had brought for him before handing him one of the rolls and storing the rest in an empty drawer. "You'll want to get comfortable."

 

Tables nodded, "That sounds like a good idea. I noticed they weren't very thorough when we came aboard, they may not have a good census of who's here. Maybe some families are already here together, and they don't even know?"

The same announcement as for Serene came over for them in the cafeteria, the cooks behind the counters hurrying to pack away any loose food items as the griffon came out with containers for their food, "Here, use these to keep the food from going everywhere, cycling isn't always a smooth process. Just stay seated and you should be fine."

 

@Blitz Boom

The older mare seemed quite charmed by Briar's words, "And polite to boot! I see the troubles below haven't stolen your kindness or tact like it has for many others. You can call me Prickly Pear."

She was cut off by a flashing light, "Looks like the cycle is starting early, come with me, we can wait it out together in the breakroom." She would lead the way to a smaller room off the side of the growing area where a few other ponies were seated on couches and chairs secured to the ground. Once inside Prickly turned her attention back to the pair, "This might take a bit, Whose that little one you've got with you? She seems awful shy."

 

@Jack Baker

(First person is a very rare perspective here in the forums, I'm even more intrigued.)

(Raze's sword would be returned to him, but his rifle and ammo would be secured with an image of his mark and he would be told that he could retrieve them if he ever were to venture outside the project.)

(Having a strong aura wouldn't flag him as a loyalist, but the scanner would likely comment that he had a potent aura, a rarity given some of the effects Discord had. If anything he seems the opposite of a loyalist.)

(Nothing really I can add to your post before the hook to the next act, good job on the introduction!)

The griffon came over to him after he attended to the other ponies in the room, bringing a container for the food Raze had gotten, "Here. this'll keep the food from flying when we cycle."

He gave a quick glance around the room, and satisfied that everyone present was ready, then sat down opposite Raze at the table. "That's quite the sword you've got there, you have it long? Or just pick it up recently?"

 

@Blitz Boom @C. Thunder Dash @Califorum @Jack Baker @Kujamih @Windy Breeze

About fifteen minutes after their respective alerts the project shifted suddenly in one direction, before lurching in another direction in a sensation that some would describe as like a slinky going down stairs. periods of weightlessness followed by sudden extra weight in a certain direction, before repeating a few times over. The calm periods lasted anywhere from a few minutes to several seconds.

Fifteen minutes later the movement of the project stopped, and an announcement came out, "Cycling complete. We've arrived over what looks like Minostralia."

@C. Thunder Dash @Kujamih

There was a subtle feeling to the movements of the project that they would be able to recognize as how it felt to move between worlds.

[Jack Baker 698]

@Illiad Easle

I looked at the container the griffon had given me, then back at the griffon. "You said what now...?"

That was about all I could get out before I felt a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach, followed by a sudden rising sensation. Realizing what was happening, I quickly scrambled to put the rest of my food in the container that was given to me as the feeling continued about a few more times, then ceased. Feeling slightly dizzy, I took a few deep breaths.

"Ugh... gonna have to get used to that." I sat back, staring at the ceiling for a bit, before I noticed the same griffon taking a seat in front of me. He complimented my blade.

"Oh, this thing?" I put a hoof over the scabbard. "Some blacksmith gave it to me as a reward for saving his family and forge from a bunch of raiders. Said it was one of his finest. He wasn't kidding." I smiled slightly. "Wonder how the guy's been doing..."

[Windy Breeze 15,189]

@Illiad Easle

Serene smiled when he saw Gypsum enter the room. He left the door open so she could enter herself as he was laying on bed, starting at the ceiling. He was going to speak when an loud announcement interrupted him.

“What in the hay?” he listened to the accouncement, something about an event named Cycle which will give them a bumpy ride, which intrigued Serene and wondered if the city moves like a massive cloud above the sea.

2 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Gypsum smiled as she set the tray down in Serene's room, "You mind if I stay with you for the cycle? It's pretty jarring the first time. Especially since it isn't always done on the first go, and they can cycle a few times before they get to a safe enough spot to stand still."

