private The Æther Project

[Maud Pie]

@Illiad Easle

Spiral nods upon his conclusions. "That is a reasonable conclusion. But the note implies that it was someone that I knew once, but I have not known anyone with chaos magic on this vessel or even before that. At least to my recollection. So its possible whoever they are, are just toying with me. But clearly they are after me specifically since as far as I am aware nobody else has gotten these notes." Spiral stated, and thought further.

"The first one I had found in the library when I was guarding in the restricted areas, this one I had found in the performance area. Nearby to where the performer named Dazzle is based although I do not think she would have done such a thing given she doesn't have chaos magic and isn't an Earth pony." Spiral added analytically. "I have an idea that they add these notes based upon either materializing them directly in the area, as we would have been able to find traces if they just walked away, right? They have some power to leave notes around, but as of yet they haven't demonstrated anything else. not that they wouldn't be able to. They could."

@Jack Baker @Illiad Easle

Maud doesn't put up any resistance and surrenders her equipment to the guards. As they were taken away by the guards Maud shot a cold stare to Raze, she didn't like how he was raising tensions. Her face and walk remain the same unwavering monotone expression, she shows no signage of her true thoughts or emotions as the two of them were separated from each other, and the others they were with.

Upon the arrival of the investigator Maud would look him in the eye emotionlessly and explained the entire situation to them and left nothing out. Her details and recounts of the events were scarily accurate, and she described the griffon and what he had said during the whole event in great detail as well. She also describes anything else of importance. It was clear with the way that Maud had told the investigator this information that she wasn't lying. The amount of detail in her words was astounding, and the manner of her speech remains the same throughout the entire explanation. 

Maud also details the exact passageways they had proceeded towards, and the moments where the griffon was lost in sight. 

Edited August 7, 2021 by Starforce

[Evil Pink One 13,507]

@Illiad Easle @Windy Breeze @Blitz Boom

"... Hmmmm not much interactions with the agriculture section..... I can lure him there..."

LIght continues to ponder. 

 

6 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"Sorry, I'd tell you if I knew anything. I'll keep an ear out in any case."

 

" No worries good sir. And thank you."

[Blitz Boom 4,636]

@Illiad Easle @Kujamih @Windy Breeze

Brittle and Briar would be over shortly, with the latter carrying one tray on his back, another with a vine, and the last vine being occupied by carrying Brittle. Her form were a little tougher than normal to carry, due to how she were a little curled up and scared right now, but he managed. Albeit slowly, due to the weight imbalance, and also needing to keep the food on his back steady. Quite frankly, this were asking a lot to ask of a blind being, in his opinion, but long as he were not tickled or something of the sort, he should be okay. Or well, perhaps more accurately, if he were tripped. He weren't ticklish.

When they got over, he'd place Brittle in her corner, and himself next to her. She'd start to feed off of her meal in complete silence, and standing so close to him she may as well be glued.

On 2021-08-08 at 4:22 AM, Kujamih said:

"... Hmmmm not much interactions with the agriculture section..... I can lure him there..."

"We have worked in agriculture since we arrived. It is very fulfilling work. What departments have you all been partaking in?"

[Evil Pink One 13,507]

@Illiad Easle @Blitz Boom@Windy Breeze

 

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

We have worked in agriculture since we arrived. It is very fulfilling work. What departments have you all been partaking in?"

".... Errand boy," Light replied.

[Windy Breeze 15,190]

@Illiad Easle

Windy felt herself smile as the lights went back, ”I can show you a few places you might find beautiful. If we can somehow get to the Fillyphines, I can show you the infamous Hoovesshores ruins after all of this is over” Hoovesshores was a resort town which lies in the north coast of Hoofbang island. While much of the town had not survive, the remains of a piece of wall of once the town hall and the completely intact building of Shorebreeze Academy are still standing In the midst of the lush green field and it's long grass which added to beautiful and sad scenery of the ruins. It would be hard to believe a place filled with tall vegetation had once been the foundation of a town with the population of 3,478 ponies with the additional number of tourists, mostly griffons who go there for trade and the fish industry, not to mention the coconut trade.

