private The Æther Project

[Suri Polomare]

@Illiad Easle

They would converse about what they had found for a little bit longer before they would resume the shift as intended. After the shift would end, or if she was able to in the current timeframe, she would look for a guard to tell about the note she had found as well as the fact that it was infused with Earth pony and chaos magic. It was definitely something she needed to tell someone about.

@Jack Baker @Illiad Easle

Maud would only blink and then do a slight nod to indicate that she was willing to go along with the suggestion. She would give Raze a passing look as she would walk off to her room. Once there, Maud would proceed to take a nice long shower to get completely clean before going to sleep. It was a long nap, and she had awoken after she set an alarm to wake herself up in about 8 hours or so. Then, she'd head to where the guard wanted them to do the shifts.

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Illiad Easle

"....." Light would look around and became cautious of his environment and question the luck he just had of easily finding a lead.

To avoid further attention to light and his new sit mate, he would casually talk to him.

" Nope... Tried to be friends with him....lost cause." Light would then take a sip on his drink and rub his neck as to feel if there was a mark left behind.

" Is the mark on my neck that obvious?, If this becomes permanent I'm gunna kick hiss ass real hard."

"The names Light by the way, is there anything I can do to help you?"

 

[Jack Baker 698]

@SuriPolomare @Illiad Easle

My eyes slowly opened as I woke up from my sleep. I woke up exactly an hour before my guard shift; which was enough time to take a nice shower and gather my things. I wasn't sure how bad this rebel situation had gotten, but it didn't hurt to be extra prepared.

Perhaps this place is not so safe if there are traitors on board, Thanatos said.

"Maybe... even so, it's my job to take 'em out if we see them, so that it becomes the safe haven they want it to be," I responded back.

Perhaps they are... unhappy with living in a steel fortress, isolated from the rest of the world.

"...I think I get your point. But what's worse: living free with the scum and the monsters, or living safe and isolated?"

That would depend on who you ask...

"...Yeah..."

After our brief philosophical debate, I exited my room and made my way over to my post. 

 

[Windy Breeze 15,189]

@Illiad Easle

Shadow was relieved as Play decided not to forcibly make her talk but she did not show it, giving him a wave and a small smile as she waves at him, “Have a nice day, Play” she said, waiting for Play to disappear from her line to sight.

With him now gone, she decided to go back to doing her patrols in the Æther, namely the residential area.

...

“Ah, you don't need to do that. I can take care of myself” Windy tried to give Tables a convincing smile. She was a bit nervous but in the other hoof, he support for the Æther can be a benefit for many lives who's lives depends on the fate of the city, 

@Blitz Boom

“Isn't is surprising trees can grow in a cloud city? I have never seen such things before, they must have done a lot of stuff to make this all teal” he said to briar, not tearing his gaze from the nearest tree.

Edited June 24, 2021 by Windy Breeze

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

 

@Windy Breeze

It appeared that Serene was reluctant to share how he were faring thus far here. Or perhaps he simply did not hear Briar? He had spoken clearly, but the mind could wander, and focus land on other things. He could imagine that may well be the reason, yes. Perhaps later, he could try asking again, and see what came of it?

"It is impressive indeed, but from what they tell, they need to work hard on keeping the soil lively. Such is sadly the loopholes one must go through, when the dirt does not receive the Earth Mother's love and energy. May we one day again wander the earth, and see the fruits of her bountiful slumber."

The Earth Mother gave the life to the earth that it needed, for them to grow soil, and have a fruitful nature. Such were the believes of his kind, yet it were not without its thorns. Their praise and worship were not simply to give thanks to the goddess they believed in full, slumbered deep, deep beneath the soil. It were also meant to appease her, that she may forever be satisfied with her children, and sleep peacefully. Terrible would it be if she rose, angered by neglect, and starved of the worship she deserved for giving them all the nature they relied on. For then she would crack open the land itself, and wander it in all her glory, whilst the earth withered, starved of her blessings.

He had explained it to others, and most considered it to be a silly thing. Some even called it preposterous, and mocked him for that, but they may hold their opinions, as he did his. And even up here, much as he didn't know if it would reach her, he still sent his blessings and thanks towards the Earth Mother, praying that little as it were, she'd know that there were still those who remembered her, and treasured all she gave.

