private The Æther Project

[Windy Breeze 15,189]

@Illiad Easle

------Windy Breeze------

Despite having just known each other, Windy wished to meet and talk Starboard again, maybe they can even eat to gether during lunch break.

“You too, Starboard!” Windy waved at him. She would spend a few more minutes wondering the halls, still wary of what happened when the alarm was sounded. Convinced the Æther is now safe with the criminal possibly caught, she decided to make use of her free time to her apartment room.

@Illiad Easle @Starforce @Blitz Boom

------Serene Spring and Shadow Trail------

“It could help them tell if a changeling is a member of their hive” Serene added, “Richville has a few changeling ancestors during its first establishment and while most of them are defectors from Queen Chrysalis's hive, there are few who's carapace are purple, yellow, and white. They make good neighbors”

“Your town has changelings even during the first part of its history?” an intrigued Shadow gasped.

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle @Windy Breeze @Kujamih

On 2021-08-29 at 7:24 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"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."

"Is that so? How utterly perplexing, though I can imagine the food related one being relevant. I hear the various hives have preferences, so that preference, if thought of as various kinds of food, could well cause the colorations then. Again, colors are not a concept that means much to me, though it is curious still. If it is hive related... Perhaps there is yet some hope to understand what hive you came from, Brittle, before you were taken."

Brittle whimpered softly, and kept focus on her food. She were not one to question what sort of emotion she were offered, as she were often starving in the circus, and had to take anything that she were able to get hold of. Yet since joining with Briar, unbeknownst to her - as she wasn't good at understanding too many nuances in what she ate, and thought it might be love she were eating from Briar - she had fed primarily on an emotion he had in abundance, and were in fact, her preference: Empathy. Briar were one who harnessed a great deal of pride in his work, yet more than anything, he cared deeply for those he felt of as down-throdden, and in need. First that were his variance in his own species, and then later, as he met Brittle, it became for her. As they then met each other again at Ponyville, and he learned of her life, and why she did not have a home to return to, after he helped her escape, it began to increase for her, as he took responsibility for her care.

Others he met that were in trouble, he cared for too, yet he had never any shortage of empathy for her to eat. What hive that might be part of, were hard to say though. he didn't hang out with changelings normally, so he didn't really know this, and couldn't see colors to guess. The warm pink, which seemed to get a few shades lighter, the closer it got to the center of her stomach, were probably something that someone would be able to connect to a hive. He just hadn't thought of it before.

11 hours ago, Windy Breeze said:

“It could help them tell if a changeling is a member of their hive” Serene added, “Richville has a few changeling ancestors during its first establishment and while most of them are defectors from Queen Chrysalis's hive, there are few who's carapace are purple, yellow, and white. They make good neighbors”

“Your town has changelings even during the first part of its history?” an intrigued Shadow gasped.

"I find myself more surprised that defectors of that particular hive were so open about that fact. From what I hear, that hive were not exactly of a high social standing, with the general populace of Equestria. Though of course, I do base that off of the murmurs I hear in the street, more than a general, peer reviewed study, so it may well be that what I heard, were somewhat exaggerated."

His left ear perked up, as he heard, and bit note in, somepony coming in here. This one being a little more special, as it seemed to be a security guard, whom were in a rush. Frantically wandering around, in apparent worry. Sweat had a certain smell, depending on what sort of emotion one were under, and he definitely detected her with a tinge of fear as well, befitting the frantic search she appeared to be on. Perhaps she dropped something important in the area?

Unbeknownst to him - as he could really only tell the shape of what she were holding, and it may well just be a walkie talkie - she were also carrying a tracking device. Which began to ping, so she knew she were near. It just wasn't accurate enough to let her see exactly where what she were looking for were. She seemed to do whatever were going on well by herself though, so Briar remained seated. It were probably just some sort of machine too, and he wouldn't know the first thing about that sort of construction.

Edited September 5, 2021 by Blitz Boom

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Starforce

Tower watched silently as Spiral clarified her earlier statements, and waited a moment after she finished speaking before responding, "I suppose we'll see then. What I want from you is two-fold, first: You'll be responsible for bringing her back up to speed once you return her body to her, as well as fulfilling whatever cost she deems fair for having occupied it as long as you have. Second, I want your loyalty. I will give you the gift willingly, no strings attached, because I want you to join me willingly in ensuring the safety and success of this project."

He turned down one of the walkways, "Now, come with me, your new body is waiting."

Tower would lead the way down the winding walkways of the pipeworks until they reached a hidden room, inside a pony lay unconscious in a cage, a unicorn mare, her colors were faded and her mark nearly invisible, a common trait of the spawn of Tartarus, but she appeared otherwise in a good state of health. Tower motioned Spiral forward towards the spawn, "Do with the gift as you wish."

 

Apollo raised an eyebrow, but accepted the card back, "Hmm. Clearly the reports of your bravery and intelligence were nothing but baseless praise. I had thought someone like you would understand the importance of an all access card not falling into enemy hooves, and that the highest precautions would need to be taken to prevent its misuse."

He waved a talon dismissively as he tucked the card safely away, "Go then, I'll find someone more... competent... to take care of this."

With that he would leave the room, leaving the door open behind him.

 

@Courageous Thunder Dash

He wasn't able to push the cart too far towards the pipeworks entrance before some of the other workers noticed, "Hey! Where do you think you're going? The ingots are supposed to go to the warehouse!"

A number of workers started to hurry down to him, if he moved quickly he'd be able to get everything through the door before they reached him, especially if he caused some sort of distraction.

 

@Kujamih

(You need to give me a direction as to where you want to go so I can tell you what happens. There's plenty to investigate and explore.)

Exiting the cafeteria, Light would pass by some guards talking about the earlier incident in the Pipeworks, a cart of ore having been stolen.

 

@Windy Breeze

Arriving at her apartment, she'd find Plein sitting outside Shadow's apartment, Plein looked over when Windy arrived, "You know when your friend will be back? She locked the door so I can't go in and get my stuff."

