private The Æther Project

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

On 2023-07-31 at 11:51 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Light was left with a pair of guards, but their attention was towards the incoming threat, giving him a bit more freedom than before. He wasn't in a room, just sitting near the edge of the camp, it seemed like they didn't really mind if he tried to run away.

Since the guard's thoughts are somewhere else, Light would try to absorb this new form of anti magic and make it its own. Since he can manipulate and control the changeling shard, maybe he could too. If not hed try to remove it from himself without bothering the guards either by slowly breaking it by expanding the shards in his body or taking the keys from the guard if its easy. If he was able to remove it, absorb it, take it or not, hed try to head towards what's bothering the program . He's going to take a look at the problem with or without the cuffs, without trying to bother the guards.

[Illiad Easle 3,126]

@StrawberryMilk Simp

17 hours ago, StrawberryMilk Simp said:

Light would try to absorb this new form of anti magic and make it its own.

The anti-magic in the cuffs was strange, it was like it didn't exist in a magical sense, in that any magic directed at it simply never came back, like it fell through a hole in the magical field. He couldn't absorb it with magic, as magic couldn't touch it. Maybe if he got a piece of it and ingested it?

Per his shards, he could extend them towards the cuffs, but they would become brittle when they came into contact with the anti-magic, so he couldn't break the cuffs with them. Trying to take the keys would be fruitless as the guards would notice that, plus these guards didn't have the keys to his cuffs. Besides, he could break the chain between his cuffs with strength alone if he wanted to.

The guards would turn if he tried to move too much, instructing him to settle down before they had to restrain him further.

 

@Blitz Boom @Props Valroa

On 2023-07-30 at 11:08 PM, Maud Pie said:

"We are the Trade-Walkers. We have not seen your kind before. Whom do you serve?" the voice asked sharply, getting right to the point. 

Only the unicorn could hear/feel what was being conveyed to them. 

The unicorn turned to Amber, "They call themselves Trade-walkers, which is probably a translation. They say they haven't seen our kind before and want to know who we serve?"

Amber nodded, "Tell them that we're travelers, trying to find our way home. We serve none other than our own, and we will not be here long before we move on."

The unicorn would relay that message telepathically on the same channel as the message he had received verbatim and await a response.

Seeing that Amber was a bit less worried, the surrounding guards started to relax a bit, but still held their guard up just in case.

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

@Illiad Easle @Props Valroa @Blitz Boom 

 

4 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

The anti-magic in the cuffs was strange, it was like it didn't exist in a magical sense, in that any magic directed at it simply never came back, like it fell through a hole in the magical field. He couldn't absorb it with magic, as magic couldn't touch it. Maybe if he got a piece of it and ingested it?

Per his shards, he could extend them towards the cuffs, but they would become brittle when they came into contact with the anti-magic, so he couldn't break the cuffs with them. Trying to take the keys would be fruitless as the guards would notice that, plus these guards didn't have the keys to his cuffs. Besides, he could break the chain between his cuffs with strength alone if he wanted to.

The guards would turn if he tried to move too much, instructing him to settle down before they had to restrain him further.

 

The voices inside Light's head peaked his curiosity on eating the materials in these cuffs.

So he waited for the right time to forcefully break the cuffs and ate any material it came off with.

" I told you i was hungry!" His excuse for the guards, even though they haven't said anything.

[Blitz Boom 4,617]

@Illiad Easle @Props Valroa @Kujamih

4 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

The unicorn turned to Amber, "They call themselves Trade-walkers, which is probably a translation. They say they haven't seen our kind before and want to know who we serve?"

Amber nodded, "Tell them that we're travelers, trying to find our way home. We serve none other than our own, and we will not be here long before we move on."

"Sounds like travelling merchants."

She hadn't a clue what it is that they wanted, but the trade-walkers, sounded like those caravans of merchants that she had heard about, before the world went up the creek. Flocks going around with wares, looking to trade for more exotic stuff in other places. Which could mean that these were... Well, harmless didn't seem the right word. Nor friendly. Neutral and wanting in exotic wares, seemed more right. If they didn't do something dumb, they might be able to get out of this unscathed, and with something to bring back. If the consul allowed them to take it back at least. She usually didn't find her taking some rocks or something back an issue on the regular trips, but whatever these creatures had, it were probably not as simple of a thing to just waddle around with. Could be an infectious parasite in disguise, for all she knew. Brain larvae if they were really unlucky.

THe possibility of something going horribly wrong here, were also why she didn't relax, along with several of the other guards. Quite frankly, she had half a mind to reprimand them for that later, them not being in her command be damned. This were a bunch of otherworldly creatures, who could easily cut their heads off, if they were not careful, and they had arrived in some sort of highly advanced craft. It were unwise to relax in any sort of way, since they could potentially turn violent in an instance. And being lax, when that happened? It would get them killed, along with potentially others.

As it stood right now, she'd mostly just be doing what Maud did. Observe how things went, and wait for the *translator* to pass along what the large insectoid creatures would say. Alert and ready to do something if needed, but not showing any outward aggressive signals, like wielding her weapon, stand in a stance indicating she were ready to jump them, or even glaring harshly. Not more than she did to most creatures anyway, but that were more of an ingrained thing.

[Illiad Easle 3,126]

@Props Valroa @Blitz Boom

The unicorn relayed the trade request to Amber, who nodded, "I'll have to clear that with the leadership. Tell them to give us some time to discuss it."

The unicorn would send the message: "We will need some time to discuss your generous offer with our superiors."

Amber would go back to the craft to call up the Consul again, "Consul Spell, we've made contact with a previously undiscovered type of creatures, who possess technology that we do not. They are willing to offer this technology to us in exchange for information on our history and how we got here. Should we give them that information?"