From his perspective, if he and his kind were wrong, there were no harm in it, as it wasn't like they sacrificed beings for her, or anything macabre like that. Yet if they were right, and they turned their back on her... A grim outlook, even if it wasn't like the world below right now, were much better.

"You wish to take that tree, then I take the one to the right, and we wander on until all have been done on both sides? Then we can turn around, and check if the other have done well enough, if you want."

[Windy Breeze 15,189]

@Blitz Boom

Serene indeed did not hear Briar which is odd since they were just a few meters away from each other. He did hear Briar about his idea, “Let's try that out” he flew over to the tree and began looking for any ripe fruit to take.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Courageous Thunder Dash

(You never ended up clarifying, so I can't do much here, but it gives the guards some time to get into position before you try to take it from them)

 

@Starforce

At the end of the shift she'd be met by the head library guard who gave her the perfect opportunity to bring it up when she asked: "Did you see anything unusual on your shift?"

Upon being informed of the note, she looked more concerned, "That's concerning, but I'm glad you brought it to my attention. It sounds like we'll need to keep an eye out for an earth pony loyalist. Did you make enemies with an earth pony before you came on the ship? By the wording they seem to know you personally."

 

@Kujamih

The stallion chuckled, "Only if you know where to look, like I do. You're far from the first he's held off the edge of the ship, and unfortunately I suppose not the last one."

When Light introduced himself the stallion nodded, "I'm Honeydew, I'm an assistant researcher under Dr. Conegher. Anyway, as to how you might help... I suppose that depends, Apollo aside, what is your opinion of the Æther project?"

 

@Jack Baker @Starforce

Raze and Maud arrived back at the hanger at about the same time, they were scanned by some of the existing guards to confirm they were the same ponies, and not disguised ponies or changelings. Once they were verified the head would come over with a map, "You two will escort the cart down to the foundry, try to stick to the back paths to minimize contact with the residents and any potential traitors. Only the foreman of the foundry knows this is coming, deliver it directly to him. If anyone approaches asking about the contents you tell them it's mining ore. If they ask about Minostralium they are traitors and should be dealt with. Grab yourselves some armor and weapons, no firearms inside the project, and get going."

(As you'll likely be ambushed by Thundy, please indicate clearly how you go about guarding the cart so they can plan accordingly.)

 

@Windy Breeze

(Per Thundy, I'll let you know if Shadow runs into him on her patrol)

 

Tables didn't look wholly convinced, but nodded, "If you're sure. Just remember that the offer is on the table." With that she looked over at the clock, "I should get going, plenty of paperwork still to do. You stay safe out there!" She would then stand up from the table and head off.

 

@Blitz Boom @Windy Breeze

Working together they'd make short work of the trees, Serene finding more of the higher fruits and Briar finding more of the lower fruits given their positioning. Between the two of them they didn't leave a single ripe fruit on the trees they passed, each one carefully collected in the baskets. After some time they'd run into a group pf foals and other young creatures running about the orchard, playing a game of tag or something similar.

[Maud Pie]

@Illiad Easle

Trixie looked at the mare with a curious glance before pondering her question. "Trixie had one companion named Maud but she was never the type to do this! She is not the type to do so at all besides maybe someone Trixie met earlier that Trixie had forgotten." Trixie states, seeming to be quite troubled by this. "And besides, maybe they faked their magic so it would seem like something they are not? Who knows." 

@Jack Baker @Illiad Easle

Maud nodded silently and proceeded to stand next to the cart, she would maintain constant observation over the cart itself after getting herself fully armored and with a double bladed axe, as well as a shield. May be a bit over the top, but it was needed to defend the project. She stayed silent, as she usually does. 

[Thundy]

@Illiad Easle

As Thundy rounded a corner, he saw what appeared to be guards in the area. He pulled out a device from his belt that rendered him invisible. Thundy then snuck slowly towards the guards as quiet as he could. His energy radiated, which could either be good...or bad...perhaps it could be a slight distraction so that way Thundy could get to the Minostralium. 

[Jack Baker 698]

@Illiad Easle @Starforce

Hold.

As I was waiting for the Minostralium to move, Thanatos spoke out.

I sense something approach... a different energy from the ones already present.