***

@Illiad Easle @Kujamih @Blitz Boom

“I work as a patrol guard” Shadow casually replied, “does not cost me much energy unless we have to chase criminals and loyalists” she dug into her food.

“I'm from the agricultural department, but I think everypony here knows that” Serene lean one shoulder onto the table. He turned to Light with a raised brow, “Errand boy? Mmm, I never heard that profession exist here. So, who are you working for, Light? Is it a unicorn stallion whose name is Top Secret?” he joked, giving Light a grin.

[Evil Pink One 13,507]

5 hours ago, Windy Breeze said:

@Illiad Easle

Windy felt herself smile as the lights went back, ”I can show you a few places you might find beautiful. If we can somehow get to the Fillyphines, I can show you the infamous Hoovesshores ruins after all of this is over” Hoovesshores was a resort town which lies in the north coast of Hoofbang island. While much of the town had not survive, the remains of a piece of wall of once the town hall and the completely intact building of Shorebreeze Academy are still standing In the midst of the lush green field and it's long grass which added to beautiful and sad scenery of the ruins. It would be hard to believe a place filled with tall vegetation had once been the foundation of a town with the population of 3,478 ponies with the additional number of tourists, mostly griffons who go there for trade and the fish industry, not to mention the coconut trade.

***

@Illiad Easle @Kujamih @Blitz Boom

“I work as a patrol guard” Shadow casually replied, “does not cost me much energy unless we have to chase criminals and loyalists” she dug into her food.

“I'm from the agricultural department, but I think everypony here knows that” Serene lean one shoulder onto the table. He turned to Light with a raised brow, “Errand boy? Mmm, I never heard that profession exist here. So, who are you working for, Light? Is it a unicorn stallion whose name is Top Secret?” he joked, giving Light a grin.

@Windy Breeze @Illiad Easle @Blitz Boom

Light sighed. " I work for Queen Permu.... And was ordered to work for Apollo.... The one who's at the top of the food chain.... He ordered me to find traitors and loyalists aswell... Or else it will be my head.... So if any of you needs help. Just call me."

[Blitz Boom 4,636]

@Illiad Easle @Kujamih @Windy Breeze

"Grizzly business to find those who would support Discord in his madness, but sadly a necessary one. I do not envy you your tasks. Though I appreciate the service you do, to keep us all safe. Nothing good would come from letting his supporters act out his will here. The unimaginable destruction it may cause... Utterly dreadful."

He's take a good portion of fish, and tear through it with his teeth, as easily as a pony would bite over their strawdog. Were there bones, the sound of them crunching would be reminiscent of pork rinds, if any of them knew that particular dish.

"I dread to ask, but have either of you thus far found any, or is it mostly a matter of routine?"

[Evil Pink One 13,507]

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"I dread to ask, but have either of you thus far found any, or is it mostly a matter of routine?"

@Blitz Boom @Windy Breeze @Illiad Easle

" Well I have...but it's hard to catch a changeling....." Light answered.

 

[Windy Breeze 15,190]

@Kujamih @Blitz Boom @Illiad Easle

“I haven't found any of those sneaky rodents yet” Shadow turned to Light, “A changeling, huh? Why would be a changeling become an ally to Discord? Isn't it him the reason why all of us lost our homes and forced into Æther in the first place?"

[Illiad Easle 3,159]

@Starforce

The General nodded, "They may not have had chaos magic when you knew them. HE is known to give chaos magic to his loyalists on occasion, which is why we scan everyone who comes aboard for it. They more than likely were a regular Earth pony when you knew them, and became a loyalist after the crisis. Do you know anyone who would meet that description?"

He listened patiently as the locations were revealed, "That is troubling, if they are placing those notes, either physically or magically, they would have to know the interiors of those areas. Did you notice any magic failings? No... that much would be evident on the note itself. So they didn't just guess on dropping them in. It was clearly deliberate."

If Spiral had any descriptions: "Well have the guards on high alert for anyone who looks like that, thank you for your efforts."

If she didn't : "No worries, we'll keep a vigilant eye out all the same. Let me know if you discover anything else suspicious."

In either case, unless she had something else to say, she'd be dismissed.

 

@Starforce (Missing @Jack Baker)

The investigator nodded, noting down everything she said. "Give me a moment to confirm this account with the others. Thank you for your cooperation."

