When Worlds Collide

[Tinker Twinkle]

20 hours ago, Saphire Systrine said:

"Oh, so Equestria has high-speed electric trains now? Interesting," Saphire remarked, "Are you involved in its development?"

"Erm, yeah? I can't go into details about the technology or the engineering specifications, but it would be significantly faster than existing trains. We're still in the middle of development, but the premise has significant potential. This revolutionary infrastructure would pull Equestrian cities closer together, making Equestria significantly more cosmopolitan and creating new trips and economic opportunities that weren't possible before," Tinker explained. 

Tinker seemed to pick up that something was off about Saphire in the middle of his explanation. However, he couldn't exactly put his hoof on it. Maybe it was the way she asked the question?

Edited November 15 by Skylight Scintillate

[Silly Druid 6,925]

The discussion about electric trains was quite interesting to Stardust, so he continued it by throwing in even more ideas.

"I've heard of other concepts too, like using magnetic fields to move the train without touching the tracks, or running it in a tunnel with no air in it, or maybe we can use magic to help us here as well.... these things would make the trains even faster, but I don't think we're ready to do in in practice yet... What do you think, Tinker?"

He noticed the strange glow in Saphire's eyes, but didn't do anything about it for the time being. He thought the mystery of her identity would be revealed at some point, but it was not the time for it yet.

[Saphire Systrine 172]

18 hours ago, Skylight Scintillate said:

"Erm, yeah? I can't go into details about the technology or the engineering specifications, but it would be significantly faster than existing trains. We're still in the middle of development, but the premise has significant potential. This revolutionary infrastructure would pull Equestrian cities closer together, making Equestria significantly more cosmopolitan and creating new trips and economic opportunities that weren't possible before," Tinker explained. 

Tinker seemed to pick up that something was off about Saphire in the middle of his explanation. However, he couldn't exactly put his hoof on it. Maybe it was the way she asked the question?

"Interesting," She said again and listened while Tinker and Stardust talked about it.

51 minutes ago, Silly Druid said:

The discussion about electric trains was quite interesting to Stardust, so he continued it by throwing in even more ideas.

"I've heard of other concepts too, like using magnetic fields to move the train without touching the tracks, or running it in a tunnel with no air in it, or maybe we can use magic to help us here as well.... these things would make the trains even faster, but I don't think we're ready to do in in practice yet... What do you think, Tinker?"

He noticed the strange glow in Saphire's eyes, but didn't do anything about it for the time being. He thought the mystery of her identity would be revealed at some point, but it was not the time for it yet.

Before Tinker could answer, Saphire took the moment to chime in.

"Why don't you just use portal technology?" she stated so matter-of-factly that it seemed to already be a normal thing to her, "Your high-level magic users already use teleportation, and portals have been used in the past to access things like Tartarus, or other alternate realities... Simply modifying those spells and getting them to run on Magitech would make such trains unnecessary for long-distance travel," she paused to think, "Though... portals any bigger than the size of a single pony require significant amounts of energy that I don't think your society is capable of supplying yet, nor will be able to for awhile..."

Again with the subtle linguistic inconsistencies like "your high-level magic users" and "your society", as if she was not a part of such society. Then again, neither of them has ever seen or heard of a pony that looks like her, and they do remember her saying,

On 2024-11-02 at 11:47 PM, Saphire Systrine said:

"I'm not from around here. Well, I used to be, but I live rather far now,"

So maybe by 'far' she meant 'outside of Equestria'?

"So maybe mag-lev technology is a good way to go," she concluded.

Edited November 15 by Saphire Systrine

[Tinker Twinkle]

9 hours ago, Silly Druid said:

"I've heard of other concepts too, like using magnetic fields to move the train without touching the tracks, or running it in a tunnel with no air in it, or maybe we can use magic to help us here as well.... these things would make the trains even faster, but I don't think we're ready to do in in practice yet... What do you think, Tinker?"

 

8 hours ago, Saphire Systrine said:

"Why don't you just use portal technology?" she stated so matter-of-factly that it seemed to already be a normal thing to her, "Your high-level magic users already use teleportation, and portals have been used in the past to access things like Tartarus, or other alternate realities... Simply modifying those spells and getting them to run on Magitech would make such trains unnecessary for long-distance travel," she paused to think, "Though... portals any bigger than the size of a single pony require significant amounts of energy that I don't think your society is capable of supplying yet, nor will be able to for awhile..."