I looked around the area, but I couldn't see exactly what he was talking about.

There's nothing here, Than. Maybe you're just imagining things?

My senses never lie... have a look.

My vision darkened, and all I could see were these orbs of light and the faint silhouettes of the ones they belonged to. They were the life energy of every creature in my vicinity. As I looked around once more, I could see one orb slowly approach from one corner of the hangar, but there was no silhouette. I looked away.

Hmph... so he's using some invisibility of some sort...

Someone who wishes to obtain the Minostralium?

Maybe.

What shall we do, then?

Pretend we don't notice... then, once they're close enough and they there guard is down, we get the jump on them... I glanced at Maud.

...And let her know too.

Understood. Thanatos began to project his voice into her mind.

Forgive my intrusion, but I have detected the life energy of someone in the vicinity. They are invisible to the naked eye, but they do not seem to have noticed I have spotted them. My master has advised that we let him approach, and once he is close enough, we shall confront him. He also wished to inform you of his plan as well. I will tell you when he is close.

 

 

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

"My opinion on the project?" Light pondered for a bit before he answered.

" I've seen worse... Then again I've only seen little.... And the more I tried to dig deep the worse it gets... But nothing that can't be fixed.....yet." 

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Windy Breeze @Illiad Easle

On 2021-06-24 at 6:20 PM, Windy Breeze said:

Serene indeed did not hear Briar which is odd since they were just a few meters away from each other. He did hear Briar about his idea, “Let's try that out” he flew over to the tree and began looking for any ripe fruit to take.

"Splendid that we can agree on an approach. Let us show them what we can do then, yes?"

Their teamwork bore fruit - pun intended - as they roamed across and took care of the sections they did best in tandem. Serene dealing better with higher elevation fruits, whereas Briar too things within reach of his vines, and saving his magic for just carrying. The same thing would be done by Brittle, who wouldn't say more currently, but just focus on trying to do her part, in getting the buckets and such there to fill up/bring the fruit to them, as best she could, without leaving Briar's side. Whoever were to come when they were done, would find that the three of them had done an excellent job, and truly shown great teamwork promise. At least that is what Briar would like to think. There may be some missed by then unfortunately, but alas, no creature were perfect. They could only go at this as best they could, and hope that it would prove sufficient enough, that the ones who swooped in after, would be able to bring less than what a single pony could carry in his front hooves, that they had missed.

On 2021-06-25 at 5:11 AM, Illiad Easle said:

After some time they'd run into a group pf foals and other young creatures running about the orchard, playing a game of tag or something similar.

Briar's ears vibrated a little as he heard the sound of younglings playing, and would turn to face them a little. He didn't technically need to, but it were a habit of sorts by now, to turn towards the sound of voices. Came from years of facing others when talking to them. A politeness thing his old friend had taught him before his passing, that had Briar act more normal. It helped when blending in, as others did not like the *talking without looking towards you* thing, apparently. From what he understood, it made you appear smug, and therefore annoying.

"Aaah, the sound of youth enjoying life. It matters not how often I hear it, after the years below, it always warms my heart that little extra.

How was your youth, if I may ask, Serene? I could share ours, but mine is not something I wish to sour the air with, unless you were curious, and Brittle's are... Sensitive. I'd hope there were more sunshine and good things to say of yours. If it feels as if I am pushing things though, I do apologize. I only wish to carry a conversation, after the good work we have done thus far."

[Windy Breeze 15,189]

@Illiad Easle

Shadow would cautiously look around her, making sure no one is going to jump at her. While the hallways of the residential area of the city of Æther are least populated there are still ponies in many of the rooms, she has also passed by a few guards along the way.

***

Windy decided to go for the hospital, deciding to make her patrol here until finally using her spare time to get some rest. She felt nostalgic every time she's in this place, it reminded her the time she had visit Soarin' in Ponyville Hospital after an accident at Rainbow Falls, or when she gets into an accidental herself and taken to the hospital. She sighed, “I really miss the old days” she whispered to herself.

***

@Blitz Boom

Serene felt this sense of...happiness and calm. This is what he felt when he's at home or making out with his friends, was it because he's with familiar faces or because of their teamwork? He doesn't want to know, he's just happy that those feelings with him despite being the sole known Richville resident in the cloud city.