They would leave the room for several minutes, muffled speaking could be heard from inside the room, then they walked back in, "Your account matches up with what the guards with you said, your compatriot, Raze, has not been so forthcoming. You and the others mentioned that he became aggressive and struck at the pipes when faced with a dead end. Why do you think he did that, how certain were you that the cart was taken down that path and not another one?"

 

@Windy Breeze

The junior guard looked a little down, "Yeah... they didn't leave much standing. There will be much to rebuild, but it will be interesting to see what's left standing, what monuments remain. I've heard from some of the senior guards that there was this big monument in Troy, the Dead Oasis, where they would pay tribute to all their honored dead, or anyone who died in the wars they fought. They kept a record of everyone who was left behind when the Æther left, and they want to add them to it once this is all over. Maybe they'll pay tribute to the other nations too, I hope so."

It wasn't much longer before the other guards returned, much to the relief of the junior guard. The leader of the group nodded to them, "Nothing to report? You're free to go, good work."

 

@Windy Breeze @Blitz Boom @Kujamih

Wildebeast spoke up, "Well, I did know a few changelings in my time before the crisis, they did like to have their hives in the forests when they could. Just like ponies they aren't all the same, each hive had it's own queen, and as such it's own values. I heard some of the queens sided with Discord, maybe this changeling came from one of those hives? What color is this changeling you're looking for? Maybe I met their hive?"

[Starforce 28]

@Illiad Easle

"Perhaps such a pony found a manner to sneak aboard the ship or had gotten aboard by masking that chaotic magical signature by using some kind of device. If he is here, or if his loyalists are here than it would be to sabotage this project and all that it stands for. Trying to lead us astray. Chaos users are hard to predict and they try to lead you astray while doing something else all the while. So it is likely these notes are not all there is, and all that they are planning to do." she stated.

"Definitely seemed to be deliberate. I think that they would have to have a way to hide their true methods of getting in and out. I'd say those hidden areas are now compromised." she said in a grim manner. She then would describe any Earth ponies she remembered (which would include the true culprit but she wouldn't have any suspicions its him yet). 

@Jack Baker @Illiad Easle

Maud looks him in the eye. "Raze has a strict moral compass that he guides himself with and when anything stands in the way of that he becomes aggressive. I think he is easy to fall in line with what he judges the 'moral good' to be." she states in a slightly disappointed manner. "Although at the time we were certain it is entirely possible that they headed down a different path we didn't have time to properly predict." Maud concludes in a logical manner. 

[Evil Pink One 13,507]

5 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Wildebeast spoke up, "Well, I did know a few changelings in my time before the crisis, they did like to have their hives in the forests when they could. Just like ponies they aren't all the same, each hive had it's own queen, and as such it's own values. I heard some of the queens sided with Discord, maybe this changeling came from one of those hives? What color is this changeling you're looking for? Maybe I met their hive?"

@Windy Breeze @Blitz Boom @Illiad Easle

" Wildebeast is correct, shadow. and not everyone here is as clean as you think they are, Especially the crimson red ones or was it the orange ones?... They're the bloodthirsty ones."

 

[Thundy]

@Illiad Easle

Thundy nodded and started to prepare the ingot molds at the appropriate numbers. "Sweet, now that I know the pipelines are nearby, I could transport the pieces so that way they could eventually be put together." Thundy thought to himself. 

[Blitz Boom 4,636]

@Illiad Easle @Kujamih @Windy Breeze

"Sadly, creatures of all kinds, could be swayed to join his crusade. The state I've found some of my own kin in, tells me that it wasn't his forces that struck them down either.. The lure of power, or loss of hope for a different outcome, are regrettably things which may infect us all.

Colors of changelings are all but irrelevant to me, but I've felt, and smelled them before, in the patrols lurking about at times. I pray to the Earth Mother that no truly delusional fanatic have come into this place, seeking to rise to prominence in some horrendous way. There are enough sorrows below us as it is."

