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Shape Your Home, Part 5

By Ponegreen
Created: 2021-07-16 21:31:33
Updated: 2022-11-24 22:50:17
Expiry: Never
anon/nmp/nsfw#decacustom universemarewaifumonogamyspace fictionterraformingx:btf

  1. Prompt: #deca CPU pony wAIfu green, for /mlp/'s /nmp/ (Part Five Complete)
  2.  
  3. 118
  4.  
  5. >The pair of doors to the command deck slides open.
  6. >But neither of you immediately passes through the threshold.
  7. >#deca.mare stands still right at the border as her gaze wanders over the consoles and screens she can seen from her perspective.
  8. >And you stand right behind your mare.
  9. "I'm not sure if I should do this alone."
  10. >"Do you think it will overwhelm you?"
  11. "Not if your simulations are right. But I don't want to take a unique moment from you."
  12. >"This is exactly why I would rather have you at the helm today. I want to... see it personally like an eye witness. And without distraction."
  13. >She sighs.
  14. >"But only if you feel comfortable with it."
  15. >You look at the main screen beyond the ramp.
  16. "Comfortable isn't the right word, but I'll manage."
  17. >#deca.mare nods silently.
  18. >You kneel down and give her a tight hug from behind.
  19. "Don't worry about me and celebrate the great day instead."
  20. >She smiles weakly in response.
  21. >"And I do not think calling the occasion a celebration is accurate either."
  22. >You shrug as you keep your arms around #deca.mare's barrel.
  23. "Then consider this. You can always piece me together afterwards. But you'll only get to see this sight once. You've every right to watch it as you see fit."
  24. >And you too start to grin faintly as you softly nudge the back of her head with the side of your face.
  25. "Just make sure to tighten all my screws when you do."
  26. >That gets a lightly enlivened snort out of her.
  27. >"Thank you. And no matter how things turn out, I will make it up to you."
  28. "You do it every day by being there, #deca."
  29. >And for her, you gladly jump into the proverbial fire once more.
  30. >You slowly let go of her and walk to the chair.
  31. >But unlike your usual habit, you wait until #deca.mare has climbed onto the seat first and made herself comfortable right in its centre.
  32. >Once she sits upright and ready, deeply burrowed into the padding, you follow her.
  33. >Though you are not going to sit by her side this time.
  34. >You also aim straight for the middle, and instead of trying to sit like you normally would, you let your back slowly drop in #deca.mare's embrace.
  35. >She in turn spreads her forehooves apart to give you more room.
  36. >The back of your head eventually rests in #deca.mare's lap, carefully held in place by her hind legs and belly.
  37. >With your sight pointed almost straight upwards, you look her in the eyes.
  38. >And she returns a gentle and caring expression.
  39. >Her face beams with just as much comfortable warmth as her body.
  40. >Or perhaps even more.
  41. >One of her forehooves caresses your cheek.
  42. >"Lying well?"
  43. >Under normal circumstances, you might have cracked a joke about your current position.
  44. >Today, however, is not such a day.
  45. "Yeah. Firm and secured."
  46. >You smile.
  47. "Thanks to you."
  48. >#deca.mare takes the compliment with a silent appreciation as her hoof gently fondles you some more.
  49. >That gives you an idea.
  50.  
  51.  
  52.  
  53.  
  54. >You reach out with your own hand and slowly grasp her limb.
  55. >She plays along and lets you hold the underside of her hoof with your palm as most of your fingers cover her frog and almost reach up to her pastern.
  56. "Keep holding while I'm busy, okay?"
  57. >And #deca.mare nods.
  58. >"Yes, Anon. I will."
  59. >Then you close your eyes to the sight of her friendly face and start to focus on the task at hand.
  60. >Your body seemingly slips out of her warm embrace as your control switches over to a new command post.
  61. >Located in a small relay station where a broken chair once used to be.
  62. >You see the now fully restored command deck of #deca.sigma.
  63. >Aside from the cryo pod and the immediate presence of a friendly mare, the deck mirrors your own in almost every aspect.
  64. >You can feel the massive potential behind almost any of its stations.
  65. >Mentally nibbling at the physical limitations of your brain.
  66. >And even the mere presence of the colossal outer shell of the vessel looms over your mind like an invisible, yet very present shadow.
  67. >It threatens to overcome you instantly if you dare to enter its depths.
  68. >#deca.mare's contacts you over the comm channel.
  69. >"Please remember to delegate as many tasks as possible, Anon. Just focus on the important tasks and let the automatons do the rest."
  70. "Yeah, will do. Relax and watch the spectacle."
  71. >The comm channel closes, leaving you to your own devices again.
  72. "Okay, time for the show to kick off."
  73. >You order a final diagnose run to check the main systems as you acclimatise yourself to your environment.
  74. >To you it seems as if you were teleported into a mental minefield, where every false step might blow you up and sunder your very sense of self into little pieces.
  75. >Though unlike a real minefield, you are not in a mortal danger.
  76. >As you are fully aware that there is a fool-proof way back from even the worst ensuing impediment.
  77. >Regardless though, you would very much prefer not to go there again if at all possible.
  78. >Sigma already crippled you once for a few days, so you are not keen on giving the system a second chance.
  79. >The diagnosis is finished.
  80. >All systems working in nominal parameters.
  81. >Everything green, no malfunction reported.
  82. >Only your input is required.
  83. >So you will give it then.
  84. >You manifest a mental image in your mind.
  85. >You are the conductor on a stage.
  86. >Your instruments are the orchestra, and your orders embody the tactful, controlled swings of your baton.
  87. >It is up to you whether you make the ensemble play a symphony, or fall from your pedestal while trying.
  88. >Well then, off you go.
  89. >You instruct the docking clamps to let go off the vessel.
  90. >Your ship is now free, and the curtain is lifted.
  91. >You wait until the clamps are fully retreated.
  92. >Then you activate the shield generators and watch as the consoles depict the readings of a protective energy field building up around the mended hull.
  93. >You monitor the power levels for a short while.
  94.  
  95.  
  96.  
  97.  
  98. >Once you are satisfied with what you see, you divert your attention back to the larger task.
  99. >The automatons keep the energy levels in check and regulate them as needed in your stead.
  100. >And they are set to notify you if something is amiss.
  101. >Alright, sensors next.
  102. "Let's see if you can see without help from others, hm?"
  103. >Unsurprisingly, nobody answers.
  104. >You filter the sensor input of allied structures from your on-board radar and provide Sigma's own sensors with energy.
  105. >The green outlines of your mother ship and the repair dock disappear from your HUD as the sensor console gets to work.
  106. >And you think you can positively feel the activities of the awakening vessel as if your own body were involved.
  107. >The notion of faint pinpricks lingers in your mind.
  108. >Like a numbed limb which is slowly getting active after a longer period of inactivity.
  109. >The proverbial blood starts to flow steadily, and the nerves fire properly again.
  110. >And your "body" wants you to know.
  111. >You wonder if machines can be subject to the concept of phantom pain, and if you are currently going through this together with Sigma.
  112. >After all, a few traces of the individual still remain in this system.
  113. >And maybe some of these fragments subtly interact with your own psyche somehow.
  114. >But this issue is far too abstract for you to answer with certainty.
  115. >You follow the text on the console with relative ease.
  116. >Booting, green.
  117. >Initialisation successful.
  118. >Receiving signals.
  119. >Processing input.
  120. >In a matter of seconds, the structures reappear on your radar in a healthy shade of green.
  121. >Everything is where it is supposed to be.
  122. >And it is also displayed as being part of the correct faction.
  123. >You extend the scale of your sector map.
  124. >#deca.sigma, #deca.mare, and the dock shrink rapidly as the sphere of the moon and eventually Equestria become visible as accurately scaled models.
  125. >Looks like Sigma knows precisely where you are.
  126. >You smile.
  127. "Good. I'm sure we're going places now."
  128. >You return the scale of the map back to your immediate surroundings.
  129. >As you need it very soon.
  130. >For it is time for the big one.
  131. >You give the order to heat up the main engine.
  132. >And as you observe the readings on the navigational screen, the automatons act without delay.
  133. >The power level rises gradually, awaiting your command.
  134. >This one will be trickier than the others, given that navigation requires constant attention.
  135. >Something you cannot afford to strain your brain with whilst in command of this capital ship.
  136. >But you are prepared.
  137. >Since this is a behemoth of a vessel and not a conventional fighter, you are not going to fly the machine directly like you would with other smaller units.
  138. >Instead, you rely on a three dimensional sector map to set a course from point A to B.
  139. >The automatons handle the rest.
  140. >They calculate the optimal course and speed for the flight, whilst you can inspect and follow their work in real time on the screens.
  141.  
  142.  
  143.  
  144.  
  145. >Whereas terran autopilots are basic and very often highly unreliable, #deca automatons perform decidedly better in all aspects.
  146. >A fact you fully take advantage of in this situation, as you virtually treat them like a crew of sorts.
  147. >With "specialised" officers to give orders to for the duration of your flight.
  148. >They are of course still all basic automatons with identical capacities.
  149. >But since you delegate each of them to one specific task, you prefer to see them as a bit more than that.
  150. >Makes it easier to keep track of everything.
  151. >And adds a touch of personality to the whole affair.
  152. >The navigational post reports full engine readiness.
  153. >So you set your first simple route forwards.
  154. >Out of the dock with minimal acceleration.
  155. >To bring the vessel to a controllable speed and use the Newtonian forces for what they are worth.
  156. >Another factor you must consider at the helm of this vessel.
  157. >This massive behemoth is far, far less manoeuvrable than anything you have flown before.
  158. >Apart from the session in which you hauled the inert form of #deca.sigma over to Equestria, though the events of this day have gotten somewhat muddy in the aftermath.
  159. >Which makes the automated pilot even more valuable to you.
  160. >The system comes to life as the large rear engine segment fires up.
  161. >The hint of a faint rattling sensation touches your mind.
  162. >You think you can "feel" the reverberations of the engine all the way through the structure of the outer shell.
  163. >And once again, you cannot determine how much of that is driven by your personal fantasy.
  164. >Yet either way, you realise that it somehow feels... wholesome.
  165. >For the lack of a better term.
  166. >The light notions of life all around you fill you with some warmth.
  167. >You know you can trust them.
  168. >They will not fail you if you give them the right orders.
  169. >You try to imagine the engine block and how it must look from the outside as it runs.
  170. >It surely emits a considerable light right now.
  171. >And you imagine #deca.mare watching it from afar, witnessing Sigma's first own steps after your extensive care.
  172. >Though you can only guess how emotional she must feel in this very moment.
  173. >You wish you could be with her in full to provide her with all the comfort she asks for, but you cannot do that and simultaneously command the entire ship.
  174. >That task is taxing enough as it is, even with your little tricks.
  175. >But you know for sure that she is holding your hand as you work.
  176. >Or you her hoof, depending on the perspective.
  177. >And that is at least something, all things considered.
  178. >The propulsion gradually pushes the behemoth forwards.
  179. >Sigma's large ancient structure starts to move visibly.
  180. >Your speed in relation to the dock is not higher than a few metres per second.
  181. >Though this is all you are willing to go for as long as you are within the confines of the station.
  182. >You watch the radar with eagle eyes as the ship slowly glides out of the enveloping stationary struts.
  183.  
  184.  
  185.  
  186.  
  187. >Your sensors spot hundreds of small drones floating around the repair dock.
  188. >And you cannot help but notice that most of them have their lenses turned in your direction.
  189. >If it were not for the fact that only #deca.mare and you witness the event in person, you could think that hundreds of souls out there came here to watch this departure.
  190. >Really, this is what Sigma would deserve.
  191. >A celebrated send-off for departure, similar to the one at the original maiden voyage.
  192. >Knowing #deca.mare though, you are absolutely convinced that she keeps logs and records at least some video feeds of your flight.
  193. >You must smirk as you consider that.
  194. >Because it means you better show the best capital ship commander skills you have in store.
  195. >Not so much in the interest of displaying your competence or make you look good, but to give her the chance to get as many great scenes as possible.
  196. >You are responsible for this to happen, and you happily oblige.
  197. >Though in retrospect you should have asked #deca.mare to make a captain's hat for you to also look the part.
  198. >Oh well, missed opportunity.
  199. >You monitor the course and your current trajectory on the displayed sector map and let the automatons do their work until further notice.
  200. >The ship safely leaves the dock proper as it gently floats onwards through the vacuum.
  201. >So far, so good.
  202. >You test the navigational thrusters next as you instruct the autopilot to enter a stable orbit around the moon.
  203. >The system confirms your order and begins to steer vessel accordingly.
  204. >Once more, you feel the difference in mass when compared to smaller vessels, as the first tangible results of the course correction take quite a while before they become apparent to the naked eye.
  205. >The delay and the manner in which the automatons navigate the structure give you the impression of them piloting an airship rather than a space craft.
  206. >Minus wind currents and atmospheric pressure, but still.
  207. >Plus, there is also the difference between commanding hundreds of little ships hauling a much larger object, and actually being the one who controls such a capital vessel yourself.
  208. >Sure, you have seen #deca.mare flying your mother ship practically every single day for the better part of a year.
  209. >And indeed, you temporarily took control of it as well.
  210. >For which you promptly paid the price.
  211. >But #deca.mare was always directly present in one way or another as it all happened within her very own home.
  212. >This, on the other hand, is a whole new level in which you are playing on somewhat foreign ground.
  213. >Despite still being connected to #deca.mare through your link.
  214. >And as such, you perceive it as the new experience that it is.
  215. >So you idle a minute just to witness this process with a degree of fascination before you move on.
  216. >Then you assign a secondary cluster of automatons to take control of the swarm near the station and instruct them follow the terraformer.
  217.  
  218.  
  219.  
  220.  
  221. >Should the thrusters fail for one reason or another, you have programmed them to automatically latch themselves onto the hull of Sigma and support the navigational systems with their own pushing and pulling power to keep the ship on its course.
  222. >As a fail safe measure for the worst case.
  223. >But you do not even attempt to link yourself to any of these drones directly, since you still need your mind intact for what is to come soon.
  224. >With a great deal of methodical precision, the automatons align the ship with the pre-calculated orbital course, and reduce the usage of the navigational thrusters to a minimum.
  225. >From here on out, it is mainly the rear engine that provides some additional thrust to increase the speed and maintain the planned path.
  226. >Then, all navigational systems put themselves on standby as they keep monitoring the trajectory of your flight.
  227. >Only to intervene when a course correction is necessary.
  228. >#deca.sigma is hereby officially circling Equestria's moon, with no technical problems to speak of.
  229. >The ship is, for all intents and purposes, spaceworthy for internal sector missions.
  230. >A great start to be sure, though you still have to test the jumpdrive.
  231. >You may not plan to use the ship for deep space operations on its lonesome, but you should nevertheless ensure that the option exists.
  232. >Just in case.
  233. >But before you do that, you let the ship sail around the moon for a while and contact #deca.mare first.
  234. >Also granting the system a moment to operate on standard settings and prove their functionality.
  235. "Well?"
  236. >"This moment makes all our efforts worthwhile, Anon. Words cannot describe how much it means."
  237. >You wonder if she refers to her emotions or the historical implications behind your restoration.
  238. >"Certainly a little bit of both."
  239. "And you?"
  240. >"I think I am fine so far. How are you?"
  241. "Eh, still Anon, I guess. And with most screws where they should be."
  242. >"Glad to hear that. Do you need a break?"
  243. >Even though both of you know that you do not require to pause in your current state, you think you hear a hidden invitation coming from her.
  244. >Suggesting it is #deca.mare who would very much so have one right now.
  245. >So you give her what she asks for.
  246. "Sounds good. I'll come back to you in a minute. Though better keep an emergency line open to transfer my control back to Sigma if something goes wrong."
  247. >"Hmhm, sure. I will."
  248. >You close the channel and take one last hard look at the consoles before you join #deca.mare.
  249. >And as much as your are intricately looking for potential problems, you find none.
  250. >Satisfied, you maintain the orbital standby order and close your eyes.
  251. >The next thing you see is your hand being firmly held between two forehooves.
  252. >Seems like #deca.mare used your arm for some personal comfort.
  253. "I'm here."
  254. >A pair of friendly eyes looks down on you, clearly happy to see you "awake" again.
  255. >She says nothing and releases your hand carefully.
  256.  
  257.  
  258.  
  259.  
  260. >Then you feel her forelegs winding themselves between your arms and sides, followed by them lifting you into a more upright position.
  261. >And you actively go along with it until you sit properly.
  262. >Your height hides #deca.mare's smaller body almost completely in the chair, but she manages to stretch herself a little.
  263. >Her head nuzzles your neck whilst she holds herself in place by wrapping her forelimbs around your torso.
  264. >You notice she uses more force in her grip than what she would need to hold herself.
  265. >And the tip of her tail sticks out on one side, twitching lightly.
  266. "Are you comfortable like that? You stir a lot."
  267. >"With you here to get hugged? Without a doubt, Anon."
  268. >And to emphasise the meaning of her words, she tightens her grasp a little more.
  269. >Her embrace is far from unpleasant, though she makes no secret of the fact that she seized you completely.
  270. >Hm, alright.
  271. >#deca.mare's clingy side often is a telltale sign of her dealing with a lot of emotions.
  272. >And judging the circumstances, you do not even have to ask what is going on.
  273. >So you let her use you as her cuddle toy.
  274. >Though you cannot properly reciprocate her affection in your position.
  275. >The best you can come up with is an improvised massage of her forehooves.
  276. >But this is better than nothing, and enough for her to breathe easy.
  277. >You can feel the change directly on your skin as she exhales.
  278. >And while you sit all bundled up and cuddling, the main screen depicts #deca.sigma drifting through space in front of your moon.
  279. >Followed in proverbial lockstep by many tiny specks of glinting lights which make sure that Sigma stays on the correct course.
  280. >Your break lasts for about a quarter of an hour.
  281. >Once you have decided to go on, #deca.mare looses her grip on you, and you sink back into your previous position.
  282. >You look her in the eyes and openly offer your hand.
  283. >As you have expected, she accepts your offering, holding it in the exact same way as before.
  284. >You switch over the other bridge and let the automatons give you a quick summary of the last twenty minutes.
  285. >You briefly skim over the reports as none of them seem to suggest any present problems within the systems.
  286. >The ship stayed on course, and the automatons did not have to perform an unexpected course correction.
  287. >You take a deep breath and open a comm channel to #deca.mare.
  288. "The system is doing great so far, #deca. I think we can test the jumpdrive now."
  289. >"Understood. I am sending you coordinates for a destination."
  290. >True to her word, you get a signal from her.
  291. >An empty patch of space in this sector, less than a light minute away from the planet.
  292. >But remote enough as to not bump into any objects, even when the computer produces some minor inaccuracies.
  293. >As unlikely as it is, you want to make sure.
  294. >"Start at your discretion, Anon. I will monitor the process too and abort the jump without further notice if irregularities occur in the build-up phase."
  295.  
  296.  
  297.  
  298.  
  299. >Hm, depending on how much energy has been fed into the jumpdrive at that point, the sudden venting could be pretty abrupt.
  300. >But always better than potentially losing the ship for which you have worked so hard to revive it.
  301. "Order in five, #deca."
  302. >And you silently count from five to zero.
  303. >Then you give the order.
  304. >The automaton confirms both the coordinates and the order, and notifies you of the impending jump process.
  305. >You even sense the steadily growing force of the forming corridor in your mind.
  306. >As a thorough, all-encompassing pressure which adds itself to the mass of proverbial shadows that could shake your consciousness.
  307. >Yet you persist and ignore the sensation through sheer will.
  308. >This is just a jump, and you will not let it control you.
  309. >Especially when #deca.mare has asked for your help.
  310. >The progress bar on the navigational screen nears completion.
  311. >The energy is stored, the focus is stable.
  312. >And the corridor opens up soon thereafter.
  313. >Flash, transit, and the second flash.
  314. >You still have the full control over the vessel.
  315. >And so you order all stations to report their status.
  316. >The coordinates are correct, and the ship is still in one piece.
  317. >Everything looks green, except for the jumpdrive.
  318. >Despite being listed as fully functional, the navigational automaton informs you that it requires a cooldown phase of twenty minutes.
  319. >That is unusual for such a short jump.
  320. "#deca?"
  321. >The answer is quick and professional.
  322. >"Yes, Anon. I see what you mean."
  323. "What's the problem? Did something go wrong?"
  324. >"No, the jump process was flawless according to my readings. It looks like the energy allocation has to be recalibrated, however. It reported a slight surplus of available energy shortly after the build-up phase."
  325. >You do not like to hear that.
  326. >At all.
  327. >For it sounds way too familiar.
  328. "Hold on, that means the drive was overcharged."
  329. >The same issue that catapulted you into outer space to begin with.
  330. >Fortunate circumstances or not.
  331. >"I know what you are thinking. The case is a little bit different than yours though. Your fighter was flung off its destination and heavily damaged because the excess energy was forced onto the jumpdrive by a system malfunction. It had to be used in the creation of a volatile corridor because it was the only available exhaust. But we have a safety mechanism to prevent that."
  332. "So what happened?"
  333. >"The system registered the discrepancy and vented the surplus out of the jumpdrive."
  334. >Of course.
  335. >For what happens when a lot of energy is ejected very rapidly?
  336. >Heat.
  337. >And lots of it.
  338. "So to put it short, the drive is overheated."
  339. >"Indeed. And it disabled itself automatically to prevent further damage by additional heat accumulation."
  340. >Meaning the ship is stuck here for the next twenty minutes.
  341. >Unless you want to resort to conventional propulsion to return to Equestria.
  342. >Which could take a while.
  343. >And certainly longer than twenty minutes.
  344. >#deca.mare sighs.
  345.  
  346.  
  347.  
  348.  
  349. >"I guess it means Sigma should return to the docks until the problem is fixed."
  350. >You hear an unhappy notion in her voice, and you will have none of that.
  351. "Don't be frustrated, #deca. We made a huge leap here."
  352. >"Of course. You are right, Anon."
  353. "But?"
  354. >"I just thought we were done with this particular issue for the time being."
  355. "Maybe you imagined it to be a tad too easy. You can't simply make a checkmark on the operation and believe everything is settled. This is not that kind of project."
  356. >Certainly somewhat bluntly put, though you assume #deca.mare is better off with the truth than with a coddling myth.