His ears swiveled, he look and saw foals playing something which reminded him of the game of tag which he and his friends used to enjoy.

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Aaah, the sound of youth enjoying life. It matters not how often I hear it, after the years below, it always warms my heart that little extra.

How was your youth, if I may ask, Serene? I could share ours, but mine is not something I wish to sour the air with, unless you were curious, and Brittle's are... Sensitive. I'd hope there were more sunshine and good things to say of yours. If it feels as if I am pushing things though, I do apologize. I only wish to carry a conversation, after the good work we have done thus far."

His gaze turn to Briar “That's okay, you don't to say anything if its too personal. If you wanted me to tell you my foalhood, I'll tell you”

“I have a very beautiful life” he started with a sad smile, “I have three pals who make my life more lively. New Miles, Breeze Frond, and Sugar Pastel. We would play hide and seek, tag, and have an adventure in a nearby forest to play a small tournament of picking of mushrooms, the one to get the most mushrooms is the winner, the loser gets a punishment" he chuckled, “furthermore, we also make slumber parties. They're all in Richville when the invasion started, so I don't know what to them”

[Maud Pie]

@Illiad Easle @Courageous Thunder Dash @Jack Baker

Maud was standing ontop of the ore actually. The best way to guard something in her mind, is to literally be ontop of it. Any attempt to remove the ore or interfere with her guard she would be aware of. Maud hears a familar voice within her mind, she would speak back to Raze mentally. "I see. Do what you must. I cannot see or sense what you are talking about. I trust that you have the ability to disable this invisibility of theirs. Only then, can I help you." she would respond back within her mind to Thanatos's voice. She stood as still as a statue, not giving any indication she realized Thundy's presence.

[Thundy]

@Starforce @Jack Baker

Still invisible, Thundy sensed that others were being lured to him. Therefore, he had to suppress his energy, in hopes that he could make progress towards the Minostralium. Thundy inched slowly towards where the Minostralium was located, and made sure that he didn't leave any energy trails. 

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Starforce

The head guard looked thoughtful, "We'll have her checked just in case. Do remember, this could have been anyone from your past, even before the incident. Can you think of anyone at all who might match the description? Maybe an old friend or enemy who may also have survived the incident? Faked magic is unlikely, they'd have to be exceptionally skilled to pull it off, and none of the loyalists we've encountered so far have been so skilled. But if you knew someone so skilled we could keep an eye out for them as well."

 

@Starforce @Jack Baker @Courageous Thunder Dash

Given neither Maud nor Raze indicated something was amiss, they were given the go-ahead to start moving the Minostralium. Two of the other guards getting behind to push the cart forward while Raze would walk in front to ensure the way was clear, unless one of them wanted to follow behind to ensure they weren't ambushed. At least one of them would need to be in the front. The guards pushing weren't happy to also need to push Maud's weight, but couldn't fault that it gave her a good vantage.

Unless something happened, they'd soon reach a corner and a ramp heading down into the lower levels, where there wouldn't be much in the way of civilian traffic.

 

@Kujamih

Honeydew looked taken aback, "Seen worse? The project may have it's flaws, but as a whole it is nothing short of a technological and magical marvel! A nearly fully self-sustaining floating city that not even our greatest enemy has managed to take down. It is a direct upgrade in every way from the Pericles that won us the Summer War, which in itself was a miracle of engineering. I should know, I helped build it. It's because of that that I want to see it reach it's full potential. I and a few other like-minded individuals have come to the conclusion that Apollo does not align with that goal. What think you of that?"

 

@Blitz Boom @Windy Breeze

(I'll give you more time to talk to each other before moving things along on this front)

 

@Windy Breeze

In her patrol of the residential areas Shadow would come across the cafeteria where Light and Honeydew were talking, if she were listening she'd overhear the last line of their conversation (as written above)

 

The hospital was thankfully not busy when she went by, it seemed that accidents were uncommon on the project, the hospital only really getting overwhelmed when a new batch of ponies came up from the surface. In fact it looked like they were getting ready for that next batch, organizing materials and training new nurses and doctors in their roles.