 

@Windy Breeze @Blitz Boom

Wildebeast nodded at Shadow's question, "I've found that the further one gets from Canterlot, the more favorably changelings were viewed, some outskirt towns and villages did have undisguised changelings, the forest I lived in for instance, changelings were the only ones trusted to offer safe passage through it. Sure, after the wedding incident, public perception of changelings shifted everywhere, but it did embolden some queens to talk directly with local leaders to stop rumors before they could tear the town apart."

Wildebeast looked over at what had caught Briar's attention, before chuckling, "I see she's escaped again," He turned to the group, "If any of you see an energetic young mare running about, best keep your distance, her ideas rarely leave bystanders wholly unscathed."

[Thundy]

@Illiad Easle

"Shoot..." Thundy said to himself. He then looked for a distraction on his belt. "Aha!" He said to himself as he took a small concussion pulser that would let out a single pulse blast to stun nearby foes. He rolled it on the ground towards the workers, then proceeded to push the remaining stuff through the door. He then shut the door behind him and proceeded towards his destination. 

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Illiad Easle

 

Light had found a new lead.

" I smell a plot..."

Light would then follow the gossiping guards and introduce himself.

" Good day to you fellow guards! My name is Light and Apollo has assigned me as one of the new head of security! And that means Apollo will have my head if I don't do my job. I'm sure you know his temper right?"

Light is trying to sweet talk his way to make the guards talk more on what they know, by threatening them from the wrath of Apollo.

" So it would be nice if you could help me out on that juicy gossip you were just talking about in the pipe works. I'm not afraid to bring you guys down with me aswell." Light said kindly."

( If no serious events would happen and Light continues to successfully harass the guards he would get some more information and head to the pipe works in a rush.)

[Maud Pie]

@Illiad Easle

Maud realized that she didn't stand a chance against Apollo there. It deeply internally enraged her, however that would lay hidden within her rather dormant expression. "I was willing to go along with whatever you wanted until I heard what I just heard. If you never threatened me, I would already had gone off. Perhaps I might have even been willing to die for your cause, but you decided to speak the truth and I have decided based upon what you have spoken to me." she spoke coldly. 

"If you are so competent and wise yourself, you will not even have to find someone to do it for you. If you want to heed my advice - do it yourself. That way, you won't have to deal with any trust issues. I understand the importance, and I would eagerly have done so - without your threats." her voice returned to its natural tone. "I recognize when I am being used. Good luck. Hopefully you'll heed my words." she added and then walked off the opposite way before he could reply. She didn't even want to give him the chance to reply to her words. 

Now that she was away from her, all ties with him and her loyalty to him was shattered. Not only that, she could feel herself beginning to break. She wanted nothing more than to strike Apollo down, but she knew that without the proper precautions she would most certainly die. Knowing of the Minostraulium, she would aim to search for it herself. Hopefully she could get to it before Apollo did, and she had planned that when she finds whoever was responsible for its theft she would most certainly join their cause. Like that, she proceeded away from the area as subtly as possible. She had a goal to accomplish, and began setting out towards where she was before. 

@Illiad Easle

Spiral proceeds up to the spawn and strolled around the cage. Surveying the contents of the cage much like a shark would with a smaller fish. She looks Totem in the eyes. "If you are to have my loyalty, I need to know where yours stands. Who are you siding with, who are you siding against? How do I know that you, indeed really want the safety and success of this project? Sure, that is what we all want to have." she mused.

"I want nothing more than for the world below to be restored to its natural state. For us to rebuild this dead world. Other than that, I don't like the current guard or the leadership here. I have been mistreated by the powers that be." she glares deeply. "And before you say that I have mistreated this mare, I haven't. Her mind is perfectly intact. I only put her into sleep so I could save her the troubles of the world." Spiral sighs and walks closer to the spawn.

"I will give you a hand of trust and do what I have intended to do for a very long time. I will join you and your cause, I just wish to know more about it. As for Trixie here, I presume that you would like her loyalty as well. Perhaps we can convince her when she returns to a state of awareness, and if she is brought up to speed on the events of the world. As for this body..." Spiral would open up the cage with her magic.

With her horn, a spell would be casted. This would clear out any residual chaos within the mare within the cage, as well as any other spells over it to ensure the removal of any entrapments. She didn't give Tower any chance in replying. Spiral lays down on the floor and Tower could see that Trixie's body flashes red. It shakes a bit, and after a few seconds out of Trixie's eyes, horn, and mouth a red glow exits her body. He could see Spiral's soul exit the body.

Without wasting any time, the ball of red light would head towards the mare within the cage. The red light would enter through the eyes, horn, and mouth. It's energy spreads throughout the mare's bodily structures. Her nerves, cells, and organs would all be merged with the energy of the soul. Her soul would take ownership of the body - this would mean that any soul already within the body would be 'put back' within the mind, and only capable of observation for now.

The mare's eyes open. Like that, she exits the cage and looks to Trixie. Trixie was currently asleep on the floor. She awaits Tower's reply. 

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle @Windy Breeze

"A reasonable, well thought out approach by the changeling queens, I must say. When things are simply left to fester, and gets ignored, it can brew into quite the storm. This heads on approach, likely saved them much heartache, though I can imagine it were not perfect. Paranoia is a terrible thing, which can cause quite the considerable amount of problems. But I'm sure that if you knew changelings, you'd know so already. I hardly knew of them. The only one I felt some certainty in having met for the longest time, being Brittle. They do an impressive work of hiding, even from one whose senses are high, like myself."

On 2021-09-07 at 3:46 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Wildebeast looked over at what had caught Briar's attention, before chuckling, "I see she's escaped again," He turned to the group, "If any of you see an energetic young mare running about, best keep your distance, her ideas rarely leave bystanders wholly unscathed."

"...I have a bad feeling about this. The mare you refer to... Might she smell of gunpowder, by chance?"

He had picked up the vague waft again. Though now it were more consistent, and he had a direction to go by as well. Specifically, the entrance to the cafeteria, where the others would be able to see the head of a young, unicorn mare poking in, with a mischievous grin on her face. She were orange based, and had patched of dark grey in her fur at random intervals. Which is what smelled of gunpowder. A rather nasty solution that had exploded, ingraining itself in her pores, and coloring them. The smell were not so much from that, as the continued use of various explosive powders, though it'd be hard to say. Her eyes were also slightly red, and the mane on her, were slicked backwards, in a sort of short mohawk, looking like a strip of fire. Even the colors fitted it, and as the mane moved, it almost gave off the illusion of the *fire* burning.