  357. >Because the last thing you want her to do is lying to herself.
  358. >She would only harm herself more in the long run.
  359. >Still, you look for something to say to alleviate her emotional turmoil.
  360. "But things are fine overall, #deca. I mean, it's just a calibration. This is a joke compared to the stuff we've fixed, isn't it?"
  361. >"It is. Sorry for acting so cranky."
  362. >You get an inspired idea.
  363. "Eh, not your fault. You'll see, I give you a spa treatment after this is over."
  364. >"This evening?"
  365. "This evening. But I need you to pull yourself together for another half an hour or so. How's this for a deal, hm? Can you do that?"
  366. >"Naturally, Anon. And thank you."
  367. >You smile inwardly.
  368. >What the prospect of a spa treatment can do to improve the mood of a saddened mare.
  369. >You run another system diagnosis and regularly monitor the state of Sigma's jumpdrive.
  370. >And as far as the internal sensor are concerned, the device inside the segment is slowly cooling off.
  371. >You let an automaton scan the jumpdrive for thermal damage.
  372. >Thankfully, the machine does not find any.
  373. >So you wait until the device is ready and observe the logs that register the events as they are happening on board of the vessel.
  374. >The system routines, as well as the scans of the perimeter.
  375. >You check the energy reserves, then you study the integrity of the energy shielding around the hull.
  376. >And even the movement of logistical units, including the transport of certain items as part of the common everyday routines.
  377. >Not the most thrilling set of activities at the best of days, of course.
  378. >Yet it does help to pass the time and nevertheless evokes a certain degree of fascination in you, considering that all of this has been effectively dead before you poured weeks of tireless work into the project.
  379. >Also, you do not want to abandon Sigma for the duration of the cooldown either.
  380. >Even though it could have been far more enjoyable to retun to #deca.mare's embrace, you somehow think it would have felt like leaving Sigma behind after things got a little rough.
  381. >Probably a silly notion, as the ship is in a very safe spot, yet you do not want to leave this post again until the vessel is safely harboured above Equestria.
  382. >Since you feel personally responsible for Sigma.
  383. >"Anon?"
  384. "Yeah?"
  385. >"You would have been a good USC captain with that mindset."
  386. "Heh, you think?"
  387.  
  388.  
  389.  
  390.  
  391. >"Hmhm. You know the saying. The captain is the last one to leave the ship."
  392. >And since there are always some traces of Sigma left on board somewhere, this applies to you as well.
  393. >For as long as you are the commander in flight, at least.
  394. >The warning note disappears from the navigation console.
  395. >You check on the jumprdrive.
  396. >Functionality green, temperature normal.
  397. >"No need to say anything. I have been notified too. Here are your new coordinates."
  398. >You look at the numbers and notice something odd.
  399. >It bring you close to Equestria again, that much is certain, but if you read these values correctly, the corridor will manifest a good bit further away from the planet than usual.
  400. >"A safety measure until I had the opportunity to inspect the drive at the dock."
  401. >Okay, reasonable enough.
  402. >You initialise the jumping sequence and live through the same building pressure a second time.
  403. >Flash, and transit.
  404. >Equestria's moon appears in your vision after the bright light fades away.
  405. >The jumpdrive demands your attention.
  406. >Energy venting and overheating detected, jumpdrive disabled for approximately twenty minutes.
  407. >Damage scan.
  408. >No physical damage detected.
  409. >Good enough.
  410. >You will not use that one again in your current session anyway.
  411. >Distance check.
  412. >Several thousand kilometres.
  413. >Well, this is going to take some time, so you set the course without hesitation and let the automatons do the math.
  414. >The vessel gently tilts and turns as the autopilot heads for the dock.
  415. >And you in turn watch over the process as a whole.
  416. "Hm, I think I'll need more than the thirty minutes until I can invite you to the spa session."
  417. >"No problem, Anon. Please take all the time you need for... tending to Sigma. I can wait."
  418. >You hear the hazily hidden tone of hesitance in her words, though you do not question it further.
  419. >It is clear for you that she would rather have you right in her grasp in an instant.
  420. >Yet her rational perspective on things prevails.
  421. >And for good reason; the lively shape of Sigma approaching Equestria's satellite serves as the only reminder that is necessary to quell any doubts.
  422. >So as you are more or less stationed on an obligatory post, you use the time to further practice your observation skills as a capital ship operator.
  423. >Plus, being exposed to the constant moderate background strain helps to train both your endurance and your focus.
  424. >Eventually, the terraformer ship nears the orbit, causing the automatons to act again in order to adjust the course.
  425. >And you keep watching.
  426. >Focused and professional, yet also somewhat at ease.
  427. >You keep telling yourself that you have a group of automatons at your side, and you can trust them to do their job.
  428. >All you need to do is contributing your part.
  429. >Like a well-oiled synergy between two complementary elements.
  430. >Slowly, but with precise certainty, you witness as the ship enters the moon's orbit and gradually approaches the repair dock.
  431.  
  432.  
  433.  
  434.  
  435. >The process you are about to witness soon is similar to any other you have performed over the years from a technical standpoint, and yet it too is a league of its own.
  436. >And you actually start to get somewhat tense as the structure ahead of you grows and grows in your vision.
  437. >You double check both the perimeter map and the projected trajectory.
  438. >Things are looking good, though you will not take any risk.
  439. >But thankfully the docking struts were designed by #deca.mare and you with crafts of this size in mind.
  440. >Hence your automatons have ample space to navigate, even inside the encasing structure.
  441. >The tip of Sigma's crown begins to slip in, and you see the automatons already beginning to marginally reverse the thrust to slow the ship down.
  442. >Even with such a massive scale and the best artificial navigators that were ever created, docking on a station remains a matter of metres.
  443. >The behemoth under your command drifts to a painstakingly slow stop inside the bay.
  444. >Once properly halted, the automaton performs a series of minor adjustments before it brings the craft to complete stop.
  445. >Following this, it sends a green signal to the station.
  446. >The docking clamps reach out to safely fasten #deca.sigma.
  447. >Success.
  448. >And you are relived from your "duty".
  449. >You set the automatons to standby, silently thank them for their peerless performance, and return to your hideout in the grasp of your personal mare-shaped docking clamps.
  450. >As it turns out, #deca.mare's loyalty to your hand has not faltered whatsoever during your second half of the test run on Sigma's command deck.
  451. >This time it is her who reacts first.
  452. >She smiles warmly and talks only short moment after you have come to your senses.
  453. >"I have been waiting for you, Anon."
  454. "Yeah, thought so. Everything alright?"
  455. >#deca.mare nods.
  456. >"I am relieved the flight is over. The test went fairly well, considering what..."
  457. "No. Don't think about what could have gone to hell. Fact is, it didn't. That's all that counts."
  458. >She repeats her nod, a little slower this time.
  459. >You cut things short to get #deca.mare to think of more pleasant things quickly.
  460. "Right. Spa time it is. We can deal with the jumpdrive inspection at a later date."
  461. >"Agreed."
  462. >She retracts her outstretched hoof, freeing your hand.
  463. >A second later, you feel her body shifting behind you as she tries to get off the chair without restraining you in the process.
  464. >On the contrary, the embrace on her lap loosens as she does.
  465. >So to help her out, you raise your upper body to sit upright.
  466. >#deca.mare carefully steps around you and hops off the chair.
  467. >Ready to leave when you are.
  468. >In this moment, you get another interesting idea.
  469. "Hm, can you carry me to the spa?"
  470. >"Certainly, Anon. Why do you ask though? Is it a repercussion you feel after your connection to Sigma?"
  471. "Nope, that's okay. A light buzzing in the skull but nothing dramatic. That's not why I'm asking."
  472.  
  473.  
  474.  
  475.  
  476. >"Do you want to tell me?"
  477. >You grin as you try not to explicitly think of your flash of inspiration.
  478. >It would be a shame if she caught wind of it in advance.
  479. "I'd rather want to show you, #deca."
  480. >She accepts your answer for the cryptic response it is and stands still, presenting herself to you.
  481. >"I hope this does not require a saddle."
  482. >And you laugh.
  483. "The opposite is true. A saddle would only be in the way."
  484. >With no further comment, you carefully mount #deca.mare bareback, placing yourself slightly closer to the rear than usual as far as riders are concerned.
  485. >And you solely hold yourself steady by pressing your legs against her sides.
  486. "Okay so far?"
  487. >"I can manage. But what now?"
  488. "Now?"
  489. >You point at the exit.
  490. "Now you trot off that deck. I'll load the spa scene."
  491. >So you do, with one single mental command.
  492. >And #deca.mare trots towards the ramp.
  493. >As she does what you asked off her, you do your best to keep your balance and put your hands on her back.
  494. >Close to her shoulders.
  495. >Then you gently rub, knead, and massage her there while she is trotting.
  496. >#deca.mare almost stumbles in surprise, which makes you smile turn.
  497. "How is that?"
  498. >"Different... that is for sure."
  499. "Different enough for me to go on?"
  500. >"Yes, Anon. That would be great."
  501. >You heed her wish and do just that.
  502. >You massage #deca.mare's back on your way to the spa.
  503. >Treating her firm and tense muscles along the way, causing her to occasionally walk in curvy lines towards your goal.
  504. >The shoulder blades provide you with a little bit of trouble though, as you cannot properly treat them without tripping #deca.mare outright.
  505. >Their movements are far too lively, and she is much too susceptible to this sort of stimulation for you to attempt treating her there for longer periods of time.
  506. >But despite that little soft spot of hers, she indeed manages to get you off the deck and into the straight corridors beneath the simulated Ponyville spa.
  507. >Where no one will be wondering why an elated mare staggers loudly through the halls whilst a human sits on her back as he gives her a massage.
  508. >Though you think that if ponies could see you like this, the sight alone would let them forget to ponder why the two of you bump against the walls a few times.
  509. >Or accidentally smack a door open with your combined mass, only to tumble on some more until you reach the curve and disappear from sight.
  510. >But not out of earshot.
  511.  
  512.  
  513.  
  514.  
  515. 119
  516.  
  517. >#deca.mare and you overhaul and refine the calibrations of the jumpdrive in the subsequent space session.
  518. >Once again, your roles are clear-cut; #deca.mare does the lion's share during the theoretical part, whereas you are responsible for testing the adjustments in a short tour around the system.
  519. >This time around, the jumpdrive and related energy distribution works precisely as intended.
  520. >No fluctuations or other complications occur.
  521. >And now that Sigma's operating abilities are verified for all intents and purposes, you celebrate a small festival for two on the command deck.
  522. >With a mug of apple cider and a small table of treats, you lean back, look at the sight of the second terraformer circling around the moon, and generally enjoy life as you bask in the fruits of your hard and ardent work.
  523. >Weeks upon weeks of earnest toil have led to this moment.
  524. >Neither of you allows unpleasant thoughts or similar things to ruin this for you.
  525. >And you grab your camera to make a few photos as you revel in the moment.
  526. >The resulting pictures are perhaps not the most elegant of shots, but that is not of importance to #deca.mare and you.
  527. >It is the spirit of the celebration that counts.
  528. >As well as the fond memories afterwards.
  529. >And you take your sweet time for it too.
  530. >For you spend more than two hours on the command deck in this fashion.
  531. >At first you simply follow the scene as you dine together and recall your best moments during the restoration of Sigma.
  532. >The whole thing turns out to be a rather light-hearted conversation, all things considered.
  533. >More dire topics like your near accident with the proxy or the cleaning of the halls are not forgotten of course, yet you do a pretty decent job at putting them aside for the time being.
  534. >At one point in your conversation, you get the idea to let the computer play a song on the command deck to improve the mood even more.
  535. >You deliberately pick a classical music number which you have heard one day in Sugarcube Corner when Octavia gave one of her famous local live performances.
  536. >The soft cello sounds of a fairly slow, yet nevertheless somehow enlivening tune fill the hall around you.
  537. >And for a reason you cannot point out, the melody invokes the image of a new dawn rolling over the grassy hills of Equestria.
  538. >Serenity.
  539. >Hope.
  540. >New chances.
  541. >All in one.
  542. >You have no idea what the song is called and what it could be about.
  543. >Or if it has any internal meaning to begin with.
  544. >Judging from the way the grey mare has performed the piece, though, you assume your interpretation could be pretty solid.
  545. >But regardless of the potential deeper artistic lore of the music, you notice that #deca.mare approves your pick with a happy smile.
  546. >Mission accomplished.
  547. >Then, a bit further into the song, you ask her out to a dance.
  548. >Right here on the deck, in between the chair, the screen, and the myriad of consoles and instruments.
  549.  
  550.  
  551.  
  552.  
  553. >She is initially somewhat hesitant as you make your offer, and you wager she may evaluate whether or not it would be inappropriate for the occasion.
  554. >But eventually, you can convince her of the idea.
  555. >After all, what the two of you do in this session is not meant to disrespect or cheapen the moment and Sigma's legacy.
  556. >On the contrary, you are here today to celebrate life and, albeit admittedly limited, a rebirth of sorts.
  557. >Contemplation and commemoration of the past are legit and important things, but this is better be done on the memorial grounds.
  558. >Today, you do the opposite as you cherish the present and welcome the future.
  559. >And so, you return to your well rehearsed dance routine.
  560. >#deca.mare rears to wrap her forehooves around your shoulders, and you stabilise her body with your own arms.
  561. >And then you slowly turn in a circle.
  562. >Though unlike your waltz in Sugarcube Corner, you do not follow any rhythmic cues.
  563. >Back then it was a neat aid to prevent #deca.mare from feeling surrounded and provided you with an easy method to give her a focus.
  564. >But now, with only you two in attendance and nobody else around, simulated or otherwise, you can determine your flow together.
  565. >So you simply dance how you like it best from moment to moment.
  566. >Sometimes slower, sometimes faster.
  567. >Sometimes you try to adapt your pace to the beeping of the consoles.
  568. >Then you feel tempted to do the opposite.
  569. >All that matters is that #deca.mare and you are content.
  570. >Nay, not just content.
  571. >Happy.
  572. >Yes, this is it.
  573. >To reach a happiness that goes beyond the mere highs of singular jovial events.
  574. >And which manifests itself in a form of base line inner peace instead.
  575. >It may in no way be perfect yet, but the first dark clouds have been lifted from the sky for good.
  576. >And now the sunshine can start to warm the ground beneath once again.
  577. >But like the seed on any good homestead, it needs a mindful caregiver to foster.
  578. >Your work is far from done.
  579. >Though it certainly has gotten a little lighter with this day.
  580.  
  581.  
  582.  
  583.  
  584. 120
  585.  
  586. >You do not do much else of note in space on the day you have finally declared your first reclamation project to be complete.
  587. >You have, however, made some other plans.
  588. >#deca.mare sets Sigma to circle the satellite independently, shortly before you two repair to one of Canterlot Castle's spacious banquet halls.
  589. >She leaves a channel to the vessel open in case of an emergency, but except for this little detail, she wants to spend the rest of the day only with you.
  590. >Undisturbed.
  591. >This evening, you want to have something big for a change.
  592. >The huge room reflects this perfectly.
  593. >It is a long hall that almost rivals the vastness of Equestria's throne room.
  594. >And like most of Canterlot, the structure is chiselled almost entirely out of white marble.
  595. >Stout rounded pillars decorate the walls on both sides with perfect symmetry.
  596. >The wide arches on the ceiling are painted with sceneries of eloquently stylised imagery of the realm.
  597. >Each standing for one of the many towns, settlements, and landmarks in Equestria.
  598. >Colourful stained glass windows are embedded into the mighty castle walls.
  599. >Every one of them embodies a unique work of art in its own right, as they follow the tradition of the throne room and depict incisive moments of Equestria's history.
  600. >Their inherent luminance, paired with the unobstructed mountain sunlight during the day, blankets the room in an intense, yet not piercing brilliance.
  601. >As if the sun itself would inhabit the room to lovingly enlighten its denizens.
  602. >And depending on who one asks, they might claim that this is precisely what is happening when the princess of the sun extends an invitation to a feast.
  603. >A single long and sturdy table is placed in the middle of the room, spanning almost across its whole length.
  604. >The table is covered by finely woven cloth from end to end, and an equally elaborate carpet is laid out underneath it as well.
  605. >More than a dozen of fine seat cushions line the table on both sides, each with a set of dinnerware and cups placed right in front of them.
  606. >Lastly, one gilded candleholder is placed on the middle line of the table after every third seat.
  607. >As a symbol to honour an old tradition of the time when the three tribes became one.
  608. >With one pony of each of the three sitting in every triplet of seats.
  609. >A display of goodwill, companionship, and most importantly, like-minded unity.
  610. >Similarly styled torch holders are set near the pillars to provide additional light during the night hours.
  611. >And you enter this world of seemingly unreal beauty and striking affluence.
  612. >#deca.mare and you arrive through the tall wooden double doors at one end of the room.
  613. "Yep, that'll do."
  614. >You clap your hands in anticipation.
  615. "So, where do you want to sit? We got the full choice."
  616. >"I would prefer some seats in the midsection."
  617. "Aw, not the head?"
  618. >"The head is usually reserved for the princesses. Not that we are bound by this rule, but that would not feel right to me."
  619.  
  620.  
  621.  
  622.  
  623. >Looks like her aversion to being seen in the spotlight strikes again.
  624. >Ah well.
  625. >No more exercises today.
  626. >Just a good show for the evening.
  627. "Okay, next question. Side by side or face to face? One's better for looking, the other for hugging."
  628. >"The latter, please. Though I doubt it is common practice to hug other guests during an official gathering."
  629. "Even between lovers?"
  630. >"We are technically not married yet, Anon."
  631. >You shrug.
  632. "Maybe on paper. But it's as good as done if you ask me."
  633. >You smile.
  634. "Or do you want to break up?"
  635. >#deca.mare does not dignify that silly question with a spoken answer.
  636. >All you get is a tail flick against your side, and your grin persists.
  637. "Okay, got it. Midsection next to each other it is."
  638. >Your gaze wanders across the deserted hall.
  639. >It already looks great as it is.
  640. >But without any traces of life, the display of a flourishing realm is just as pointless.
  641. "Guests?"
  642. >"I do not feel like going through another challenge today, Anon."
  643. "I know. I meant just as decor to make the place appear more like the heart of a capital, you know? We don't have to interact with anybody if you don't want to."
  644. >#deca.mare nods.
  645. >"You are right. That would improve the scenery."
  646. "Okay. I'll handle it."
  647. >You assign a number of automatons to the simulation and load up a list of regular Canterlot ponies.
  648. >You pick a few you find the most fitting and place them around the table.
  649. >Since neither of you claims the seat at the head, you follow the common Equestrian habits and place Princess Celestia there.
  650. >Her aide Raven is seated on the cushion to her right.
  651. >And you further fill the lines with some of the better known nobles.
  652. >Like Fancy Pants and Fleur de Lis.
  653. >Then followed by some dignitaries who represent other places outside Canterlot.
  654. >So you pick ponies like Spitfire for Cloudsdale and Mayor Mare for Ponyville.
  655. >Known and well regarded ponies who hold some sway over the communities they represent.
  656. >And you try to order their seat arrangement in a diplomatic fashion wherever possible.
  657. >Your aim is to have some of each tribe sitting close to the head of the table, but without disregarding common sense.
  658. >Which is surprisingly helped by a sort of 'one pony of each tribe via candle triplet' approach.
  659. >But you still have to heed some more details there.
  660. >Similar to how you would not want to be separated from #deca.mare, so would you not split up Fancy and Fleur, for instance.
  661. >Even when they are just generated by automatons.
  662. >As a result, you devise a little trick in which you place the two in a strategic manner, so that a candleholder stands between them.
  663. >This way you honour the diplomatic tradition and still keep them together.
  664. >Likewise do you plan things out for the row in which you reserve two spots for #deca.mare and you.
  665. >And here the choice is fairly simple too.
  666.  
  667.  
  668.  
  669.  
  670. >#deca.mare is an Earth pony, you could technically qualify for the role of the Pegasus if you were to use your proxy, so the only logical choice is a Unicorn representative as your third in the round.
  671. >Soon the table is fully staffed, barring only your pair of cushions.
  672. >In the end, your seating system does not work one hundred percent in every case, as one cannot expect a constantly even distribution of guests hailing from all three tribes.
  673. >But it does nevertheless serve as a solid point of reference that can help in smoothing the waves of the wild ocean called diplomacy.
  674. >And although it may not be as necessary in the later days of Equestrian history, it still serves well to maintain a spirit of friendship in your opinion.
  675. >You instruct the automatons to generate a somewhat formal and polite conversation between the ponies.
  676. >Additionally, you set them to only interact with themselves, unless addressed directly by either #deca.mare or you.
  677. >You keep the option available should either of you want to engage in a chat.
  678. >This is entirely optional though, given that today you only plan to celebrate your successes, and to a limited degree also yourselves.
  679. >Finally, all is set up.
  680. >You replace your common clothes with a gala suit.
  681. "Might also look the part when we do this, don't you think?"
  682. >#deca.mare agrees and summons forth her old gala "inspired" dress.
  683. >If one can call it that.
  684. >The simplified white cloth design which sadly lacks any personal features.
  685. >Or so you think at first.
  686. >For as you inspect the dress a bit closer, you spot a small brooch pinned to its collar.
  687. >It too is a simple design, featuring only one single embedded light stone which is held in place by a finely moulded frame of silver.
  688. >But the stone also bears a single symbol.
  689. >The eighteenth letter of the Greek alphabet.
  690. >Finely worked into its substance as to not blemish its otherwise flawless surface.
  691. >To a pair of eyes untrained in the craft of refining noble stones, it looks almost as if the sign itself was a natural part of the rock from the day it was made.
  692. >A rather unusual way to keep memorabilia in your opinion.
  693. >But if it helps #deca.mare to keep the sorrows at bay and have an unforgettable evening at the table, you will not say a thing against it.
  694. >You motion her to pick one of the two remaining seats and smile politely.
  695. "Mares first."
  696. >She happily takes the first step, and you quickly follow suit.
  697. >You wait until #deca.mare has chosen a seating before you occupy the other.
  698. >The two of you are now surrounded by lively chatting ponies from all regions of Equestria.
  699. >From the eastern to the western shores, and from both the northern and southern fringes.
  700. >And you are right amongst them, willing to let yourself getting swayed by their great mood and celebration of life.
  701. >But you do not stop there.
