private The Æther Project

[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 3,127]

@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.

[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 4,620]

@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.

[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."

 

[Thundy]

@Jack Baker @Starforce

Thundy jumped down from the ceiling and revealed himself. "Alright, you found me..." He said as he set his invisibility device back on his belt. "Gah...I hate these dilemmas..." He added. Thundy was an honest griffon, and he hated to lie because with that failed diversion, it may have just been a giveaway. 

[Thundy]

@Starforce @Jack Baker

Thundy simply looked at the other pony who had drawn her sword out. He was currently in no fighting position. "Okay...if you really want to know...come close. I promise I won't hurt you. You have to trust me. I myself am keeping guard." Thundy explained. 

[Thundy]

@Starforce @Jack Baker

"Well, I guess I'll have to do it telepathically, if you're okay with it. Who knows who's watching us..." Thundy stated. Thundy was getting a little nervous, but he wasn't showing it. It seemed that everyone here had completely different agendas. 

[Jack Baker 698]

@Starforce @Courageous Thunder Dash

I jumped up and grabbed my sword from the ceiling.

"Yeah, no," I said as I landed on my feet. "Whatever you have to say, you can do it in a cell after we take you in." I pointed my sword at him. "So how 'bout it?"

 

[Thundy]

@Starforce @Jack Baker @Illiad Easle

Thundy chuckled. "So this is what it comes down to hm...well too bad...you gotta make me!" He said as he pulled a device from his belt and threw it at the two. The device let out a high pitched frequency and at that moment, Thundy disappeared with a hoof after reigniting his energy. He reappeared close to where he needed to be, leaving small traces of energy where he went behind, but hardly enough to know exactly where he went. 

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Illiad Easle @Windy Breeze

Light was about to reply to honeydew but he cought a glimpse of someone familiar to him.... And she was quite near to hear their conversation. Light avoided to continue honey dew's conversation and called out the pony to also alarm honey dew that they are not alone anymore. "...hey! I recognize you....your with windy..." At that point, Light realized that him and windy in this dimension don't know each other. ".... Ermm windy? The one with the wonderbolt costume! We both road the escape vehicle together!"

" It's been a very long time seens I've seen my batch of escapees! How've ya been! Oh we haven't really introduced ourselves properly! You know. Since escaping for our lives and what not hahaha! My name's White Light."

Edited June 29, 2021 by Kujamih

[Windy Breeze 15,189]

@Kujamih

White immediately introduced himself. She swore she saw him earlier at the meeting with General Quarters as well as among the small group she and Windy joined back at the surface.

“Nice name, I'm Shadow. Shadow Trail. It's nice to see you a familiar face”  she approaches White and the mare, “I see you are already making a mare friend, who's she?"

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Illiad Easle @Windy Breeze

"Oh her?"

She is... A scientist.... Who does science stuff........she help made this junk.... I meant project! Project." Light looked at honey dew and gave a small bow to show he was sorry for what he just said.

" And also a good friend of mine. We both hate Apollo... I mean love his leadership AGHUUUU!!!" Light said while coughing at the end.

"Enough  about us... How bout you I what you been up to this months?" Asked sweatingly...

Edited June 29, 2021 by Kujamih

[Illiad Easle 3,127]

@Starforce @Jack Baker @Courageous Thunder Dash

(You guys sure have posted a lot here, I hope I didn't miss anything)

The two guards who had been pushing the cart quickly went to stand one in each doorway to the hallway, only a few paces away from the cart. They didn't draw weapons until Thundy revealed himself, but held off from attacking for the moment. One of the guards, a unicorn, had a rifle trained on Thundy.

When Thundy went on the offensive the unicorn guard shot the thrown device, cutting off it's shrill note early. The other guard called out, "Alert! Traitor spotted! Lockdown the section!"

There was a bit of a delay before an alarm went off and security doors started to close, trapping the two guards, Raze, Maud, and Thundy in the same section.

The rifle guard backed themselves against a corner, "Show yourself coward!"

 

@Starforce

The head guard shrugged, "It might not be, but given you've likely met far more ponies before coming aboard than after, it simply seemed more likely. Then again, Spiral isn't exactly an uncommon name, you may also have simply intercepted a note meant for another pony named Spiral. We'll keep an eye out for any suspicious activity, you should do the same. In the mean time go ahead and get some rest, maybe we'll have some more information by your shift tomorrow."

With that she was dismissed do do as she wished.

 

@Windy Breeze

Things were pretty calm in the hospital until she heard the faint sound of an alarm from the direction of the hangers, if she remembered her guard training she'd recognize it as a localized lockdown alarm, something must be going on.

 

@Windy Breeze @Kujamih

Honeydew looked a bit uncomfortable as Light rambled on, "I've been told I've a somewhat feminine figure, but I assure you I am a stallion, and not interested in your friend in that way." He stood from the table, "I'll leave you two to talk, before Light embarrasses himself further in front of Guard Trail." He nodded to Shadow, "Safe travels."