 

@StrawberryMilk Simp

The guards turned when he broke the cuffs, and moved to restrain him but weren't fast enough to stop him from eating parts of it, causing them to take a step back.

One of them asked, "Why would you do that? It's clearly metal, do you normally eat metal? Further, antimagic is toxic."

(The rough metal bits alone would be dangerous to swallow, but anti-magic is arguably worse to ingest.)

One guard restrained him while the other led the way deeper into the camp, "Let's get him to the medic."

 

Once inside the medical tent the gryphons helped secure him to a cot, this time using much stronger cuffs. Similar to when it was outside of him, the antimagic particals inside him were untouchable to his magic, and as they started to disperse inside him he could feel his connection to the magical field start to fade.

The gryphons explained what they had witnessed to the medic, who came over to Light, "Now why'd you go and do a thing like that? We're going to have to pump your stomach without magic, and hope we get all of it before it can enter your bloodstream."

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

4 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

@Props Valroa @Blitz Boom

The unicorn relayed the trade request to Amber, who nodded, "I'll have to clear that with the leadership. Tell them to give us some time to discuss it."

The unicorn would send the message: "We will need some time to discuss your generous offer with our superiors."

Amber would go back to the craft to call up the Consul again, "Consul Spell, we've made contact with a previously undiscovered type of creatures, who possess technology that we do not. They are willing to offer this technology to us in exchange for information on our history and how we got here. Should we give them that information?"

 

@StrawberryMilk Simp

The guards turned when he broke the cuffs, and moved to restrain him but weren't fast enough to stop him from eating parts of it, causing them to take a step back.

One of them asked, "Why would you do that? It's clearly metal, do you normally eat metal? Further, antimagic is toxic."

(The rough metal bits alone would be dangerous to swallow, but anti-magic is arguably worse to ingest.)

One guard restrained him while the other led the way deeper into the camp, "Let's get him to the medic."

 

Once inside the medical tent the gryphons helped secure him to a cot, this time using much stronger cuffs. Similar to when it was outside of him, the antimagic particals inside him were untouchable to his magic, and as they started to disperse inside him he could feel his connection to the magical field start to fade.

The gryphons explained what they had witnessed to the medic, who came over to Light, "Now why'd you go and do a thing like that? We're going to have to pump your stomach without magic, and hope we get all of it before it can enter your bloodstream."

To begin with, White Light never did have magic to begin with per-say. He was originally an earthpony, experimented to be injected with anti magic crystals in his body, which is the changeling shards. He was supposed to be an anti magical swat team. But further experiments made him able to control the changeling shards and the magics it absorbed, due to him actually having multiple cutie marks implanted to him. Sure enough the materials he ate would slowly try to kill him since unknown effects can occur. He might absorb it... He might not... It might kill him... Which all in all not a bad deal since he is cursed by immortality as well.

The pain would serge since the magical connections help him survive and control his life span and the changeling shards. If he cannot, then the amount of magic he had absorbed could explode which in theory can destroy reality, hence the ability to destroy worlds. The amount of magic he had stored is unknown though. The worlds he have killed is unmeasurable and thus the amount of magic in him truly unknown.

He would try to control the new material he just ate pretty much depleting as much as he has to to stay alive and absorb the material. To which he dosnt care if it takes all his magic. What he wanted was a challenge in his dull life and something new.

He could not lift a hoof against the guards as he is too busy trying to survive the ordeal.

The doctor does not know that what Light ate is doing much worse to his body than expected since a lot of stuff is happening in Light's body that is hard to explain.

He would respond to the doctor.

" Its because i was hungry." He said, having a hard time.

" Food and water please..."

[Blitz Boom 4,617]

@Illiad Easle @Props Valroa @Kujamih

"Maybe while we're waiting, you should ask them if there's local predators we should be wary off. They got weapons. Stand to reason they needed them for something."

Could be to capture others. Could be there were some sorta behemoths around, that they needed to be weary off. Either way, it seemed a wise choice to ask, and figure out that way, yes? Better than suddenly having a four tons bladed monster roaring through, and teaching them the hard way. Too much blood by doing that. Far too much.

Of course, one couldn't rule out these creatures would lie, but it would be something to work from at least, just in case there were merit to their words. So far things seemed fishy though. Why would they trade some of their stuff, just for stories? And why knowledge about where they had come from? Could be simple curiosity. Could be trying to eye out new prey. Last couldn't tell, but she doubted things would go smoothly here forever.

[Illiad Easle 3,126]

@Props Valroa @Blitz Boom

On 2023-08-06 at 4:29 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"Maybe while we're waiting, you should ask them if there's local predators we should be wary off. They got weapons. Stand to reason they needed them for something."

The unicorn nodded and passed along the message, "Are there local dangers we should be aware of? This is primarily an exploratory expedition, and we don't want to put our people in danger if we can avoid it."

 

Amber would soon return and give the go ahead for the information exchange. The unicorn sending the message, "Our superiors have agreed to the exchange, what format would best suit you for the exchange?"

 

@StrawberryMilk Simp

On 2023-08-04 at 5:25 PM, StrawberryMilk Simp said:

To begin with, White Light never did have magic to begin with per-say. He was originally an earthpony

(Earth ponies have magic too. But maybe your earth ponies don't.)

On 2023-08-04 at 5:25 PM, StrawberryMilk Simp said:

" Food and water please..."

"We'll feed you once the anti-magic is out, don't struggle, it'll only make things worse."

The medic brought over a device for pumping stomachs, and started taking notes as it worked, assuming Light didn't resist, "Subject seems to have an extreme reaction to ingesting anti-magic. No other recorded case had such an adverse reaction, save for changelings, and those relying on enchantments to stay alive. As the subject has not burst into flames, the theory rests with the second, or that the subject is not a typical specimine."