 

“Sure, I don't mind anyway, and I think having atleast one company is a good thing to have” he watched as the diamond dog left the room for a few seconds. He approached and picked up the trays and set it down on a tabl just as Gypsum came back some kind of containers. She spoke to him about the usage of the item and of the cycle while he listened and took one of the containers from her. Examining it, he commented “It looks pretty nifty I would say” he put his food inside his container “Let's stay on the bed while this Cycle occurs” he told Gypsum.

Soon, the cycle ended with another announcement, telling them they have arrived in a location called Minostralia. Serene let out a sigh of relief “Glad its over” he muttered.

...

Shadow Trail remained in her room, stitching her uniform using the thread she took from an abandoned boutique in a town, she has already done fixing Windy's uniform. The same announced reached her ears, making her pause from her work. Sighing, she stood up and put her Shadowbolt uniform inside the cabinet.

The cycle would soon end, and she would hear another announcement, telling her Æether has moved to another place.

“Minostralia, huh? It has been years since I visited that place”

Edited February 14, 2021 by Windy Breeze

[Windy Breeze 15,189]

@Illiad Easle @Jack Baker

The thought of seeing my friends here In Æether gave me the feeling of hope. But that ray of hope was suddenly vanished when an announcement told us that Æther is going on a cycle. I become curious and wanted to ask Tables whether the place moves to other places when a griffin bringing some kind of containers approached us. Judging by the attire he wore, he's one of the members of the kitchen staff. He gave us containers for our move “Thank you” I watched as he moved approached another pony- or probably a zebra, his coat markings made him look like one. I heard Tables told me to stay in my seat, so I did.

It was very bumpy experience during the cycle. It was also my first which is why I gasped in surprise when everything becomes a bit jumpy, but it would soon end without any incident. My ears perked when announcement occurs, telling us we are now in Minostralia, which I guess is a location where minotaurs are the dominant race.

Edited February 14, 2021 by Windy Breeze

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Illiad Easle

Thundy followed the Minotaur to the room. He hoped that things were going to be okay and they weren’t going to try to tamper with his memories, which were extremely precious to him. He took a seat in the room and waited. 
 

[Blitz Boom 4,612]

@Illiad Easle

On 2021-02-14 at 7:12 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The older mare seemed quite charmed by Briar's words, "And polite to boot! I see the troubles below haven't stolen your kindness or tact like it has for many others. You can call me Prickly Pear."

She was cut off by a flashing light, "Looks like the cycle is starting early, come with me, we can wait it out together in the breakroom." She would lead the way to a smaller room off the side of the growing area where a few other ponies were seated on couches and chairs secured to the ground. Once inside Prickly turned her attention back to the pair, "This might take a bit, Whose that little one you've got with you? She seems awful shy."

As they walked along to wait out the cycle - whatever that may be - Briar would respond to the mare's kind words. All the while Brittle would wander on the opposite side, to keep him between the two of them, with her head held low, and trying to vanish behind him. Which she couldn't really do, but she did her best.

"When I came wandering out of the jungle in which I spawned, I were alone, and uncertain of the world outside. A kind pony found me then, and took me under his wing. He used to tell me stories of his time, living among the higher standing beings of Canterlot, before eventually finding himself tired of their backstabbing and gossiping. He came to the jungle to live his last few years in peace, yet instead elected to take me in, and ensure I were prepared for the world outside. I have taken much in the way of speaking, and mannerisms from his teachings, as it seemed one way in which I could show him my respect, and gratitude.

Were it not for him, I have doubts that I would have fared as well as a did, when eventually I had to go and explore the world on my own. Admittedly, there have not been much room for long winded talking and mannerisms the last year, but it does feel good to have the breathing room to return to the norms again.