"Both of you are suggesting ideas that the railway company has considered. The idea of portals and tunnels without air is not technically feasible on the scale that Canterlot Express plans to build. And while using magnets would be technically feasible on said scale it is not economically or practically feasible at this time. I cannot go into detail about why the railway has reached this conclusion since these technologies are still under development," Tinker explained.

8 hours ago, Saphire Systrine said:

Again with the subtle linguistic inconsistencies like "your high-level magic users" and "your society", as if she was not a part of such society. Then again, neither of them has ever seen or heard of a pony that looks like her, and they do remember her saying,

So maybe by 'far' she meant 'outside of Equestria'?

"So maybe mag-lev technology is a good way to go," she concluded.

"I'm curious. Are you like, from a society or civilization or planet that has like, significantly more advanced technology and magic compared to Equestria?" Tinker asked.

[Silly Druid 6,925]

When Saphire mentioned portals, Stardust thought about a world where they would be commonly used. Sure, the powerful magic users can teleport, but what if everyone would be able to do it without any effort? It was an enticing vision, but also frightening. If the distances lose any meaning, what would be the impact on the society? That was hard to imagine.

The question asked by Tinker was a good one, as things that Saphire said and done so far suggested she came from a highly advanced civilization. Stardust pricked up his ears, as he was very interested in hearing an answer to it.

[Saphire Systrine 172]

  

On 2024-11-15 at 11:57 PM, Tinker Twinkle said:

"I'm curious. Are you like, from a society or civilization or planet that has like, significantly more advanced technology and magic compared to Equestria?"

Saphire chuckled heartily.

"Darling, Equestria hasn't even confirmed life outside of this blue and green rock to begin with, and the equestrian space programs are just budding. I'm from this planet," she said. Looking wistfully out of the window, she said more softly "Born and raised..."

"As for my technology, it is a form of magitech just like anything else in Equestria. In fact, I built the devices myself, something you would appreciate, dear Tinker," she said confidently. Nothing about this seemed to be a lie of any sort, if anything she was being rather genuine, if a little unspecific.

With the subject changed back to said devices, Stardust took the opportunity to ask,

On 2024-11-14 at 8:31 AM, Silly Druid said:

"So, you want to talk to Princess Celestia about the magic anomalies... Does she know you? Do you think she will listen to what you have to say?"

"Her and I know each other quite well," she said as she tapped her chin with her hoof, "But whether or not she'd listen unknown. I would hope so."

Outside the windows, Canterlot Mountain came into view. It would only be about thirty minutes before they arrived. Knowing this, Tinker hopped up and made his necessary preparations in the lavatory. Having finished, Tinker emerged in an elegant dress and bow.

On 2024-11-13 at 10:39 PM, Tinker Twinkle said:

"How do I look?" Tinker asked Stardust.

"Very pretty," Saphire commented along with Stardust's compliments.

On 2024-11-14 at 8:31 AM, Silly Druid said:

Both his co-passengers looked pretty stunning in their dresses, and Stardust acknowledged that. He put his suit on as well, after using the washroom to freshen up before going to the Gala.

"And you look very dashing in that suit," she said to Stardust.

[Tinker Twinkle]

15 hours ago, Saphire Systrine said:

 Saphire chuckled heartily.

"Darling, Equestria hasn't even confirmed life outside of this blue and green rock to begin with, and the equestrian space programs are just budding. I'm from this planet," she said. Looking wistfully out of the window, she said more softly "Born and raised..."

"I see," Tinker replied. He noted that she didn't explicitly rule out being from another society or civilization. However, it would most likely be on the same planet. He was leaning towards Saphire being from a civilization different from Equestria but sharing the same planet, and that this civilization has more advanced magic and technology than Equestria. Either that, or Saphire could just be really good at technology and magic. However, she still spoke like she came from a place outside of Equestria.

"Uum, what's it like where you're from?" Tinker asked.

15 hours ago, Saphire Systrine said:

 "As for my technology, it is a form of magitech just like anything else in Equestria. In fact, I built the devices myself, something you would appreciate, dear Tinker," she said confidently.

"I know I would be quite interested in seeing how they work," Tinker replied.