Given the quickness of the procedure, the antimagic particles would be able to be retrieved from his stomach, and thus end the effects, unless his body had already moved the particles elsewhere.

If he appeared to have returned to normal, food would be brought to him.

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

7 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

@Props Valroa @Blitz Boom

The unicorn nodded and passed along the message, "Are there local dangers we should be aware of? This is primarily an exploratory expedition, and we don't want to put our people in danger if we can avoid it."

 

Amber would soon return and give the go ahead for the information exchange. The unicorn sending the message, "Our superiors have agreed to the exchange, what format would best suit you for the exchange?"

 

@StrawberryMilk Simp

(Earth ponies have magic too. But maybe your earth ponies don't.)

"We'll feed you once the anti-magic is out, don't struggle, it'll only make things worse."

The medic brought over a device for pumping stomachs, and started taking notes as it worked, assuming Light didn't resist, "Subject seems to have an extreme reaction to ingesting anti-magic. No other recorded case had such an adverse reaction, save for changelings, and those relying on enchantments to stay alive. As the subject has not burst into flames, the theory rests with the second, or that the subject is not a typical specimine."

Given the quickness of the procedure, the antimagic particles would be able to be retrieved from his stomach, and thus end the effects, unless his body had already moved the particles elsewhere.

If he appeared to have returned to normal, food would be brought to him.

It seems that the materials were extracted from his body, but was not sure if he was able to properly absorb it so he can control or not be hindered by it.( So is Light able to control the material? Or to appoint not get affected by it no more? If so then the materials have merged with his body.) But the smell of food would distract him.

" Thank you so much Doc!" As he digs in without even trying to know what was served.

".... Say....have we met before?" He asked.

( Oh yes earth ponies do have " magic" but NOT "magic magic" if that made sense....)

@Illiad Easle

[Blitz Boom 4,617]

@Illiad Easle @Props Valroa @Kujamih

Good that the unicorn took input. As thought before, maybe nothing would come of it, but it never hurt to try and keep a dialogue. Just in case these did not turn out to be enemies, but something out there were. She hardly thought it made much sense for them to be armed if there weren't threats at least. Why bother in that case? To welcome beings from an entirely different world? That couldn't be frequent enough to be a thing you'd have to prepare for.

Not much else for her to do than stay prepared, and wait to see what would happen right now though. All the talk were done telepathically, and there weren't something here for her to hit, that had yet proved it deserved it. Except for Light, who probably deserved a bonk on the head for something, at this point. She imagined his interrogation had been put on hold, while they were discussing with their guests here, but beyond that? Could be anything from him having wandered off to the mess tent, to being tied to a bench. She didn't know enough about Amber to discern what sort of captor she were. Though she didn't strike Last as being the torture-loving sort. They'd probably have heard that anyway. Light were a loud one, far as she recalled.

[Illiad Easle 3,126]

@Props Valroa @Blitz Boom

The unicorn relayed the knowledge of the dangers of the forest to Amber, as well as the request for the transfer medium.

Amber looked thoughtful, "If we did written, we'd need to also translate it somehow, and hope no information was lost in translation. We'll have to do it mentally, but who would be able to hold all that information...?"

She turned to go back to the comms, "Tell them that we'll find a suitable vessel for the information trade. It will take some time to gather all the information they want into one place, maybe ask them when it would be convenient for them to return to complete the trade?" With that she would head back to the aircraft to radio up the request.

 

Rather than relay the request to the Consul, the radio operator on the Æther side interjected, "It may not be my place, but I think that I am uniquely suited to serve in that capacity, as my memory is not so... limited... as a normal pony's."

Amber considered it, "If the Consul clears it, I see no issue with it."

 

The unicorn responded to the trade-walkers: "We are looking for one capable of performing the trade mentally as well as gathering the data you requested. This will take some time though, and we don't want to make you wait here. Would it be agreeable if you came back at a later time to complete the trade?"

 

@Props Valroa

Power User floated into the Consul's office, "Another update from the surface, they need someone with quite a bit of memory to facilitate the knowledge transfer. I would like to recommend myself for this task."

 

@StrawberryMilk Simp

On 2023-08-08 at 8:48 PM, StrawberryMilk Simp said:

( So is Light able to control the material? Or to appoint not get affected by it no more? If so then the materials have merged with his body.)

(Control it with what? magic? The thing this material is impossible to control with?)

(No. Light is not able to control anti-magic. That's the point.)

On 2023-08-08 at 8:48 PM, StrawberryMilk Simp said:

".... Say....have we met before?" He asked.

The medic gave Light a once-over, "No."

The medic went back to taking notes, "The subject appears to have normalized once the anti-magic was removed. A thorough magical scan is recommended to ascertain what caused the initial adverse reaction."

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

3 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

The medic went back to taking notes, "The subject appears to have normalized once the anti-magic was removed. A thorough magical scan is recommended to ascertain what caused the initial adverse reaction."

" i wonder what you'll find inside of me?"

Light was curious at how advance the program is since he left. Before they couldn't scan him because of the changeling shards. But now that they have anti magic at their disposal, Maybe these creatures are more of a threat to the multiverse than he had expected before. 

" say doc? What's next for me after these tests of yours? Do i get to eat more? Or are we both going to get to know each other a bit more? Well actually you already no more about me than me about you... Whats your name Doc?"

 

[Blitz Boom 4,617]

@StrawberryMilk Simp @Illiad Easle @Props Valroa

Seeing how it appeared that their... Guests, would rather wait, then to return later, Last figured this were as good a time as ever, to try and offer Amber some advice. She had done well so far, so she wouldn't be too pushy about things, but if she were to grow proper, she'd need to get some input from others than herself. If she then too it to heart, were another thing, but it were dangerous to only listen to your own point of view. It left you vulnerable, to be taken advantage of.