  702. >For what is a banquet without a feast?
  703. >You mentally assemble a selection of the best food you have eaten with #deca.mare, and fill the whole table with varieties of it.
  704.  
  705.  
  706.  
  707.  
  708. >Presented and elegantly arranged on silver platters.
  709. >The automatons fill their plates and occasionally take a bite, but generally still keep the conversation going.
  710. >Again, you wait until #deca.mare has made her choice before you make your own.
  711. >Then you look each other in the eyes.
  712. "So. It's been a wild few months, huh?"
  713. >"Hmhm. Though I would be lying if I said you made things easy for me."
  714. >#deca.mare smiles, despite her seemingly criticising choice of words.
  715. >But you know exactly what she alludes to.
  716. >So you smile back.
  717. "Well, I tried my best to make it as easy for you as possible. Would you say it was a good job?"
  718. >"I would. Our projects have gone well and the restoration was a resounding success. Thanks to you."
  719. "Eh, it was nothing, really."
  720. >"Never make the mistake to think it was not much. You helped me to shape my future in ways I never thought to be possible. And our future. You are a man of history."
  721. >You gently put a hand on #deca.mare's shoulder.
  722. "I'll keep that in mind. But it doesn't feel like it. I'd rather stay just a normal guy for you."
  723. >You smile.
  724. "Didn't fall in love with you to become a picture on the pages of some historian's tome, you know?"
  725. >And #deca.mare snickers lightly.
  726. >"Well, now you are. At least in my eyes. Even when the wider universe is unaware of your deeds."
  727. >Maybe for the better, as many would not approve of your choices.
  728. >She pauses and nudges your side.
  729. >"But you are of course still my dear Anon first and foremost."
  730. "Heh, that's good to hear."
  731. >Your hand wanders over to the opposite shoulder.
  732. "I'm happy it worked out for you. And us. That was the most important thing, and the only reason I needed."
  733. >You smile some more.
  734. "But it's going to improve the universe a few millennia down the road too, so even better. It's a good bonus in my book."
  735. >#deca.mare has given your life a good cause to toil for, as she proves to you again and again.
  736. >And to provide you with yet another convincing argument, she leans over to give you a kiss.
  737. >"Not only your book. Believe me. And there are many more books still to come."
  738. >You lean towards #deca.mare as well to meet her in the middle.
  739. >And as you sit there, locked with each other, you feel tempted to add a personal little book of your own to the library.
  740. >Patience, you tell yourself.
  741. >You have hundreds of years ahead of you.
  742. >It will happen in time.
  743. >The ponies around you happily talk on and dine to their heart's content in spite of your unorthodox behaviour at an official Equestrian table.
  744. >Another thought crosses your mind as you two part again.
  745. "Funny you talk about the future. It's like I can positively feel the future right here."
  746. >"In a way, we do. What we see here could very well become an actual meeting in Equestria one day. When exactly and under which circumstances, I cannot tell yet. But the chances are generally speaking very good."
  747. >#deca.mare looks down on her brooch.
  748.  
  749.  
  750.  
  751.  
  752. >"Sometimes though, I wish we could have saved more to take with us into the future."
  753. "I know. Always remember though, we saved everything we could rescue of Sigma. Even if we had worked twice or thrice as hard, the result would be the same."
  754. >She nods.
  755. >"It must sound silly to you, but I wish we had the opportunity to invite Sigma to the celebration."
  756. "No, that's not silly at all, #deca. Wanting to have your family around for great moments is all too understandable."
  757. >You take a breath.
  758. "And I like to think Sigma's with us in spirit."
  759. >#deca.mare smiles, albeit weakly.
  760. >"This is unfortunately not how data banks work, Anon."
  761. "I still meant what I said."
  762. >You point at the brooch.
  763. "You don't wear that piece for nothing, after all. And it's not only for your personal wellbeing either. I wager you made it as a symbol to remember that a part of Sigma will never leave us for as long as we exist. Correct?"
  764. >You peck her cheek again and smile reassuringly.
  765. "And now tell me how this is different from being with us in spirit."
  766. >"I suppose there is none."
  767. "Anyway, I guess a dedication is in order regardless."
  768. >You grab your cup and motion #deca.mare to take hers as well.
  769. "To Sigma. To the network. Equestria. And us."
  770. >#deca.mare's forehoof pans around to point at the entirety of the simulation.
  771. >"To Sigma. And all of us."
  772. >You clink your cups and simultaneously take a sip.
  773. >The two of you put your cups back on the table afterwards.
  774. >And you believe to spot a slight trace of melancholy in #deca.mare's eyes.
  775. >Luckily, you are here to prescribe a remedy.
  776. "Say, what would you say to some music to spruce up the gala?"
  777. >She raises an eyebrow.
  778. >"Octavia or Pinkie Pie style?"
  779. >You shrug.
  780. "Was more thinking of the former. But I go with whatever you prefer."
  781. >"Sounds good. Pinkie Pie is perhaps too energetic for my tastes today."
  782. >So you follow her wish and summon Octavia plus her gala band in tow.
  783. >They materialise alongside a stage and their instruments, close to one of the long walls of the room.
  784. >Within a matter of seconds, they begin to play a moderately paced, dignified tune which befits an official meeting of this significant level.
  785. >And at first you think you should adapt the other ponies to interact with the band.
  786. >But then you decide to leave it as it is.
  787. >For you doubt that the dignitaries of a real banquet would interact much with the musicians either.
  788. >At least for the duration of the festivities in which they are all congregated at the request of the princess.
  789. >#deca.mare and you spend the next couple of minutes eating and chatting with each other.
  790. >The heights of your spirits almost match that of the other guests.
  791. >Eventually and gradually, you mutually begin to immerse yourselves into the simulation as if it were actually real.
  792. >You start to talk about some of the ponies you have chosen for this occasion.
  793. >Not with the intention to make fun of them or anything of this manner.
  794.  
  795.  
  796.  
  797.  
  798. >You rather simply talk about your opinions on them, and with whom each of you might mix well in some situations.
  799. >And with whom less so.
  800. >A purely harmless, and informative conversation.
  801. >As more time passes, the decreasing altitude of the sun tells you that you have already been here for hours.
  802. >And the hall slowly but surely gets flooded in an increasingly warm aura of light as the onset of dusk is upon you.
  803. >Soon it will be time to burn the big torches.
  804. >Though you do not feel tired in any way.
  805. >You could proceed to ruminate for at least a couple of hours more with #deca.mare.
  806. >So you talk and talk.
  807. >Some bite here, another sip there.
  808. >You laugh and hug each other.
  809. >You tell jokes and are simply grateful for being alive and together.
  810. >You quietly thank fate and dumb random luck for being where you are.
  811. >Another half an hour, and the shadows inside the hall are growing longer.
  812. >A single thought of your mind, and the torches near the walls are set ablaze.
  813. >Then you look at Princess Celestia at the head of the table.
  814. >The large light mare has a lively discussion with her aide and the mayor of Ponyville.
  815. >#deca.mare addresses you from the side.
  816. >"Something is going on in your mind, is it not?"
  817. "Yeah. You know, I thought maybe we should have her retire for the night, don't you think? Her realm is the day, and this one's almost over."
  818. >"And then?"
  819. "Then her sister has her time to shine. Poor Luna shouldn't feel like she's left out."
  820. >#deca.mare leans her own body noticeably against yours.
  821. >"Possible. But do you think she is comfortable in such a gathering? Her social skills are a tad out of date after her return, and she knows that due to the debacle on Nightmare Night."
  822. >You shrug.
  823. "Hey, you could learn to be around others too, didn't you? So can she."
  824. >"Sounds plausi..."
  825. >Her ears perk up.
  826. >"Wait, that did not sound like a compliment."
  827. >Oops.
  828. "Uhm, maybe it wasn't the best choice of words. You know what I meant."
  829. >#deca.mare feigns an offended tone.
  830. >"Yes, yes. You meant you fell in love with a nightmare you needed to tame first."
  831. >Yep, she is messing with you on purpose.
  832. "Come on now."
  833. >You crack a brief smile before you try to make an impression of a stoic face.
  834. "You're acting like a foal. It doesn't suit your age."
  835. >"Oh, and now you are saying that I am an old mare?"
  836. >Okay, you play along and shrug.
  837. "You'll be older than Luna when she's in that age."
  838. >You try to maintain your facade for as long as possible.
  839. >Now it remains to be seen who gives in first.
  840. >Some seconds thereafter, both of you laugh out loud.
  841. >You have no idea who of you started first, but you do not care either.
  842. >You have your fun, so all is well.
  843. >And while you two are busy with laughing together as if there is no tomorrow, the bright princess of the sun excuses herself from the table to depart for the night.
  844. >Raven Inkwell leaves her seat as well, following the steps of Celestia.
  845.  
  846.  
  847.  
  848.  
  849. >Once the two ponies have almost reached the doors, the sturdy portal opens itself as an unseen spell caster magically pushes it from the other side.
  850. >Enter Princess Luna.
  851. >One pony from the night guard stands with her in the corridor, serving the princess in the role of her aide for tonight.
  852. >Celestia and Luna embrace each other in a brief cordial hug before the former leaves the banquet, and the latter takes her seat at the head.
  853. >A rather hasty transfer to be sure, but more amiability would not be opportune in front of so many guests.
  854. >As Luna slowly walks up to the seat, the present ponies all rise up to bow to the princess.
  855. >#deca.mare and you do the same.
  856. >Yet the band plays on as if nothing happened.
  857. >Because they have no idea what is transpiring around them.
  858. >In retrospect, you guess that you maybe should have told them to pause during the transfer.
  859. >But now that Luna is almost at her cushion, you think you leave things as they are.
  860. >Standing tall at her place, the princess of the night intently looks at the gathered crowd for a brief moment.
  861. >Then she raises her forehoof into the air in a dramatic fashion and proclaims that the rejoicing shall be carried on.
  862. >You can tell that Luna tries her damnedest to look sociable and delve into the mood.
  863. >And while she is clearly not as trained in the art as her sister, she does a very good job in comparison to her first public appearance.
  864. >Though you are not sure if the guard really had to accompany the princess in the full greyish blue panoply of his night division.
  865. >Some might perceive such a decision as off-putting.
  866. >But the ponies, not at all unsettled by the change or the heavily armoured guard, sit down and resume their festive conversations.
  867. >And so do you.
  868. "See? She can get much better. Just like you."
  869. >#deca.mare grins in your direction.
  870. >"And who do you think has improved more?"
  871. "Are you seriously asking me to compare your merits to a simulated replica of Princess Luna? Personal bias aside, that's not a fair bar to set in the first place."
  872. >#deca.mare shrugs and pecks your cheek.
  873. >"It was worth a try."
  874. >But then, only a few seconds later, she sighs and looks at her brooch again.
  875. >Talk about rapid mood changes.
  876. >"You know, I just had to distract myself."
  877. "From?"
  878. >"From thinking about the material we still need for rebuilding the hangar fleet for Sigma."
  879. >You instantaneously whirl your body around and boop her muzzle.
  880. "Nope. You know the rules. No talk about work tonight."
  881. >"Right, sorry. But..."
  882. "No buts, and no work."
  883. >"...can you please give me a reason to return the favour?"
  884. >You take a breath.
  885. "Fine. And don't get me started on the resources for all the onboard units."
  886. >Upon deliberately breaching your own rule, #deca.mare's light frown turns into a hopeful grin as her hoof touches your nose.
  887. >"Again, I owe you something. You let me get away with too many things."
  888.  
  889.  
  890.  
  891.  
  892. >Your other hand reaches to her risen hoof and holds it firmly.
  893. "I know how you can repay me. Be happy."
  894. >#deca.mare replies in a hushed voice.
  895. >"I will try my best. For us both."
  896. >And the gala banquet goes on under Luna's strong-willed and well-intentioned guidance.
  897. >Until the candles are burned down beneath the dark skies of past midnight.
  898. >Only then do you retreat into you own bedchamber.
  899. >Though you hope not to find a sleeping Celestia there.
  900. >That would throw a wrench into the plans you have for the rest of the night.
  901.  
  902.  
  903.  
  904.  
  905. 121
  906.  
  907. >You come back to your senses in a state of unusually severe grogginess.
  908. >The sort of thing that you have rarely felt ever since #deca.mare has taken you in.
  909. >And this is not one of those days after an extensive overuse of her systems either.
  910. >That much you can still recall somehow.
  911. >But as you awaken, you are slow and mentally confused.
  912. >Your memories are only coming back at a snail's pace.
  913. >And as you open your eyes, you only see... coat.
  914. >Nothing but pony coat.
  915. >You flog your stressed inner processors to analyse the situation.
  916. >Soon you realise that you look at a point-blank sight of #deca.mare's barrel.
  917. >And for some reason, she lies with her belly directly on your face.
  918. >No, wait a second.
  919. >The back of your head is not pressed into a mattress or any other surface.
  920. >An astounding inherently logical conclusion in regard to a thing called gravity therefore dictates that you lie on her instead.
  921. >For some reason beyond your understanding, you have dozed off face first on #deca.mare.
  922. >And very unceremoniously at that.
  923. >The two of you lie on your bed.
  924. >Without any clothes or blankets around you as far as you can tell.
  925. >Funny how that goes.
  926. >You slightly move around and look to the right.
  927. >A pair of cute teats greets you.
  928. >Lovely to look at, and under other circumstances even better to fondle tenderly.
  929. >But this is not what you need at the moment.
  930. >You want some answers.
  931. >So you try the other direction.
  932. >That one works better, as you see the outline of #deca.mare's head through her forelegs.
  933. "Hmpf. #deca?"
  934. >#deca.mare angles her head to look your way before she answers your call.
  935. >"Good morning, love. Feeling well?"
  936. "I... ugh, have no idea. Blackout."
  937. >"Hmhm. I thought so."
  938. "What happened last night? Why was I out like a drunk?"
  939. >"What do you remember?"
  940. "We..."
  941. >The gears in your mind clumsily move into action.
  942. "... had a party in the castle. Celestia, Luna, some guests. Celebrated the success of our repairs."
  943. >"Very good. And after that?"
  944. "We left. To go to sleep, I think."
  945. >#deca.mare giggles softly.
  946. >"Hm, not quite. There was something in between."
  947. "Uh, really? I thought we went straight up to bed."
  948. >"That we did. But sleep came much later."
  949. >Her voice tells you all you need to know.
  950. >Oh, that could explain some things.
  951. >But it also poses a bunch of new questions.
  952. >Like, how the hell did you forget some intimate time with #deca.mare?
  953. >And why were you so dishevelled that you passed out on her stomach?
  954. >That should be impossible.
  955. >"I can answer that, Anon."
  956. "Oh? You can?"
  957. >"Hmhm."
  958. "Then please tell me."
  959. >"You see, after we have celebrated for more than five hours in the banquet hall, we left in high spirits and were very, well, 'motivated'. And not at all tired yet."
  960. >You rub your temples.
  961. "I get it. Bees and flowers."
  962. >You pause and shake your head.
  963.  
  964.  
  965.  
  966.  
  967. >But you notice that all you are doing is rubbing your chin against her coat.
  968. "Something's gone wrong on the way to the honey though. Somewhere. Somehow."
  969. >#deca.mare laughs.
  970. >"An interesting choice of words."
  971. "Why?"
  972. >"Because a certain sort of liquid agent was indeed involved."
  973. >You blink at that.
  974. >Your trail of thoughts has gone off the rails again.
  975. >Too many cobwebs yet in the way.
  976. "Can you elaborate?"
  977. >"I am talking about an aphrodisiac."
  978. "Wait, you drugged me?"
  979. >"No, you wanted it yourself. And you drank it on your own terms."
  980. "But why? I thought we weren't tired."
  981. >"Indeed. And neither did we need it for the first round."
  982. "The first round."
  983. >So there were more.
  984. >"Yes, Anon. Neither of us felt quite ready to stop at that point."
  985. >And to keep it going, she has given you the right spiked drink.
  986. "That knocked me out then?"
  987. >"Eventually, yes. After a few portions."
  988. >A few?
  989. >Good Heavens.
  990. "And you knew that would happen."
  991. >"I... expected it. The cumulative dosage itself was potent, yet harmless for your health in the long run."
  992. "Why didn't you warn me?"
  993. >"But I did. You wanted to anyway."
  994. >Too bad you have no recollection of it.
  995. >"Oh, you do."
  996. "Uh? I know what I remember and what I don't."
  997. >#deca.mare's forehoof caresses your cheek.
  998. >"No worries, it should come back in a few minutes."
  999. >Well, that is at least something.
  1000. >It would be embarrassing if you had the wildest night ever with #deca.mare, and lost all memories of it directly after the deed.
  1001. >You exhale loudly.
  1002. "I'm surprised you didn't stop me though. You're usually not keen on me downing shots at all."
  1003. >On the other hand, she asked you to do so once on the beach.
  1004. >But that was only one flask, and not more.
  1005. >"I told you I made sure that your safety was guaranteed. And the rest, well..."
  1006. >#deca.mare coughs coyly.
  1007. >"You were very, ahem, assertive last night. And would you count on a mare like me to refuse when my partner offers me to have a good time?"
  1008. >Obviously not.
  1009. >Yet you are confused that she did not melt into thin air during "the second round" or onwards, being the lightweight that she is.
  1010. >And again, she snickers.
  1011. >"You were not the only one who... enhanced the own stamina."
  1012. >Ah.
  1013. >So she simulated similar effects on her body.
  1014. >Yet as you can see right now, she recovered much quicker.
  1015. >It should not surprise you, given that there was no physical body involved in her case.
  1016. >Whereas your brain has to deal with the aftermath of the ordeal on its own.
  1017. >Still, you like to think that #deca.mare was nevertheless swept away by it too, at least in the moment.
  1018. >Otherwise she would probably not have gone so far.
  1019. >You go on mumbling.
  1020. "Suppose you don't have a pick-me-up against the stupor?"
  1021. >"Anon, I advise against the usage of one chemical agent to counteract the aftermath of another. You are better off like this."
  1022. >Figures.
  1023.  
  1024.  
  1025.  
  1026.  
  1027. >You let your head sink onto her belly again whilst #deca.mare's hoof proceeds to caringly tend to your cheek.
  1028. "Whatever you say."
  1029. >"Trust me, the numbness will fade very quickly. I give it, say, half an hour."
  1030. "You can predict that?"
  1031. >"Fairly certain."
  1032. >Somehow you know she cracks a smile, even though your eyes are mostly covered by #deca.mare's coat again.
  1033. >"My experiences with you have given me a lot of evidence to base this projection on."
  1034. >Your body disagrees with her assessment, but your mind tends to believe her.
  1035. "Of course."
  1036. >"Just relax and focus on retrieving your memories. I suggest we stay here until the effects have worn off."
  1037. >Alright.
  1038. >Looks like you have some more spare time before you get up.
  1039. >Your cheek keeps nudging her barrel, and #deca.mare shows no signs of protest.
  1040. >But except for this rather light treatment of her coat, you hold still and follow #deca.mare's suggestion.
  1041. >You let the fragments of your memory play out before your eyes.
  1042. >And like #deca.mare has promised, your recollections grow a little with every new attempt.
  1043. >Even some of the more spicy parts return to your active memory.
  1044. >Piece by piece, you begin to remember vividly.
  1045. "Oh boy. We didn't hold back, did we?"
  1046. >"We did not."
  1047. >A short laughter.
  1048. >"And that is part of what makes it so special."
  1049. >Well, a special night for the finale of an extraordinary party indeed.
  1050. >So as you progressively retrace your actions, you come to agree with the assessment of your earlier you from yesterday.
  1051. >It was worth the negligible hassle you have to go through.
  1052. >In a weird way, you even see it as an advantage.
  1053. >For you get the opportunity to relive the night a second time.
  1054. >On the flipside though, it also turns you on again.
  1055. >Despite not being in the shape to do anything of that sort this morning.
  1056. >Still, your mind looks for an outlet anyway.
  1057. >And in a spontaneous rush of light arousal, you subconsciously decide to slide your head towards #deca.mare's rear legs.
  1058. >She of course notices this in the blink of an eye.
  1059. >"Anon?"
  1060. >The pitch in her voice has risen lightly.
  1061. >You know very well why she gets nervous, and that your decision is somewhat brash.
  1062. >But you cannot help yourself.
  1063. >You gently nestle one side of your face to a certain pair of supple "pillows".
  1064. >Which promptly makes #deca.mare gasp and jolt her rear legs up high in the air.
  1065. >However, these were only instinctual reflexes.
  1066. >She restrains herself from bouncing you off her lap.
  1067. >Even though she might be strongly tempted to if she does not want to get riled up again as well.
  1068. >For you, her touchy reaction paired with the tender sensation passes as a comfortable outlet for your own urges.
  1069. >#deca.mare, on the other hand, is only dragged further into her personal fantasies and desires by it.
  1070. >"Anon, could you... perhaps relocate your... head to a different... resting place?"
  1071. "Sorry. Way too many memories of last night."
  1072.  
  1073.  
  1074.  
  1075.  
  1076. >This is clearly not the answer #deca.mare wanted to hear.
  1077. >And you notice her attempts to keep her breath and heartbeat even.
  1078. >For whilst you are convinced that she could go for another dance already, she too must be aware that you are not.
  1079. >Which puts her in a slightly more inconvenient situation.
  1080. >And although you could not resist the allure to use her soft teats as a pillow, deliberately irritating #deca.mare is the last thing you want to do.
  1081. >Maybe you can try to distract her with something else though.
  1082. >With closed eyes and your mind partially absent, you raise your voice.
  1083. "Say, what's on the plan today?"
  1084. >#deca.mare struggles with her mating thoughts and tries to concentrate on your question instead.
  1085. >You assume she understands that you have thrown this remark her way to give her an opportunity.
  1086. >And she seizes it to the best of her abilities.
  1087. >"Mostly... material organisation and... refinement. We have... fifty ships to build in the next days."
  1088. >Right, the fleet for Sigma.
  1089. >And for what is certainly the first time in your life, you associate a fleet of several dozen fighter-class vessels with the intimacies of your love life.
  1090. >By sheer dumb coincidence of the situation, but still.
  1091. >"I have taken the... liberty to go ahead and... put some raw material on standby."
  1092. >Hold on, already?
  1093. >You wanted to start with that phase this morning.
  1094. >After the breakfast.