Brittle were one of those, who could tell fairly well if another being were a changeling, when she were calm enough to focus on such things, so she had spotted a few here and there over the years, trying to infiltrate, and lure survivors away. But she wasn't infallible, and things did still happen sadly, when she were not doing well. And as she hadn't for a while, there had been times when they simply had to rely on paranoia, and gut instinct. Things that Briar hoped they would not need here, but there would not be a taskforce, set out to find loyalists, if it were not a tangible threat, surely.

"Perhaps there are kinder topics we might rather speak about? Is there better things in your daily lives, than these hunts, which you may wish to share?"

[Evil Pink One 13,507]

5 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

@Illiad Easle @Kujamih @Windy Breeze

"Sadly, creatures of all kinds, could be swayed to join his crusade. The state I've found some of my own kin in, tells me that it wasn't his forces that struck them down either.. The lure of power, or loss of hope for a different outcome, are regrettably things which may infect us all.

Colors of changelings are all but irrelevant to me, but I've felt, and smelled them before, in the patrols lurking about at times. I pray to the Earth Mother that no truly delusional fanatic have come into this place, seeking to rise to prominence in some horrendous way. There are enough sorrows below us as it is."

Brittle were one of those, who could tell fairly well if another being were a changeling, when she were calm enough to focus on such things, so she had spotted a few here and there over the years, trying to infiltrate, and lure survivors away. But she wasn't infallible, and things did still happen sadly, when she were not doing well. And as she hadn't for a while, there had been times when they simply had to rely on paranoia, and gut instinct. Things that Briar hoped they would not need here, but there would not be a taskforce, set out to find loyalists, if it were not a tangible threat, surely.

"Perhaps there are kinder topics we might rather speak about? Is there better things in your daily lives, than these hunts, which you may wish to share?"

@Illiad Easle@Windy Breeze @Blitz Boom

" hmm it's a rare ability to detect a changeling in hiding even for other changelings....only a few select ones can do that... You my friend are a very special changeling. A lot of trouble and blessings will definitely try to find you. If you need anything or you're in need of help don't hesitate to ask." 

[Windy Breeze 15,190]

@Illiad Easle

On 2021-08-16 at 8:19 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The junior guard looked a little down, "Yeah... they didn't leave much standing. There will be much to rebuild, but it will be interesting to see what's left standing, what monuments remain. I've heard from some of the senior guards that there was this big monument in Troy, the Dead Oasis, where they would pay tribute to all their honored dead, or anyone who died in the wars they fought. They kept a record of everyone who was left behind when the Æther left, and they want to add them to it once this is all over. Maybe they'll pay tribute to the other nations too, I hope so."

“That would be nice of them to do. Let's hope they can find someone who isn't a loyalist” came Windy's casual hopeful reply. It was a sad reality many are still missing, or most likely passed away during this conflict, maybe a few due to natural causes. Building a monument is a way to respect and pay tribute for the unlucky ponies.

It wasn't long before the other guards and their leader return to them. Windy waited for the leader to finish the conversation with the junior guard before talking to him once more “What's your name?”

@Illiad Easle @Kujamih @Blitz Boom

Shadow found herself agreeing with Blitz. Life was perfect until a traitor comes and ruins everything “I concede to your statement"

8 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Perhaps there are kinder topics we might rather speak about? Is there better things in your daily lives, than these hunts, which you may wish to share?"

Somehow, Serene was quick to bring up a topic far away from any violence and betrayal “Other than us, have any of you made any friends here in the Æther?”

[Illiad Easle 3,159]

@Starforce

(I assume she walked out of the office after being dismissed)

Exiting the General's office she'd find that the secretary had stepped away from her desk, a small sign indicating that she'd be back shortly. It looked like a few papers had fallen off of the desk, though one of them stood out as it seemed to be of the same weathered parchment that the other notes she had gotten had been on. This one was blank, or at least the face up side was.

If she flipped the paper over she'd briefly catch a glimpse of a rune scrawled on the other side before it activated, suddenly teleporting her somewhere else. She would find herself on a metal catwalk surrounded on all sides by pipes. By the gentle swaying she was fairly confident she was still on the Project, but where exactly she was unsure.

"Sorry about the sudden teleportation, but it was the only way to ensure you wouldn't be followed." A voice spoke from behind her, and out from around a corner walked an earth pony, barely recognizable as Tower Shield, he had lost some muscle mass since she had known him as an expedition guard, his form trim like a well-traveled scholar, "You've aged rather well, all things considered, how long has it been? 200 years? How did you manage it Spiral?"