"If they're staying, might I suggest that we keep the support staff sectioned off for now, with a few guards? We know what's happening, but they don't. Might be we'd end up with a situation, if they suddenly ran into our guests unprepared."

It were also because they couldn't say for sure, if these intended to stay peaceful, but Amber should understand that well enough, without it being said out loud. As were it, that said guards could inform them that they had visitors, and what sort they were. The sort who might misunderstand a gesture, or react poorly to for instance one of the newbies for the trip, starting to scream at them. It would be best to leave the direct interactions to the more seasoned of them, and make sure the support staff did their thing, separate from it all.

"Furthermore, if our other guest is Light or not, he seems to act like the Light I have known at least. As such, he is almost certain to act without thought, if he met these. I would strongly suggest keeping him in the other side of the base for now."

She didn't much care if she had to go and handle guard duty on either of these things. She'd do that, though she'd prefer to ideally be around to keep an eye on these creatures, and Amber. They might act nice, and who knew, they might even be nice. But they couldn't afford to blindly trust them currently. A level of caution would be prudent, in her opinion.

Meanwhile in the tent, Brittle would glance towards the entrance, worried about what were going on out there. There had been some moments of noise, after the alarm had gone off, and rushing. Now... Things seemed quiet, but there weren't anyone coming in to update them on anything. They might have everything under control again, and just hadn't returned... Or they might all be dead. Right now, she had no idea, and it worried her.

[Illiad Easle 3,126]

@Props Valroa

On 2023-08-21 at 12:40 PM, Spiral Spell said:

Spiral would look up from her desk at Power User, and she'd smile slightly to him. "You have my permission to do so. I know that you are more than capable of performing this task." she said, accepting his proposal. 

Power smiled as he nodded, "I won't let you down." Then he turned and left.

About half an hour after Power left her office, Spiral had a distinctly unsettled feeling, like something could go very wrong. There was a note on her desk, she didn't remember it but it looked fresh, in fact, she was still holding the quill she had used to write it... had she written it?

The note said simply: If anything happens to Power User, my neck is on the line.

Maybe this had something to do with the O5? Why would they care about Power?

 

@StrawberryMilk Simp

On 2023-08-21 at 3:49 PM, StrawberryMilk Simp said:

" say doc? What's next for me after these tests of yours? Do i get to eat more? Or are we both going to get to know each other a bit more? Well actually you already no more about me than me about you... Whats your name Doc?"

The medic looked over, "I don't have the equipment to examine you here, beyond saying that you're no longer about to die from anti-magic poisoning. That being said, it is in my opinion that you're a much greater danger to yourself than anyone else. So I'd advise that you be kept watched for your own sake. But that's for Shepard to decide."

The medic would leave the tent, presumably to tell Amber what had happened.

 

@Blitz Boom @Props Valroa

On 2023-08-26 at 2:11 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"Furthermore, if our other guest is Light or not, he seems to act like the Light I have known at least. As such, he is almost certain to act without thought, if he met these. I would strongly suggest keeping him in the other side of the base for now."

Amber nodded at Last's suggestions, "Both good points, how about-" she turned to face the medic that was approaching, "What is it?"

"Well, the 'guest' is stable, but frankly an idiot. They tried to eat their hoofcuffs, and had to be treated for anti-magic poisoning. They seem to pose more danger to themselves than those around them."

Amber sighed, "Thank you for the report..."

She turned back towards Last and Maud, "Maybe it would be safe for the two of you to keep an eye on him? See if some prolonged exposure can determine whether he really is the same one you remember? It sounds like he'll get himself killed if left unattended, and I don't want to spend any more guards on him than I have to with all these others around."
 

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

3 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

medic would leave the tent, presumably to tell Amber what had happened

As the doctor left, complete silent lingered in the room(or place?).

".......... she's totally in to me."

He'd try to rest for a bit before he starts looking around. Maybe something interesting would come up. Usually the plot of the writers would usually intervene in this sort of scenario... or have they already.

Light continues to look for signs, danger, something out of place. But in the end... maybe getting stuck on limbo did a lot of number in his mental state.

But one things for sure... he was hungry again.

" damn it.... whats wrong with me....oh wait." 

He did eat something poisonous. Maybe thats also the cause of him getting hungry again.

" damn it what am i doing."

He gave himself a face hoof.

[Blitz Boom 4,617]

@StrawberryMilk Simp @Illiad Easle @Props Valroa

On 2023-09-04 at 8:36 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Amber nodded at Last's suggestions, "Both good points, how about-" she turned to face the medic that was approaching, "What is it?"

"Well, the 'guest' is stable, but frankly an idiot. They tried to eat their hoofcuffs, and had to be treated for anti-magic poisoning. They seem to pose more danger to themselves than those around them."

Amber sighed, "Thank you for the report..."

She turned back towards Last and Maud, "Maybe it would be safe for the two of you to keep an eye on him? See if some prolonged exposure can determine whether he really is the same one you remember? It sounds like he'll get himself killed if left unattended, and I don't want to spend any more guards on him than I have to with all these others around."

On 2023-09-04 at 9:13 PM, Maud Pie said:

Maud would look to Amber and Last, "I believe we would be capable of doing so. From what I remember about him - Light was always highly unstable and erratic. He is no ordinary pony...he is something else that defies logic. That is the extent of my knowledge about his personality." Maud said, calmly. "As for the visitors - best keep an eye on them." she added, glancing in the direction of the Trade-Walkers who were seemingly just waiting about for the information exchange to take place.