 

@Windy Breeze @Blitz Boom

Wildebeast had approached while Briar was relating the tale of his youth, he had an uncharacteristically sad expression on his face, "I apologize, but I couldn't help but overhear, that's a pretty brutal upbringing. Far be it for me to say I understand, because I couldn't hope to, but I do feel for you." He paused a moment before going back to his regular expression, "Still, the two of you did an excellent job! And just in time too, we're going to cycle the layers below now that the fresh soil is all ready to go, and we'll need some ponies ready to mix in the fertilizer and plant the seeds while the soil is still soft from the rotation."

He'd lead the way down to the bottom layer, a number of other ponies standing by, "Stand back, don't want to dump you with the soil now."

A few moments later, with a mechanical 'thunk', the ground split before them, revealing the planter area was made up of several rectangular sections, each of them turning over to dump the old soil off the project, before linking back together. Then with a second 'thunk' the ceiling split, and the section above dumped it's dirt down to the layer they were on before linking back together. Once the ceiling was closed the rest of the ponies started spreading out the dumped dirt, mixing in bags of fertilizer as they went. 

[Windy Breeze 15,189]

@Illiad Easle @Kujamih

Shadow frozen upon hearing Honeydew voice and also his explanation. Then, her face turn red as a rose. She spoke to Honeydew as he is about to leave, “Take care, sir” she said politely.

Once he left, she turns to Light, “I'm doing good, got decent meals, and finally able to sleep without opening an eye for any dangers. How about you, Light? How's Æther for you?”

***

Windy's ears twitched, she could the faint sound of an alarm, must been a local lockdown. She was having second thoughts about whether she should be taking action or stay in the hospital.

I hope everything will be alright she thought.

***

@Blitz Boom

Serene was a little surprised to hear Wildebeest, having forgotten the stallion actually exist

29 minutes ago, Illiad Easle said:

"Still, the two of you did an excellent job! And just in time too, we're going to cycle the layers below now that the fresh soil is all ready to go, and we'll need some ponies ready to mix in the fertilizer and plant the seeds while the soil is still soft from the rotation."

Fertilizers? Serene didn't know what fertilizers are, maybe he should ask Wildebeest later. He followed the stallion to the bottom layer before stopping at their destination. He noticed some ponies are standing by.

He then heard a mechanical sound. Having paid heed of the warning he's given by his superior, he's able to witness the ground split in half without plummeting into what it seems to be an area made out of rectangular areas. The ceiling also open, and spilling out is a waterfall of what it seems to be healthy soils.

Serene questioned his choice of work as the ceiling closed and the ponies began to make their way to rectangle areas “I should have just become a farmer than a weather pony” he made his way to one of the rectangles and began spreading the dirt. Looking at the ponies nearby, he noticed them dumping bags of...something. He turned to Wildebeest, “What are those inside their bags?” he asked.

[Jack Baker 698]

@Courageous Thunder Dash @Illiad Easle @Starforce

The moment the screeching noise stopped, I immediately switched my sword grip to backhanded and stood up on my hind hooves. I quickly dashed towards the intruder, then slid to a halt. I performed an upwards vertical slash , while using the momentum to simultaneously do a backflip kick, hoping to knick him in the face.

[Thundy]

@Jack Baker @Starforce @Illiad Easle

At the moment Thundy saw the kick coming towards him, he moved out of the way. He noticed the guards coming. He quickly charged up some energy and let out an electromagnetic pulse. It drained his energy quite a bit. He had leftovers to teleport, but not very far, just enough to get a little closer to the Minestrolium. 

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Illiad Easle @Windy Breeze

"ahehe see you later." Light said as honey dew left.

" Anyway... Yeah I've been doing good. I've been doing a lot of work for queen Permu and have made a name here a bit."

Light felt a sudden disturbance and made him pause a bit.

" ahmm Hey you know Apollo gave me an assignment, and he wanted me to go find some traitors. And I'm sure us newly introduced to the projects are good candidates for them to join their rebelion.

You got any juicy stuff for me?"

" I'll treat you a meal? I mean of course...if you're already in that kind of group, ahmm" -light coughed-" I won't rat out someone I know... I'm not like that... I'm just...cool....and you know just curious.... I'm not really help helping Apollo.... I'm not saying I'm against him either... But that guy can be such a prick..."

 

Edited July 1, 2021 by Kujamih
Edited the hearing the sirens part....

[Blitz Boom 4,620]

@Windy Breeze @Illiad Easle

 

"Never loose hope, my friend. In the darkest hours, it is the only light that might guide us through.

And if you feel sadness for me, you needn't worry. The past is unchangeable. What remains is the future, and I believe in better days to come then. My story is not meant to raise pity in the listerner, but only to educate about an unjust system. And when I return to her blessed earth, and grow a new sacred tree, it will be changed from how it were. I will know better, than those who came before me, and can raise my kind to surpass this old bias. Is there not joy and hope to be found in that?"

Briar would smile warmly towards Serene, and if he seemed to need it, offer a mossy hoof on the stallions shoulder. A friendly gesture, meant so show he were there for the stallion, if he needed it. Perhaps he wouldn't, but they could all do well remembering sometimes, that they had others who cared for them, and would help if they felt down.