She'd sneak in, revealing that while the mane were short, her tail was massive. Bulbous, and fluffy, looking like several explosions had been frozen in her tail, which were larger than her torso. She stood at about the regular size of a thirteen year old, young mare, if a few inches taller, though the look on her smiling face, told more of a foalish mind, than that of a mare. As for her cutie mark, which got well visible, as she snuck up on the guard, it were that of a lit bomb, with a smiling face.

When she were right up at the guard's face, that were starting to look under the tables, she'd finally speak up, looking like she were about to burst out laughing.

"Have you checked if she snuck into the kitchen?"

"I'd think the kitchen staff wo- Gaaah!"

The mare tumbled forward a little, as she realized who were talking to her, and she got a minor shock. The one who had pranked her though, were sitting on her flank, laughing heartily.

"Why do you keep doing that?!"

"Because it keeps working, duh. Loosen up, grumpy."

"You know my name is Strumpet. Now behave, and get back to the-"

"Oooh, lookit that. They got jelly."

She more or less completely ignored the guard, and went up to the counter to ask for a small plate of jelly. The guard? Sighed, and looked a little dismayed, but she were getting annoyingly used to this, sadly. Blitz were a good inventor, and helpful as an engineer, but she were also one with far too much energy, and a mind that needed her to stay under observation, so she didn't suddenly make something that would cause issues. They learned that the hard way a few years back, when she snuck off to explore, got stuck in a utility closet, and somehow managed to make a sort od rudimentary scrap bot out of the pieces, that barged the door open for her. Then proceeded to scramble around the area, bashing in all other doors it saw too, causing quite a stir, until someone finally got over and stomped it out. And that were not even counting the minor explosives, or prank glitter bombs.

Yet still, she had gotten older, and less foalish. Sadly not enough to not be bored, and play tricks on her monitors though. With some frequency.

"How... Peculiar. It seems there's still those who entertain games and fun in many places."

[Windy Breeze 15,189]

@Illiad Easle

------

When Windy went to her apartment, she was expecting to finally get some rest, but seeing she had to help somepony even she reached her home downhearted her, but she did not show it. She kept her distance from Plein as respect to old sayings of keeping a distance from other strangers; Plein knows more of Shadow than her.

“I don't know. It would be long before she comes back” her voice had a doubt in it, not exactly sure when Shadow will come home.

------

@Illiad Easle @Blitz Boom 

On 2021-09-07 at 9:46 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Wildebeast looked over at what had caught Briar's attention, before chuckling, "I see she's escaped again," He turned to the group, "If any of you see an energetic young mare running about, best keep your distance, her ideas rarely leave bystanders wholly unscathed."

Shadow looked at where the others are starting at and saw a filly sporting a smile which screams trouble. If the filly was an adult mare, Shadow would have narrowed her eyes and confront her. Thanks to Briar's recent statement, she eased down before she caused any misunderstanding.

“massive number of foals had been traumatized by the world-changing event but this one...I don't know how to put this nicely...” she lost her words to the filly's behavior. This one must be so ignorant or young when everything went to chaos to be this energetic “...I don't have words”

Edited September 13, 2021 by Windy Breeze

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Courageous Thunder Dash

Thundy's attack was successful, preventing any of the workers from following him into the pipeworks, though he'd still have to move quickly if he were to get away undetected.

He wouldn't be moving long before he'd be met by Dell, the buck from the meeting, "Good work, let's get this out of here."

He'd then lead the way, quietly, to where they had had the first meeting, using his magic to keep the cart from making too much noise, though the Pipeworks had a generally high enough noise level to make that easy. Once in the meeting room he'd help guide the cart over to where the first cart was. "Excellent, an admirable effort on all parts, it looks like Apollo won't be getting any more this time."

Dell nodded and looked over at Thundy, "You're free to go now, I trust you know the way back topside? I look forward to working with you again."

 

@Kujamih

The guards did not look convinced by Light's claim to be one of the new heads of security, "Oh really now? Then I'm sure you're aware, Sir, that Security and the Guard are separate organizations on the Æther. The guard wouldn't have to deal with these issues if Security didn't keep letting loyalists and rebels onto the project."

Another of the guards joined in, "Yeah, so why don't you kindly buzz off to your Security team, Don't you already have your hooves full prepping for the new cycle of creatures?"

The two of them laughed as they trotted off, leaving the third behind who rolled their eyes, "Don't mind them, Low down is the rebels managed to intercept a cart of Minostralium ore as it was on its way to the refinery, dropping into the pipeworks to escape."

(Assuming he does head off to the pipeworks)

There weren't many maps that listed the Pipeworks as a destination on the project, but with enough searching and asking he'd find that it composed the lower decks of the ship, and he'd need a good reason to be down there given the recent rebel activity. Guards standing at the entryways to deter those without reason to be down there.

 

@Starforce

Apollo hadn't stuck around to listen to Maud's response, having left the room before she started, and wholly ignoring her if she had attempted to follow him. Guards blocking her path as he exited the area they were in so she could not follow him further.

(By "where she was before" I assume you mean the pipeworks)

Following the path by which she had been brought to the detention area she'd be able to find an access to the pipeworks that wasn't currently being guarded, allowing her to get back in. Though as she approached where the incident occurred she'd find the area crawling with guards investigating the area with the help of a few mechanics.

 

By the time Spiral had finished transferring herself into the new body, Tower had reverted to his natural form, that of a draconequuis, though distinctly different from Discord and still recognizable as his face was still the same, "My loyalties are to this Project, I built it after all, Apollos' was too until he went mad and decided to serve only himself. Trust is earned, so I don't expect you to give it immediately, hopefully we'll soon be able to show you by the fruits of our efforts that we want what is best for the project."