"It sounds like the sort of irresponsible, dumb thing that he'd end up doing. We will handle him, but if something happens with our guests, let us know."

They'd see how that whole thing were gonna go, but for now, they had their orders. They needed to go and try and stop the idiot from killing himself, via his own idiocy.

Twenty years, and he were still being a massive pain in the flank. Last honestly didn't know if she should feel relieved about that, or aggravated. Probably both.

On the way though, she would speak to Maud, once Amber were out of reach.

"I'm gonna assume he tried eating those, because he hadn't been fed. Go on, and I'll meet you there."

Last would take a detour to the food tent, to get a portion, and some water. Nothing fancy to this, and yes, it would end up being her ration for this meal, but y'know what? She'd just have to live with it. She could skip a meal, and it sounded like if he kept doing that, he'd go try and eat one of the tents. It were more rational to go about it like this.

She'd be there a few minutes after Maud would arrive, carrying her ration, which were likely a sandwich, and some tap water. Nothing fancy, but y'know, it got the job done.

"Here, eat this, before you end up doing something dumb again. We need you alive for questioning, and you trying to eat your cuffs of all things, aren't helping your case.

So eat and drink. After that, we'll talk. And don't try to do something reckless again. Your luck won't keep going forever."

[Illiad Easle 3,126]

@Props Valroa

(Spiral)

While she wasn't expecting an answer, a potential one appeared in the form of Euclid Fastar, Power's father, arriving at her office, seemingly annoyed. "I've been told that Power was allowed to leave the Project. Why was I not informed of this? It's far too dangerous out there for him."

 

@StrawberryMilk Simp @Blitz Boom @Props Valroa

Soon after Last arrived with food, the Medic would return, also with food, different from what was being provided at the food tent, they looked annoyed, "I would ask you to refrain from messing with my patient's treatment plan going forward." That said they stowed the brought food away and moved to their desk, where they focused on the paperwork that Light's escapade had caused.

 

@Props Valroa

With a flash, Power User teleported into the camp, near where Amber was with the communications array. "Power User, reporting for duty. I was sent by the Consul to facilitate the trade."

Amber looked surprised, "You?" She looked him over, then shrugged, "Alright, I assume you already have all the information we're giving them?"

Power nodded, "Of course, that was the cause of the delay, I had to brush up on some of the Project's history."

Amber nodded, "Alright, let's get this over with, the sooner they're gone the sooner we can do our explorations and get out of here."

Power followed Amber and the telepathic unicorn back to the edge of the barrier, the unicorn attempting to reinitiate contact, "We've gathered our side of the deal, are you ready to receive?"

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

7 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Soon after Last arrived with food, the Medic would return, also with food, different from what was being provided at the food tent, they looked annoyed, "I would ask you to refrain from messing with my patient's treatment plan going forward." That said they stowed the brought food away and moved to their desk, where they focused on the paperwork that Light's escapade had caused.

Light remained silent as the tension grew. It seems that something is up between them...

But the food is there so he might as well ate it all.

He munched away while watching the two. It looks like a little nudge at the right direction could cause a chemical reaction between the two... it might be a scene worth watching.

" ...... so what's the deal between you two?" He coyishly asked.

[Blitz Boom 4,617]

@StrawberryMilk Simp @Illiad Easle @Props Valroa

On 2023-09-12 at 10:35 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Soon after Last arrived with food, the Medic would return, also with food, different from what was being provided at the food tent, they looked annoyed, "I would ask you to refrain from messing with my patient's treatment plan going forward." That said they stowed the brought food away and moved to their desk, where they focused on the paperwork that Light's escapade had caused.

"Feed him that, I don't care. I just knew the guards hadn't fed him, and that's why he ended up doing something dumb."

Frankly, she didn't mind what he were given to eat, long as it were given. So her sandwich, or the doctors meal? Didn't matter to her, nor did it if he were fed the doctor's meal, and then her own food were hidden away. She could live without a single meal.

Of course, there were also the chance that Light might be fast enough to grab both sets, and gobble them up. It seemed the sort of thing he'd do, but either way, he'd get fed. That were the important part. As were it, that he had some water. If the doctor didn't have water with them, she'd hand him a small water pouch. She usually had one stashed on her somewhere. Not that much in it, but enough to handle it, if things got a bit rough, and she needed extra water. It came in handy, every now and again.

On 2023-09-12 at 11:22 PM, Spiral Spell said:

Maud would follow Last and approach the position Light was in, before she would look to the Medic then back to White Light. "I would highly recommend co-operating. If you want us to help you, you should give us a good reason as to why we should trust you are who you claim to be." Maud said, without much emotion in her statement. Maud would agree with Last's statements, however. They couldn't always help everyone who claimed to need help.

On 2023-09-13 at 6:00 AM, StrawberryMilk Simp said:

" ...... so what's the deal between you two?" He coyishly asked.

"You should know, if you're the real Light.

This here's Maud Pie, and I'm Last Stand. We went somewhere, nearly twenty years past now, and you ended up vanishing, along with That. We need some answers as to what happened. Cooperate and prove that you're the real deal, and there's a decent chance the consul will let you back on The Æther. Turn out difficult, or shady, and we'll leave you here.

So, for a start, where is that thing, and why did you claim it were your friend before?"

Last wasn't in the mood for talking around things. he had been fed and gotten something to drink now, so it were time for them to get some answers. Maud also sounded like she wanted him to get to things before, but that were just how the mare often were. Straight to the point, and uncompromising. Traits that made several others that Last overheard, call her cold. Nonsense really, but of course, some would always judge by the surface, without digging in there, nor seeing the great asset it, were, to have the ability to remain calm and steady. A laser focused being like that, could help sort out some messes, and navigate emotional moments that some others might not handle that well.