[Maud Pie]

@Illiad Easle

(Will reply on Maud's front when Thundy and Raze Reply)

Trixie quirks an eyebrow. "You seem insistent on thinking it is someone from the past. Why not someone from the present? Trixie has been with many in the past. Some powerful, some not. It is entirely possible that one of them could have gotten on board, but how they would come aboard, and know of my presence is unlikely. Plus, Trixie has not recognized anyone from her past onboard this ship. The best Trixie could think would be the mare named Dazzle and the foal she was with on the performance stage. Neither liked Trixie much but Trixie doubts that. Besides, how would Trixie know that such a culprit isn't among our ranks?" 

[Jack Baker 698]

@Illiad Easle @Starforce @Courageous Thunder Dash

After being given the ok to move the materials, I was given the assignment of taking point. As we moved, however...

The rogue energy... I can no longer sense it.

I gave a look of confusion at Thanatos's statement.

What do you mean you can't sense it?

It has... disappeared. I suspect use of suppression magic...

Perfect. Just perfect. Well, do you remember the last spot he was at before it disappeared?

I do.

Then try and keep track of his location from there. He'll probably be moving very slowly towards us, possibly not changing positions, so it shouldn't be too inaccurate.

Very well.

In the meantime, I turned to the rest of the group. "I'll need one of you to guard the rear. Just in case anyone tries anything funny like an ambush..."

I then spoke to Thanatos. Project my thoughts into Maud's head.

...You are connected.

Hey, heads up. Than lost track of the energy; looks like he's suppressing it with magic or something. Just keep a watchful eye out.

 

[Windy Breeze 15,189]

@Illiad Easle @Kujamih

Shadow had wandered into a cafeteria, watching to the residents going about their lives.

A voice caught her attention. Looking towards the voice, a small smile formed.

“Looks like Light is lollygagging (spend time aimlessly; idle)”

On 2021-06-28 at 12:46 PM, Illiad Easle said:

“-that goal. What think you of that?"

Shadow did not heard the rest of HoneyDew's statement, arriving too late to hear the rest.

***

Seeing there's not much happening in the hospital, Windy decided to stay. watching for any suspicious individuals.

Edited June 29, 2021 by Windy Breeze

[Thundy]

@Jack Baker @Starforce @Illiad Easle

Thundy stopped. He sensed others in the vicinity. It seemed that he was getting attention. He rubbed his claws together, with the leftover bits of energy roaming, and made a tuning fork appear in his claws. Since he was invisible, the tuning fork was invisible as well. He slowly hovered te tuning fork towards a piece of metal away from himself and struck the tuning fork against the metal. 

At the moment the sound went off, Thundy pulled the fork back with whatever energy was still around and dashed away towards where he needed to be, not making a sound since he was invisible. 

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Windy Breeze @Illiad Easle

On 2021-06-27 at 3:57 AM, Windy Breeze said:

His gaze turn to Briar “That's okay, you don't to say anything if its too personal. If you wanted me to tell you my foalhood, I'll tell you”

“I have a very beautiful life” he started with a sad smile, “I have three pals who make my life more lively. New Miles, Breeze Frond, and Sugar Pastel. We would play hide and seek, tag, and have an adventure in a nearby forest to play a small tournament of picking of mushrooms, the one to get the most mushrooms is the winner, the loser gets a punishment" he chuckled, “furthermore, we also make slumber parties. They're all in Richville when the invasion started, so I don't know what to them”

"It sounds like some good friends, with whom you have shared much. I pray that they managed to hide and find safety, and that you may be rejoined with them soon. I hear that they bring beings here with infrequent regularity, so there is still hope to be had. Are we not proof after all, that even amidst those dark times, you can still survive?"

The chances were sady slim that they had survived, or at least that all had, but this place represented hope. Hope of salvation, and freedom from the horrors below, to all who would be willing to do their part. If they were found, there would be shelter, and it were not impossible they might well be down there, hidden somewhere. They had made it after all, even if it was sadly not the norm for that to happen. Still, that did not take away that there were a chance, and long as that were, there were hope for good news. Earth Mother be willing, Serene would get some of those sooner or later.

"And I do not mind speaking of my youth, as I believe it important for others to know of my kind, and have grown to understand that my hardships, may prove informative in some fashion.