15 hours ago, Saphire Systrine said:

 "Her and I know each other quite well," she said as she tapped her chin with her hoof, "But whether or not she'd listen unknown. I would hope so."

This comment kind of reminded Tinker of what Twilight said was her experience when she first moved to Ponyville. if what Saphire said was accurate, both of them were mares who were skilled at magic but kept to themselves. They both know Celestia well, but Celestia didn't exactly listen to them all the time.  

On 2024-11-14 at 9:31 AM, Silly Druid said:

 Both his co-passengers looked pretty stunning in their dresses, and Stardust acknowledged that.

15 hours ago, Saphire Systrine said:

"Very pretty," Saphire commented along with Stardust's compliments.

"Aww thanks," Tinker replied. He blushed slightly.

[Saphire Systrine 172]

8 hours ago, Tinker Twinkle said:

"I know I would be quite interested in seeing how they work," Tinker replied.

 "Well maybe after the gala I can show you," she offered, "And I'd like to see your tinkers as well."

8 hours ago, Tinker Twinkle said:

"Uum, what's it like where you're from?" Tinker asked.

Saphire thought for a moment, trying to find the best words to describe it.

"Safe," she settled on, "It's safe. There isn't a fear of death or danger. And we're all pretty harmonious," she said, but thought more about it.

"If you're wanting physical descriptions, imagine a vast field of red flowing grass with children playing in them, spires of rock jutting high into the sky on the horizons, a warm but crisp breeze gently blowing your mane, and little creatures made of rock and crystals that scurry around, refracting beautiful light and communicating in resonating song..."

The way she spoke of it was quite endearing, as if talking about a beloved child. She stared out of the window, her thoughts wandering... but it felt like she left some things out. Not bad things, but important things nonetheless. She didn't describe any structures, townships, or even technologies.

"But," she broke through Tinker and Stardust's thoughts, "I used to live here..."

She pointed outside the train. They were on the Canterlot Mountain Pass Bridge, and below was the beautiful valley where Ponyville was, with its lush greenery and bright pools of sun-reflecting ponds. She swept her hoof across the valley until it was pointed south, near the badlands.

"My Metux lived there, long ago, before a terrible thing drove us out. So now we live much further away," she said solemnly. That word, metux. What was that? It didn't sound like any language they had heard before. When she said it, her voice, which only occasionally slipped into multiple slight pitches, fully separated into an almost musical chord, yet promptly returned to its singular state when returning to Ponish, as if those tones were a part of the word itself.

[Silly Druid 6,925]

"What's a metux?", Stardust asked simply. He was glad that Saphire started revealing more information about herself. Maybe before they arrive in Canterlot, the mystery would be not so mysterious anymore. Still very interesting though, as she was clearly describing places that were not commonly known to ponies.

"Also, creatures made of rock and crystals? I know a pony that would be very interested in them..."

[Saphire Systrine 172]

7 hours ago, Silly Druid said:

"What's a metux?", Stardust asked simply. He was glad that Saphire started revealing more information about herself. Maybe before they arrive in Canterlot, the mystery would be not so mysterious anymore. Still very interesting though, as she was clearly describing places that were not commonly known to ponies.

"Also, creatures made of rock and crystals? I know a pony that would be very interested in them..."

Saphire waved her hoof in a circle between the three of them.

"This. This is metux. Collective. Communion," she said, "The way I used it means 'my species', but the actual meaning is the telepathic link between all katari."

Another word, katari. The way she used it implied that is possibly the name of their species? And a telepathic link between all ponies like her? This was quite a lot of information dropped as if it were nothing.

"Unfortunately the katalili cannot leave the place they live. They are very delicate and rely on the specific atmospheric conditions to stay alive. One would suffocate here in Equestria," she explained rather bluntly.

 

Edited November 19 by Saphire Systrine

[Skylight Scintillate 2,013]

Tinker would pull out his sketchbook for engineering designs and take down the notes that Saphire was explaining. He would write down the words that were new to him and then make connections to words he already knew. 

"Ok, so metux is like a group or a collection. Then what is katari? Is that like your species? And you say katari would suffocate here, but you also used to live here? But you were driven out of...? Ok now I'm confused," Tinker scratched his head, pausing for a second between each question. Also on the page were what he thought the different places were being referred to, but it seemed the way Saphire was explaining things made it hard to figure out exactly what she was referring to.