 

@Starforce

The investigator nodded, noting down what Maud said, "Thank you for your cooperation. Someone should come for you shortly, given what you and the other guards said you should be released without further issue."

The investigator left, and about fifteen minutes later a large griffon entered the room. His presence exuded power and self confidence, and Maud would no doubt notice that his talons were coated in Minostralium. "You are Maud yes? Maud Pie? You have my condolences about your family, I'm sure they'd be proud of you for what you've done today. You see, we have reason to believe that Raze, your partner, was actually one of the rebels, and your brave actions prevented him from succeeding in destroying the project." He paused a moment but continued, "Now, there's still the issue of the lost cart of Minostralium, who knows what nefarious plans those rebels have in store for it. No doubt you want to see them brought to justice? Well, I think you are uniquely qualified to hunt down these rebels and recover the Minostralium. As Captain of the Æther Project, I can give you full access everywhere and anywhere you'd need to go to find them. How does that sound?"

 

@Jack Baker
(Due to inactivity, you have been placed in jail under suspicion of being a rebel. You are in a jail cell when you are able to return)

 

@Courageous Thunder Dash

It would take about an hour for the refined Minostralium to make it all the way down to where Thundy had set the ingot molds. As it poured in Thundy could feel the raw magical potential of the metal, like any spell he tried to cast would be far easier just standing nearby to this much. No wonder the O5 wanted it as far away from Apollo as possible.

As the last of the refined metal dripped out of the channels some of the workers started to make their way down to where he was to collect it. He'd have to move fast if he wanted to get away.

 

@Windy Breeze

The junior guard seemed surprised that Windy took a continued interest in him, "Me? Oh, my name's Starboard. I, er, I suppose civility would dictate that I ask your name too then. So, uh, what's your name?"

 

@Blitz Boom @Kujamih @Windy Breeze

Wildebeast followed along with the conversation, in regards to the changeling colors he said, "I don't think I've met any red or orange ones, the ones in the forest were mostly purple and teal, but I did hear from some changelings that red changelings were bad news, some sort of superstition about how red changelings belong to a hive whose queen went crazy and started murdering ponies and changelings. In any case, I haven't met any red changelings on the ship, thankfully if the story is to be believed."

Per the change in topic Wildebeast smiled, "I hope you'll be able to at least count myself among your friends, though I'd be happy to try harder if I haven't yet qualified."

[Maud Pie]

@Illiad Easle

(Yes she did)

Spiral caught sight of the fallen papers although she made no move to tell anyone about it. Realizing now, how she had just basically sucked up to the general she felt a sense of...disgust. What was she doing, cowering to someone else's authority? Trixie hated that, and it was clear. Trixie all along had ambitions for power, she didn't really care about the leadership of the project. She just wanted power and control. Nothing in her mind had changed, except the times that hardened her ambitions. Spiral on the other hand, was a mage who studied the dark arts without approval of others. She was judged for it, shunned by the leadership. 

Before they could think further she was suddenly teleported by the rune. Finding herself in the presence of someone familiar. Ah yes, Tower Shield. She should have known. Rather than attempting to fight or cause anything, she grinned wickedly at this opportunity as he spoke. "I should have known it was you. While my memory of our meeting and relationship in the past has been quite hazed..." she turned to face him with a knowing grin.

"I had perished in an accident not long after we parted ways. Thankfully the...host-" she pointed to herself. "Had performed a resurrection spell on my grave. With my residual power within the grave, I managed to overtake her body. While she may seem like she is able to speak..." she giggled. "I've actually locked her away in her mind for a very, very long time within her own mind. I'll give you a secret. I've manipulated a lot of those on this ship by doing that. The "Great" and "Powerful" Trixie is now just a hollow shell, with me as its captor...." she strolled around him, almost like a shark sizing up its prey.

"Don't worry about her, I've put her in a peaceful dreamless state within her mind. Her consciousness and mind is in a state of a blank dream, of which she'll never wake up from. She won't even remember anything that's happened since the time I possessed her body the moment she performed that spell." she spoke with utmost sincerity. "I've noticed your notes and I've come to recognize that I've made a mistake in informing the others..." she said with an apologetic bow. "Although perhaps we can use that to throw off potential shade on our part..."