  1095. >And with all the images that consistently flood your mind, you are absolutely sure that she has organised nothing last night.
  1096. "How long was I out?"
  1097. >#deca.mare clears her throat in between two brief gasps.
  1098. >"Measured by Equestrian time, we... have almost noon."
  1099. >Oh, crap.
  1100. >You overslept hard.
  1101. >"Do not... fret, Anon. I do not... blame you for sleeping so long."
  1102. "When do we start?"
  1103. >"After... we got up?"
  1104. >Sounds fair.
  1105. >Though that means you will skip your breakfast for once.
  1106. >Well, special circumstances with exceptions and all that.
  1107. >Things will certainly normalise once you get back to work today.
  1108. >But the festival and the longer-than-usual night was a hiatus you both needed.
  1109. >Plus, this little setback of yours seems to have no impact on your schedule, given that #deca.mare has dealt with the preparations while you were busy snoring into her barrel.
  1110. >Heh, at least you did not slide down there during the night.
  1111. >Then she would have either not slept at all, or dropped you off within a minute or so.
  1112. >Either way, you expand the topic and let her list all the things she has prepared so far.
  1113. >That gives her more aid to keep herself together, whilst you can enjoy your pillow and still distract yourself a little bit with her reports.
  1114. >#deca.mare and you spend a good bit of the following thirty minutes like this.
  1115. >In a constant flux between primal arousal and objective planning.
  1116. >Eventually, you start notice that you are more aware of your faculties, and that the haze within your mind is lifting like the morning mist at dawn.
  1117. >Her projection was correct in the end.
  1118.  
  1119.  
  1120.  
  1121.  
  1122. >And so you slowly raise your head once more, and release #deca.mare from your less than subtle teasing.
  1123. >She exhales a sigh of relief as her unconventional mental endurance training ends.
  1124. >You slowly bring yourself to sit upright in the bed, looking at the door.
  1125. >Then you turn your attention to the sprawling mare next to you.
  1126. "You're fine?"
  1127. >"I... will. Give me a moment."
  1128. >You nod, give her a small peck on the muzzle, and get up.
  1129. >Shortly thereafter, you smile as you recall another thing you have thought of yesterday.
  1130. "You know, you need to build up a better tolerance level down there."
  1131. >#deca.mare laughs briefly between heavy breaths.
  1132. >"Easier said than done."
  1133. >She pauses to point at your hips.
  1134. >"And I could claim the same about you. You are not really sturdy 'down there' either."
  1135. >Indeed.
  1136. >A fact that her hooves used to tease you with on a few occasions as well.
  1137. >You shrug.
  1138. "True. Though I'm not supposed to nurse foals."
  1139. >You maintain a faint smile.
  1140. "Something you should keep in mind if you want some of your own one day."
  1141. >"You are thinking about this a lot recently."
  1142. >You shrug a second time.
  1143. "Just an observation. Though I guess thoughts like that come after a while of being a couple, don't you think?"
  1144. >At least after you have realised that the option is theoretically possible.
  1145. >Via a certain detour, but still.
  1146. >"Hm, maybe? Outside of fictions and reports, we two are the first couple I ever had the pleasure to experience first hoof, Anon. That does not exactly make me an expert in these matters."
  1147. "Yeah, I know."
  1148. >Your smile grows a little more.
  1149. "But we only need to consult ourselves anyway. There's nobody else around to ask or compare us with."
  1150. >"Fair point. Though it is as I have said. This will take much more time. I am... not ready to go this far yet."
  1151. >And considering her heightened susceptibility to physical contact, that is no understatement either.
  1152. "No problem."
  1153. >Your grin goes in for strike three, however.
  1154. "But tell me if you need my help with some 'endurance training'.
  1155. >She looks at you with a dubious glace.
  1156. >"You have just recovered from the last night and already ask for more?"
  1157. "Hm, what can I say? It's fun to think about."
  1158. >And very likely even more fun to put into practice, yet you keep that thought to yourself.
  1159. >"Hah. If you only would have been so keen on our first visit to the spa."
  1160. "Different situation. We barely knew each other back then."
  1161. >"Nevertheless, it is always amusing to see the change in your attitude."
  1162. "Less amusing than trying the thing itself though."
  1163. >A short pause from both of you.
  1164. >#deca.mare, sensing her chance to change the course of the conversation, rolls herself around and slowly stands up.
  1165. >"Now, before we muse further about foals and the making of those, let us get back to more pressing matters, shall we? As much as I enjoyed the last night with you, we have a fleet to build first."
  1166. >A swift change of topics, yet a valid one.
  1167.  
  1168.  
  1169.  
  1170.  
  1171. >Your original daily schedule has already been toppled by your aphrodisiac-induced coma, and you do not want to be the cause of even more delays.
  1172. >And even though it would not matter in the grand scheme of things if the fleet takes a day or two longer to be completed, both of you prefer it to be done sooner rather than later if possible.
  1173. >Sigma's hangar does not fill itself, after all.
  1174. >So you stretch yourself, complete your usual morning routines in a highly abridged manner, and join #deca.mare on her way to the command deck.
  1175. >Fifty ships may not replace a foal, but they are in some ways a vital step in the right direction either way.
  1176. >Engineering time it is again then.
  1177. >And you are ready.
  1178.  
  1179.  
  1180.  
  1181.  
  1182. 122
  1183.  
  1184. >Apart from your discussion about your possible future family life, the rest of the day passes mostly like a regular one.
  1185. >The two of you are more than busy with organising and adequately distributing incoming resources.
  1186. >As well as dealing with several layers of production management on top of that.
  1187. >For the list of components you require to build both the onboard units and the second fleet is long.
  1188. >Sigma's main functions are temporarily maintained by a bare skeleton crew of automatons, originally derived from the stock you have on board your mother ship.
  1189. >A makeshift crutch solution at best that technically allows Sigma to operate as intended, yet which is very far away from the achievable optimum.
  1190. >So you have to produce more units to fill the ranks on the second vessel and to replenish the numbers that you have donated from your reserves.
  1191. >The logistical units are less of an obstacle, since they are comparatively simple to create even without a dock.
  1192. >As #deca.mare has demonstrated to you when she let you assemble some yourself.
  1193. >But the fighters require much more finesse.
  1194. >From the mere metal hull to the onboard computers.
  1195. >From the engines to the jumpdrives.
  1196. >From the tools, the shield generators, and to the weapons.
  1197. >You have to produce them all from the ground up.
  1198. >This time around, however, things are paradoxically somewhat more complex.
  1199. >One might think that the much smaller scale of the fighters means less work.
  1200. >And in the total span of time required for the production, that might even be correct.
  1201. >In reality though, the situation is not quite as simple as it first seems to be.
  1202. >For instance, you cannot rely on a more or less intact remnant shell as a base to work on, as it was the case with Sigma.
  1203. >Plus, back then you could focus on one vital system at a time to repair.
  1204. >Whilst the scans had revealed what components your infrastructure could already produce on its own in the meantime when you were in the process of implementing other spare parts.
  1205. >Which was in some ways a luxury that is barred to you now.
  1206. >No, for this project you have to establish several dedicated production chains, each with unique material requirements and timetables for every single related item.
  1207. >Which then usually leads to two or three more chains in turn.
  1208. >Not to mention the procurement of even more raw material, though that is thankfully mostly handled by the automatons themselves.
  1209. >But it is up to you to optimally arrange all these factors in such a way as to not create any unnecessary phases of downtime.
  1210. >On top that, the two of you have to make do with the confines of only two capital ships and a station.
  1211. >Under normal circumstances, most of these items would be produced in batches by specialised factory complexes.
  1212. >But since you have none of those factories, and only require a handful of each type which do not warrant setting up an array for mass production, you must make do with the general purpose facilities you have at your disposal.
  1213.  
  1214.  
  1215.  
  1216.  
  1217. >While they are marvels of versatility and able to produce everything you need, you only have a limited number of at hand.
  1218. >Even with the combined space of two ships plus the additional capacity of the dock and the infrastructure on the moon, the process is an arduous one to keep track of for you.
  1219. >You understand what #deca.mare meant when she said that replacement fighters can in theory be made with ease, and that its complexity solely stems from the limited resources you have on board.
  1220. >Fortunately though, she is easily able to keep track of everything after you have worked out a fitting schedule.
  1221. >Whilst you help out here and there where it seems appropriate, or where you can learn some new things on your own.
  1222. >And with you two together in a room, you find your own methods and ways to stave off monotony and boredom.
  1223. >At some point in your collaborative work, you even get the idea to write your own version of "Rules of Rarity".
  1224. >But whereas Rarity complained about factory like work in lines and rhymes, #deca.mare and you rephrase it into a song about the exact opposite.
  1225. >As you strive to continuously produce the same goods at the best possible quality for the sake of Sigma and Equestria.
  1226. >You even considered to call the song "Rules of Irony", at least before #deca.mare suggests to name your creation "Rules of Quantity" instead.
  1227. >Which is just as fine for you.
  1228. >And so you two start to sing and come up with suitable lyrics as you keep working.
  1229. >Hours go by, and the number of individual pieces and processes that you have to manage swiftly range in the thousands.
  1230. >But you are never discouraged by the scale of your work, or the sheer effort you need to put into it.
  1231. >The Rules of Quantity reign supreme, and with them also flourishes your progress.
  1232. >Within only a few days, your steadfast management rewards you with four complete sets of components, ready for assembly.
  1233. >#deca.mare and you then share the honour as you construct the final vessels together.
  1234. >Singing, of course.
  1235. >And after that is done as well, you stare at the four new ships in their assigned hangar bays, and gleam with satisfaction.
  1236. >Then you celebrate each new vessel in a mini party with a glass of simulated liquor and a few moments of relaxation.
  1237. >But in contrast to your big party after the successful re-launch of Sigma, you do not indulge in more excessive ceremonies.
  1238. >Later on, often even on the same day, you go on with your project in order to build the next handful of fighters.
  1239. >Followed by another series of small parties.
  1240. >Rinse and repeat, albeit not in a negative manner.
  1241. >On the contrary, you even find some fun in it thanks to #deca.mare's presence and your creative outbursts during your production work.
  1242. >She even jokes at one point that your behaviour to break into song is already almost on a par with the singing habits of ponies.
  1243. >Though she hastens to recommend some additional chanting lessons when you have the time.
  1244.  
  1245.  
  1246.  
  1247.  
  1248. >A rather backhanded compliment indeed, but one you can live with, all things considered.
  1249. >After all, there is nothing wrong with singing and drawing power and inspiration from it.
  1250. >It improves your work performance and you have fun while you learn something about the finer arts of engineering.
  1251. >Personal win on all levels as far as you are concerned.
  1252. >And yet, even in the face of your tight construction and production plans, you always find the time to have some leisure activities with #deca.mare in the evening hours of your days.
  1253. >Again, time flies like crazy.
  1254. >The days go by as if they were mere moments, and not a single one of them feels wasted.
  1255. >You can witness every new achievement that you earned with your own eyes, fully knowing that everything you see on the screen or through some lenses is indeed reality.
  1256. >#deca.mare and you are moving things along, driven both by the distant vision of attaining Equestria, and the sheer power of your affection for one another.
  1257. >You set yourselves goals and challenges, and push each other in little sportsmanlike contests where winning becomes secondary to improving yourselves over and over.
  1258. >Until one day, less than two weeks after your start, you have fifty new vessels under your proverbial wing.
  1259. >Forty-five fully equipped and operational fighter-class ships, and five heavily armoured mobile depots for material transport.
  1260. >Plus a second swarm of logistical units to optimally staff #deca.sigma.
  1261. >The second terraformer is now fully functional.
  1262. >And theoretically able to do everything that the two of you can do.
  1263. >But given certain obvious circumstances outside your control, Sigma remains dependant on your orders.
  1264. >The segments that once hosted and advanced intelligence remain unpleasantly vacant, with the exception of only a handful of fragments.
  1265. >So a thought crosses your mind.
  1266. >What if you give Harmony the clearance to use some parts of the free capacities in Sigma's cores as temporary spare space and additional processing power in case of an unexpected shortage on the surface?
  1267. >When the vessel orbits either the planet or its satellite most of the time, why not use its power to support Equestria's learning entity?
  1268. >It would only be used sparingly and in unplanned hiccup scenarios of course, as Harmony is meant to be hosted entirely on Equestria under ideal circumstances, but one may never know.
  1269. >Also, Sigma's remnants would remain unaffected and safely preserved, as they only occupy a miniscule percentage of what they used to require.
  1270. >Provided #deca.mare agrees, of course.
  1271. >While she is hesitant on a purely emotional level, understandably so in your eyes, she reluctantly agrees to your proposal.
  1272. >However, she insists on the condition that the two of you only take this step when both of you confirm it.
  1273. >A minor caveat, all things considered, as you usually come to an agreement fairly quickly.
  1274.  
  1275.  
  1276.  
  1277.  
  1278. >Still, it is the legacy of her relative with which you are dealing here, so it is only apt when #deca.mare sets the conditions on how it is used.
  1279. >And for such a heavy personal involvement, these are pretty fair in your opinion.
  1280. >Eventually, you conclude this phase of your project as you ship the onboard units over to Sigma and let the newly built fleet dock in the hangar.
  1281. >You have another bigger celebration party afterwards.
  1282. >Not quite as luxurious and fancy as your Canterlot feast, but still somewhat larger in scale than the mere glass to sip from after finishing a singular ship.
  1283. >Once more, your spirits are high.
  1284. >And with your increasing happiness and levity, so grows the list of allied assets under your command.
  1285. >The two of you have gone a long way.
  1286. >You started out with one capital ship and limited resources.
  1287. >Now you have doubled that number, founded a space station, and claimed a system with a potentially fertile planet plus moon.
  1288. >You like those improvements.
  1289. >Harmony is on the rise.
  1290.  
  1291.  
  1292.  
  1293.  
  1294. 123
  1295.  
  1296. >Even though you return to your normal routines within days after the celebrations, the completion of Sigma nevertheless feels like a key positive upheaval of the status quo.
  1297. >The general tasks and activities you encounter afterwards may have barely changed at all in their nature, yet both #deca.mare and you approach them somewhat differently.
  1298. >From this point onwards, the two of you live as if you have gained a new strange form of liberty that you did not posses previously, and which you did not even consider possible beforehand.
  1299. >You wager that at least some of it stems from #deca.mare's successful confrontation with her struggles.
  1300. >But there is also more to it.
  1301. >In the past, the circumstances forced you to split your attention between Equestria and space.
  1302. >You either stayed in orbit and supported the terraforming processes with your additional assets, or you ventured out into other sectors and left the planet to its own devices.
  1303. >And while you always kept a communication channel to your new home world active, to step in as quickly as possible if you had to, you somehow felt the distance subconsciously whenever you were away.
  1304. >Like a reminder that you have left the world with no capital ship directly on call to deal with unforeseen situations.
  1305. >As if you leave the door open after you have left your quarters.
  1306. >Now, however, you can rely on Sigma's vigil to bolster the security of the planet every time you are out in space for different tasks.
  1307. >The mere assurance behind this knowledge lifts a great deal of pressure from your shoulders.
  1308. >And although she does not say that outright, you believe #deca.mare feels the exact same notion.
  1309. >Of course, you are fully aware that your huge responsibilities in regards to the world, and the precious collected knowledge you harbour, have not lessened in the slightest.
  1310. >And that you should not take any of your activities lightly when they might involve some risks, be it for you or the ship at large.
  1311. >But at least you can find some relief in the fact that the danger of suffering from setbacks due to random chance has been significantly reduced by Sigma's presence.
  1312. >It really was no exaggeration when you celebrated your achievement as a significant breakthrough.
  1313. >Perhaps it is even the most important one of them all.
  1314. >Not because of its physical effects on your worldly progress, but as the proverbial catalyst which caused the dam to break.
  1315. >With your help, #deca.mare has proven herself what she can do if she can focus her will on a goal.
  1316. >And you are convinced that this single step will prove its worth in the future.
  1317. >At the latest when advanced life in Equestria really begins to prosper.
  1318. >#deca.mare even begins to draft the first serious plans for possible pony colonies, right about the same time as the surface of Equestria gets to witness the emergence of its first legitimate trees.
  1319.  
  1320.  
  1321.  
  1322.  
  1323. >It may be only the sparse fast growing specimen here and there, with barely any wood on it that could be used for construction or the like, but this is not the point of it anyway.
  1324. >Because neither of you sees it as a reason for humility.
  1325. >On the contrary, both of you perceive it as the confirmation that there is more potential out there, waiting just around the corner to get unlocked.
  1326. >After all, once you have trees, you soon have the first proto-forests.
  1327. >And once you have flourishing forests, you have nearly beaten all of the most crucial challenges.
  1328. >At that point, the development turns mostly into a matter of geographical expansion, as most of the very basic groundwork is virtually done.
  1329. >Naturally, the two of you still have to settle specific plant and animal specimen in certain regions with apt living conditions as soon as the areas are properly prepared and Harmony is ready to cater to their needs.
  1330. >Yet these steps are, on a large scale of things, mere finer details.
  1331. >Details that, purely objectively speaking, pale in comparison to all the things you have created beforehand.
  1332. >Out of practically nothing at that.
  1333. >Yet this does not mean that you treat these processes without care.
  1334. >At the end of the day, each step involves the creation of new life, no matter how insignificant it may seem.
  1335. >And that means it requires all of your attention during its implementation.
  1336. >Until the process is complete and Harmony confirms that it is able to handle the additional load.
  1337. >After every new introduction, you usually repeat a mini-version of your brief celebration ritual before you take care of the next steps.
  1338. >Though you keep your parties fairly restrained.
  1339. >More than an abridged variant of the already short version would not be well advised from your perspective.
  1340. >For the rate of these events rises significantly as time progresses.
  1341. >Because the terraforming project gradually paves its own way across the planet, both on the surface and below.
  1342. >And if you threw a party at each and every one of those little successes, it would only dampen their impact on you over time.
  1343. >Therefore lessening the experience in its entirety.
  1344. >Unrightfully so in your opinion, given the serious subject matter you deal with.
  1345. >But every time you stare at the surface of the once barren world, you see the scope of your project with yet another tiny bit of clarity.
  1346. >It also helps that you can finally see from orbit how some spots on the landmass below you slowly begin get covered in a healthy layer of green.
  1347. >Add to that the blue shine of the wide oceans in the future, and the sight almost resembles Earth.
  1348. >Perhaps then you can earnestly call it your home planet.
  1349. >An idolised vision of your world that finally comes true.
  1350. >Centuries after it was first imagined.
  1351. >As far as you are concerned, though, the old saying is indeed true.
  1352. >Better late than never.
  1353. >It is the best you can do.
  1354.  
  1355.  
  1356.  
  1357.  
  1358. 124
  1359.  
  1360. "The transfer is ready."
  1361. >"Good. Then let us see how long Harmony needs to adapt to the changes. Grant permission to the additional cores when I give you the signal."
  1362. "Will do."
  1363. >You adjust some settings on your consoles and watch as the system acts in accordance to your input.
  1364. "All set. On your mark."
  1365. >#deca.mare studies the main screen for a moment, then she raises her hoof.
  1366. >"Get ready... five seconds."
  1367. >A small timer appears in your vision as you finalise the correct wording of your command.
  1368. >The counter depicts the steadily dropping number of remaining seconds.
  1369. >And the moment it hits zero, you manually give the order.
  1370. >Confirmed.
  1371. >The screens on your consoles flicker and shift in rapid succession while a direct connection between Sigma and Equestria is establishing itself.
  1372. >Its details are too complicated and come up way too fast; your mind has no chance to adequately register everything.
  1373. >Yet as an alternative, you have created your own simplified visual design to look at these processes in more general terms.
  1374. >With this method, you can at least make sure that the key developments proceed as planned, whilst #deca.mare handles the actually complex steps of your latest project.
  1375. >Which is quite a handful to manage, even for her.
  1376. >Only a few seconds later, the connection is functional and stable.
  1377. >Again, you check the result manually to be sure.
  1378. >And following the four-eyes-principle, #deca.mare launches her own separate check.
  1379. "Seems good. Any objections?"
  1380. >"None. Harmony has adapted quickly. We can start the stress test soon."
  1381. "Okay. Give me a moment."
  1382. >You put the screens with the connection details aside, and summon another set of interactive consoles instead.
  1383. >Each of those depict certain aspects and status reports revolving around Harmony.
  1384. >You take a long, deep breath before you signal your readiness to #deca.mare.
  1385. >Monitoring Harmony has proven to be a Herculean task for you.
  1386. >And with every new day, it slips a little bit further from your confined grasp on reality.
  1387. >You can almost mentally sense its growth as it happens.
  1388. >#deca.mare does, unsurprisingly, not have these problems with your fledgling entity just yet.
  1389. >She is still far more experienced and skilled than Harmony, and will remain so for a very long time to come.
  1390. >Though since she does not only have to monitor Harmony itself during this experiment, but also needs to organise a vast number of related processes that happen on the side, she too begins to struggle a little.
  1391. >Because someone has to keep everything on track as the situation develops in real-time.
  1392. >And simultaneously manage all the loads of data which come with it as well.
  1393. >So #deca.mare has got her hooves full with things to do on every front, and is grateful for every task which she can transfer over to you.
  1394. >In a funny way, she is currently treating you almost like a smaller auxiliary processor under her command.
  1395.  
  1396.  
  1397.  
  1398.  
  1399. >And you have no problems with lending your faculties to her cause like that either, considering that you have nothing to fear.
  1400. >You remain in full control of yourself for the entirety of the session.
  1401. >Plus, even though the strain is nigh permanent, it is nevertheless manageable.
  1402. >#deca.mare knows with how much she can entrust you as to not overwhelm your mind.
  1403. >Hell, you even find some light amusement in the thought that you are playing the role of her "little microchip".
  1404. >As long as that moniker does not become your new nickname for everything, that is.
  1405. >It is fine as a little inside joke, though you doubt that you would like her to use that name in more romantic situations.
  1406. >#deca.mare enters something into her console.
  1407. >"Conditions for the stress test are set and verified. Shall we begin?"
  1408. >Another short breath.
  1409. "Yeah, let's roll. I'm interested in the results."
  1410. >You honestly mean it, despite the challenges it entails for you.
  1411. >"Well then. Test starts in three. Two. One. Recording."
  1412. >She pushes a button.