Edited November 21 by Skylight Scintillate

[Saphire Systrine 172]

2 hours ago, Skylight Scintillate said:

"Ok, so metux is like a group or a collection. Then what is katari? Is that like your species? And you say katari would suffocate here..."

"Yes, Katari is the name of my species," she said with a nod, "but the other word I said was katalili, which is a conjunction of kata meaning 'rock', and lili meaning 'life'. Those creatures would suffocate here."

Saphire watched with an appreciative smile as Tinker scribbled down the notes. It was sweet to see another pony so interested in an unknown culture.

"And since I know you will ask, ri means 'pain'" she added, curious to know how they would process that information. She reached into her saddlebag and took out her own notebook and writing utensil. After sketching for a while, she turned the notebook around and presented it to them.

"Katalili. A simple sketch, it sadly does not capture the refractive qualities of their unique crystalline appearance."

The warm light of the train's interior lights cast a gentle hue across the paper. On it was sketch was of an angular creature with four feet that seemed telekinetically attached to smaller crystals to form connecting legs to the body. Around it were blades of grass, giving context to the small stature of the creature. Above it was a written word in what one could only assume was Saphire's language, which probably said "katalili", though there seemed to be more nuance to the lettering that wasn't easily aparant.

4 hours ago, Skylight Scintillate said:

But you also used to live here? But you were driven out of...? Ok now I'm confused,"

"Many thousands of years ago, my species used to reside in what your Equestrian maps call the 'Badlands'. We don't live there anymore," she clarified, but didn't seem to want to elaborate on too much. Maybe the subject was touchy? She did say a 'terrible thing' drove them out.

[Silly Druid 6,925]

There was one more thing Stardust wanted to ask.

On 2024-11-19 at 5:41 AM, Saphire Systrine said:

"Unfortunately the katalili cannot leave the place they live. They are very delicate and rely on the specific atmospheric conditions to stay alive. One would suffocate here in Equestria," she explained rather bluntly.

"What do you mean by atmospheric conditions? According to our current knowledge, the climate may be different in different parts of the world, but the atmosphere is pretty much the same."

[Saphire Systrine 172]

56 minutes ago, Silly Druid said:

There was one more thing Stardust wanted to ask.

"What do you mean by atmospheric conditions? According to our current knowledge, the climate may be different in different parts of the world, but the atmosphere is pretty much the same."

Just as this question was asked, the view outside the window quickly shifted to the inside of the Canterlot Railway Station. They felt the train slow down and come to a stop, and soon they heard the conductor shouting the destination.

"Seems like we'll have to talk about that one later," Saphire said as she stood and began to walk towards the door. But couldn't she just say it now? Or on the walk there? Or maybe she didn't want to talk about it in public? It's obvious she holds this info pretty close, given she has a pattern of avoiding saying these things in the earshot of anyone but Tinker and Stardust.

 

[Skylight Scintillate 2,013]

On 2024-11-21 at 4:42 AM, Saphire Systrine said:

"Yes, Katari is the name of my species," she said with a nod, "but the other word I said was katalili, which is a conjunction of kata meaning 'rock', and lili meaning 'life'. Those creatures would suffocate here."

Saphire watched with an appreciative smile as Tinker scribbled down the notes. It was sweet to see another pony so interested in an unknown culture.

"And since I know you will ask, ri means 'pain'" she added, curious to know how they would process that information. She reached into her saddlebag and took out her own notebook and writing utensil. After sketching for a while, she turned the notebook around and presented it to them.

"So Katalili is a combination of rock and life, and Katari is a combination of rock and... pain?" Tinker asked. He stared at his sketchbook, not sure what to make of it. It was as though instead of words he didn't know gaining meaning, words he thought he knew lost meaning. "Is there some meaning I'm not comprehending here?"

On 2024-11-23 at 6:52 PM, Saphire Systrine said:

Just as this question was asked, the view outside the window quickly shifted to the inside of the Canterlot Railway Station. They felt the train slow down and come to a stop, and soon they heard the conductor shouting the destination.

"Seems like we'll have to talk about that one later," Saphire said as she stood and began to walk towards the door. But couldn't she just say it now? Or on the walk there? Or maybe she didn't want to talk about it in public? It's obvious she holds this info pretty close, given she has a pattern of avoiding saying these things in the earshot of anyone but Tinker and Stardust.