He sat near the two of them, then with a snap teleported them to Trixie and Maud's room. "I'll leave the two of you to get reacquainted and adjusted. I'll call you when we need you, but if you need me before then," he pulled a piece of paper out from the air, "You know how to find me."

With another snap he disappeared.

 

@Blitz Boom @Windy Breeze

Wildebeast chuckled as he watched Blitz's antics, "You have to be a little crazy to have survived this long, it's a common side effect of the trauma of seeing you home destroyed. It's that or depression for a good number of ponies on this project, but there is also a good number of therapists, good ones at that, that keep everyone from going too crazy."

He sighed, standing from the table, "Well, this old stallion's going to get some much deserved rest. You all have some fun now, you've earned it."

With that he would head out of the cafeteria.

 

@Windy Breeze

Plein shrugged, "Thanks anyway, I havel plenty of experience waiting."

She wouldn't engage Windy further if Windy wanted to just go in and get some rest.

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Illiad Easle

" thank you for your kind assistance.. because of you my head is saved. Please don't forget that I owe you one.. so don't hesitate to ask if you need anything that I can help you with. As for those two." Light was pissed off at the two so he made a prank on them.

He cast a portal at the bottom of the two guards feet, dropping them in Apollo's Office.

" Now that that's settled... I'm off to the depths of the pipe works."

Light has some ideas of where to find some short cuts and passages since he has visited queen Permu's lair... And have meet with and visited the different lairs of the changelings in this project. So he has learned a lot of secret passages that can lead him and escape the guards detection.

As he crawled in every nook and cranny he was able to enter the pipeworks.

" Ahhh finally here.... Now where will the plot lead me next?" 

 

[Maud Pie]

@Illiad Easle

As Maud went back down to the Pipework she found herself feeling dreadful. She hated the state of affairs and everything about it but was thankful the Aether project had rescued her. She hadn't seen Trixie in a while or really had got to know other ponies besides Raze. Besides, what had happened to Raze? All she knew was that he was supposedly a loyalist. That made sense given how he acted. If that was the case, than why didn't he not kill her when they were in the cave with the other loyalists? So many unanswered questions. What a tangled web. 

This was a mess that she so desperately wanted to see herself out of. She would gladly live on some island far away from the events of the dying world. Perhaps there was such an island out there that was untouched by Discord's army and whoever else was fighting out there. Knowing how things were she first and foremost knew that only she had her back. Nobody here had her best interests at heart. Apollo, the supposed just leader of the project was self absorbed. Only wanting to use Maud. It was likely that Trixie and Raze were only using her as well. Be that as it may, she had no reason not to stoop to that level. She had to find someone else to use - not for any self absorbed traits, merely to see to it the safety of herself and the project's crew if that was at all possible. 

Seeing as the area was crawling with guards it was likely all of them were loyal to Apollo. She didn't really expect to go and check out the pipework anyways. She couldn't get closer without being spotted by the multitude of guards and would leave. She would head to another area of the ship completely. Upon seeing a map of the ship on the wall she looked for any alternate exits on any areas on the other side of the pipework itself, any paths or areas that may lead to another side. Maud figured there was some sort of secret door they passed through, or they just teleported. She had to find whoever was stealing the materials to stop them from reaching Apollo, but then again if they were stolen it was likely done anyway.

Maud would proceed to the area she was when everything began. The area where they were brought up from the surface during the geological excavations. If this was where all the ore was coming in, she could possibly wait here or see what is there. Maybe something of value she could steal or prevent from falling into the wrong hooves. Maud knew that her talent was valuable, and that she was able to bring a lot to Apollo's cause. She felt absolutely sick at the thought of that as it had just crossed her mind. Besides, the Minostraulium made him quite strong, it should also work for her.

Upon finding herself in an empty hallway on the way to the ore return area (not sure what to refer to that as), she would declare something into the air. Perhaps any entities, external beings, or cosmic forces would hear her. "May my path be fortunate for my life, those aboard, and those who come after. I call upon whoever is listening - guide my fate. Help me overthrow Apollo, and set those aboard free from his manipulative reign. My heart is true to that goal. I will die for it if I need to. I have nothing else to live for but that singular goal. The downfall of Apollo." to top that off, she felt a roar of adrenaline and with her mind willed that out into the world for those who had the power to listen.

@Illiad Easle

Spiral stretches her joints. It felt amazing to have her own body. While Trixie's body was quite nice it was great to have total control without having to worry about suppressing the host's abilities and consciousness. Spiral was quite shocked to see the transformation of Tower into that of a draconequuis. She figured that over the 200 years since their last encounter he had amassed a massive degree of power that warped his form. And besides if he was truly working for discord than he would have destroyed the entire project and everyone on it already so she knew that he could be trusted. Despite that, she would still have to see more about what he has planned in order to truly believe in it.

Spiral was not really shocked by his powers of teleportation. She was now granted with the ability to go wherever she wanted on the ship. Besides, she had known of the codes of the guard in the library so she could probably access it if she needed to. Shadow sneak in there and steal what she needed however she knew better than that, she would likely be uncovered by those with the ability to scan magical residue. Before Tower had left she would state, "I thank you for this opportunity. It means a lot to me that you managed to give me a new body without me having to own someone else's. That alone has given me a good degree of trust in your word. You will do me well to not betray that trust. Once granted the ability of further knowledge of our plans my trust will be strengthened ten fold." she spoke with a parting bow before he vanished. Letting silence reign in the air for a bit she would look over to Trixie's sleeping form.

Knowing that she would only be delaying the inevitable Spiral Spell would awaken Trixie with a shake. Trixie would groggily awake and her eyes opened and saw Spiral standing over her, and she was in an unfamiliar place. She had no memory of what had happened and quite frankly at this moment she didn't think back to it when granted the situation. "W-who are you? Trixie wants to know where she is...who you are..." Trixie said shyly and would reach for her cape but there was no cape or hat to be grabbed and she recoiled a bit in fear.

"Easy easy, Trixie. A lot of things have happened. For starters, I am entirely responsible for your ignorance of what has happened. I am Spiral Spell." Spiral stated calmly, putting a hoof to Trixie's shoulder.