And in regards to Brittle, I am afraid that shy is not the correct word to use. Horrified, is more descriptive. It would take long to divulge the details, but suffice it to say that her early years have not been marred with positive experience of other creatures, and the last year have not helped her assumption that others wish only to hurt her. In time, she will hopefully feel better, but for the time being, I am afraid that she would not respond positively to a direct inquiry. She have also sadly been rendered mute the last four months, roughly. Even I haven't heard her voice since then.

If I may redirect the conversation, I wonder what this cycle you speak off are though? Nothing dangerous I ho-"

On 2021-02-14 at 7:12 AM, Illiad Easle said:

About fifteen minutes after their respective alerts the project shifted suddenly in one direction, before lurching in another direction in a sensation that some would describe as like a slinky going down stairs. periods of weightlessness followed by sudden extra weight in a certain direction, before repeating a few times over. The calm periods lasted anywhere from a few minutes to several seconds.

Fifteen minutes later the movement of the project stopped, and an announcement came out, "Cycling complete. We've arrived over what looks like Minostralia."

His long-windedness, and minor pauses between addressing certain subjects, to ensure that Brittle were feeling as comfy as she now could be, would mean he were talking up into the cycle happening. Something which would make him stagger, as if he had been drinking heavily. Even after it were over, he stood with shaking hooves, and tried to realign his senses again.

"T-That were... Quite unpleasant. Brittle, are you okay? Oh Earth Mother..."

He felt down with a vine, and found that where Brittle had stood, now were what could best be described, as a half meter cotton ball, bright green, with a tail made of varied corkscrews slacking down on the ground, and wrapping some times around his vine as it extended down. It smelled as if she were emitting some nauseating pheromone too, which made him feel somewhat queasy, but he couldn't wander off regardless. Painful, or uncomfortable as it were, she needed him more than normal, when she had a fear change like this. It might get to others within half a meter of her though, so best not to do that.

"Another fear response... Troubling development, yet unsurprising, from that cycle. Whatever it may be."

[Evil Pink One 13,505]

On 2021-02-14 at 2:12 PM, Illiad Easle said:

@Califorum

Zest nodded, "It was quite the effort to build, ten thousand engineers and researchers oversaw its design and construction. At maximum efficiency we could likely hold a million ponies on board. Right now we've only got about 150 thousand, with more coming every cycle."

A sound rang out across the upper deck, "Speaking of which, looks like the cycle's ending early. We've got to get off the upper deck, you don't want to risk getting thrown off when we move."

Zest would lead them to the interior portion of the upper deck, "Convenient enough, I can show you the performance stages while we're here. Our main one is a replica of the famous theater of Las Pegasus, a triple decker situation where the upper stages can be lifted away to give all the seating a view of the grand stage, where we have most of our group performances, plays, and opera. I assume you're typically a solo act? Maybe with audience participation? You might be best suited for the smaller stages. Smaller crowd, but the audience is closer and can more easily interact."

They entered one of the stage areas, empty, and Zest took a seat while motioning for the others to do the same. "You'll want to be sitting down for this."

 

@Kujamih @C. Thunder Dash

The minotaurs gave Light quite the strange look, ""This whole place was designed with the express purpose of keeping him from interfering. If he could change a book, he could just as easily bring the whole project down. And besides, individuals are far more opinionated than books. Furthermore, it is the purpose of a well written book to be clear in what it portrays. alternative opinions have no place in a scientific description of events.

The deputy minotaur sighed, "Regardless, we should keep moving, we aren't accomplishing anything here." He turned to Thundy, "We're about to start a new cycle, one way you can be very useful is being in an observable room what that happens. If we're lucky you'll feel something familiar that will be useful to our understanding of what is happening."

An even tone sounded in the research area, and the receptionist minotaur started packing away the things on his desk. "Better hurry boss, sounds like you've got fifteen minutes to half an hour."

The researcher nodded, "Come, quickly. Let's get you two sat down and monitored."

They would be led to a pair of rooms with a pane of glass between them. "If one of you could take a seat in each room, try to sit still for the next, oh, fifteen minutes, and let us know afterwards if you felt something familiar."

Each room had a few comfortable chairs in them, as well as a machine similar to the one they had been scanned with when they were brought to the lower levels.