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

@StrawberryMilk Simp @Illiad Easle @Props Valroa

"Feed him that, I don't care. I just knew the guards hadn't fed him, and that's why he ended up doing something dumb."

Frankly, she didn't mind what he were given to eat, long as it were given. So her sandwich, or the doctors meal? Didn't matter to her, nor did it if he were fed the doctor's meal, and then her own food were hidden away. She could live without a single meal.

Of course, there were also the chance that Light might be fast enough to grab both sets, and gobble them up. It seemed the sort of thing he'd do, but either way, he'd get fed. That were the important part. As were it, that he had some water. If the doctor didn't have water with them, she'd hand him a small water pouch. She usually had one stashed on her somewhere. Not that much in it, but enough to handle it, if things got a bit rough, and she needed extra water. It came in handy, every now and again.

"You should know, if you're the real Light.

This here's Maud Pie, and I'm Last Stand. We went somewhere, nearly twenty years past now, and you ended up vanishing, along with That. We need some answers as to what happened. Cooperate and prove that you're the real deal, and there's a decent chance the consul will let you back on The Æther. Turn out difficult, or shady, and we'll leave you here.

So, for a start, where is that thing, and why did you claim it were your friend before?"

Last wasn't in the mood for talking around things. he had been fed and gotten something to drink now, so it were time for them to get some answers. Maud also sounded like she wanted him to get to things before, but that were just how the mare often were. Straight to the point, and uncompromising. Traits that made several others that Last overheard, call her cold. Nonsense really, but of course, some would always judge by the surface, without digging in there, nor seeing the great asset it, were, to have the ability to remain calm and steady. A laser focused being like that, could help sort out some messes, and navigate emotional moments that some others might not handle that well.

@Illiad Easle @Props Valroa @Blitz Boom

White Light would listen to last and finish all the food presented to him.

" first of all me and maud barely interacted to one another that much, sure we entered the project at the same time. But thats as much as we have a connection to each other. You and me have a more closer relationship."

" avarice? Well we sent each other to Limbo, got stuck there and formed a weird relationship. Even though that place is a void, a lot of things get lost there from mail pony to one eyed bat creature, the usual neighdorhood of Draconicous. Can't blame me for befriending that thing since shes the only one i can talk to for the past i dont no... centuries? Time works differently on Limbo." He Shrugged.

" and sorry, i don't know where she went. As soon as i got into this dimension i no longer have her. She probably left as soon as she got the opportunity.such a sly mare. Why do i always fall for them." he sighed.

" although Last even though you aged your beauty still remained charming as ever." He winked at Last.

" same to you to um... Maud. Stay neutral as ever I guess?"

" I'm just happy to finally meet familiar faces and you all are safe. At least i know what i did was not of waste then. So how did the project progress? Is the grump griphon killed? Dethroned? Excommunicated? Let me guess you made the final blow didn't ya?" He smiled as he talked to Last.

[Illiad Easle 3,126]

@Props Valroa

(Spiral)

Euclid wasn't appeased by the Consul's answer, raising an eyebrow, "Those creatures? Trade? You mean to tell me that not only has the away team discovered a new sentient race out there, but you sent the most fragile member of the Project out there because he asked?"

He snorted, "You didn't review any other potential candidates, did you? Didn't consider that maybe there might be a better option? I took a risk promoting your consul bid to the research division. I see that that was a mistake. You can forget about the Research vote next election."

Unless Spiral had some sort of rebuttal, Euclid would storm back out of her office. Spiral had not won her election by a safe margin, and there were already some powerful opponents starting their campaigns. While the next election wouldn't be until after they landed back in Equis, if Spiral wanted to maintain her position she'd need all the support she could get, and losing allies like the Research sector would be quite the blow to her chances of reelection.

 

@StrawberryMilk Simp @Blitz Boom @Props Valroa

On 2023-09-14 at 8:55 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"Feed him that, I don't care. I just knew the guards hadn't fed him, and that's why he ended up doing something dumb."

If Last retrieved her own food, the medic would provide the food they had brought to Light, but if Light had already eaten Last's food then the medic would not present the food they had brought to Light. Saving it for later.

On 2023-09-14 at 8:55 AM, Blitz Boom said:

If the doctor didn't have water with them, she'd hand him a small water pouch.

There was plenty of water in the medical tent available.

 

As the trio talked among themselves the medic didn't pay much attention, focusing more on their paperwork and leaving them alone.

 

@Props Valroa

(Traders)

The unicorn guard linked Power into the communication, serving as a conduit so that Power was not directly connected to the traders, just in case something happened.

Power would start by relating world history, starting with the founding of Troy and Equestria and going further back if they asked. Upon reaching the start of the crisis he would stop. 

"I think that's enough to start, now lets hear something from you, we don't want to give everything up and then get nothing back after all."

If the trade walkers were amicable to that, then Power would continue, alternating between sharing the information they had requested and receiving the information they had been promised.

[Blitz Boom 4,617]

@StrawberryMilk Simp @Illiad Easle @Props Valroa

Last were not showing emotions at what she heard, though if she had, it would be increasing, low rung annoyance, going towards anger.

She felt increasingly sure this were Light due to this. He had a certain way of getting under your skin, and making you wish to clock him out, lest he'd go do something stupid, that'd get them into trouble.

"Cut the flatter. So you say you befriended that thing when you were stuck in limbo, and now you have no idea where she is?

If she showed up again, what would she be to you? Friend? Enemy? How do we know, that you haven't been compromised?"

This were gonna be a hard one for him to prove likely, but she frankly didn't care. It had to come up, the way that he spoke about The Empress. Made it sound like they were friends. Like he had fallen in love with her. Last sincerely doubted that were the case for her, but that didn't mean that Light weren't compromised, and might do something for her, if she suddenly showed up and asked, or foguth alongside her, if she tried to get to her daughter, through The Æther? Neither of which she hoped would happen, but hope were frail. It were better to be prepared.