"Now that I am here, I am going to tell you my true intentions. The guard hasn't satisfied me. I want more. I don't know anything about what you may or may not want from me, or that if you are working for the so called 'Rebels' or not...but if you are, I am interested in joining your cause. I cannot merely sit here and wait, idle my time in the position of a lowly guard while the chess match between forces on this ship occurs. I intend to be a direct part of it, and if you are in a cause of sorts I am most interested." she grins widely, almost with euphoria.

"I know all about the shifts of the guards, the keycodes and all that. If you take me in, I'll tell you all of that and then some. As long as you promise me something of Equal or decent value in return...you will have my loyalty. As the leadership on this Airship does not, in truth." she spoke ominously.

"If you remember me well, there was one motto I've always lived by. Carpe Diem. Seize the Day. You've probably known me in the old days as an ambitious sort. That's why I delved myself into my work and poured my all into it, with or without the approval of others. So like that statement...I am ready to seize my day. Although of course if this is a joke or a waste of time on the leadership's part or someone else's for that matter, I could always like, destroy you where you stand. But let's make this a beneficial move on both our parts...for both our sake" she spoke with a casual look, her eyes flashed a little seductively as she took a few steps closer, her grin wide yet truthful.

"So with that being said, how about a deal? I scratch your back, you scratch mine..." she said with ambitious intent. Although throughout all of this, her words remain hushed. At the end of her words, she stopped pacing around him and stood in front of him, awaiting his response.

@Illiad Easle

Maud nodded to the investigator silently and awaited the arrival of the individual in question. Upon his arrival she would stand and listen calmly. Her expression didn't really change, though. Maud was internally quite amazed that she was meeting someone who was the literal captain of the ship. Apollo was his name (last I checked). His words were quite heartfelt, in truth.

"I thank you for your kind words, and of no doubt am I interested in retrieving that which doesn't belong in their possession. That of the...individual that stole it from me and the others." she said with a slight pause in her words. "My companion on the other hoof, I am not surprised. While he had his purposes, his aggressive demeanor put myself and others at risk multiple times. He was a distraction, simply put. Now he is a traitor." she looked to the floor feeling quite betrayed. 

"He earns no sympathy from me, I'll say that." she said bluntly, perhaps as an attempt to bash his name without being emotional or insulting. "I accept your proposal. I need the proper equipment." she suddenly stated ominously, ready to begin her duty. She was quite loyal, and eager to retrieve the stolen materials. Already, she had apparently saved the entire ship from destruction. 

Maud felt a sense of duty. One she wasn't going to ignore.

[Windy Breeze 15,190]

@Illiad Easle

“Windy Breeze, at your service" Windy salutes at him. She hoped he would respond as if she's just a nobody, her status as a Wonderbolt was just giving her frustrations everytime a group of fans surround her, ask questions and beg for autographs. She's just a pony like everyone else and she gets tired; so does the others.

If they are even still alive that is. Windy long lost patience and gave up waiting for any Wonderbolts to step into the Æther. They were either dead or now loyalists; brainwashed into siding Discord.

@Illiad Easle @Blitz Boom @Kujamih

Serene raised an eyebrow at Wildebeest “Are you worried we're not going to count you as our friend?" A smile split his face, “You don't have to worry about that, Wild; while I may not call you one doesn't mean I see you as a friend”

Shadow took a moment to gulp her food to her stomach before turning to Wildebeest “You're a friend to me"

[Evil Pink One 13,507]

On 2021-08-23 at 1:11 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Per the change in topic Wildebeast smiled, "I hope you'll be able to at least count myself among your friends, though I'd be happy to try harder if I haven't yet qualified."

@Windy Breeze @Blitz Boom @Illiad Easle

" You're cool by my book.... Actually all of you guys are.... So you all are definitely friends...just forgive me if I forget your names.... It's a problem of mine... Sorry..."