 "Y-you can't be Spiral Spell...she died long ago! Trixie was going to revive her and then- Trixie finds herself here! You are so dirty!" Trixie shook in fear.

"Look, I know I am dirty. Not just physically but mentally, but for starters it has been around one full year since that event occurred. The spell was performed incorrectly. I was manifested inside of you and I took total control. I locked you away in your mind. I was selfish and I did that only for my own gain, as well as I wanted to keep you safe from the dangers of this world. As you are the one who revived me I owe everything to you for that chance. Now I ask for a third chance, because if we are to survive on this world we are going to need to trust each other. You have no knowledge of anything and you can easily be taken advantage of. I realize how this seems, dear Trixie but I am only here to help you." Spiral said calmly, while Trixie's mind was confused but at least she understood that information a bit. She had no reason to doubt it.

"Explain further! Trixie demands to know more! Tell Trixie everything and leave nothing out." Trixie demanded.

Spiral Spell sighed and sat back and began to explain the state of affairs. Nothing was left out. It took an hour to fully answer her questions and for Trixie to understand all of this. By the end of it she did and was quite frankly appalled at the state of the world. Spiral stated it would be best for her to accompany Trixie about the place but her presence would raise questions.

It was decided that Spiral Spell would use the name "Twisted Star" as an alias, and for Trixie's disappearance to be hidden. It would be explained by her randomly ending up some other area of the ship and then Twisted Star would have helped her back to her room since she was disoriented. The exact details of this were hashed out and thankfully they would never have to be explained to any questioners.

After this Spiral would take a shower and get her new body all cleaned up and would comb her hair into roughly the similar shape as her mane style she had in her old body. Since it had been so long she had forgotten the exact style. Spiral looks to her flank and saw that her cutie mark had appeared on the flank of her new body but was faded. Due to this, she would opt to just hide in Trixie's room until her cutie mark had fully appeared. All the explaining and emotional interactions here made the two of them tired, and they both would turn in for a sleep. Spiral locked the door so nobody would enter when they were asleep.

 

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle @Windy Breeze

10 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

He sighed, standing from the table, "Well, this old stallion's going to get some much deserved rest. You all have some fun now, you've earned it."

"Have a pleasant rest, my friend. We shall meet you for tomorrows duty."

He'd give a cordial bow towards Wildebeast as he wandered off. Brittle on the other hoof, would cautiously raise one of her hooves a little, and give him a small wave, before refocusing her attention to the odd, burning-looking one. Not just because she seemed like trouble, but because there were something about her that she felt were familiar in some way. And she were fairly certain it wasn't in a good way.

On 2021-09-13 at 3:55 AM, Windy Breeze said:

“massive number of foals had been traumatized by the world-changing event but this one...I don't know how to put this nicely...” she lost her words to the filly's behavior. This one must be so ignorant or young when everything went to chaos to be this energetic “...I don't have words”

With the three of them now alone, Briar would then move on to the next topic at hoof: That being the young mare that had entered, and caused a bit of a ruckus with her prank. Seemed harmless enough, but it appeared to be a recurring thing, judging by what he heard her guard say. Though he wasn't sure if Shadow were correct in her assessment though.

"Yes, it is a possibility that she may be traumatized. But it could also just be that despite the tragedy below, she retains a youthful hope, and belief in a better tomorrow, rather than focus on the horrors that have been inflicted. Up here is generally a safe haven, so she may just be without worry as well.

Now her apparently needing a guardian, is more of a concern of mine. Why would she need to be observed?"

He'd listen in as the guard went up to the counter, as Blitz asked for some jelly. Provided nothing happened, she'd then wander away, humming to herself, and looked around for a place to sit. And what table would she pick, but the one with the most interesting beings at the table?

She'd wander closer, but before getting within a few meters of the table, would be physically held back by the guard, who'd put a leg in front of her. This finally seemed to make her stop, though she looked questioning towards her escort.

"You know the rules. You need to ask first."

"Right, right. My bad. Hi there! I'm Blitz Boom, and I work in the engineering department. You look interesting. Can I sit here?"

She'd give off a smile, that nearly dripped joy, and await an answer. She hadn't always waited for approval, but some folks had started to complain that she were too clingy and annoying, so they had to set some boundaries around that with her.

"I see no trouble with that. Long as you please attempt to not make contact with Brittle, in an overly enthusiastic manner. She gets nervous easily."

"Awh, that's a shame. I would've shown her some fireworks to cheer her up, but they checked my tail three times, so I couldn't get any of it with me. I'll find something another time."

[Windy Breeze 15,189]

@Illiad Easle

------

Opening the door using her keycard Windy is about to head into her room when she threw a thoughtful glance at Plein “Wait. You're telling me you are going to wait for Shadow to come back?”

...

@Illiad Easle @Blitz Boom 

------

On 2021-09-14 at 10:55 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Wildebeast chuckled as he watched Blitz's antics, "You have to be a little crazy to have survived this long, it's a common side effect of the trauma of seeing you home destroyed. It's that or depression for a good number of ponies on this project, but there is also a good number of therapists, good ones at that, that keep everyone from going too crazy."

“That's depressing” Shadow looks at Blitz with sadness. So trauma come also be in that form? She feel bad for the filly, “I hope her family is okay”

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle @Windy Breeze

14 hours ago, Windy Breeze said:

“That's depressing” Shadow looks at Blitz with sadness. So trauma come also be in that form? She feel bad for the filly, “I hope her family is okay”

"If not, she sounds as if she takes things with a positive demeanor at least."

Blitz had been out of reach as this had been said, so she hadn't heard a thing of what they said on this matter. She were only aware of what went on after she approached, and asked if she could sit here. And since Briar gave her permission, Brittle simply dug into his side more, and tried to make herself look small as she slowly finished her meal, and Shadow didn't say anything, it seemed she were a-okay at sitting here. Yey! It were always nice to meet with new ones like this.

So she took the seat directly in front of Blitz, as that one were free, and her attendant took to standing right behind her, as Blitz began to chomp a little on her jelly. Not with a fork or anything, she just ate it as it laid on the plate. It was jelly, not a royal dinner. Why would she need a fork? No need to overcomplicate things.