As for his own story, Briar had as mentioned, accepted his past. And while he could no longer aim for salvation for his imprisoned kin, he could still aim to do better for the generations that were to come. Long as he, and the seed remained, the Evergrown would too. What happened until the glorious day of rebirth, were of less concern to him, and only filled him with excitement, for all the things that were to learn and experience, up here high in the skies.

19 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Wildebeast had approached while Briar was relating the tale of his youth, he had an uncharacteristically sad expression on his face, "I apologize, but I couldn't help but overhear, that's a pretty brutal upbringing. Far be it for me to say I understand, because I couldn't hope to, but I do feel for you." He paused a moment before going back to his regular expression, "Still, the two of you did an excellent job! And just in time too, we're going to cycle the layers below now that the fresh soil is all ready to go, and we'll need some ponies ready to mix in the fertilizer and plant the seeds while the soil is still soft from the rotation."

"My message goes to you, as it does to him, Wildebeast. As for the task ahead, you know you can rely on me. Lead the way if you will, please."

Briar had bitten notice in Wildebeast being there, but it hadn't seemed prudent to address him until now, as he were discussing things with Serene. That he too knew of Briar's past, were of no concern either. He were always happy to tell any who wished to know, as only through educating others of their historically secluded kind, could there be any hope of change, and understanding. Keeping it to himself, would not serve any purpose.

 

19 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

A few moments later, with a mechanical 'thunk', the ground split before them, revealing the planter area was made up of several rectangular sections, each of them turning over to dump the old soil off the project, before linking back together. Then with a second 'thunk' the ceiling split, and the section above dumped it's dirt down to the layer they were on before linking back together. Once the ceiling was closed the rest of the ponies started spreading out the dumped dirt, mixing in bags of fertilizer as they went. 

The path down were unremarkable, though the same could not be said for the process that came when they arrived. At least, it felt and sounded impressive. It were somewhat chaotic, and Briar wasn't sure exactly what it were he were witnessing. It felt like soil being dumped down a layer, and the loud sound of machines, but it were one more thing in this place, that just had no comparison for him, and as such, were hard for him to truly fathom in its entirety. Machinery were a strange thing.

"This place never ceases to amaze. Such peculiar ways you have found, to flourish so far from nature. Yet there is work to be done now it seems. Let us wander forth."

Briar would get out and begin spreading dirt along with the rest, whilst Brittle did hers to use her magic and hooves, to pack the earth a little better, as to avoid it seeming like an uneven mess.

18 hours ago, Windy Breeze said:

“What are those inside their bags?” he asked.

"Judging by the smell, I would venture it is fertilizer. Not a blend I am familiar with though, and I have spend many a day performing day labor on farms, in my day. It still smells familiar enough though, to make me somewhat confident in my assertion."

Edited June 30, 2021 by Blitz Boom

[Illiad Easle 3,127]

@Windy Breeze

(Windy didn't do anything, so there's nothing to add here just yet)

 

@Windy Breeze @Kujamih

(Light and Shadow are too far off to hear the alarm, I'll give you a bit to continue your conversation)

 

@Windy Breeze @Blitz Boom

In response to their talk about the fertilizer, Wildebeast chimed in, "Taters is right, It's something the scientists whipped up, they say it helps the soil stay useful longer and helps the plants grow better. I don't know everything they put in it, but from my experience it seems to be mostly compost, all the food that doesn't get eaten and goes bad gets re-used to make more food, so nothing is wasted."

Once they were done spreading out the dirt, they'd go back to get the seed bags, potatoes again, and would set out planting them in the soil they had just prepared.

Wildebeast decided to spark up some conversation, "I think those are some good plans you have Taters, for when we get to go back down," he turned to Serene, "What do you think you'll do when you get back to the ground? I'd say I was going to go back to being a mustang, but I don't think I'll be young enough to pull that off by then. Maybe I'll just have to settle into being a farmer full time."

 

@Jack Baker @Starforce @Courageous Thunder Dash

There was a sound like a switch being flipped, then the lights went out in the hallway. Some trembling came from below, and Maud would feel the cart shift a bit, being lifted up a few inches, before it rapidly descended through a new opening in the floor to another hallway below.

If Maud stayed on the cart, she'd be knocked out by some magic and pushed off the cart.

Regardless, as soon as the cart dropped a ball of light floated up into the hallway from the hole, a bright flash going off to temporarily blind everyone in the room. 

From below a masculine voice called out, "Six, get down here." Thundy would recognize the voice as that of Blu.

Once Thundy went through the hole, or after a minute, the removed panel would be replaced in the hallway, blocking anyone else from getting through.

 

@Starforce

The library was a popular place at all hours, so she'd see a good number of ponies and guards coming and going, however none of them matched the magic she had detected or looked familiar to her outside of that she had seen them in the library before.

[Thundy]

@Starforce @Illiad Easle @Jack Baker

Thundy was hit by the rock and let out a grunt. He felt a little woozy and did his best to recover. He was on a mission and he wasn't going to surrender. From his first impression, Thundy knew that the grey pony was not somepony to mess with. She seemed very strong and smart. Thundy looked on his belt. However, the lights went out and Thundy heard a voice. He followed the voice and arrived at where Blu was.