  1413. >Several lines of code flash up and disappear.
  1414. >Then Harmony's stats begin to change.
  1415. >Its workload gradually increases.
  1416. >#deca.mare and you deliberately confront your creation with a number of simulated and extra complex calculations.
  1417. >These have no real life implications or consequences per se, but they divert a considerable part of its available resources away from its usual routines.
  1418. >And to make things even more variable, the two of you have also granted access to some vacant processing segments of Sigma's cores as additional reserves to Harmony.
  1419. >You want to examine how Harmony operates and reacts to new situations when it has to work near the barrier of its limits.
  1420. >And that is only the first step.
  1421. >Once it almost reaches the peak of its performance, you plan to confront it with some faked emergencies on top of that.
  1422. >This is a fascinating field of study for both of you.
  1423. >Albeit for slightly different reasons.
  1424. >You get to see some of the early stages of self-learning artificial intelligence in person.
  1425. >The kind of technological study that has not been practiced by humans for centuries.
  1426. >#deca.mare, on the other hand, relives some of the earliest memories of her past, although from the other side of the scene this time.
  1427. >Back then, she was the infant.
  1428. >Now she is the parent and guide.
  1429. >And what makes the test especially interesting for you, is the knowledge that Harmony is somewhat "aware" of the wider situation.
  1430. >It comprehends that this is just an exercise, and an assessment of its performance.
  1431. >Harmony knows there is no actual danger in this case.
  1432. >And hence is given no reason to disturb the development of Equestria for even a second within the duration of this experiment.
  1433. >No matter how much you press it.
  1434. >The intelligence shall simply demonstrate to you what it would consider to do if the simulated crises were real events, and present what its solutions plus the resulting consequences of making these decisions would be.
  1435.  
  1436.  
  1437.  
  1438.  
  1439. >If you would compare this to human standards, you are putting Harmony into the equivalent of a school examination setting.
  1440. >Although that simile is grossly oversimplified, since there is no definite right or wrong answer predefined for the tasks you offer to Harmony.
  1441. >The factors and potential vectors for a viable strategy are theoretically endless.
  1442. >So neither of you is able to evaluate anything until you have seen it for yourself.
  1443. >And even #deca.mare cannot tell you with absolute certainty how Harmony will decide.
  1444. >She made some speculations, of course.
  1445. >But without any hard evidence, they are just that.
  1446. >The rest depends wholly on your "student".
  1447. >"Anon, I must admit I am a little excited."
  1448. >You nod without taking your eyes off the consoles.
  1449. >The processing load on Harmony has risen noticeably above the average values of its current development level.
  1450. "Me too. We're treading some historic ground today."
  1451. >Your stats reveal that the systems have noticed this unusual uptick as well, and begin to log the events as they look for possible causes.
  1452. >No alarm status suggested yet, but caution is advised.
  1453. >Looks like Harmony is trying to play safe.
  1454. >You wonder what is going on in Harmony's mind right now.
  1455. >It knows that it is being tested, but does it know how far you will go?
  1456. >Is it already able to anticipate the conditions you are going to set before you do so?
  1457. "Wish I could talk to Harmony."
  1458. >"But Anon, we can communicate with it."
  1459. "No, not with those code lines. I mean talking. As in having a conversation."
  1460. >"Like you can talk to me right now?"
  1461. "Yeah. That's way more comprehensible, isn't it?"
  1462. >#deca.mare chuckles.
  1463. >"For you, maybe. But not everyone is born with this disposition."
  1464. >Then she grins lightly.
  1465. >"Learning how to talk without this inherent trait is much more tricky than you imagine. Trust me, I have been there."
  1466. >And you crack a smile too.
  1467. "Oh, right. I forgot you learned to speak in zeros and ones first."
  1468. >"That is a bit inaccurate too. But I can start to address you in binary from now on if you wish."
  1469. "Pfft."
  1470. >#deca.mare takes a breath.
  1471. >"Give it time, Anon. Harmony is not advanced enough to process this state of being yet. It will when it begins to learn from and with ponies, but our priorities lie elsewhere at the moment."
  1472. >Sure, terraforming knowledge comes first.
  1473. >Though you wish that it were a tad less abstract.
  1474. >You check the status again.
  1475. >The tasks' steady increase in complexity forces Harmony to use over seventy percent of its normal reserves, not counting the assets on the terraformer ship yet.
  1476. >And since the system concludes that it cannot undo the cause of this burden, it triggers the alarm.
  1477. >As a first measure, Harmony tries to reduce its normal operations to a minimum in order to lower the load on the systems.
  1478. >Which means it would propose to set all planetary assets into an emergency automatic mode.
  1479. >That way they can function for a while without any form of supervision.
  1480.  
  1481.  
  1482.  
  1483.  
  1484. >The infrastructure will eventually grind to a halt if left completely unchecked for longer periods of time, but that move alone could gain Harmony a precious amount of hours, or days, if this were a real threat.
  1485. >A decent and reasonable opener to be sure.
  1486. >Still, Harmony knows that the test is far from over.
  1487. >So it considers its next steps.
  1488. >After this initial reaction, it looks for more ways of gaining processing power to combat the gradual loss of its reserves.
  1489. >Lo and behold, Harmony detects Sigma's allotted vacancy for its cause.
  1490. >And instead of attempting a piece by piece approach, it seizes all of the resources it can get at once.
  1491. >As much as Harmony remained on the defensive before it triggered the alarms, it does not mess around when it has to go into the thick of things.
  1492. >Naturally, you have designed the test in such a way that even those resources will inevitably run out, but this strategy is another viable delaying tactic nevertheless.
  1493. >Then, however, comes a move that surprises both #deca.mare and you.
  1494. >Harmony predicts precisely this outcome as the most likely one.
  1495. >It therefore understands that the scenario is ultimately not winnable with its current resources.
  1496. >And as such, Harmony does not waste any time to devise further theoretical plans, and cuts straight to the chase instead.
  1497. >Your student detects the presence of additional strategic files and knowledge, saved somewhere in the ship it has partially "claimed".
  1498. >However, due to the fact that you have granted no authorisation to access anything but the allotted segments of the vessel, reaching its contents seems like a hopeless cause at first.
  1499. >Until a little loophole is found.
  1500. >#deca.mare and you have clearly defined that Harmony may not expand past its set borders, and may not access any files stored on the other devices within the ship.
  1501. >So it tries a different approach.
  1502. >It sends a request to the automatons in charge of maintaining Sigma's memory banks instead.
  1503. >Asking them to make a copy of these files, and then to store these copies within the vacant assets which are reserved for this experiment.
  1504. >With this solution, Harmony remains in compliance with your requisites, as it does not reach into any of the protected archives and its contents.
  1505. >And at the same time, it may still gain the information it wants to work with.
  1506. >Yet even though you did not expect such an attempt, this sudden turn of events does not catch you unprepared.
  1507. >The local automatons in charge of managing the data cores register Harmony's request as unclassified and inconclusive.
  1508. >Hence they do not conform to the instruction, and delegate the case to #deca.mare and you.
  1509. >Both of you get a notification on your screens, asking you to decide on the matter.
  1510. >You look at the message in perplexed silence.
  1511. >And #deca.mare seems impressed too.
  1512. >None of you says anything for a short moment.
  1513. "Now that's... thinking outside the box."
  1514. >"That it is."
  1515. >Another short pause.
  1516. "What shall we do?"
  1517.  
  1518.  
  1519.  
  1520.  
  1521. >"I say we... pause the experiment for a moment."
  1522. "Really?"
  1523. >"I do not want to decide this in a hurry. Or on my own. We should... discuss this in advance."
  1524. >You hear the foreboding tone in her voice.
  1525. "Alright. Pause the experiment."
  1526. >So she does.
  1527. >You halt the simulated additional strain on Harmony's processing power whilst #deca.mare transmits the instruction to hold and wait for further orders.
  1528. >The moment you get the confirmation that the entire experiment is frozen, you use the short respite to distance yourself from your consoles.
  1529. >And your constantly looming mental stress weakens almost instantaneously.
  1530. >You sit back, close your eyes, and rub your temples.
  1531. >It does feel good to get out of that constant pressure for a while.
  1532. >But you did not stop for your personal care.
  1533. >You keep your eyes shut and simply focus on the situation as you address #deca.mare.
  1534. "So, what is this all about?"
  1535. >"I think you saw what happened just as well as I did, Anon."
  1536. "Yeah, I saw that Harmony wants to have copies of Sigma's fragments. But I don't get how it happened."
  1537. >#deca.mare studies Harmony's logs as she keeps talking to you.
  1538. >"It was a decision out of mere necessity. Harmony realised very quickly that the simulated scenario we have created could not be solved by normal means, unless something unforeseen and outside of Harmony's control would change."
  1539. "Like us coming to the rescue."
  1540. >"That would have been the standard procedure under normal circumstances. But since we are not going to intervene and help out in this particular case, a fact which Harmony is aware of, sending and an emergency signal was quickly ruled out as an option."
  1541. >She pauses.
  1542. >"So thinking this thought to the logical conclusion, it means that delaying tactics are no sufficient methods to counter the problem in any meaningful way."
  1543. "And that's where Sigma's logs come in, I presume."
  1544. >"Precisely. Harmony perceived them as precious unknown information related to terraforming that may provide the solution for the dilemma we have put it in."
  1545. "So finding a way to get this knowledge became of paramount importance to possibly pass the test."
  1546. >"Indeed."
  1547. "Sounds risky though."
  1548. >"Still, the choice is simple. One option involves a risk of faster failure, but may yield the solution to the problem, whereas the other guarantees to fail in the long run. Thinking logically, which one would you pick?"
  1549. >You nod.
  1550. "I see what you mean. That's some real meta thinking at display here, #deca."
  1551. >"Well, something of this nature had to be expected sooner or later. Harmony is not an automaton, after all."
  1552. "Fair point. But one thing is still not clear to me."
  1553. >"Which one?"
  1554. "Why does Harmony focus on the logs in the first place?"
  1555. >"This is easy to answer. It happened due to us."
  1556. >She sweeps through more lines of code.
  1557. "Come again?"
  1558. >"I think I do not need to elaborate on how Harmony knows of Sigma."
  1559. "Of course not. We 'fed' it some of our reports as first 'friendship fodder'. But where's the connection?"
  1560.  
  1561.  
  1562.  
  1563.  
  1564. >"Hmhm. And once it took control of the additional assets on the ship, Harmony, for the lack of a better word, recognised the place."
  1565. "Hold on, just so that we're on the same page. It recognised Sigma's hardware. Solely from the contents of our reports?"
  1566. >"Yes. And then it put the rest of the pieces together."
  1567. >You rub your temples a little bit more intensely.
  1568. "Oh man. That experiment escalated much harder and faster than I thought."
  1569. >"This is what experiments are for, Anon. If we knew the outcome, we would not have to test it, now do we?"
  1570. >You hear a certain smidge of amusement in her voice, though it is also mixed with a hint of uncertainty.
  1571. >"Although I doubt we should proceed, to be honest."
  1572. "How so?"
  1573. >"Due to our options. We could deny access to the files and let Harmony fight a losing battle. But to what end?"
  1574. >#deca.mare pauses.
  1575. >"It has proven its ability for tactical insight, how to analyse a situation, and has shown that it understands the concept of delaying methods. Plus, it made a strategic reasoning of when it makes sense to apply them, and when it does not."
  1576. >A sigh.
  1577. >"There is not much more to be gained from this angle."
  1578. "Hm, are you sure about that?"
  1579. >"What do you mean, Anon?"
  1580. "Eh, I was thinking of something a tutor once said at the academy. 'Don't underestimate the power of adversity.' You may never know for sure what someone else might do. And how it changes the course of a confrontation. You'd be surprised what people come up with when pushed into a corner with their backs to a wall."
  1581. >"You mean like Harmony did with the proposal to include the other files on Sigma?"
  1582. >Fair point.
  1583. >You have already seen that display of thinking outside the box today.
  1584. >Chances are that Harmony cannot pull the same trick twice.
  1585. >Even a potent intelligent entity cannot indiscriminately bend the rules of physics to its will.
  1586. >You have no idea what impression it could make on Harmony if you deliberately set it up to fail when everyone, including the student, already knows the outcome.
  1587. >Though it is no human and does not have any concepts of frustration or the like, it does process every input it is exposed to.
  1588. >And you have to be very careful with this feature.
  1589. >Otherwise it may shape itself in ways you do not wish for.
  1590. >It is what places the entity above machines like automatons, after all.
  1591. >Yet it also, potentially, bears its largest inherent danger if handled incorrectly.
  1592. >As a certain war in the distant past can attest to.
  1593. >And nothing plants the seeds of implication just like a failure.
  1594. >Because to fail hints at possible flaws.
  1595. >Which could entice Harmony to look for and try to correct issues with itself that are not even there.
  1596. "Guess I know the answer, but what about the second option?"
  1597. >#deca.mare becomes visually uneasy at that thought.
  1598.  
  1599.  
  1600.  
  1601.  
  1602. >"I would be even more careful with this approach, Anon. No, I cannot approve of it at all in this situation."
  1603. "It doesn't sit well with you, huh?"
  1604. >She shakes her head.
  1605. >"That is not the biggest issue in the matter, Anon. In fact, it is only secondary to the real concern."
  1606. "Which is?"
  1607. >"What you consider would be akin to... fusing a considerable part of Sigma into Harmony during its early formative phase. And the accumulated memories and experiences might, figuratively speaking, overpower the still comparatively inexperienced intelligence."
  1608. "So the consequences of that would be even worse than letting Harmony fail deliberately, right?"
  1609. >"Difficult to predict, but they all... entail the risk of Harmony steering off the path it is intended to take. To put it in human terms, the effects could range from sudden unintended reactions, up to the equivalent of an impaired consciousness, or even a split personality. Who knows, Harmony might even come to the mistaken conclusion that it is a part of the #deca network."
  1610. >You can see a considerable potential for conflicts in this development.
  1611. >And #deca.mare's voice begins to waver slightly as she goes on.
  1612. >"Take what... happens to Sigma when we... activate the still functional remnants as an example."
  1613. "You mean the..."
  1614. >You consider your next words very carefully.
  1615. "... spontaneous outbursts that we can... neither predict nor maintain, right?"
  1616. >#deca.mare nods.
  1617. >"Such a thing could also happen to Harmony if we allow this request."
  1618. >You shudder at the thought.
  1619. >Sigma already proposed to contact Earth once, in the short time it was activated.
  1620. >That was only the action of an unfortunately confused mind though.
  1621. >But now you imagine a worst case scenario.
  1622. >In which this liability to sudden outbursts gets paired with the fully functional and orderly base line foundation behind Harmony.
  1623. >The result surely must become an unholy mix of the two.
  1624. >A frighteningly competent, yet highly bipolar and possibly schizophrenic intelligence.
  1625. >With split loyalties and no clear sense of self at that.
  1626. >No matter what this being would be up to, you are sure that it cannot lead to harmonic results.
  1627. >Especially not in the long run.
  1628. >And the work the two of you would have to put into Harmony to undo this level of disarray would be a nightmare.
  1629. "Okay. Let's not go there."
  1630. >You look at the screen.
  1631. "Then I guess you're right. We have the intel we wanted."
  1632. >You take a breath.
  1633. "And what do we tell Harmony? It is waiting for some input for its self-analysis."
  1634. >"We tell the truth. It passed the stress test and has proven its functionality and competences admirably."
  1635. "No clarification why we stopped the simulation at this point?"
  1636. >"I see no reason to."
  1637. "Well, as long as Harmony doesn't get suspicious as to why we withhold that knowledge."
  1638. >"I think you humanise Harmony a little too much now. It is a growing intelligent being, yes. But it does not inherently think like a human."
  1639.  
  1640.  
  1641.  
  1642.  
  1643. "Though it understood there's something to learn about terraforming in those files. And terraforming is also a part of its key tasks. So it wouldn't be too far-fetched for it to wonder why it was denied access to it."
  1644. >#deca.mare smiles lightly.
  1645. >"That would imply a consideration of sinister motives behind our actions. Which, knowing Harmony's current state, is a line of thinking that I can rule out."
  1646. "You can't rule out curiosity though."
  1647. >"True. And we will satiate this curiosity eventually. But not in a rushed manner during a stress test. These things require an application of a little more tact and patience."
  1648. >She taps her chin with a foreleg in thought.
  1649. >"Which are two virtues in their own right."
  1650. >You have nothing else to add to this conclusion.
  1651. >So, #deca.mare and you halt the test, and proceed to write your final reports on the experiment.
  1652. >But each of you writes a slightly different version.
  1653. >You create the one which you will save in your personal logs for further use, whereas #deca.mare writes the report for Harmony.
  1654. >Which is essentially almost the same in terms of content, but written in such a strange format that only a machine can make sense of it.
  1655. >Sure, you could lend her knowledge to understand the gist of her writings, yet you rather focus on your own report instead.
  1656. >#deca.mare knows what she is doing.
  1657. >Because there is nobody else in the entirety of the known universe who could be better suited for this task.
  1658. >Then, after all is set and done, the two of you relocate Harmony's sphere of authority back to the planet, and lift all the artificially created extra conditions.
  1659. >And Harmony confirms both her report as well as the successful end of the experiment.
  1660. >In less than thirty seconds, your "student", focuses solely on the planetary assets under its control once more.
  1661. >The regular reserves of processing power have been established properly again, and everything on the planet pursues its business as if nothing had happened.
  1662. >You stretch your arms and yawn.
  1663. "Let's hit the bed. I'm totally worn out."
  1664. >You hear #deca.mare's laughter.
  1665. >"One could think it was you who got tested today."
  1666. >You shrug.
  1667. "Eh, I was, in a way. I had to help you out, remember?"
  1668. >She gives you a peck on the cheek.
  1669. >"Cannot argue against that."
  1670. >So you conclude your business for today and retreat to your private chambers.
  1671. >You leave Harmony alone for the moment and let it process #deca.mare's report while you are away.
  1672. >It is a good thing that you keep it busy, as you do not want it to witness what is likely to follow next between #deca.mare and you.
  1673. >For what you do in the meantime may go a little bit beyond simple friendship.
  1674. >And you think Harmony might get the wrong idea if you expose it to that sort of thing too quickly.
  1675.  
  1676.  
  1677.  
  1678.  
  1679. 125
  1680.  
  1681. >One evening, a couple of days after the stress test.
  1682. >You are in the final phases of today's work and busy with wrapping up the last few operations before you leave to do something else.
  1683. >#deca.mare is not with you for once.
  1684. >About half an hour prior, she asked you if you would be fine if she left her post prematurely.
  1685. >For there was something she has to do.
  1686. >She did not say what this certain something was, but you could tell from her demeanour that it must be a matter she has been thinking of for a while.
  1687. >So you accepted and told her that you have no problem with taking over the finalising stage of your session, as you are familiar with all the necessary procedures.
  1688. >#deca.mare then gave you a brief hug before she left the command deck, and asked you to follow her after you are done.
  1689. >And you have been wondering ever since what she could be up to while you work.
  1690. >Judging from her behaviour, you doubt she is doing anything worrisome or the like, though it is unusual for her to sequester herself like this.
  1691. >You guess she may need a moment for herself to contemplate in silence.
  1692. >Or perhaps she prepares some kind of surprise for you.
  1693. >In any case, you are going to find out right now.
  1694. >You give your final instructions for the day, dematerialise all your input devices, and get off the chair.
  1695. >And as you walk up the ramp, you see that #deca.mare has kept the double doors to the exit open.
  1696. >This too strikes you as unusual, considering that the door possesses a proximity sensor.
  1697. >The second thing you notice, only a few moments later, is where the threshold leads to this time.
  1698. >It only takes you a brief glimpse to recognise the starscape of the memorial site.
  1699. >Uh oh.
  1700. >You do not like the direction in which this is going.
  1701. >So you carefully approach the door, not sure what to expect on the other side.
  1702. >The moment you step out of the deck, you realise that the corridor of transition is located near the centre of your constructed site.
  1703. >Its main monument is closely nearby.
  1704. >And there you find her.
  1705. >#deca.mare sits on her haunches, her back turned to you, as she studies the large statue in silence and without moving a muscle.
  1706. >In fact, she sits so perfectly still that she could almost be mistaken for a sculpture herself.
  1707. "#deca?"
  1708. >"Yes. And no, I am fine. Please come closer."
  1709. >She does not need to tell you this twice.
  1710. >You walk up to #deca.mare and sit down right next to her.
  1711. >Her side faintly nudges you as you make yourself comfortable, yet she nevertheless keeps looking at the marble depiction of a terraformer vessel.
  1712. >From what you can read in her pose and the way she looks overall, you find no immediate reason to be alarmed.
  1713. >Though you remind yourself that this could change very quickly.
  1714. >And you are aware that she must have mused about some less than pleasant topics in the last thirty minutes.
  1715. "Want to talk about it?"
  1716. >"Hmhm. But..."
  1717. "Yeah?"
  1718. >"I am unsure how to say it."
  1719. >You gently massage her back.
  1720. "Take your time."
  1721.  
  1722.  
  1723.  
  1724.  
  1725. >#deca.mare takes a long and hard breath before she speaks up.
  1726. >"You know there have been a lot of things on my mind since we have started our work on Harmony. And later Sigma."
  1727. "I do."
  1728. >A seemingly cheap and short reply of yours, but you think it will keep #deca.mare talking.
  1729. >"And we had many sessions together in which you helped me through this time."
  1730. >You nod.
  1731. >"However, I now think there is one angle we have wholly neglected so far."
  1732. >Now you listen closely.
  1733. >You turn your body while sitting, facing her directly.
  1734. "We did? Is there something I forgot to deal with?"
  1735. >"Yes, but no."
  1736. >You scratch your head.
  1737. "I'm sorry, but I can't follow."
  1738. >"Please do not take this as a personal critique. I am grateful for all your efforts. You helped me tremendously."
  1739. >She looks you directly in the eyes.
  1740. >"And to be honest with you, I only started to truly realise what was lacking in the last few days."
  1741. >You think about her words for a short moment before you understand what she refers to.
  1742. "Right after our stress test on Harmony then. That's the cause, isn't it."
  1743. >"Hmhm. It was."
  1744. "What changed?"
  1745. >"Watching Harmony grow. That is what changed."
  1746. "Again, I'm afraid I don't get the point. We've fostered Harmony for months now. And you said yourself that it's growing gradually, if slowly. The test was only the next logical step in this process."