 

@Windy Breeze

Gypsum came back with a tray right as an announcement came over the hidden speakers in the hallway: "The Æther Project will be cycling shortly. Please secure loose objects and take a seat. It's going to be a bumpy ride."

Gypsum smiled as she set the tray down in Serene's room, "You mind if I stay with you for the cycle? It's pretty jarring the first time. Especially since it isn't always done on the first go, and they can cycle a few times before they get to a safe enough spot to stand still."

She rushed to her room and returned with a container for the salad she had brought for him before handing him one of the rolls and storing the rest in an empty drawer. "You'll want to get comfortable."

 

Tables nodded, "That sounds like a good idea. I noticed they weren't very thorough when we came aboard, they may not have a good census of who's here. Maybe some families are already here together, and they don't even know?"

The same announcement as for Serene came over for them in the cafeteria, the cooks behind the counters hurrying to pack away any loose food items as the griffon came out with containers for their food, "Here, use these to keep the food from going everywhere, cycling isn't always a smooth process. Just stay seated and you should be fine."

 

@Blitz Boom

The older mare seemed quite charmed by Briar's words, "And polite to boot! I see the troubles below haven't stolen your kindness or tact like it has for many others. You can call me Prickly Pear."

She was cut off by a flashing light, "Looks like the cycle is starting early, come with me, we can wait it out together in the breakroom." She would lead the way to a smaller room off the side of the growing area where a few other ponies were seated on couches and chairs secured to the ground. Once inside Prickly turned her attention back to the pair, "This might take a bit, Whose that little one you've got with you? She seems awful shy."

 

@Jack Baker

(First person is a very rare perspective here in the forums, I'm even more intrigued.)

(Raze's sword would be returned to him, but his rifle and ammo would be secured with an image of his mark and he would be told that he could retrieve them if he ever were to venture outside the project.)

(Having a strong aura wouldn't flag him as a loyalist, but the scanner would likely comment that he had a potent aura, a rarity given some of the effects Discord had. If anything he seems the opposite of a loyalist.)

(Nothing really I can add to your post before the hook to the next act, good job on the introduction!)

The griffon came over to him after he attended to the other ponies in the room, bringing a container for the food Raze had gotten, "Here. this'll keep the food from flying when we cycle."

He gave a quick glance around the room, and satisfied that everyone present was ready, then sat down opposite Raze at the table. "That's quite the sword you've got there, you have it long? Or just pick it up recently?"

 

@Blitz Boom @C. Thunder Dash @Califorum @Jack Baker @Kujamih @Windy Breeze

About fifteen minutes after their respective alerts the project shifted suddenly in one direction, before lurching in another direction in a sensation that some would describe as like a slinky going down stairs. periods of weightlessness followed by sudden extra weight in a certain direction, before repeating a few times over. The calm periods lasted anywhere from a few minutes to several seconds.

Fifteen minutes later the movement of the project stopped, and an announcement came out, "Cycling complete. We've arrived over what looks like Minostralia."

@C. Thunder Dash @Kujamih

There was a subtle feeling to the movements of the project that they would be able to recognize as how it felt to move between worlds.

Light has sat down to the chair he was lead to and was waiting on what would happen....

"Hey... Is it happening now?.... I don't feel anything...."

But suddenly something happened to the airship they were riding...

"...... Hey minotaur.... What did you guys just do!?.... Was... Was that a mass teleportation!?.... And exactly where are we now!?"

 

[Evil Pink One 13,505]

On 2021-02-14 at 2:12 PM, Illiad Easle said:

@Califorum

Zest nodded, "It was quite the effort to build, ten thousand engineers and researchers oversaw its design and construction. At maximum efficiency we could likely hold a million ponies on board. Right now we've only got about 150 thousand, with more coming every cycle."

A sound rang out across the upper deck, "Speaking of which, looks like the cycle's ending early. We've got to get off the upper deck, you don't want to risk getting thrown off when we move."