[Blitz Boom 4,636]

@Kujamih @Windy Breeze @Illiad Easle

On 2021-08-20 at 6:00 AM, Kujamih said:

" hmm it's a rare ability to detect a changeling in hiding even for other changelings....only a few select ones can do that... You my friend are a very special changeling. A lot of trouble and blessings will definitely try to find you. If you need anything or you're in need of help don't hesitate to ask." 

Brittle whimpered slightly, and tried to make herself look smaller and hard to see, by crumbling down, and lean even closer into Briar.

"Sadly, it is more a cause of worry for her, as her state of mind does not always allow her to focus enough, to be able to tell. It makes her worried of her kin being around. Though worse yet is it when she does note one. *sigh* Our experiences with other changelings have been... Less than ideal, and it does not help her fears, to then have these experiences cloud things further. Though I hope someday, she will be able to move past them."

He'd run a hoof gently down Brittle's mane, and feel her leaning in. Still munching on the jelly that she had been given, while her heartrate slowly, yet steadily decreased it's former, frantic state.

On 2021-08-20 at 9:01 AM, Windy Breeze said:

Somehow, Serene was quick to bring up a topic far away from any violence and betrayal “Other than us, have any of you made any friends here in the Æther?”

Thankfully, the topic would shift soon too, leaving them able to move towards gentler topics, such as this regarding friends.

"I'm afraid we've been focused mostly on work, yet I do consider the tutor that generously is spending time to help Brittle get educated, and our fellow field workers to be if not friends, then at least valued companions. I wouldn't wish to put labels on them that they may not prefer at this current point in time. Except for Wildebeat here that is. I consider him to be a friend, and as Brittle have spoken with him, I feel as if she does too.

What of you? Have you made interesting connections, since arriving on this marvelous sanctuary?"

Briar would suddenly wrinkle his nose, and *look* to the side. The expression on his face seemed bemused, and confused for a moment, before returning to the ones he were communicating with currently. It were odd, but for a moment, he could have sworn that a waft of something unusual for this place, had reached his nostrils. He wasn't entirely sure what he thought he smelled, but he would wager a guess and say some kind of combination of engine grease, and sulfur. Rather perplexing, but it seemed to no longer linger, and he found no source for it, so maybe it were but a vague waft, coming from an engine worker of some kind? Probably nothing.

On 2021-08-23 at 7:11 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Wildebeast followed along with the conversation, in regards to the changeling colors he said, "I don't think I've met any red or orange ones, the ones in the forest were mostly purple and teal, but I did hear from some changelings that red changelings were bad news, some sort of superstition about how red changelings belong to a hive whose queen went crazy and started murdering ponies and changelings. In any case, I haven't met any red changelings on the ship, thankfully if the story is to be believed."

Per the change in topic Wildebeast smiled, "I hope you'll be able to at least count myself among your friends, though I'd be happy to try harder if I haven't yet qualified."

"Worry not. As stated, you do count amongst them. Though I do still think a delightful planting would do you wonders. Pray tell, would you be more intrigued if I instead proposed it as a bonding experience between living fauna, and insisted you partook in this for the sake of embracing my culture?"

He were obviously jesting, but he found that this mild teasing were a constant in their friendship, and he gladly embraced it. it were delightfully refreshing at times. As could it be to be planted, but as said, he were merely speaking in jest. Currently, anyway.

On 2021-08-24 at 3:36 PM, Kujamih said:

" You're cool by my book.... Actually all of you guys are.... So you all are definitely friends...just forgive me if I forget your names.... It's a problem of mine... Sorry..."

"Sounds as if we are all one large, friendly gathering then. And worry not of names. It will come to you in time, and I have faith that you will not be able to mistake me for another, with any degree of ease. And if you do, it may be another of my kin, so do please bring word about that if possible.

Might I ask you all as a group something though? As one not familiar with color for rather obvious reasons, what is the significance with that, when it comes to changelings? Is it an identifiable marker of their hive mother, or some kind of tribal, or social branding of a kind?"

[Illiad Easle 3,159]

@Starforce

Tower's expression grew more and more concerned as Spiral continued speaking, "I stand corrected, you've aged terribly. When last we met you were an ambitious, but still kind individual. To see you now, having enslaved a fellow pony just to preserve your own life? With all this time you could have gotten yourself a body, the Spawn are all pretty much devoid of identity, willing empty husks with perfectly good bodies, you could have taken one of them and set your savior free."