"And the former consul is long dead. I did not deliver the final blow, but you know the one who did. And things have been better since then, A lot changes in twenty years, Light. Maybe you'll yet get to see that for yourself, if your interrogation goes well.

On a related note: The camp have visitors. Maneti- Large mantis beings. If you are allowed to roam around later, do not attack, or interact with them. We are still being civil, and trying to work diplomatically with them, and we do not need that complicated."

She were still somewhat certain that it wasn't gonna end well, interacting with them, but she'd behave currently, and ask Light to do the same. They'd see how things would go, and if they had to act eventually.

She'd turn her head towards Maud after that.

"You have anything to add? Some way of potentially proving or disproving his words?"

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

36 minutes ago, Blitz Boom said:

Cut the flatter. So you say you befriended that thing when you were stuck in limbo, and now you have no idea where she is?

"With that attitude.... i bet you're still single...stay foxy." He grins.

" yup, no idea."

37 minutes ago, Blitz Boom said:

she showed up again, what would she be to you? Friend? Enemy? How do we know, that you haven't been compromised?"

" depends, i guess? If she aint hostile to me why would i pick a bone with her? Same to you Last, would you attack me if i wasnt or was hostile? So depending on the situation. My side might change. The same reason why that grump of a griffon is being assassinated. So my answer to that is.... to whoever is the better friend, that's where I'll be."

41 minutes ago, Blitz Boom said:

And the former consul is long dead. I did not deliver the final blow, but you know the one who did. And things have been better since then, A lot changes in twenty years, Light. Maybe you'll yet get to see that for yourself, if your interrogation goes well.

"Ahh he dead then you didn't kill him? Surprise surprise...."

43 minutes ago, Blitz Boom said:

a related note: The camp have visitors. Maneti- Large mantis beings. If you are allowed to roam around later, do not attack, or interact with them. We are still being civil, and trying to work diplomatically with them, and we do not need that complicated."

"Giant mantis? Ohhh thats bad....also on a related note. If you notice that your numbers are dwindling.... im pretty much sure the mantis ate them. Who knows maybe i ate them." He shrugged.

" but if it tries to nibble at me they're dead."

" try giving them live offerings. Your diplomacy might work. They dont like corpses. They prefer they're food fighting for their lives and screaming."

" although i could be wrong about them." He shrugs once more.

25 minutes ago, Spiral Spell said:

Maud listened to his words with a calm disposition and looked to White Light, "If it really is you, can you explain exactly what happened to you - and how you got stuck in limbo to begin with? If we are to believe it is you, how can you prove that you haven't been affected by what happened in a manner that would be dangerous for us? You are no normal pony." Maud said, pointing a hoof, "You've always been an enigma, without much reason, or purpose for why you are the way you are. If you wish for me to put any kind of trust in your words, I would like to hear it from you - what are you?"

" well the same way how the project can jump into dimensions, except i can do it on a whim.... but i have to have granted access by that world's writer. The thing is i jumped without asking anyone's permission so i got stuck in limbo.

Whats weird is why i got unstock from limbo.... hmm. Crap. It's because of her ain't it... the writer wants her back. Well we're screwed...."

" hmm to prove that im not affected by anything... well my body is covered by changeling shards that absorbs any kind of non changeling magic. So you can't brainwash me."

" so you want proof? What am i?

I'm a dimension hopping pony fixing the timeline and chaos dimensions. I try to kill bad writers, and stop them from making bad stories. That's what i am."

@Props Valroa @Blitz Boom @Illiad Easle

 

 

[Blitz Boom 4,617]

@StrawberryMilk Simp @Illiad Easle @Props Valroa

On 2023-09-21 at 12:40 AM, StrawberryMilk Simp said:

"With that attitude.... i bet you're still single...stay foxy." He grins.

" yup, no idea."

"Hmm, at least that might mean she isn't here. Though it is concerning to know she's still out there."

She would not say anything about her family. This might be Light. Might not be. And until she were so certain, that she could drag the fool back to The Æther, she were keeping her family safe, by staying silent. Though if it did come to that point, she would be insistent that he were itroduced to them, and to her fighters. She'd clock him over the head, and drag his unconscious body there if she had to.

On 2023-09-21 at 12:40 AM, StrawberryMilk Simp said:

" depends, i guess? If she aint hostile to me why would i pick a bone with her? Same to you Last, would you attack me if i wasnt or was hostile? So depending on the situation. My side might change. The same reason why that grump of a griffon is being assassinated. So my answer to that is.... to whoever is the better friend, that's where I'll be."

"If you picked her side? Then yes, I would attack you, and strike to kill, if you got in the way. I am not letting her do to The Æther, what she did to her own temple. Or have you forgotten?"

She would die defending her home and family, if it came to it. And if The Empress learned where her daughter were, and found a way there, that might well be what would happen... Perhaps it wouldn't be as simply for her and hers, to leave The Æther behind entirely after all. And much as she hated it, perhaps they needed to tell this to the young mare... *sigh* She needed to speak to Spiral and Rosa about this, if the story ended up real. And knowing Light, it would regrettably be so.

On 2023-09-21 at 12:40 AM, StrawberryMilk Simp said:

"Giant mantis? Ohhh thats bad....also on a related note. If you notice that your numbers are dwindling.... im pretty much sure the mantis ate them. Who knows maybe i ate them." He shrugged.

" but if it tries to nibble at me they're dead."

" try giving them live offerings. Your diplomacy might work. They dont like corpses. They prefer they're food fighting for their lives and screaming."