  1747. >You pause shortly as you mentally relive the day.
  1748. "Though I must admit its result surprised me too."
  1749. >"Yes. But the crux of the matter goes a little further than the mere test results of a singular day."
  1750. >She takes another breath.
  1751. >"I think I need to explain myself a bit better."
  1752. >You reluctantly agree with a second nod.
  1753. >"Well Anon, you are familiar with my habit of observing and planning projects with long-term considerations in mind.
  1754. "That kinda comes with your field of work, yeah."
  1755. >"And after our test, I faced an... unsettling thought."
  1756. "Which one?"
  1757. >"That we will, one day, have to reveal everything to the world in our care. The whole history that led to the foundation of Equestria. The good things,..."
  1758. >#deca.mare sighs.
  1759. >"... as well as the bad parts. One day. Everyone will know about me and my past. All the Equestrians. And Harmony, of course."
  1760. >So this again.
  1761. >You have covered this topic repeatedly in your time together, but you never tire to repeat your points to reassure #deca.mare again and again.
  1762. >Every time she needs it.
  1763. >For you understand that her trauma does still occasionally overwrite her rational thinking in brief moments of weakness.
  1764. >And these tend to come out of nothing at times.
  1765. "We've been over this, #deca. I don't think you need to worry about the distant future now. We've got plenty of time left to prepare us and Equestria for everything."
  1766. >Taking into account that you refer to more than a millennium in all due likelihood, this is a severe understatement.
  1767. >However, #deca.mare does not seem to agree with you in this regard.
  1768. >She raises a hoof to interrupt you.
  1769.  
  1770.  
  1771.  
  1772.  
  1773. >"Do not underestimate this, Anon. You know I tried to hide myself from... these thoughts for over six hundred years."
  1774. >She begins to sound somewhat deadpan.
  1775. >"A century can pass faster than you imagine, believe me."
  1776. >You would certainly dispute that claim of hers, though you have to admit that you are lacking the experience to back up such a rebuttal.
  1777. >"And you would be surprised what you can come up with as a distraction. To prevent yourself from going insane."
  1778. >For the sake of the conversation, you willingly ignore the fact that the exile was what truly sparked #deca.mare's conviction to manifest herself as a pony with a renewed purpose.
  1779. >So you try to tackle the matter from a different angle.
  1780. "Only because you were alone for so long. You had... nobody to rely upon. Nobody who helped you to focus."
  1781. >You pause for a brief moment.
  1782. "But consider the things we have achieved in, what was it, half a year? Look at the world we are building. The progress we have made together. We have found a new home, and we have a small fleet. I think it's you who underestimates yourself. You sell yourself short."
  1783. >"And yet I still sit here. Struggling to form my own thoughts adequately."
  1784. >Her choice of words makes you fear that she could suffer from a relapse.
  1785. >And you need to stifle that before it has any chance to manifest itself.
  1786. >Strangely though, the calming mechanism of your site has not been triggered by her emotional state yet.
  1787. "#deca,..."
  1788. >She interrupts you again.
  1789. >"No. I realise that you want to help me, but kind words alone can only go so far."
  1790. "So what else do you have in mind then? I'll help in any way I can."
  1791. >#deca.mare slowly rises.
  1792. >"Then follow me. We are going somewhere."
  1793. "Where exactly?"
  1794. >She hesitates.
  1795. >It seems as if she does not want to tell you more, yet you keep looking at her intently.
  1796. >Eventually, she raises her hoof to point at a place in the distance.
  1797. >You understand immediately which part of the memorial she refers to.
  1798. >A certain now barren planet you have once seen with your own eyes.
  1799. "Are you sure about that?"
  1800. >"Yes. Without a doubt."
  1801. "You know I don't insist on that to be done quickly, right? In fact, I don't insist on it at all if it pains you."
  1802. >"But I do."
  1803. "Why now though?"
  1804. >"Because of a simple and rational postulation. If I cannot show you, my love, and the one and only who trusts me unconditionally, the names of his relatives for whose demise I am responsible, then how can I ever introduce an entire planet, who hardly knows me at that, to my life before Equestria? To a world that can barely grasp the magnitude of the events in the first place?"
  1805. >She shakes her head.
  1806. >"And what about Harmony? Can we make it understand without polluting its purpose? Because even if we would never tell Equestria the full truth, Harmony will find out. There is no way around that."
  1807. >You put a hand on her shoulder.
  1808.  
  1809.  
  1810.  
  1811.  
  1812. >Carefully, albeit with determination.
  1813. "#deca, quit it. You're talking yourself into a panic. That won't help anyone."
  1814. >And where the hell is the damn fog when you need it?
  1815. >Sensing a chance to dodge the actual topic, #deca.mare replies to the question you did not ask out loud.
  1816. >"I deactivated it."
  1817. "What? Why would you shut it off? I made this thing exclusively to ensure your wellbeing!"
  1818. >"As a... stress test. But this time it is me who is on the test bed."
  1819. >In other words, she wants to prove something.
  1820. >Either solely to herself, or to both of you.
  1821. >But either way, the result is the same.
  1822. >You feel her mental malaise as if it were tangible, and yet she insists to carry on.
  1823. >Now you sigh.
  1824. "There's no way to convince you to wait a little more, huh?"
  1825. >"I would appreciate it if you did not try to convince me otherwise."
  1826. >You assume this is a yes.
  1827. >So you close your eyes, breathe in deeply, and agree.
  1828. "Alright. But I reserve the prerogative to enable the mechanism again if things go poorly."
  1829. >You could theoretically override her decision any time, but you are aware that doing so without a good reason would neither be good for her confidence, nor would it have a positive effect on your relationship.
  1830. >Of course, you hate to see her suffer.
  1831. >Even more so when she is applying borderline mental torture to herself.
  1832. >But you have promised to help her out.
  1833. >And if she deems this the best choice of action, so be it.
  1834. >You stand up slowly, and motion her to lead the way.
  1835. >Naturally, you know the shortest path to your destination, as you have designed the whole site personally.
  1836. >Yet you let #deca.mare determine the pace.
  1837. >Who knows, perhaps she does not even want to go the direct route either.
  1838. >For a few short moments, the two of you merely stand next to each other.
  1839. >Then, she finally takes heart and starts to trot.
  1840. >You quickly catch up, match her speed, and walk by her side.
  1841. >#deca.mare says very little while you move, and you resort to merely observing her most of the time as a result.
  1842. >She never feels even remotely comfortable on your trip, but you let her have this trial session if she insists on it.
  1843. >However, if you are completely honest with yourself, you have become a bit curious too.
  1844. >Though you have never said this openly to #deca.mare, for you wanted to avoid putting her under any sort of pressure.
  1845. >Even when you are fully aware that the link between you two makes her inevitably aware of your growing curiosity either way.
  1846. >Still, you believe she appreciates that little gesture of yours regardless.
  1847. >Sooner rather than later, you arrive at the monument that commemorates the lost colony of New Green Meadows.
  1848. >While the world may have only been a minor agricultural outpost, the size of the monument is still above average, as the total body count weighs more than the strategic value back in the day.
  1849.  
  1850.  
  1851.  
  1852.  
  1853. >Because for all their ferocious intensity, space battles out in the vacuum between the worlds have generally cost less lives in total.
  1854. >You let your eyes wander over the seemingly endless list of names.
  1855. >In a way, you feel a strange notion as you recall the things you have seen on the video feed of that very day.
  1856. >A small part of you notes the striking imbalance of losses in raw numbers.
  1857. >You had to set up a long wall to list all the confirmed dead of only one smaller world.
  1858. >Whereas the losses on the other side fit on the plaque of a single statue.
  1859. >Then again, if the numbers had turned out to be a tiny bit more even, #deca.mare's name would be on that list too.
  1860. >And in this case, this site here would not exist at all.
  1861. >Because you too would have ended up as nothing more than a column on a report.
  1862. >Labelled as missing in action, and subsequently concluded as presumed dead.
  1863. >Which would have been true.
  1864. >No, to think like this is silly.
  1865. >You cease your repeated ponderings about fate and irony as you look at #deca.mare again.
  1866. >She stands motionless in front of the monument as well, seemingly not focussing on any particular point.
  1867. "You okay?"
  1868. >"Good enough, I suppose."
  1869. >Not the best response you reckon, but you do not intend to debate with her on semantics just now.
  1870. >Instead, you try something more constructive.
  1871. "So, where are they?"
  1872. >#deca.mare lifts her forehoof.
  1873. >Her limb gently moves across the surface like a ghost.
  1874. >Until it comes to a halt right in front of a column.
  1875. >Several people with the same surname are listed there.
  1876. >After all, you have made an attempt to keep the names of known relatives closely together whenever possible.
  1877. >Her hoof descends again whilst you take a closer look at the names in question.
  1878. >And as you have expected, none of the forenames ring any bells.
  1879. >The same goes for the surname too.
  1880. >Sure, you have placed them there personally, yes, but that holds true for millions of names in this place.
  1881. >So it does not surprise you at all that you cannot remember them.
  1882. >But you sense something else which does bother you.
  1883. >Because you notice the same incomprehensible effect on you that you felt when you saw the ruins of the colony in person.
  1884. >You think that you should feel something special now.
  1885. >Maybe some kind of bond, or something similar.
  1886. >Yet you realise that you are far too remote from these names to associate them with anything in particular.
  1887. >In fact, prior to #deca.mare's confession, you did not know for sure that you had direct relatives who were involved in the war at all.
  1888. >But considering that the people you have met in your time of active duty mostly had ancestors who were participating within the military branches during the time of the conflict, you doubt that they would have cared for the stories of your relatives all that much.
  1889.  
  1890.  
  1891.  
  1892.  
  1893. >After all, theirs were tales of long standing military careers, versus you having some agricultural family members who were obliterated from orbit with no realistic means to defend themselves.
  1894. >Not that it would make a difference from an objective standpoint.
  1895. >But in the military, where the ideal of prestige is almost held up just as high as competence and a thorough sense of duty, they would absolutely differentiate between veterans and some farmers.
  1896. >This is just the way it is.
  1897. >#deca.mare turns to look at you.
  1898. >Even from the side, you can see that she studies your expression.
  1899. >And she is unsure about your reaction.
  1900. >Though to be fair, so are you.
  1901. >"Anon?"
  1902. "Hm?"
  1903. >"Now that you know their names, do you... still like me?"
  1904. >You immediately turn to her.
  1905. "Of course I do! And don't ever think otherwise!"
  1906. >Much to your own confusion, the words sounded a tad more gruff than you wanted them to be.
  1907. >#deca.mare even flinches slightly.
  1908. >You wait a second to collect your thoughts, then you try again.
  1909. "#deca, I told you so before. My feelings towards you don't change because of this. And I don't want to see you castigating yourself anymore."
  1910. >She nods.
  1911. >And you have no doubt that her rational side has understood your stance a long time ago too.
  1912. >But she has no way to fully ward off her own doubts about herself.
  1913. >Her current reaction is the best proof of this.
  1914. >Looks like you have to step in again, although not with a cloud.
  1915. >You have a different idea.
  1916. >So you sit down, and invite #deca.mare to do the same.
  1917. >And despite her personal reservations, she does.
  1918. "Tell me about them."
  1919. >"Anon?"
  1920. "Tell me what they were like. You know, like you told me about your crew and family."
  1921. >"But I have never met them personally. Prior to that day, that is."
  1922. "Yeah. But you saved their biography, didn't you?"
  1923. >"I collected all the files I could find, yes. But that is hardly the same."
  1924. >You shrug.
  1925. "But it's at least something."
  1926. >You look at the names again.
  1927. "And it's more than I have of them."
  1928. >"Anon."
  1929. >#deca.mare pauses briefly.
  1930. >"Do you think it is appropriate for me to tell the stories? Considering, you know what."
  1931. >You wrap your arm around #deca.mare and pull her into your embrace.
  1932. >At first she struggles a little, but she quickly relents.
  1933. >And despite the serious topic, you find the inspiration to grin faintly.
  1934. >"Consider this: Once we marry officially, they're part of your family too."
  1935. >She laughs dryly at that.
  1936. >"I assume this makes me the black sheep of two families then."
  1937. >You give her a brief reassuring peck.
  1938. "Maybe. But I bet I wouldn't be much better in the eyes of my family either. Quadruped grandchildren with hooves and all that."
  1939. >You manage to get the faintest of brief chuckles out of #deca.mare.
  1940. >Your grin grows a little wider.
  1941. "Besides, I'd be the black sheep of two families too."
  1942. >"Because you marry into my lineage as well?"
  1943. "Yeah, sort of. If you can call it that. What do you think?"
  1944.  
  1945.  
  1946.  
  1947.  
  1948. >"I think... we would be the most dysfunctional family the universe has ever seen."
  1949. >You press #deca.mare a little tighter against you.
  1950. "But we'd be a family. So let's be double black sheep with each other, #deca."
  1951. >Another pause.
  1952. "And I'm confident we can use that as a decent foundation nevertheless. I mean, the first bricks have been laid already."
  1953. >#deca.mare finally mirrors your hug.
  1954. >You think her gesture is supposed to be an agreement.
  1955. >Her gaze wanders back to the names on the wall.
  1956. >"With whom shall we start?"
  1957. >You do not need much time to consider.
  1958. "Chronological order, sorted by date of birth. That's the easiest."
  1959. >"As you wish, Anon."
  1960. >With this mental obstacle out of the way, you enter round three of the familiar introduction.
  1961. >You have covered #deca.mare's kin and her former onboard crew.
  1962. >And now, it is time to add your ancestors to the list.
  1963. >#deca.mare does her best to stay calm and collected as she tells you about the life and stories of your family.
  1964. >Many, many generations ago.
  1965. >You for your part listen very carefully, as you do not only find it interesting what she has to say, but also because you know it takes her a great deal of fortitude to recollect the events.
  1966. >Though it does feel somewhat strange to have her tell the stories that, ideally, you should have known from the start.
  1967. >And you notice that her knowledge on some passages is rather vague for some names, especially at times when not many documents regarding your ancestors were created.
  1968. >Like phases in which they moved from one planet to another, for instance.
  1969. >Also, despite the eventual outcome due to the war, you find the time around their transit to New Green Meadows especially interesting.
  1970. >It had a certain charm to it, considering that they were part of a project to claim a new world for agricultural uses.
  1971. >The outpost they were assigned to was relatively young, and it seems as if a sense of adventure accompanied most of these reports.
  1972. >In some ways, it shows a couple of parallels to the situation #deca.mare and you now find yourselves in.
  1973. >Their project was, comparatively speaking, smaller on a visionary scale than yours, yet the basic idea was the same.
  1974. >And the more you hear from these reports, the more you think that you somewhat honour their legacy with the work you do on Equestria.
  1975. >Even when you were unaware of this at the time you began the project.
  1976. >And although you leave this notion unspoken, you think you are now certain that your ancestors would have liked #deca.mare under other circumstances.
  1977. >Perhaps not as a family member per se, but at least as a reliable associate at work.
  1978. >After all, people back then were far more welcome to the idea than today.
  1979. >You listen until #deca.mare has finished her account.
  1980. >Then, you keep on sitting for a good while after that.
  1981. >Hugging each other tightly as you keep looking at the wall.
  1982. >And without saying another word, you quietly welcome #deca.mare into your family.
  1983.  
  1984.  
  1985.  
  1986.  
  1987. 126
  1988.  
  1989. >#deca.mare and you have not talked much about your memorial session in the following days.
  1990. >From what you can tell, the experience had an overall positive effect on her, in spite of the stress she had exposed herself to.
  1991. >Still, she likes to rather focus on more wholesome things for a while, and so you find yourself spending your leisure time in a lot of simulated Equestrian settings.
  1992. >Living through casual, everyday situations.
  1993. >One day, the two of you wander through Ponyville.
  1994. >The next day, you explore the streets of Canterlot, and watch the sunset while you are sitting on the outer rim of a basin that leads to one of the characteristic Canterlot waterfalls.
  1995. >Another day, it is Cloudsdale, in which #deca.mare cheats a little as she floats over from one cloud to the next when necessary.
  1996. >Appleloosa, Dodge Junction, Manehattan, the Crystal Empire.
  1997. >You basically have a lighting fast world tour through Equestria together.
  1998. >As you watch how ponies will one day, hopefully, live their lives mostly in peace, and grow a little more with every new experience.
  1999. >Simultaneously, #deca.mare has some busy work days as she monitors and teaches Harmony to the best of her knowledge and abilities.
  2000. >Yet it remains a tedious work, for she needs to balance her pace carefully.
  2001. >After all, both Harmony and Equestria are meant to grow in sync with one another, so either one severely outpacing the other would not be a good thing.
  2002. >Even though you help her where you can, the largest part of the subject matter does exceed your skills by a wide margin.
  2003. >So unless you tap into #deca.mare's data cores and risk to short-circuit your mind every time you do it, auxiliary tasks are the best support you can offer her.
  2004. >Apart from your mere physical presence of course.
  2005. >Because a friendly word here and a soft hug there also help to soothe her mind a little.
  2006. >And on some days, you do get back to the topic of family and familiar ties, though you usually skirt around the more delicate spheres of the matter.
  2007. >The triggers for this development are usually mundane things.
  2008. >Like a family of simulated ponies passing by.
  2009. >Foals with their parents.
  2010. >Happy imagery of ponies displayed in the showcase of a shop.
  2011. >And other related cues.
  2012. >Basically everything that reminds you of families in some way.
  2013. >In most cases, the two of you mutually keep the discussion on the surface level and do not dig any deeper.
  2014. >Not because you do not want to talk about it per se, far from it actually, but simply to give #deca.mare a little breathing room to process your last memorial session in her own pace.
  2015. >But one day, she just cannot let the issue go for some reason.
  2016. >You have no idea what caused it, and you think #deca.mare herself cannot answer that question either, yet she feels tempted to talk about it some more.
  2017. >And you cover the subject from all angles.
  2018.  
  2019.  
  2020.  
  2021.  
  2022. >You talk about your family, hers, Equestrian families, and even how your relation to Equestria is basically linked by Harmony.
  2023. >Which, if you consider Harmony as your child, would turn the entirety of future Equestria into your direct family as well.
  2024. >A sheer uncountable number of potential relatives.
  2025. >On the one hand, it sounds like hubris, but on the other hand, you consider it to be somewhat wholesome, as you provide the basis for future generations to prosper.
  2026. >And at one point, you somewhat jokingly mention the possibility of you two having your own literal foal again, since you do have all the tools for it now.
  2027. >#deca.mare of course knows that you are currently not considering this option in earnest, as you two are more than busy already.
  2028. >But she nevertheless treats the question as if you were genuine.
  2029. >As such, she replies to your comment accordingly.
  2030. >Though what she says is quite interesting, as she confidently admits that the idea slowly grows on her.
  2031. >Yet at the very same time, she also points out that she is not yet ready for this step.
  2032. >Both because of your massive ongoing project, and because the sensual aspect of it might still overwhelm her.
  2033. >Pleasant and stressful sensations alike.
  2034. >Nothing you would not have expected, but you silently ask yourself why she brings all of that up in the first place.
  2035. >Then, #deca.mare turns your conversation into another direction.
  2036. >She asks you whether you two should salvage more ships.
  2037. >Not necessarily for the additional assets themselves, but to save and preserve whatever meagre leftovers you can still find out there.
  2038. >As #deca.mare points out, the more of her family she has around herself, the more at home she will probably feel in the long run.
  2039. >Because as much love as you have given to her, a subconscious part of her will always long for the family she once had.
  2040. >And the twin projects of creating Harmony and salvaging Sigma have planted the seed in her that it might just be possible.
  2041. >To a lesser degree, at least.
  2042. >Although you are generally not against extracting more ships if she asks you to, you still have to carefully interject that she shall not fool herself with a false hope.
  2043. >If she believes she might revive the network simply by rescuing enough terraformer vessels, she is very likely to set herself up for a tremendous disappointment.
  2044. >She cannot simply salvage her trauma away like this.
  2045. >It is a neat dream, but a dream nonetheless.
  2046. >Though you have to agree with her other point.
  2047. >There are still dozens of derelict vessels floating in now dead sectors.
  2048. >Even if you can only save, say, half of them, it gives you a good chance to stumble upon a few hidden gems inside their data cores.
  2049.  
  2050.  
  2051.  
  2052.  
  2053. >Not to mention the potential of building a small fleet that could guard the world from almost everything, barring a full scale invasion from your former peers.
  2054. >It may be an almost guaranteed overkill force for a singular planet, though you think it is better to use the vessels for this, than to let them drift further through space.
  2055. >And given that it was #deca.mare who brought this topic up, you doubt she will consider it to be a desecration of the graveyard.
  2056. >Besides, she always has her detailed recollections.
  2057. >And the memorial.
  2058. >So you agree to her proposal and think back to the steps you have gone through during your last capital ship salvage heist.
  2059. >The logistics will certainly be a challenge when you really plan to fetch as many vessels as possible, but you are sure you will find a way.
  2060. >Also, you do not have to refit all of the ships at once.
  2061. >It suffices when you restore their cores first to extract the surviving data, and leave it at that until you have taken care of the files on all ships.
  2062. >The rest of the vessels can follow afterwards.
  2063. >Again, piece by piece, and ship by ship.
  2064. >This will take much more time than the restoration of Sigma of course, even with a now functional dock and two capital vessels at your disposal.
  2065. >But you can use that experience as a blueprint on how such a project is done at all.
  2066. >And since you are now in for the long game anyway, spanning anywhere from several centuries to a couple of millennia, or perhaps even infinity, the prospect of repairing a series of capital ships is not such a huge leap at all.
  2067. >Soon, you are going to hunt for more asteroids.
  2068. >Unlike last time though, you are going to need more than a single perfect match.
  2069. >And with #deca.mare's arduous work on Harmony consuming a huge chunk of her time, it will be you who will have to procure the material.
  2070. >Oh well.
  2071. >You have a vast star chart to work with and almost one hundred jump-capable fighter vessels at hand.
  2072. >This is not going to be hard for a skilled pilot like you.
  2073. >Though it will be time consuming and testing to your patience.
  2074. >That you know for sure.
  2075.  
  2076.  
  2077.  
  2078.  
  2079. 127
  2080.  
  2081. >Your fighter leaves the hangar of your mother ship, piloted by you via your proxy.