Zest would lead them to the interior portion of the upper deck, "Convenient enough, I can show you the performance stages while we're here. Our main one is a replica of the famous theater of Las Pegasus, a triple decker situation where the upper stages can be lifted away to give all the seating a view of the grand stage, where we have most of our group performances, plays, and opera. I assume you're typically a solo act? Maybe with audience participation? You might be best suited for the smaller stages. Smaller crowd, but the audience is closer and can more easily interact."

They entered one of the stage areas, empty, and Zest took a seat while motioning for the others to do the same. "You'll want to be sitting down for this."

 

@Kujamih @C. Thunder Dash

The minotaurs gave Light quite the strange look, ""This whole place was designed with the express purpose of keeping him from interfering. If he could change a book, he could just as easily bring the whole project down. And besides, individuals are far more opinionated than books. Furthermore, it is the purpose of a well written book to be clear in what it portrays. alternative opinions have no place in a scientific description of events.

The deputy minotaur sighed, "Regardless, we should keep moving, we aren't accomplishing anything here." He turned to Thundy, "We're about to start a new cycle, one way you can be very useful is being in an observable room what that happens. If we're lucky you'll feel something familiar that will be useful to our understanding of what is happening."

An even tone sounded in the research area, and the receptionist minotaur started packing away the things on his desk. "Better hurry boss, sounds like you've got fifteen minutes to half an hour."

The researcher nodded, "Come, quickly. Let's get you two sat down and monitored."

They would be led to a pair of rooms with a pane of glass between them. "If one of you could take a seat in each room, try to sit still for the next, oh, fifteen minutes, and let us know afterwards if you felt something familiar."

Each room had a few comfortable chairs in them, as well as a machine similar to the one they had been scanned with when they were brought to the lower levels.

 

@Windy Breeze

Gypsum came back with a tray right as an announcement came over the hidden speakers in the hallway: "The Æther Project will be cycling shortly. Please secure loose objects and take a seat. It's going to be a bumpy ride."

Gypsum smiled as she set the tray down in Serene's room, "You mind if I stay with you for the cycle? It's pretty jarring the first time. Especially since it isn't always done on the first go, and they can cycle a few times before they get to a safe enough spot to stand still."

She rushed to her room and returned with a container for the salad she had brought for him before handing him one of the rolls and storing the rest in an empty drawer. "You'll want to get comfortable."

 

Tables nodded, "That sounds like a good idea. I noticed they weren't very thorough when we came aboard, they may not have a good census of who's here. Maybe some families are already here together, and they don't even know?"

The same announcement as for Serene came over for them in the cafeteria, the cooks behind the counters hurrying to pack away any loose food items as the griffon came out with containers for their food, "Here, use these to keep the food from going everywhere, cycling isn't always a smooth process. Just stay seated and you should be fine."

 

@Blitz Boom

The older mare seemed quite charmed by Briar's words, "And polite to boot! I see the troubles below haven't stolen your kindness or tact like it has for many others. You can call me Prickly Pear."

She was cut off by a flashing light, "Looks like the cycle is starting early, come with me, we can wait it out together in the breakroom." She would lead the way to a smaller room off the side of the growing area where a few other ponies were seated on couches and chairs secured to the ground. Once inside Prickly turned her attention back to the pair, "This might take a bit, Whose that little one you've got with you? She seems awful shy."

 

@Jack Baker

(First person is a very rare perspective here in the forums, I'm even more intrigued.)

(Raze's sword would be returned to him, but his rifle and ammo would be secured with an image of his mark and he would be told that he could retrieve them if he ever were to venture outside the project.)

(Having a strong aura wouldn't flag him as a loyalist, but the scanner would likely comment that he had a potent aura, a rarity given some of the effects Discord had. If anything he seems the opposite of a loyalist.)

(Nothing really I can add to your post before the hook to the next act, good job on the introduction!)

The griffon came over to him after he attended to the other ponies in the room, bringing a container for the food Raze had gotten, "Here. this'll keep the food from flying when we cycle."