He shook his head, "You disappoint me Spiral. I have no place for a greedy usurper in my plans. I had hoped to make use of your knowledge of lost arcana, but not at this price. Still, to all others I offered something they needed, and I was prepared to offer you your own body. I captured a spawn, a unicorn mare, in excellent condition, even approximately the same color as you were. I suppose this gift will also be a test, will you take this new body, and free the one you've held captive for so long?"

 

The griffon smiled, "Excellent. I hope you'll start immediately. Head over to the armory when you're ready, show them this," he gave her a card that bore a special symbol, "And they'll provide you with whatever you need. That card will also get you in anywhere you need to go." His expression suddenly grew very serious. "DON'T lose it. If I find out that, through your negligence, this card fell into the hooves of the rebels... I'll kill you myself."

With that he went over to the door and held it open for her, "I hope to hear good news from you soon."

 

@Windy Breeze

Starboard smiled, "Good to meet you Windy, I hope we get assigned together in the future. I'm going to get some rest, you stay safe!"

Starboard would head off towards the guard residences, leaving Windy to do as she pleased.

 

@Windy Breeze @Kujamih @Blitz Boom

Wildebeast looked pleased to hear that he was considered a friend by most of those at the table, "Wonderful, I am glad to hear that the feelings of friendship are reciprocated."

When asked about changeling coloration Wildebeast offered some information, "While I don't know first hoof, for the most part it seems that changelings belonging to a particular hive all have the same coloration, whether they are born that way, marked before leaving the hive, or if it has something to do with what they eat, I don't know personally. But I think it has something to do with the food, given the different emotion gels are distinct colors and the changelings here mostly choose to eat the gels that match their coloration."

[Maud Pie]

@Illiad Easle

Spiral seemed to stop and think for a moment. She looked down at the floor upon his last statement. "I-..." she didn't know what to say and stammered. "Getting my soul into other bodies was something I considered dangerous at the time, and considering the limited time scales I had because I was constantly on the run fighting against them I wouldn't have considered such a thing. I'll accept your offer, it's something I've always been after." she spoke with sincerity. "I am not entirely heartless. I could have entirely ruined this poor mare's mind, but I decided to just keep her away. I did her a favor. I hid her from all the horrible things I've seen, and you call that slavery? I call that solace. She is one of the very, very lucky few who lived in blissful ignorance of the way of this dying world. " she seemed quite disheartened by that word, a little hurt by it in all honesty. Spiral hadn't felt hurt in a very long time. 

"To you I seem greedy, but to me, I am given another chance at life and I'm not passing it up. I...maybe I shouldn't have said some of the things I said here." she stammered and got nervous. "H-how do I know this isn't another trick? What do you want from me...?" 

@Illiad Easle

Maud took the card into her hooves and was going to walk out without any questions or comments but she stopped just before she left out the door and turned to face him directly into the eye. "It doesn't matter if you kill me, for I have nothing left. No family." she said with a degree of coldness he hadn't heard from someone, likely in a very long time. For a minute or so she'd let that silence reign.

 Then she'd shrug slightly."But I digress, why should I take this card at the risk of you killing me? Even if it wouldn't be my fault you will still kill me for it. I am not doing that. If I am to be killed, I would rather do it by my own accord rather than by your talons." she gave him back the card and turned away. He could see that her emotionless exterior had cracked somewhat, and that she was very displeased with what she had just heard.

"Find someone else to kill. I will not do this for you, you are using me for this at the threat of death. No." she met his gaze again, her eyes narrowing slightly. 

[Thundy]

@Illiad Easle

Thundy headed for the collecting area and started to collect the metal, feeling stronger than before. "Wow, no wonder why this is so valuable. I feel much stronger than before..." Thundy said as he continued to collect the metal. He then headed towards his destination. 

[Evil Pink One 13,507]

@Illiad Easle @Windy Breeze @Blitz Boom

Light would nod his head with agreement to wildebeast.

Light might not have gained much lead to his quest, but has gained new friends that might help him in the long run.

If no further events would occur, Light would then bid his farewell to his new friends and wonder off to correct what is wrong in this world.