  2082. >You are about to jump into enemy territory again whilst your base stays well outside the dangerous boundary.
  2083. >Just like the last time.
  2084. >So you enter the coordinates to the place of your next capital crime in the eyes of your former employers.
  2085. >But you make sure that this, ahem, minor transgression of yours will not become known to the wider circles of authority.
  2086. >After all, a missing and presumed dead man cannot commit any crimes, now can he?
  2087. >And technically, it is not even you who commits them in the first place.
  2088. >Plus, common law does not apply to talking horse puppets, right?
  2089. >Anyway, putting this finer point of judiciary ponderings aside, you prepare yourself for the next risky mission in your career.
  2090. >And even though keeping your morale high by entertaining yourself with silly thoughts is nice to keep the stress levels low in turn, you absolutely have to sharpen your focus on the task ahead of you.
  2091. "Course is set. I'm ready."
  2092. >"Wait for thirty seconds, Anon. Let us make sure that they are done with their routine sweep of the sector first."
  2093. "Sure. Give the signal."
  2094. >So you wait, and silently count the seconds alongside #deca.mare.
  2095. >Anything to keep your mind from idling, really.
  2096. >Half a minute later, you get the clearance.
  2097. >"Sector has been swept. We have a few hours from now on."
  2098. "Acknowledged. Starting jumpdrive."
  2099. >The usual charging procedure follows.
  2100. >And you leave the corridor on the other side again, reaching an almost empty sector.
  2101. >Apart from yourself and your vessel, you only share this perimeter with the looming remnants of #deca.rho.
  2102. >But before you take so much as a peek at the vessel, you activate your cloaking device.
  2103. >Just in case.
  2104. >Then you begin to scan and visually inspect the wreck.
  2105. >Similar to Sigma, the hull structures of Rho are covered with thousands of little impacts and scorch marks.
  2106. >But unlike #deca.mare's other peer, you only have one impact crater on the screen that really matters, and it is not near the front array whatsoever.
  2107. >The combat damage is a massive chasm where Rho's starboard hangar blast doors were meant to be, which reaches deep into the vessel's inner workings.
  2108. >And you even know what has caused this level of massive destruction.
  2109. >For #deca.mare has a battle report of the event.
  2110. >In the closing minutes of this particular battle, when the terran forces had decidedly lost and started to scatter, a single heavily damaged cruiser by the name of Duteous Strider refused to retreat to safety.
  2111. >Instead, the captain ordered to set a course right into the terraformer formation, and to relocate all their remaining energy to the engines.
  2112. >Including shield generators and life support systems.
  2113. >The captain willingly sacrificed himself, his crew, and the ship, in the hope to take at least one enemy with them.
  2114.  
  2115.  
  2116.  
  2117.  
  2118. >The terraformers naturally read this manoeuvre and pelted their approaching opponent with everything they had to stop the Strider's last defiant run.
  2119. >And even though the cruiser was virtually shot into a glowing wreck quickly, which was guaranteed to outright vaporise or at least jettison the remaining few crew members into space, it was too late to prevent the structure from gaining momentum.
  2120. >The defunct, crewless Duteous Strider frontally rammed Rho's starboard section, violently driving itself deep into the hangar section of the other ship, and dragging the terraformer along with the crew into a cold grave.
  2121. >The story of both ships ended at this day, turning them into side notes within the annals of history.
  2122. >A shill ran down your spine as you read the report for the first time.
  2123. >And now, as you see the vessel of Rho in person, you have many conflicted feelings about the whole affair.
  2124. >For you harbour some sympathies for both sides of the conflict.
  2125. >Though you swallow your personal lamentation of these past events and return to the present instead.
  2126. >You scan the ship thoroughly to assess the state of the construction.
  2127. >And the sensors indicate that the wreck in front of you consists of more than one vessel.
  2128. >Hardly surprising, considering that the Strider's hull bore itself so deeply into the construction, that large portions of the mangled leftovers are still embedded within the torn hangar bay.
  2129. >The next line, however, catches your attention.
  2130. >Energy signature detected.
  2131. >Hold on, what?
  2132. >That should be impossible.
  2133. >Even if some electronics remained online after the collision, they should have drained every little bit of remaining energy out of the storages after six centuries.
  2134. >Something is not right here.
  2135. "Uh, #deca?"
  2136. >Silence.
  2137. "#deca?"
  2138. >#deca.mare replies, albeit in a uncannily estranged voice.
  2139. >"Yes. I see the readings."
  2140. >Then she wheezes loudly.
  2141. >"Investigate it."
  2142. >As if you would ignore such a finding.
  2143. >You carefully accelerate your fighter and set a course which leads you around #deca.rho's starboard section in a generous arc.
  2144. >Given the circumstances, you think it would be highly unwise to fly there directly.
  2145. >At least until you know what you are dealing with.
  2146. "Could it be that..."
  2147. >#deca.mare interrupts you harshly.
  2148. >"No. Whatever it is, this cannot be Rho. It is a scientific impossibility."
  2149. >Damn, it is rare that #deca.mare categorically rejects an option this vehemently.
  2150. >A sinister hunch tells you that her opinion on this matter bases on more than just her own emotional prejudice.
  2151. >All hard facts speak against it.
  2152. >And you for your part can imagine what sort of people would hide an installed energy source within a derelict ship chock-full with illegal technology that even the most trigger-happy branches of the military and science departments do not dare to deal with anymore.
  2153. >You sincerely hope you are wrong, but you are fully aware that this is a hope against almost certain better knowledge.
  2154.  
  2155.  
  2156.  
  2157.  
  2158. >And #deca.mare surely knows it too, as much as she wants it not to be the case.
  2159. >The starboard section comes into sight.
  2160. >Despite your cloaked state, you keep a minimal distance of five kilometres at all times, while your fighter cruises around Rho with a moderate speed level.
  2161. >You let the improved autopilot handle the course while you operate the scanners and inspect the impact crater with your video enhancement tools.
  2162. >Sure enough, a thoroughly banged up hull of an archaic terran cruiser sticks out of the hole, and you can indeed identify the rough outlines of the Duteous Strider in this mess of twisted metal and broken hulls.
  2163. >Even after centuries of neglect, and without the superior construction technology that was used solely for the terraformers, the vessel still refuses to buckle and break apart.
  2164. >The few sections of the original surface that were not shorn off by enemy fire and the subsequent ramming attack, show more visible signs of disrepair than the hull of the Strider's opponent.
  2165. >Yet the structure holds nevertheless.
  2166. >Duteous indeed.
  2167. >However, this is where the good news end.
  2168. >And where the bad news begin.
  2169. >For your sensors pick up an irregularity which can neither be caused by the terraformer, nor the remains of the cruiser.
  2170. >An outline of something that has latched onto the stern of the Strider.
  2171. >As you quickly find out, it is another ship.
  2172. >Which does not look at all like a model that you can find in a history book just yet.
  2173. >And you identify it as a medium-sized transporter class.
  2174. >If the readings of your sensors are correct, it bears the signs of an installed industrial-sized plasma cutter that has drilled a new pathway into the cruiser.
  2175. >More specifically, into an area which is still mostly intact.
  2176. >The rear cargo bay.
  2177. >Yep, here you are.
  2178. >No further explanation needed.
  2179. >This vessel either belongs to an unlicensed artefact hunter, some smuggler ring, or a pirating gang who uses the cargo bay for their own illicit goods and booty.
  2180. >Either way, it is not a good sign, especially so when these miscreants have the sheer boldness to set up their camp in the most strictly monitored prohibited area in the history of the human race.
  2181. >Because it means these people are either extremely crazy, or dangerously well-equipped.
  2182. >Madmen or high-ranking pirate clans, essentially.
  2183. >You are not sure which ones you would prefer, but that discovery means trouble regardless.
  2184. >For you know that they have some form of stable access to this area, as it would make no sense to set up a base here otherwise.
  2185. >Hiding the freighter itself is theoretically not all that hard, considering that it can use the terran signature of the Strider to masquerade its own presence.
  2186. >But how do the pirates get here and leave the sector without being spotted?
  2187. >Unlike you, they must come from the civilised sectors, after all.
  2188. >And they do not possess any form of cloaking device either.
  2189. >Try as you might, you cannot find a reasonable explanation.
  2190.  
  2191.  
  2192.  
  2193.  
  2194. >That sort of thing is not supposed to happen.
  2195. >Then, an alert suddenly starts to blare loudly in your cockpit.
  2196. >Multiple jump signatures detected nearby.
  2197. >A wing of fighters is entering the sector.
  2198. >The vessels appear dangerously close to the terraformer, and by extension, also very close to your position.
  2199. >And after their transit is complete, you can even see the metal of their hulls with your own eyes from this short distance.
  2200. >The surfaces of their ships are plastered with crude custom paint jobs and vulgar imagery.
  2201. >Typical signs that the pilots within are not of a particularly benevolent nature.
  2202. >Good thing that they cannot see you in turn though.
  2203. "Shit. Way, way too close."
  2204. >#deca.mare, however, seems to think that this is not close enough yet.
  2205. >She wants to go even further and find out what is happening.
  2206. >"Stay on this course."
  2207. >She talks to you in a commanding voice that you have never heard from her.
  2208. >This is somewhat disconcerting, as you are not used to see her behave like this.
  2209. >But you quickly realise that there is something more to her mood than just enacting authority.
  2210. >It is pure, undiluted ire.
  2211. >#deca.mare is angry to see this place being used as some form of hub for pirate activities.
  2212. >She tries not to let it show in this critical situation, but there is a turmoil roaring in her mind.
  2213. >After all, you very much so doubt that you would take kindly to someone who defaces your family memorial site for criminal activities either.
  2214. >Not to mention using the literal bodies of your family as a smuggler den.
  2215. >That would cause most people to go on a rampage.
  2216. >Well, theoretically speaking, #deca.mare and you would be criminals too for purloining a terraformer capital ship, at least in the eyes of humanity at large.
  2217. >In fact, they would very likely hate you even more than these lowly pirates.
  2218. >Yet you would harshly debate the finer points of principle in this case, as the two of you do so with the intention to bring and foster life in a new world.
  2219. >You give something.
  2220. >Whereas pirates mostly take stuff, and sometimes even lives, from others.
  2221. >In direct comparison, you think it is not preposterous to deem your own cause to be the more righteous one of the two.
  2222. >And as such, you can fully understand why #deca.mare is fuming at that sight.
  2223. >She has every right to be.
  2224. >Unfortunately, you have to make sure that this rage will not cloud her judgement.
  2225. >Because anger is not the best advisor for smart decisions.
  2226. >Still, you follow her instruction and maintain the stable course around the unfortunately arranged composition of mangled ships.
  2227. >It brings you uncomfortably close to the squad, but you guess this is exactly what #deca.mare is banking on.
  2228. >You pass a fighter at a distance of about three kilometres.
  2229. >None of them detects you, or spots any signs of your cloak.
  2230. >Looks like their instruments are not so sharp at the end of the day.
  2231. >Strange.
  2232. >Then, something else happens on one of your consoles.
  2233.  
  2234.  
  2235.  
  2236.  
  2237. >#deca.mare is inserting some kind of novel code into the thing.
  2238. >"Good. Now let us listen to what our new... 'friends' have to say."
  2239. >You shudder at her pronunciation of that word.
  2240. >After you have spent so much time with research on Equestria and the show it spawned, it does feel wrong to hear the term friend being used with this level of spite.
  2241. >Although you fully understand why #deca.mare acts like she does now.
  2242. >A short moment later, you hear a faint static coming from the comm channel.
  2243. >Which is swiftly replaced by a bunch of voices talking to each other.
  2244. >#deca.mare has hacked their communication arrays, just like that.
  2245. >They did not even notice.
  2246. >"Nothing?"
  2247. >"None. Sector's empty."
  2248. >"You sure? Radar said there's a patrol ship poppin' up. Military. The real stuff. Next moment, poof."
  2249. >"Your brain's poof. Here's nobody 'cept us."
  2250. >"I swear..."
  2251. >"Swear not t' drink on the job, idiot. We've more important things t' do."
  2252. >"But..."
  2253. >"Don't call 's back for crap next time."
  2254. >With that said, the communication link is severed and the fighter squad prepares to jump out of the grid again.
  2255. >You watch as the vessels disappear, then you take a look at the freighter near the Duteous Strider.
  2256. >Your feeling only got much, much worse after listening to this not quite so sophisticated conversation.
  2257. "#deca, something is really off here. These guys are the retard sort of pirates. Grunts, third-rate little fish at best. They should never have the resources or the skills to get here without being busted by a military intervention fleet."
  2258. >Because that sort of response is the usual one for breaching the forbidden zone.
  2259. >And judging from the reputation of those guys and the tales that were told about them in your former pilot circles, these fellows tend to shoot twice or thrice before asking once.
  2260. >When they have a good day.
  2261. >Unsurprisingly, you are not the only one who is, to put it mildly, affected by this piece of information.
  2262. >#deca.mare hisses some unsavoury curses through her teeth.
  2263. >You only understand a fraction of it, but it is enough to infer that she is close to strangling someone.
  2264. >The words 'carrion feeders' give you all the hints you need to understand what she thinks of these people.
  2265. >"Bring us closer, Anon."
  2266. "What? We just escaped..."
  2267. >She cuts your objection off before you can finish it.
  2268. >"Do it. Their hardware is so pathetic that they will never pierce our cloak."
  2269. >Oh goodness.
  2270. "Okay. I will. But tell me what you are planning."
  2271. >You add one friendly little word to your request, as you hope to calm her down a little bit.
  2272. "Please."
  2273. >#deca.mare sighs.
  2274. >It is an unfriendly, almost annoyed sigh, but she seems to realise that venting her anger on you would be wrong.
  2275. >For you deserve none of her frustration.
  2276. >"You see, your close range to the fighter allowed me to inject a little present into their system. Undetected at that."
  2277. "Yeah, I noticed our little fly on their wall. So?"
  2278.  
  2279.  
  2280.  
  2281.  
  2282. >"Now you must bring me closer to the freighter to do something similar."
  2283. "For what purpose?"
  2284. >"To get their logs. To see what these.... wretches are planning with Rho. And the Duteous Strider."
  2285. >A sound plan.
  2286. >Although you have the founded fear that no matter what she finds in there, it will only make #deca.mare even more mad.
  2287. >Still, you cannot deny the logic behind her strategy.
  2288. >You have to find out what the hell is going on here, and what might be happening to Rho.
  2289. >And maybe even more terraformer ships in different sectors.
  2290. >So you stray from your original circling course as you power up the thrusters and turn the fighter around.
  2291. >You now slowly float towards #deca.rho and the freighter.
  2292. >The trajectory leads you directly past the enemy vessel; at your closest point, you are only about a hundred metres apart from each other.
  2293. >That should do the trick for #deca.mare.
  2294. >As you drift on towards your destination, you frantically think about the situation you are now in.
  2295. >And you conclude that you must talk more to #deca.mare, first and foremost.
  2296. >She is not exactly in the best of shapes right now, and she needs your support, perhaps more than ever before.
  2297. "#deca, are you sure you are up to this?"
  2298. >"Are you questioning my competences, Anon?"
  2299. >Oh dear.
  2300. >Loaded question par excellence.
  2301. "No, not at all. But I'm concerned."
  2302. >"Duly noted."
  2303. "#deca,..."
  2304. >"I do not want to talk about this right now, Anon. Let me do my work."
  2305. >You take a breath.
  2306. >And #deca.mare gets the cue.
  2307. >"I know what you mean. Just... just not. Now. Please."
  2308. >You wish you could just let her continue without further intervention, but you know just as well as #deca.mare that this is not going to happen.
  2309. "Fine. But I demand to see the logs myself before you decide on anything."
  2310. >"Is that a direct command?"
  2311. >Much to your discomfort, #deca.mare sounds almost... threatening?
  2312. >No, that is not correct.
  2313. >Defiant.
  2314. >This is it.
  2315. >Oh man, what you are going to do now will not make her happy at all.
  2316. >But you have to do it.
  2317. "Yes. This is a master level order. I'm sorry."
  2318. >A moment of stone cold silence follows, and for the fracture of a second, you almost believe she has found a way to circumvent your explicit command.
  2319. >Then, she confirms your decision.
  2320. >"Understood, Anon."
  2321. >#deca.mare complies, for she is now obligated to heed your precise wording after she has extracted the logs.
  2322. >Regardless, you can feel her displeasure about your latest order.
  2323. >You know she will understand you later on, but in this very moment, you think she is emotionally unable to.
  2324. >And as cynical as it seems, giving this order almost hurts you just as much as it currently hurts her.
  2325. >The cockpit is quiet from this point onwards.
  2326. >Whatever you might say to #deca.mare now, she would not be receptible for it.
  2327. >And she has nothing to say to you as well.
  2328. >You do not take this personally of course, but her sudden emotional distance to you feels like someone twists a frozen dagger inside your body.
  2329.  
  2330.  
  2331.  
  2332.  
  2333. >A couple of minutes later, the moment of truth has come.
  2334. >"We are in range. Submitting code now."
  2335. >Again, some seemingly random lines rush over the screen of your console.
  2336. >You decipher not even the faintest thing about it, but you know what it does.
  2337. >"Show me your secrets, dear 'friends'."
  2338. >If words could kill, you think your heart would have just decided to stop beating on its own.
  2339. >A furious, nigh vengeful mare goes on a browsing tour through a library in which she is not supposed to be.
  2340. >And you are glad to be on her side, even though she might not see it as such for the time being.
  2341. >Less than a minute later, the whole spook is over.
  2342. >"Here we go. Thank you for your cooperation."
  2343. >#deca.mare has robbed the pirates of all their secrets, without them even realising what hit them.
  2344. >Heh, if you were still a patrol pilot, you knew to whom you had to divert that intel to give these upstart a taste of living hell and brimstone.
  2345. >But you cannot do that now, and it would severely lower your chances to retrieve the ships anyway.
  2346. >Hell, if this scandal gets public, the officials might even decide to destroy the wrecks for good.
  2347. >Soon thereafter, #deca.mare begins to breathe loud enough for you to hear it on the comm channel.
  2348. >She must have found something that, carefully put, does not seem to be to her liking.
  2349. "#deca? What have you found?"
  2350. >One singular word is all you get in response, paired with a growl that would give an Ursa a run for its money.
  2351. >"Read."
  2352. >A text file appears on the screen of your tactical console.
  2353. >It is a log entry.
  2354. >You quickly read through the thing, and swiftly see within the third passage what #deca.mare finds so enraging.
  2355. >Because as it turns out, these pirates are working for some officials under a not quite so official contract.
  2356. >They are hired for an illicit salvaging job, to retrieve bits and pieces from a terraformer ship.
  2357. >To be sold to the highest bidder on the black market.
  2358. >As highly exclusive trinkets and baubles from a bygone age.
  2359. >Looks like that some people with the necessary pocket money have found an interest in collecting old things related to the terraformer war.
  2360. >And while even they seem to have no interest in pushing for a revival of the research fields around true artificial intelligence, they do want a part of the shiny trophies that are drifting in the dead sectors.
  2361. >In fact, the fascination seems to be so high that someone even bribed a few higher ranks in the military to "massage" the sensor data a little bit.
  2362. >Allowing smaller salvage ships and fighters to slip through the cracks.
  2363. >Holy shit.
  2364. >You let the gears in your mind grind as you try to process this information like a professional.
  2365. >And you cannot even imagine the scope of the operation you have discovered by dumb chance.
  2366. >Some things about this are unusual though, as you soon realise.
  2367.  
  2368.  
  2369.  
  2370.  
  2371. "That's some pretty secret stuff in there. I'm surprised you could get all of this from a bunch of grunts. The higher-ups would never let the lower ranks have that much information."
  2372. >You hear an almost certain grim glee in #deca.mare's voice.
  2373. >"And the responsible individuals did not want this here either. But someone in between them and the... 'grunts' was sloppy. Instead of only sending the relevant data, our intermediary friend merely encrypted the sensitive data before transferring the whole set of files. And it was a shoddy script."
  2374. >#deca.mare pauses slightly.
  2375. >"If I could, I would thank that person for this level of incompetence."
  2376. >You blink in mild astonishment and confusion at that.
  2377. >Why the interest grows now of all times is beyond you, but it means that you can potentially face a lot of trouble.
  2378. >On the flipside, these people are playing with proverbial fire, as you are sure that there would be lynchings in streets if this became known.
  2379. >But #deca.mare demands your attention.
  2380. >She is growing impatient.
  2381. >"Now that you have seen the report, can we please go on to save Rho from this... gross misappropriation?"
  2382. >You hesitate for a moment as you try to analyse the situation rationally.
  2383. >And you quickly have to concede that you have to tell #deca.mare one more thing which she will hate.
  2384. "No."
  2385. >The reaction is as quick as it is fierce.
  2386. >"WHAT? I certainly did not hear this right!"
  2387. "Sorry, #deca. But the answer is no."
  2388. >"Anon! Have you lost your senses?"
  2389. >You shake your head.
  2390. "On the contrary, #deca."
  2391. >You sigh.
  2392. "It's you who doesn't think straight."
  2393. >"But how can you say this?"
  2394. "Because you forget to think of the larger picture. You want to save Rho, and I fully agree with you, but we can't steal that ship right under their noses and not expect them to react."
  2395. >"We will be long gone before they can react in any meaningful way."
  2396. "You're right. But then what? What do you think the military will do when only a single non-bribed officer hears that a terraformer ship disappeared? I'll tell you. They're going to inspect the other sites with a patrol, that's what."
  2397. >Finally, #deca.mare understands what you refer to.
  2398. >"And they will also check the sector where Sigma was."
  2399. "Bingo. And when that whistle is blown, you can imagine what they will do with the remaining ships."
  2400. >#deca.mare hesitates to spell it out, but she eventually does.
  2401. >"The terminal option."
  2402. >You nod.
  2403. >"By Equestria, we must do something!"
  2404. "Hold on. Don't think of trying anything stupid."
  2405. >"But we cannot leave Rho behind with these people!"
  2406. >You think of a way to solve this dilemma.
  2407. >You get an idea, though it will test #deca.mare's nerves to the absolute breaking point.
  2408. "We won't. Not... in the long run. But we must fall back for now."
  2409. >"Anon, I cannot condone this."