He gave a quick glance around the room, and satisfied that everyone present was ready, then sat down opposite Raze at the table. "That's quite the sword you've got there, you have it long? Or just pick it up recently?"

 

@Blitz Boom @C. Thunder Dash @Califorum @Jack Baker @Kujamih @Windy Breeze

About fifteen minutes after their respective alerts the project shifted suddenly in one direction, before lurching in another direction in a sensation that some would describe as like a slinky going down stairs. periods of weightlessness followed by sudden extra weight in a certain direction, before repeating a few times over. The calm periods lasted anywhere from a few minutes to several seconds.

Fifteen minutes later the movement of the project stopped, and an announcement came out, "Cycling complete. We've arrived over what looks like Minostralia."

@C. Thunder Dash @Kujamih

There was a subtle feeling to the movements of the project that they would be able to recognize as how it felt to move between worlds.

@Illiad Easle @C. Thunder Dash

Light has sat down to the chair he was lead to and was waiting on what would happen....

"Hey... Is it happening now?.... I don't feel anything...."

But suddenly something happened to the airship they were riding...

"...... Hey minotaur.... What did you guys just do!?.... Was... Was that a mass teleportation!?.... And exactly where are we now!?"

 

[Illiad Easle 3,123]

@Jack Baker

The griffon chuckled at Raze's reaction to the experience, "You do eventually get used to it over time, though we tend to get plenty of break between cycles depending on where we end up. Minostralia sounds pretty remote, so we'll likely be here a good few weeks before we need to move again."

He took a closer look at the sword, "That does look like a fine piece of work, a bit small for a griffon, did a minotaur make it for you? My sister was a blacksmith before this all went down... she didn't make it aboard, but her work ensured that many others had enough time to be rescued themselves."

 

@Windy Breeze

Gypsum looked a little woozy after it was over, but she shook it off easy enough, "I thought I'd be used to it after last time, I think that one was longer." She started taking the food out of the containers so they could eat together, "What do you like to eat? They don't often get gems up here given how hard they are to mine and how useful they are in other aspects than as food."

 

Shadow would find that there were a few other pieces of clothing tucked in the back of the drawer, maybe left by the previous occupant of the room? Nothing too distinctive besides a necklace with a pendant of a ruler, paintbrush, and quill set in a triple cross.

 

Tables looked very woozy after the cycle ended, laying her head down on the table, "Is that what it's like to fly? I miss the ground already."

 

@Blitz Boom

The other ponies listened intently to Briar's story until they were interrupted by the cycle, where they each gripped what they could to ride it out.

Once it finished they started getting back up to go to work, though Pear stopped them when she noticed the state Brittle was in, "Here, can't say I or anyone here knows much about changelings, we'll give you some space to take care of her, wouldn't want to make it any worse for her. Cycle's hard enough as it is for newcomers."

Pear would continue, "Can't say I know too much about the specifics, scientific, magical, or otherwise, but the cycle is how the Project gets to another place without anyone being able to follow us. They'll have to search the whole globe again if they want to find us."

 

@Califorum

Zest nodded, "Most anything indeed, that was what the group that built this was dedicated to before the Incident, pushing the boundaries of what is possible." When asked about his part in it all, Zest simply shook his head, "Oh no, I'm nothing special. Just like the two of you I was rescued by the project. I was lucky enough to only be hiding for a few months when I got picked up. I made a point to learn as much about it as I could, and I got assigned to helping others get situated, which I'm doing now."

Once the cycle was done he got up out of his seat to stretch, "Once you two have adjusted, I'd like to take a look at our new location, I've never been to Minostralia before."

 

@Kujamih @C. Thunder Dash

The minotaur entered their rooms once the cycle was done, "I don't want to taint your results by explaining the process just yet. First, did you happen to feel anything familiar during the cycle? Any part of it remind you of another experience?"

 

 

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

@Illiad Easle

Thundy really didn't feel anything. He nodded no. "Nope not a single thing...was I supposed to feel something familiar?" He asked curiously, looking at the minotaur who was running the test. Thundy's abilities had nothing to do with it at all. 