"Looks like we're here," Tinker said as he grabbed his luggage and prepared to get off the train. He figured if Saphire didn't feel like talking, the pair wouldn't be able to get much information out of her.

[Saphire Systrine 172]

3 hours ago, Skylight Scintillate said:

"So Katalili is a combination of rock and life, and Katari is a combination of rock and... pain?" Tinker asked. He stared at his sketchbook, not sure what to make of it. It was as though instead of words he didn't know gaining meaning, words he thought he knew lost meaning. "Is there some meaning I'm not comprehending here?"

"Context that I don't have time to explain right now," she simply said as she stood at the open door to the train station. So maybe she didn't mind talking, just later about it? It was time for the Gala after all!

Saphire stepped out of the train car and onto the bustling platform. She scanned the crowd as she waited for the other two. Before their eyes were hundreds of ponies from various places all dressed in fine clothing, all flocking towards the exit and the event center, Canterlot Castle. The three moved with the crowd, flowing their way to the open gates of the castle. The place was practically buzzing with excitement. Gone were the days of posh Galas and here were the days of energy-filled fun with fellow ponies, thanks in part to the efforts of legislation by certain pink pony.

[Skylight Scintillate 2,013]

On 2024-11-25 at 3:49 AM, Saphire Systrine said:

Saphire stepped out of the train car and onto the bustling platform. She scanned the crowd as she waited for the other two. Before their eyes were hundreds of ponies from various places all dressed in fine clothing, all flocking towards the exit and the event center, Canterlot Castle. The three moved with the crowd, flowing their way to the open gates of the castle. The place was practically buzzing with excitement. Gone were the days of posh Galas and here were the days of energy-filled fun with fellow ponies, thanks in part to the efforts of legislation by certain pink pony.

Tinker would attempt to follow Saphire closely through the crowded train station. He didn't have much to say at this moment.

[Saphire Systrine 172]

Saphire pushed through the bustling crowd with speed and poise, the two following behind as well as they could. She moved as if she could see a path through the crowd, cutting into the herd like a knife. As she got close to the opened castle doors, she pulled her ticket out of her saddle bag. Unlike others, whose tickets seemed to magically levitate above them with a faint golden glow, hers did not, and she just held hers in her mouth as she passed the overwhelmed door guards, not giving them a moment to think.

Having broken through the crowd, she stuffed her ticket unceremoniously back into her saddle bag and waited for the others to catch up. As they did, she huffed, pointing towards the top of the entrance stairs.

"She's not here," Saphire pointed out with annoyance, "She's supposed to be here."

She tapped her hoof impatiently as she scanned the room. Without a word, she quickly trotted up to the ballroom, but Celestia was not there either. Nor the dining area, the gardens, the galley, or the restrooms. Yes, she checked there too, much to the dismay of the stallions and mares within.

Finally, she slowed down, much to the relief of her party. They followed along with a herd of ponies returning to the ballroom.

"Why isn't Celestia here? She's always here, and this is urgent," she vented, her annoyance beginning to melt into worry, "If we don't warn her about this there might be horrible consequences for Equestria," she said with a chilling tone of genuine concern that Stardust and Tinker had not heard until now.

To her surprise she heard a voice behind her speak up, saying they knew how to get an audience with the Princess. Saphire turned to see that it was a lavender pegasus with bright golden eyes, who introduced herself as @Azure Dawn.

[Azure Dawn 187]

T he little group's rushing around would easily go unnoticed for most party-goers, But they easily caught the attention of a certain blue pegasus. Excusing herself from her friends, she flew up to observe, slowly noticing the pattern. They were cycling through the places Celestia was usually found... Eventually, she flew down near them once they calmed down. Emerging from the crowd next to Sapphire, she spoke up.

"Hello, are you three enjoying the party? You don't seem to be from around here, but it looks like you're looking for Princess Celestia, am I wrong? In that case, if it's really important, I could get you to meet her."

In the very second following this, she looked between the three of them, wondering what kind of response she would get. Even if they looked to be in a rush, she'd look so dumb if she wasn't right! She quickly followed up her sentence before they could speak.

"I-I'm Azure Dawn by the way. It's nice to see new faces..."