" although i could be wrong about them." He shrugs once more.

"If they try to eat you, they're proving hostile, and we will answer in kind. But we are not to make the first move. That includes you.

And I know well what mantid creatures can feast on. My father was torn apart and partially eaten by one, when I was a filly. Same with several of my superiors."

The manetids had been far more brutal than the ones they were talking to now. Less evolved, and hellbent on slaughtering them all. Many good ponies had died, fending them off. Including as said, her father, when she were six. Her mother hadn't lasted much longer, before she were slashed, and cut down, then dragged towards the cursed forest. It were good they raised foals as a community, or she would've been lost, rather than filled with bloodthirst, and a want for revenge. Never mattered though. No matter how many she struck down, it were never enough.

On 2023-09-21 at 12:06 AM, Spiral Spell said:

Maud listened to his words with a calm disposition and looked to White Light, "If it really is you, can you explain exactly what happened to you - and how you got stuck in limbo to begin with? If we are to believe it is you, how can you prove that you haven't been affected by what happened in a manner that would be dangerous for us? You are no normal pony." Maud said, pointing a hoof, "You've always been an enigma, without much reason, or purpose for why you are the way you are. If you wish for me to put any kind of trust in your words, I would like to hear it from you - what are you?"

On 2023-09-21 at 12:40 AM, StrawberryMilk Simp said:

" well the same way how the project can jump into dimensions, except i can do it on a whim.... but i have to have granted access by that world's writer. The thing is i jumped without asking anyone's permission so i got stuck in limbo.

Whats weird is why i got unstock from limbo.... hmm. Crap. It's because of her ain't it... the writer wants her back. Well we're screwed...."

" hmm to prove that im not affected by anything... well my body is covered by changeling shards that absorbs any kind of non changeling magic. So you can't brainwash me."

" so you want proof? What am i?

I'm a dimension hopping pony fixing the timeline and chaos dimensions. I try to kill bad writers, and stop them from making bad stories. That's what i am."

"...So you're some sorta off-brand draconequui?"

This sounded like that whole *fourth wall breaking* think she associated with Discord, before he went mad, and set the world on fire. It would kinda explain why he kept doing things that seemed impossible, and were generally annoying and illogical. And how those shards could pop out, without killing him.

"That's gonna be a whole other kind of headache if that's the case... After Discord, his ilk ain't thought fondly off, for the most part."

It were probably more complicated than him just being one of those, but she figured this were close enough at the very least, to put a kind of label on him, in this way. Besides she had no idea what he meant with writers. Like bad historians or something? Darned if she knew, but spouting weird nonsense, would be in line for a draconequui. Though hopefully Light wouldn't do a Discord, but rather act more like that... What was the name... Fright or something like that? Anyway, be more of a beneficial one. Though preferably not one who hid when the world came crashing around them.

"It'd explain the weirdness though. You never been acting normal, back when I saw you... Though you had my back, in the end, and it wasn't forgotten.

We need to know if you're the real one, and where you lie in all of this, Light. The consul won't let us bring you back otherwise, so you need to be honest, and work with us here. We're on the same page there, yes?

Anything you can say, or show, that'll prove to us, that you're the right one? Actually...

My sword were enchanted once, by Light. Can you replicate that, on another object?"

It'd be proof if it were, yes? Light were the one who did that, so if he could replicate that, it were more than likely him, right? Or at least it'd be some sorta proof, and they needed something tangible right now.

Edited September 23, 2023 by Blitz Boom

[Evil Pink One 13,506]

9 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

If you picked her side? Then yes, I would attack you, and strike to kill, if you got in the way. I am not letting her do to The Æther, what she did to her own temple. Or have you forgotten?"

"Hey im just saying. Its still an "IF." I MEAN. What if the project betrayed your family and the one who can save them is Avarice? Same to me. If the aether wants me dead and she is willing to save me, why wouldn't i side with her.... right?"

 

9 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

And I know well what mantid creatures can feast on. My father was torn apart and partially eaten by one, when I was a filly. Same with several of my superiors.

"Wow... you truly have changed... i guess ageing has its perks. Not ageing on the other hand takes a bit of mental toll." He snorts.

9 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

.So you're some sorta off-brand draconequui?"

" haha.... yeah NO. I can kill draconicous, so calling me off brand is kinda insulting to the draconicous i beat and killed. You can say i am one or someone higher than them." He brags.

9 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

That's gonna be a whole other kind of headache if that's the case... After Discord, his ilk ain't thought fondly off, for the most part."

" don't worry..." he paused and thought.

" actually i have nothing to ease your worry... sorry. Im actually more of a sign to all of you that something bad will definitely happen. As a friend... i have warned you of the future. A writer is cookin up another event."

9 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

It'd explain the weirdness though. You never been acting normal, back when I saw you... Though you had my back, in the end, and it wasn't forgotten.

We need to know if you're the real one, and where you lie in all of this, Light. The consul won't let us bring you back otherwise, so you need to be honest, and work with us here. We're on the same page there, yes?

Anything you can say, or show, that'll prove to us, that you're the right one? Actually...

My sword were enchanted once, by Light. Can you replicate that, on another object?"

" ...thanks for calling me weird... i guess?" He shrugged.

" well the thing is... i got weak getting in here.... not sure if i can still do that, but that doesnt mean I can't try right? Although this ability is quite common to all variants of White Lights, so it doesnt prove anything if i am the real white Light you knew or just another White Light from another dimension out on a different mission." As he said this, he begins to fuse some shards to the food tray. That is IF he can do it. And transform it into a shield.

" there... you have a sword and a shield. If you want an armor to match that's gonna cost you a kiss." He jest.

@Blitz Boom @Illiad Easle @Props Valroa