"Miss, might you need a seat as well?"

"Thanks for the offer, but if I don't stand here, she'll just suddenly bolt backwards, and go explore again. We have her chipped for a reason."

"Don't listen to her, Grump is a fun spoiler. I'm just going around to see more of this amazing place, and find places to help. It's fun being in the engineering department, but there's so much other things out here too you know. So much adventure to be had."

"Adventure... On your own? I don't mean to pry, but I note it seems you're not being watched over by a family member. I hope this is not being too forward."

"I don't mind. I'm up here all alone. My big brother's still down there, trying to help though. They wanted him, but he said they needed him more, so he asked them to take me instead. He promised he'd stay safe until everything was good again, and asked me to be a good filly, that'd help lots of beings. I wonder how he does sometimes, but there's lots to do here, and the better it gets, the more smiles there are. It's important to be happy, in sad times like this, right? Focus on the things that gives you hope."

A profound thing in a way, but it wouldn't last to making her seem older than she were, as she then went face first into her jelly and nommed through a good chunk with a big smile on her face. Blitz were not a foalish as she were, when she first came up here, but she were still a foal at heart, and liked playing games, as well as indulge herself in things like this. At least she were less distracted now as she once had been, and were getting more mature in how she interacted with folks. Although she did still had a bad habit of running, and tackle-hugging folks at times.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Kujamih

(I would refrain from casting magic as an Earth pony, it makes you look suspicious)

The portal would have been far more effective had the guards not been pegasi, and thus easily able to react to the floor being removed from under them. It also helped that Apollo wasn't in his office at the time.

Once he had entered the pipeworks he wondered where the plot would take him, but alas! The plot was not something that would lead him, but rather something he needed to seek out, discover, and potentially bend to his will.

Still, the Pipeworks were large, dimly lit, and humid. Many creatures had gotten lost over the years the Project had been in the air, would Light be one of them?

He wasn't in the Pipeworks long before he got spotted by a roaming engineer who called out to him from a few walkways over, "Hey! You lost? What are you doing down here?"

 

@Starforce

A red backed changeling stepped out of the shadows at the conclusion of Maud's plea, "How fortuitous," she said, "I too want nothing more than to see Apollo fall. Seeing as our interests are aligned, perhaps we should discuss a partnership? Somewhere a bit more private of course." She'd walk down a hallway, ducking into a small room near the end of the hallway, an empty storage closet that was nonetheless big enough for the two of them to fit comfortably, "Tell me, Maud Pie, what motive have you to wish as fervently as you do?"

 

The next morning there was a knock on the door, if they opened it they'd find a stallion dressed as a mail carrier, "It looks like the two of you have been reassigned, hopefully you find your new jobs as fulfilling as I do." He'd hand the papers over and leave without another word. The papers faintly bore Tower's original mark, a tower shield, and stated that they'd been extended the offer to work as Dr. Conegher's assistants in the research division, to report in at their earliest convenience.

 

@Windy Breeze

Plein shrugged, "I suppose, it's not like I've got anything better to do. I need to get my stuff out of her room, my mom and I are getting moved to an apartment closer to the Pipeworks so she can spend even more time down there instead of with me." She rolled her eyes, "So here is a bit too far for me to hide out."

 

@Windy Breeze @Blitz Boom

(I don't have anything to add this week, enjoying your conversation thusfar)

[Maud Pie]

@Illiad Easle

Maud would raise an eyebrow at the changeling who revealed herself. Her eyes remained calm but she was thankful that someone was here to answer her plea. It seemed to be too good to be true, regardless she would follow on into the storage room. 

"I find it interesting that you know of my name. Before I discuss my motives, I must question if you really believe that or if you don't. I may have attracted some attention to me. I need to know that you are genuine and well intentioned before I indulge upon my secrets. I don't even know your name." Maud spoke calmly, yet directly as she looked into the changeling's eyes. She needed more than that to trust her.

 "It isn't my intention to doubt you, but I have had a lot of trust issues lately. Apollo betrayed me, so to speak. I was willing to do what he required me to do. He had this special card that would have allowed me to access any area of the ship but he threatened to kill me if I lost it." she said more directly, indicating that she was deeply angered by Apollo's actions. 

@Illiad Easle

Spiral Spell would open the door and would take the papers. She would quickly thank the mail carrier. After some brief discussions the two of them would proceed to that location. Spiral Spell would be careful to not stand out since she was in a new body after all and didn't want to be noticed. They would talk a bit more about each other, exchanging personal information. Spiral Spell was glad that she could help Trixie out and be more independent. Trixie now believed Spiral more, upon seeing they were indeed on an airship. If there were no interruptions, they would enter the designation location. 

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

Light expected too much that everything would run smoothly and bump into the problem that needs fixing... alas the plot is against him... much more accurate... does not care of him.

"shit.... I'm in the pipe works but...."

only the echo of silence and the presence of void greet him.

luckily a voice came out of nowhere to break the silence.

On 2021-09-22 at 10:37 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Hey! You lost? What are you doing down here?"

 

Light replied to the stranger.

" oh... just me getting excited over nothing... say, you work around here right? I was sent here to investigate on some incident of some sorts.... mind helping me out?"

[Windy Breeze 15,189]

@Illiad Easle

------

On 2021-09-22 at 10:37 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Plein shrugged, "I suppose, it's not like I've got anything better to do. I need to get my stuff out of her room, my mom and I are getting moved to an apartment closer to the Pipeworks so she can spend even more time down there instead of with me." She rolled her eyes, "So here is a bit too far for me to hide out."

Remembering the incident at the hospital, Windy wasn't going to let a filly wait outside unguarded, “Then let me take you inside my room while you wait. There was an incident at the hospital where the lights went out, not to mention there was another incident from another part of the...city" she offers her hoof to the filly, “Staying outside without supervision is like getting lost in a place. Please come and make yourself at home at my room"

@Illiad Easle @Blitz Boom

------

Shadow's ears perked with interest when she heard her mention having a brother working somewhere in the Æther. Good, despite the obvious poorly-behaved filly, atleast there's somepony who is blood-related and close to her. Shadow did not take any seat, instead of sitting on the floor beside Blitz, “What is your brother like? And what is his profession?” she asks Blitz.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

(In the interest of keeping this moving I'll just respond to the individual threads we've got for now, and I'll do the group ones later in the week.)