[Evil Pink One 13,505]

"yes I Did! And what did you do.....hhhuuurrrgggg."

Light's body start to twitch and pain was visible on his face.

".... Urg... Who knew it actually worked...."

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Evil Pink One 13,505]

Light's body starts to twitch uncontrollably. He looks like he's in pain.

Then weird things started to come out of his body.

".... Hey minotaur......i think you did something wrong with...mmmrrrggg...me...."

[Jack Baker 698]

@Illiad Easle

"Nah, but I realize why you'd think that," I told him with a small laugh. "The smith was an earth pony, though I think he might have mentioned being trained by a minotaur at one point... nevertheless, the guy was pretty talented."

My ears perked up at the mention of his sister. "I'm... sorry to hear that. It's... tough being separated from the ones you care about, 'specially during times like this. Maybe she might still be out there? And if she is, maybe we'll find her."

I sighed. Despite everything I had just said, there was a part of me that doubted it. I'd seen it firsthand: nothing survives out there. If it wasn't for ponies like me, those who lent a hoof to protect whatever shard of civilization was left, I'm pretty sure there would be even less down there than there is now. And there weren't many of us to begin with; not everyone is suited to fighting off hordes of spawn, let alone wielding a blade...

Oh, come on, Raze. Now's definitely not the time to be thinking like that.

I stood up from my seat, taking the container of food with me. "Well, as much as I'd love to stay and chat, I oughta get going. Never really been to Minostralia before, and I'd like to get a look at this place myself. Then I gotta report for this combat training or whatever is... nothing I can't handle." I waved a hoof at him. "Oh, and if I ever get hungry again, I'll know who to come back to! Amazing stuff man, I swear." I walked back to my room and stored my food in a mini fridge I had found next to my bed, then decided to head over to that training I had heard about.

"Alright, where's that quartermaster..."

 

 

 

 

 

Edited February 18, 2021 by Jack Baker

[Blitz Boom 4,612]

@Illiad Easle

On 2021-02-18 at 6:32 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Once it finished they started getting back up to go to work, though Pear stopped them when she noticed the state Brittle was in, "Here, can't say I or anyone here knows much about changelings, we'll give you some space to take care of her, wouldn't want to make it any worse for her. Cycle's hard enough as it is for newcomers."

Pear would continue, "Can't say I know too much about the specifics, scientific, magical, or otherwise, but the cycle is how the Project gets to another place without anyone being able to follow us. They'll have to search the whole globe again if they want to find us."

"So the entirety of this establishment moved then? That would explain things well, without a need for the technical details on how they are accomplishing such a feat. It feels like quite a thing to get used to, but at least I know what to expect the next time. It may help alleviate the nausea, and temporary lack of direction.

I'm afraid it will be longer for Brittle, but her nerves are flayed rather thin, though you needn't worry of her. She'll revert soon enough, once she feels as if whatever danger might have been, have passed.

I'd also like to kindly thank you all for giving her space whilst this is happening. The less in close proximity to her under these episodes, the better. It warms my core that there is such considerate beings here."

This was not always something that happened, and especially not as Brittle's transformations were erratic, and often didn't make any kind of sense. It caused those of curious minds to gather up to learn something, and sadly, those sorts did not always understand the point in personal space. Some of them did not even do so, when asked politely, and had to be more forcefully told to please step back. It were a pleasant experience that thus far, it did not seem to be something which happened here, with these ponies. Earth Mother be praised for that. It would help with Brittle in the short term, and in the long term, might make it easier for her to try and trust them some. He could only hope that would be the case.

"I do hope it is not too much to ask, but might I please inquire how things normally goes here in the fields, beyond this cycle? It were a rather brief explanation we got earlier, and if there are for example, more seasonable plants to tend to, or times with a particular need for more brute force labor, it might be good to know in advance. Much as I enjoy working, it would be good to know if there were something I should plan ahead for, or which might be an issue that I could potentially offer a solution for. Up to and including insect infestation."