To give a summary, I am a mutation. A thing which sometimes happens, when one of us are born from the great tree. And as were tradition in the prime settlement of my kind, I were promptly disowned by my parents, and thrown into the pit, along with the other Snaproots. That is the name of our mutated subspecies. Recognizable by our lack of eyes, sharp teeth, and need of protein.

Due to how we clash with how things normally are, my variants were as mentioned, tossed in the pit. A darkened place, where the light were scarce, and we all huddled closely to absorb what little of it that were. Meals too were few.,, but we shared it as best we could, as we had none but ourselves to rely upon. We were treated like this, as they wanted us to be desperate for the surface, where light and food were more abundant, and as such, whenever they needed one of us for service in some fashion, we would gladly do anything they said, to not be returned. I were no better, when I were picked up as I were in my early years.

I suppose that was not as short as I intended, but the gist of it is that I cannot provide what others would call a happy tale of my youth, as it had no real family, friends, or purpose, until I were called upon to be an obedient worker. Though I suppose a more accurate word for it, would be slave. We did not even get a name. It were discouraged, as it may lead us to think we were individuals, and not merely things.

It could be worse though. Some centuries before that, and I would have been burned to my core instead. Least this way gave me a chance to eventually rebel, and face a chance in banishment. One which I had hoped would give me a chance to eventually return, an d fight to stop this system, with allies gained on my travels, but I believe the jungle have been torched to the ground, and our greatest tree are but an ashen husk. It would fit well with what I heard happened to other of our settlements."

He were cutting out a lot of the ugly details here, like the mocking words shouted down at them too in the pit, to ensure that their feeling of self worth would remain low too, or the physical treatment, but he had said enough to share his feelings on the system he had grown up in.  One which would not be repeated, when his kind would again walk her blessed earth. The memories, as well as the colored rings that were stuck in his leg, signifying a code for his *crimes* if he had ever attempted to return, would ensure he'd keep the past in mind. The future had to improve.

"...My apologies, I did not mean to bring a gloomy tone to this conversation. I do have some more light hearted travel stories instead of it is, yet you seemed as if you were still curious, and I have accepted what once happened. It helps nothing to hide it, and it will remind me on ways to change things, when the sun once again rises upon a calm world."

[Windy Breeze 15,189]

@Blitz Boom

Serene find Briar's life very...horrifying and brutal, in contrast to his simple, cheerful life with his friends. Briar, however, faced nothing but bloodline betrayal, discrimination, slavery, and rough life. Even as Briar apologizes for bringing up the topic, Serene thought this guy deserves more respect and value more than him.

”I'm alright, Briar. Knowing that I'm the only refugee from Richville who's able to reach this city has made me a little numb, I even forgot my home address but hope to seeing my parents is still there, growing steadily" he gave Briar a sad smile.

[Maud Pie]

@Illiad Easle @Jack Baker @Courageous Thunder Dash

Maud had observed as the guards moved the container further along. It was calm until she heard Raze's thoughts in her mind. "Acknowledged." a few seconds had passed by and all of a sudden there was a strange sound in the room. Maud instantly straightened up. "Guards. Intruder. Block off the exits. We have an invisible opponent in our midst." she spoke emotionlessly yet in a serious manner. She grabbed her weapons tightly. 

[Thundy]

@Starforce @Jack Baker @Illiad Easle

By the time Maud had called for the guards to block the doors, Thundy was already on the other side. He was still on the ceiling invisible, but wouldn't last that much longer. He scampered towards where he needed to be, still holding the tuning fork in his left talon. 

[Jack Baker 698]

@Starforce @Courageous Thunder Dash

I was only slightly startled by the metallic sound, but I still maintained my position. I could tell he was trying to throw us off his trail, but I wasn't having any of it.

"Only two guards block the exits! The rest of you keep your positions..." I then turned my attention to Thanatos.

How are we doing, Than? Find anything?

I can only see the vibrational energy coming from the sound... he hasn't revealed himself to me yet.

Is that right...

Suddenly, I had an idea.

Than... can you see that vibrational energy as it hits objects?

I can.

As soon as he said that, I drew my short sword and hit it against the metal wall, making a loud clang. After several seconds...

Above us.

I looked up and threw my sword at the ceiling, where it stuck with another loud clang.

"Alright, enough hiding!" I exclaimed. "I know you're up there, so why don't you make this easier for all of us and get down here."