@Starforce

The changeling looked her over, "Believe what? That our meeting was fortuitous? That depends wholly on what is to come of it, but I do think you have potential to be what I'm looking for."

When asked her name the changeling looked a little upset, but turned away. "I don't have a name. My Queen was murdered before she could name me. My hive all but decimated. A sister hive adopted me, but they perverted my queen's good name, so I refuse to use the name they gave me." She shook her head, "If you must call me something, you can call me Red."

Red looked intrigued when Maud mentioned the card, "He offered you an omni-card? I've been trying for years to get my hooves on one. Apollo no doubt knows this, hence why he threatened you so." She looked thoughtful, "Perhaps... you could play to his ego? Pretend to have reconsidered, grovel a little, and maybe he'd offer you the card again? With the card, he'd hardly be able to stop us."

 

Trixie and Spiral were able to get to the research division without any issues, the secretary directing them to one of the research rooms where they were soon joined by an older looking deer, "Ah! Excellent, Spiral and Trixie I presume? I'm Dr. Conegher, Tower and I am working together for the moment, so the two of you will work with me until we can get you fully integrated. To start though, Tower is interested in seeing how well the two of you are adjusting to your new situation. Have either of you noticed anything different in your mannerisms or habits since the split?"

 

@Kujamih

"Incident?" The mechanic looked confused for a moment, then nodded, "Oh! You're probably talking about the mess that went on near the hangar end that took out the power to the hospital. You're quite a bit away from there I'm afraid, but I'm not surprised, most ponies get lost down here the first few times they come down. I'll lead you over there."

She disappeared behind a few pipes and then reappeared a short ways down the path from him, "This way, try to keep up, don't want you to join the list of creatures who went missing in the pipeworks and weren't seen again. Watch your step too, wouldn't want you falling off the walkway either."

She'd wind her way through the paths like an expert, eventually leading him to where Thundy and the rebels had first entered the pipeworks, "I guess the other guards have moved on, but here's where they were grouped up earlier, this is where you needed to be right?"

 

@Windy Breeze

Plein didn't look too sure, but nodded, "Alright, I guess that works. Play would probably scold me for going along with a stranger but you're a friend of Shadow's and also a guard, so I guess I can trust you."

That said she'd follow Windy into her room, looking around a bit, "So... How long have you known Shadow, anything you can tell me about her?"

[Maud Pie]

@Illiad Easle

Throughout Red's dialog Maud would lock her eyes directly on her own. It was a way of saying that she wasn't to be messed with, perhaps. Within Maud's mind was righteous flame that would consume all in its path. But one that could be directed, and yielded as a powerful weapon. That was what Maud's inner self was, a weapon. So she thought anyways. She's never showed her emotions beyond sparing cases. She enjoyed denying others her emotions, and had planned to keep that up until the final moment, of which her reality would be unleashed upon the world.

Maud's expression remained unwavering, it was almost impossible to tell. She wasn't going to be compassionate to say the least. Compassion was a trap that lures one's self into dismay. Maud truly had no compassion for anyone else. Not anymore. Maud's head tilted a bit, as if calculating her response and weighing upon the ideas with astute accuracy. "Could very well be the case however that would be out of character with how I have expressed myself up to this point. I would say I am willing to give that a shot however that card is going to remain square in my hooves. Perhaps you could find a way to become another card itself, as given your changeling nature I surmise it would be possible once you see the card and feel upon its magical properties you would be able to replicate its construction. If we can do that, than we can create as many cards as we'd like. Know what they are made of. Make them." Maud spoke, her eyes gazing off to the left a bit.

"Perhaps his hubris subverts his intelligence. I am willing to play that game, for it only benefits ourselves if that card is out of his possession. He likely has more than one, though. That is something to bear in mind." Maud concluded and agreed. "What are you looking for?" Maud asked, her gaze returning to look directly within Red's eyes. "If I can get my hooves on Minostraulium I imagine my body strength will surge in power. I need to begin training and building up my skill and ability. Perhaps we could train together." Maud suggested.

-

The two of them enter within the room and wait. When the deer arrives they listen to what he speaks of calmly. Spiral thought of the question and put a hoof to her chin, "Well for one thing I can safely say is that it is much easier to think and act with a body that I can call my own. When I was inside of Trixie's mind I had to repress her from coming out. In that I developed a resilient mind to where I can nearly handle most mental attacks mentally, because now I have my entire mental strength to call upon." Spiral concluded in a rather calm, honest manner. Spiral looked to Trixie.

Trixie flailed her hooves in the air a bit. "Trixie finds herself confused by the state of the world but it is undeniable to say the least. Trixie finds that a knowledge of spells she hasn't learned remain in her head from her time under possession by Spiral here, although she lacks the skill she definitely has the knowledge. As for mannerisms, Trixie finds that her interest in stage magic and performance is at an all time low. Trixie wants to do something else with her life." Trixie concluded, figuring that the state of affairs was no longer time for her required craft.

"Although I worked as a library guard in my time possessing Trixie here. Don't you think it will be suspicious how we disappeared for seemingly no reason in front of the generals? How would we explain that to the others?" Spiral asked further.

[Windy Breeze 15,189]

@Illiad Easle

------

Once Plein walks into the room, Windy gently closed the door. She'll be met by a question from Plein.

Thinking about Shadow, she hadn't known much about the mare other than she had no family to come back to, and she's a former Shadowbolt.

“We met after the Wonderbolts Academy was overtaken by Discord's army” she looks straight at the filly's eyes with a neutral expression not associated with any emotions as she continue to casually talk about her Shadowbolt companion, “I don't know why she's at the academy or her intentions, but I can assume she's for other reasons, not looking for survivors. We got into a...fight when we saw each other"

Edited October 3, 2021 by Windy Breeze

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Windy Breeze @Illiad Easle

"We're inventors, and engineers. We make lots and lots of fun stuff. Here I mostly help repair and optimize stuff though. Dunno what big bro is doing though. Like I said, he's down there, where he thought they needed him more, and he sent me up here to help all the sad beings, that got away."

"To clarify: The Æther attempted to get Molotov Boom from a shelter, to have him assist here. His expertise on machinery were sorely sought after. He sadly declined, on behalf of wanting to help others in the razed world. But he offered to send his little sister with us. She's apparently more wild than he were, but she is genuinely helpful, if we can keep her focused."

"He said it's important that one of us made it, and that he'd always think about me. I miss him, but my big bro's a smart pony. He'll make it, and there's lots to do up here so everything works good. It's nice to help, right? Makes me happy to see so many safe and free of all the bad stuff down there.

Hehe. So what do you do up here?"

"Brittle and I, as well as WIlderbeast, whom just left, work in the agricultural department."

"They have a plant pony picking fruit and stuff? Hehe, that's funny. I went there once when they were harvesting pumpkins. Stumbled when running real fast, and got one stuck on my head. It looked really nice and calm once I got my head out though. Nice place to just breathe easy. Then Grump found me, and chased me around for a bit."

"I can assure you, she will end up being the reason for me going prematurely grey..."

The guard let out a sigh. Wasn't as bad as it once were, but by the gods, Blitz was a hooffull sometimes. Valuable due to her skills, but a powder keg they had to handle with extreme care, and caution.

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Illiad Easle

the way the mechanic move through the pipe works were swift and precise, she didn't even need to rethink her way.

as they reach their destination, evidence of an incident could be seen in the area.

"thank you ma'am, you sure do know your ways around the pipes." Light said to the mechanic in a flirty way.

(awaiting further event)

" ahmm on topic... you have any idea what happened here?" 

 

Edited October 4, 2021 by Kujamih

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Starforce

(Maud)

When Maud suggested that Red become a card she rolled her eyes, "That's not how changelings work. I can't just become anything, I can't even disguise as a pony smaller than myself. Changelings don't transform, they change their outer layer to look like something else, the layer being invisible by default. But I doubt you care about how that all works. I have no issues with you holding onto the card once you obtain it, I've no doubt now that our goals are aligned."

When Maud mentioned the Minostralium Red looked thoughtful, then nodded, "If you are to try and fight Apollo yourself you'll definitely need something like that to gain an advantage over him. Alternatively... If you were to hit him with some anti-magic, that would also level the field in your favor. And with the card we'd be able to get access to more than enough anti-magic to weaken him."

When asked to train together she nodded again, "That is acceptable, I can meet you in one of the gyms on occasion to train."

Seeing that their business was concluded she motioned for Maud to leave, "Best of luck getting that card, I'll be keeping an eye on you in the meantime, just in case you run into trouble."

 

(Spiral & Trixie)

Dr. Conegher nodded after each of their comments on their current situation, taking notes as they did, "Interesting, but not unusual in any case. It is unfortunate that you've lost your passion Miss Trixie, but I hope you'll either find your passion rekindled or another outlet that you find fulfilling, I hear that that sort of thing it quite important to ponies."

Per Spiral's question he waved a hoof dismissively, "All taken care of, the archives were informed that you were reassigned due to some disturbing discoveries you uncovered so that you would be better able to investigate the situation, as well as for your protection in case the rebels tried to strike back at you for potentially foiling their plan. They think you're a hero on a mission, and the head guard hopes you'll be able to come back once this situation is resolved. She seems to think highly of your work. Per the initial disappearing act, Tower set it up such that you were not observed by anyone to have teleported, so no one knows that you were anywhere you shouldn't have been."

He looked over his notes, "It's best if you two took some time to get fully reacquainted with your bodies. Go get some food, and Trixie especially should get a feel for how the world is now. Come back tomorrow and we can discuss how we can move forward, provided no complications occur in the meantime."

 

@Zombie Breeze

(Windy)

Plein looked a bit confused by what Windy said, "So... were you a wonderbolt? Before everything happened? Play told me about them, said they were like the Trojan Moon Flyers, the best pegasi in the Equestrian Army. I'm glad you're a guard if that's the case. Still, you said that she was there for some other reason, do you know what it was?"

 

@Zombie Breeze @Blitz Boom

(Whenever the two of you are ready to leave the cafeteria, just let me know and I'll continue the story.)

(Are Serene and Shadow both in the cafeteria?)

 

@Kujamih

The mechanic blushed, "Oh, you know... just doing my job."

When asked if she knew what went on she looked around, "Well, I heard from the chief engineer that some fool tried to cut their way through the pipes looking for a secret passage, and ended up cutting the power line to the hospital area when he threatened her. Then they tried to run away. I don't know why they'd think there'd be a secret passage down here, this whole place is already pretty much a secret passage to anywhere in the Project."

[Maud Pie]

@Illiad Easle

Maud accepted Red's statements and her eyes seemed to relax slightly. She felt as if she could trust red. After all, what would Red want from Maud in the end? The card could be stolen from her and that would get her killed by Apollo if she was able to get it. If that was to happen than Maud would have to think of something else although she felt it was unlikely for her to be betrayed like that because a pawn who was alive is worth more than one who is no longer playing. Something to keep in mind.

"I've no doubt in my mind that our goals are aligned either. I'll do what I can and get the card. When I am in an area where there are no others around you can come find me as I have no doubt that you have the ability to do so either. I apologize for my lack of knowledge about changeling biology. In our down time I wouldn't mind knowing more about you and what cause you have. I imagine we could have a lot in common. But be that as it may, I have some groveling and ass kissing to do." she would smirk ever so slightly at Red. Maud did have a sense of humor after all and now was one of those rare moments where it would reign through.

After that statement Maud would leave and would head back to where Apollo was. She dreaded spending another moment in a room with him. Provided if no mishaps happened along the way she would likely meet with Apollo again and would do some sort of bow before him. "I was mistaken in my thoughts. I just needed some time to think it through and my words proved to be unfounded. I am willing to do what you ask for. Besides that, I am not willing to give up on my task." she spoke to him calmly, indicating that she had changed her mind.