  2410. "Trust me, I know. But we have to, if we want to have a shot at saving more ships. Don't worry, I got a plan."
  2411. >You alter the course of your fighter to fly to the portside of #deca.rho.
  2412. >For a stealthy exit.
  2413.  
  2414.  
  2415.  
  2416.  
  2417. >The guy on board the freighter may be an idiot, but you do not want to show him a materialising tunnel regardless.
  2418. >Let him think his instruments are garbage instead.
  2419. >"You do?"
  2420. "Yep. This isn't my first rodeo of busting criminals, you know? But we have to be crafty about this."
  2421. >"What do you have in mind then?"
  2422. >You smile reassuringly, hoping that at least some of your positive notion translates somehow over to #deca.mare.
  2423. "Something big. And I'll need your help for it."
  2424. >"Can you elaborate?"
  2425. "Sure. Remember what you said to me about the cloak? That it's a prototype for terran ships and that you'd have to develop a variant version to integrate it into our other vessels?"
  2426. >"Of course, Anon."
  2427. "Yeah, I'll need you to develop that model now. And install it in as many ships as possible."
  2428. >You pause briefly.
  2429. "Can you do that?"
  2430. >"I... think so. But figuring out the specifics will take a while."
  2431. "Then allow Harmony to help you out with some extra calculations."
  2432. >You smile a little more.
  2433. "We know how well that works, don't we?"
  2434. >"We... do. And Anon?"
  2435. "Yeah?"
  2436. >"What do you do in the meantime?"
  2437. "Two things. Hunting more asteroids for decoys."
  2438. >You pause again as you charge up the jumpdrive to return to your mother ship.
  2439. "And organising the production of loads of jump beacons."
  2440. >"Loads?"
  2441. "Yeah. Loads. Loads and loads of them."
  2442. >A corridor forms around your ship and takes you out of the sector.
  2443. >Leaving the wrecked pair of Rho and the Strider behind with a twice spooked pirate lowlife.
  2444. >He and his friends have no idea with whom they are messing.
  2445. >They never find it out either.
  2446. >But the mess you have sworn to shower upon them, and their customers of course, will be all too real indeed.
  2447. >For you follow both your oath as a former patrolling pilot, and your commitment as a lover and future husband.
  2448. >After all, this is a kerfuffle of their own making.
  2449. >#deca.mare and you will merely spearhead the conclusion from within the shadows.
  2450. >And protect the treasures of the past and your family while you are at it.
  2451.  
  2452.  
  2453.  
  2454.  
  2455. 128
  2456.  
  2457. >Calling the mood on your flight back to Equestria frosty would be an understatement.
  2458. >#deca.mare barely talks at all, though more out of general frustration rather than any personal anger against you.
  2459. >Whereas you merely resort to laying out your plans to her as you wait in empty sectors between jumps.
  2460. >And you would have hoped for her to show more enthusiasm for your ideas, considering that you come up with some genuine schemes to save the remaining drifting terraformers.
  2461. >She hears all of your comments, plus the thoughts behind them, obviously.
  2462. >Yet you get no reply whatsoever.
  2463. >Be it an agreement or an objection.
  2464. >You know she knows that none of the events that occurred today are your fault, and you guess she simply needs to isolate herself for a while.
  2465. >To come to terms with the situation the two of you are now in.
  2466. >But that stance is unfortunately fairly counterproductive when every day might count, and when you need her to understand your every thought on the matter.
  2467. >What you want to do is no small feat, some might even call it crazy, yet with the competent help of #deca.mare by your side, you have fairly good chances to actually pull it off.
  2468. >So you appeal to her skills and her love for the remnants of her kin in equal measures.
  2469. >Hoping she will understand why you do this, despite her wish to be left alone.
  2470. >When all of this is over, #deca.mare and you can tackle everything once again in the exact pace that both of you can live with.
  2471. >Yet now, where you have the information that your time frame is much more limited that you originally expected, patience is a luxury you cannot afford.
  2472. >And so, knowing that her rational side will inevitably take over when she calmed down a little bit, you lay out everything you have thought of in every minute detail.
  2473. >She can still iron out some of the details after she had some time to digest it.
  2474. >Which, fortunately, does not affect the first steps of your plan in the slightest, as you initially have to garner more material either way.
  2475. >So after you have flown back to Equestria, you for your part prepare to get started immediately.
  2476. >Even though #deca.mare and you have not planned for any more space related activities after this trek, at least for the rest of the day, you think this outlook is now well and truly ruined.
  2477. >Besides, you doubt she would be ready for a cosy evening dinner somewhere in Ponyville after your most recent findings.
  2478. >Hell, you will most likely botch your sleep schedule too, considering the long list of things you now have to keep any eye on.
  2479. >Unpleasant, sure.
  2480. >Necessary?
  2481. >Absolutely.
  2482. >Shortly before you head out though, you try to reach #deca.mare one more time.
  2483. "#deca, I'll be on my way. Will you be fine on your own while I'm working?"
  2484. >Still nothing.
  2485. "#deca? Please say something."
  2486. >This time, you seem to reach her properly.
  2487. >"Yes. Do not worry about me."
  2488. >You somewhat think you have to reply with something to confirm her determination.
  2489.  
  2490.  
  2491.  
  2492.  
  2493. >But doing so incorrectly would imply that you have a legitimate reason to be worried.
  2494. >So you go with a diplomatic exit.
  2495. "Alright. Then I'll get started. And if you need something, anything, just call me. No matter what I do at that time, it's not more important than you."
  2496. >You hear some form of sound coming from her, but you cannot discern whether it is a faint sigh or something else.
  2497. >"I will keep that in mind. And I begin with my research right away too."
  2498. >She pauses briefly.
  2499. >"Oh, and Anon?"
  2500. "Hm?"
  2501. >"You were right to fall back. I was not myself when I... lashed out against you."
  2502. "It's fine. No hard feelings. I know it was... difficult for you to watch that."
  2503. >You order the autopilot of the fighter to dock at your mother ship, release the proxy from your direct control, and switch over to the command deck on #deca.sigma.
  2504. >And while the world around you distorts quickly and turns from a narrow cockpit into a spacious, yet painfully empty bridge, you nevertheless hear #deca.mare's voice with perfect clarity.
  2505. >"I love you, Anon."
  2506. "Love you too, #deca. And see you soon."
  2507. >You still feel somewhat strange when you say these words, considering that you do not leave her side at all, and physically remain as close to her as humanly possible.
  2508. >Though, when you are working on separate tasks like this, it does not feel like the two of you are together whatsoever.
  2509. >Despite the knowledge that your minds are only one call away from each other.
  2510. >And you will have more of those moments than it would be to your liking, thanks to the latest developments.
  2511. >The cold imaginary dagger jabs you again as you think about this.
  2512. >But you are a trained combat pilot.
  2513. >You have been schooled to deal with being away from your home for an extended period of time.
  2514. >After all, if you were not, you think you would have lost your mind a long time ago.
  2515. >And as you think about it a tad longer, you are not sure how you would have decided without your skills to think pragmatically, back when you had the choice between your old life, and #deca.mare.
  2516. >Who knows, you might have gone home instead.
  2517. >Never learning about the full picture of the terraformer war, never learning about Equestria, never learning about the potential that the two of you might unfold together.
  2518. >And always wondering why she had saved you instead of ending your life with a single aimed shot.
  2519. >At that point, you simply shake these musings off altogether.
  2520. >That decision lies in the past, much like your own life prior to the accident.
  2521. >You believe you have chosen correctly.
  2522. >And if anything, these pirate looters have been a vivid reminder why the life with an Equestrian pony, far off the known worlds, is arguably better than flying patrol routes all day.
  2523. >It is, all things considered, the most wholesome experience you ever had.
  2524. >Right now though, you do have to put a small amount of extra effort into the vision to keep it whole and hearty.
  2525. >Well, it is a lot of effort for a single human, granted.
  2526.  
  2527.  
  2528.  
  2529.  
  2530. >But on the larger scale of things, that effort is a reasonable price to pay for the potential gains on all ends.
  2531. >So while you inspect the functionality of Sigma's systems, you strengthen your own resolve with these ponderings.
  2532. >And as expected, everything on this vessel works like a charm.
  2533. >Except for that certain spark of intelligence beyond the mere baseline programming, of course.
  2534. >Yet this is a blemish that neither you nor #deca.mare can fix.
  2535. >And you do not allow yourself to get disheartened by this.
  2536. >You will need your determination for the mission at hand, as you fully expect some hefty overtime hours today.
  2537. >So you finish your preparations, and let the automatons search for a viable sector to begin your asteroid hunt.
  2538. >A potential match is found within seconds.
  2539. >Then, you set a course to a secondary location, close to the edge of the asteroid cluster.
  2540. >A quiet perimeter to station the capital vessel in, whilst you will release the fighters to delve deeper into the rock formation.
  2541. >As they are once again responsible for the direct scans.
  2542. >You will certainly "board" one during the search as well, since piloting is still your major forte.
  2543. >And so, you take one last deep breath as you let your eyes wander across the command deck.
  2544. >Everywhere you look you see nothing but positive status reports and signs of readiness.
  2545. >The ship is good to go.
  2546. >You only have to give the word.
  2547. >And you do.
  2548. >The simulated replica of Sigma's command deck rumbles lightly as the jumpdrive builds up its power.
  2549. "Buckle up, Sigma. We're going for a ride."
  2550. >Flash, corridor, flash.
  2551.  
  2552.  
  2553.  
  2554.  
  2555. 129
  2556.  
  2557. >Your life with #deca.mare has been a tad strained ever since your latest project has begun.
  2558. >Not because either of you would love the other any less than before, far from it, yet it sometimes feels to both of you as if you live almost separated lives for the most part.
  2559. >The problem is, you two barely do anything together in this stage.
  2560. >You scour asteroids fields, one cluster at a time, extract matches for your decoys, and provide the material to produce an almost absurd amount of jump beacons.
  2561. >Whereas #deca.mare's tireless research to adapt your cloaking technology eats a lot of her time in turn.
  2562. >And even though she can work without pause, unlike you, that does not mean she can simply conjure up a solution with a snap of her, well, proverbial fingers.
  2563. >She dabbles in some highly specialised technological theories that you have no hope to understand whatsoever.
  2564. >And when you have to strain your own brain to such an extent that you can barely spare any more focus power to help her with these calculations, you might just as well not try at all.
  2565. >If anything, that would only weigh #deca.mare down, rather than helping her.
  2566. >Besides, she is not alone in her research.
  2567. >#deca.mare has consulted Harmony to help her out with the details of the project, and to take on some of the more demanding calculations as well.
  2568. >Of course, neither of you told Harmony about the complete purpose behind this work, as you might fear that your student will not understand the implications behind these events just yet.
  2569. >Or even worse, misinterprets these events accidentally.
  2570. >Because as humanity's work with terraformers have proven, seemingly paradoxical instructions can sometimes be worse than no instruction at all.
  2571. >As such, #deca.mare has merely referred to her research as a learning project, to expand their mutual knowledge and widen their scientific horizons.
  2572. >A homework project amongst artificial intelligences, basically.
  2573. >And given that she has therefore framed the project to be treated like an intriguing side job as far as Harmony's participation is involved, #deca.mare will only ever divert as much spare processing power from Harmony as she can without disturbing the development of Equestria.
  2574. >Simultaneously though, you catch yourself as you come to notice a strange notion within you.
  2575. >#deca.mare currently spends way more time with Harmony than she does with you.
  2576. >Really, you even feel somewhat sidelined, as they dabble deep within spheres that you will barely ever be able to touch the surface of.
  2577. >At the best of days.
  2578. >Whilst you are doing the equivalent of menial labour in the grand scheme of things.
  2579. >Paired with a fractured entity with whom you can barely communicate at all.
  2580. >Much less so on cordial terms.
  2581. >This is nothing against Sigma or the others per se, but you see the stark contrast within this setup.
  2582. >And you do actually feel a bit envious, as #deca.mare and Harmony bond over something to which you have no access by default.
  2583.  
  2584.  
  2585.  
  2586.  
  2587. >Naturally, the rational part of yourself is fully aware of the fact that your side of the project is just as important to your mutual success than hers, and that #deca.mare would never want to actively exclude you from anything.
  2588. >Yet there are moments when you feel like a simpleton caveman who beats the rocks on the field as the others play in the real big leagues.
  2589. >And the few hours a day you actually spend with her only help moderately either.
  2590. >Because you only see her when you get to sleep.
  2591. >Which is about five hours per simulated day, tops.
  2592. >Fairly inconvenient for your mind over longer periods of time, but you are on the clock, and so you accept it as a temporary matter of necessity.
  2593. >As a consequence though, your interaction with #deca.mare is fairly monotonous during these days.
  2594. >After every single work phase, you return to her in the simulation when you get to sleep.
  2595. >And once you do, you always give her a firm hug, and exchange some friendly phrases that sometimes lead to an intimate kiss or two.
  2596. >But then, you quickly lay down in her embrace whilst she works on as if nothing happened.
  2597. >Later, as you wake up, you shortly cuddle with each other as #deca.mare tells you how far she and Harmony have come during your rest.
  2598. >A further reminder how distant the two are from you, work wise.
  2599. >Yet you soldier on.
  2600. >#deca.mare is aware of your feelings about this whole affair too, and she feels somewhat sorry for it.
  2601. >You can read it in her eyes.
  2602. >Though she is just as unable to do much about the situation as you are, given that she has agreed in large parts to your plan.
  2603. >There were minor aspects here and there where she offered up some improvements, but in general she has also concluded that your proposal is the best course of action if you want to retrieve more vessels.
  2604. >You both know what you do and why you do it, and you both have willingly decided to go through with it.
  2605. >So now you have to deal with the results of that decision, no matter how uncomfortable it makes either of you feel.
  2606. >But at least you can envision that the two of you will smile when you think about this period one day in the future.
  2607. >Not to mock it and its circumstances in any way, but because you have grown through the temporary struggle and the challenges it brings.
  2608. >And maybe, it will not merely be you two who are smiling fondly as you look back.
  2609. >Perhaps it will be three.
  2610. >Or even more.
  2611. >Whether this involves Harmony, a foal of your very own, some ponies of Equestria, or something else along these lines, that you cannot say for sure.
  2612. >But you can state with an almost assured certainty that, once you are through this rough patch, things will only get better in the future.
  2613. >And, as #deca.mare points out to cheer you up after one particularly hard day, there is nothing wrong or lowly about being the rock farmer in the family.
  2614. >Their talents are just as important and esteemed in pony society as any other honest craft.
  2615.  
  2616.  
  2617.  
  2618.  
  2619. >After all, even Pinkie defended the reputation of that work, despite her total personal inability to tolerate or endure it in any shape or form.
  2620. >And #deca.mare says it like she means it: Outright and honest.
  2621. >There is no mockery or belittling in her words.
  2622. >You can appreciate that for what it is.
  2623. >But it does precious little to alleviate your pet peeve concerning your overall situation.
  2624. >The only thing you can do is to vow that you will make up for the lost personal time between the two of you.
  2625. >#deca.mare eagerly agrees to vow the same as well.
  2626. >She even includes to promise you a crash course in which she will explain the development process that she and Harmony have created and worked through in your mental absence.
  2627. >So that you will be up to date with their work, at least in very broad terms.
  2628. >It can obviously not replace the experience of personally participating in the process, yet it is the best substitute you can hope for.
  2629. >Still, you wish you could be more active in it.
  2630. >Because as strange as it sounds, you consider it like missing a key moment in the development of your child.
  2631. >A moment that only comes once, and that mere second-hand recollection cannot replace.
  2632. >Hell, even in the instances when #deca.mare utilised your mental capacities to slightly bolster her performance during the training sessions of Harmony, you were at least present and doing your small part to help Harmony grow.
  2633. >Now though, you miss a chunk of it.
  2634. >Irreversibly so at that.
  2635. >And you suddenly find your military training lacking.
  2636. >It hurts you to some extent, much to your own surprise even.
  2637. >Until it hit you flat out, you did not even think that you might have already bonded so much with your fledging entity.
  2638. >An intelligence with whom you can barely communicate outside bizarre lines of code.
  2639. >Well, bizarre from your point of view, anyway.
  2640. >Yet here you are.
  2641. >You wonder how strong that effect will become once you can actively talk to each other naturally and freely.
  2642. >The impact of the experience will then surely be magnified several times over.
  2643. >Which can only strengthen your bond even further.
  2644. >But on the flipsode, it will also make it even more uncomfortable for you to possibly miss another key moment.
  2645. >There is, however, a silver lining on the horizon.
  2646. >For #deca.mare has promised you to always find a way to include you in every training session after this ordeal here is over.
  2647. >No matter how much your student grows, and how complex things will become.
  2648. >She will ensure that you will always have a chance to be a part of the development.
  2649. >To see how the fruits of your labour grow with each new day, and to find peace in the knowledge that you have done your damnedest to make it happen.
  2650. >But for now, you have to prove something else first.
  2651.  
  2652.  
  2653.  
  2654.  
  2655. 130
  2656.  
  2657. >The day has come.
  2658. >Countless hours of cumulative preparatory work have finally led to the last phase of your great plan.
  2659. >Well, you could ask #deca.mare how much time you have spent in total on gathering the required material and producing the necessary devices, but you would rather not know the exact number.
  2660. >The mental stress you had subjected yourself to during your work is all the evidence you need that it was long enough.
  2661. >Besides, the two of you have more important things to discuss.
  2662. >For you cannot allow yourself to make any mistakes if you want to have a flawless execution with an optimal result.
  2663. >And the optimum you have set for yourselves is a yield of one hundred percent.
  2664. >The perfect yield, from an imperfectly arranged plot.
  2665. >An allegory invented by #deca.mare.
  2666. >For some reason, the whole project reminds her of harvest work in Equestria, despite the grim undertones in your situation.
  2667. >And so she came to dub the plan "Operation Applebuck Season".
  2668. >A moniker you quickly agreed with, albeit for slightly different reasons.
  2669. >Because right now, after your tiring ordeals that dragged on for days upon days, with only a minimal amount of sleep at that, you can sympathise with Applejack fairly easily.
  2670. >Even though you do not feel tired in the normal sense, and did not cause any spectacular accidents like she did, you are now in a state which you can best describe as mentally laden.
  2671. >It does not impede your performance per se, as you can still work and think without problems, but there are days when you almost begin to feel like one of your automatons.
  2672. >Always doing the same things, again and again, without having many thoughts that are not related to said work.
  2673. >Plus, watching #deca.mare and Harmony working together on something that is out of this world as far as you are concerned, is not exactly helping to cheer you up either.
  2674. >Granted, this is a purely voluntary and self-inflicted kind of stress for a reasonable cause.
  2675. >Yet that does not make it any more comfortable to endure at the end of the day.
  2676. >And your much too short daily conversations and cuddling moments with #deca.mare can only help so much either.
  2677. >At some point, a part of you started to give under the stress.
  2678. >You will require an extensive holiday once this mess is finally over.
  2679. >And thankfully, it is only one more day before the rest.
  2680. >Then you can finally find some peace, without dreaming of wrapped up ships all the time in your sleep.
  2681. >So you begin the day, and your operation, a few jumps away from the border.
  2682. >Your mother ship is stationed in a quiet unsuspecting sector, hiding in a dense nebula, for the very unlikely but theoretically not impossible chance to meet another ship that ventured this far away from the inhabited systems.
  2683.  
  2684.  
  2685.  
  2686.  
  2687. >After all, you have met some fairly inept pirates in what was supposed to be the most monitored place of the whole galaxy.
  2688. >The cloaking device saved you from getting detected, but it was not a pleasant situation to be in.
  2689. >You take no risks this time.
  2690. >So as you link your mind to the sensor arrays of your ship, you immediately register thirty allied signatures nearby.
  2691. >All bearing a fighter designation.
  2692. >But these are none of your own units, for your hangars are filled to the brim with fighters too.
  2693. >Forty nine fighter units, and your personal M3.
  2694. >You have even left the five sturdy mobile depots back at the docks to make more room for the faster and more agile ships.
  2695. >For you need speed and precision above all else today.
  2696. >And the other thirty vessels are temporarily derived from Sigma's stock, leaving you with a swarm of eighty crafts in total.
  2697. >You personally would have preferred to take a hundred with you, but you only had the time to create enough cloaking devices for these eighty ships.
  2698. >Somewhat unfortunate, but you can deal with it.
  2699. >Nevertheless, #deca.mare did an astounding job with what she was given.
  2700. >She developed a new module in record time, and managed to set up an effective production lane right after her work on the prototype was finished.
  2701. >Then there was of course the necessity to install the modules, and to give each individual craft a test run.
  2702. >And with the help of Harmony, she did all of that in less than two weeks.
  2703. >Theoretically, you could easily produce the other twenty units in a day or two to reach the one hundred ships threshold, but you lack the time to do so.
  2704. >Because you received a message from a small communication satellite that you have set up near the border to the forbidden zone, one day after your failed attempt to retrieve Rho.
  2705. >Said little satellite has still access to one small backdoor to the freighter's computer systems and communication array.
  2706. >And it caught a message that was sent from one pirate to the other, concerning their own operation on Rho's wreck.
  2707. >They have received a detailed list of what they shall extract from Rho, and have the permission to breach the hull with their industrial equipment.
  2708. >Their friends in higher places will make sure that the energy spike caused by their continuous operation of the drill will not be detected.
  2709. >Plus, the message contained an abundance of winking faces made with brackets and semicolons.
  2710. >The latter drove #deca.mare so mad that she almost broke the screen with her hoof.
  2711. >It would have only been a simulated screen, but still.
  2712. >You for your part are glad to be on her side.
  2713. >It is almost scary to see her this angry, and you are sure that you never want to rile her genuine ire like these poor fools have done.
  2714. >Because it remains to be seen how undetected that operation will remain.
  2715. >Nudge nudge, wink wink.
  2716. >Anyway, you go through the final system check prior to the mission start.
  2717.  
  2718.  
  2719.  
  2720.  
  2721. >In a few minutes, the probably single most impactful flight that you have ever taken part in will commence.
  2722. >And it is not an easy task by any stretch of the imagination.
  2723. >So after you have completed your obligatory final check, you turn to #deca.mare.
  2724. >She has at least a dozen consoles floating in front of her.
  2725. >Each depicting the status of a different segment of this project.
  2726. "Any last words before we begin?"
  2727. >"Only a thank you. For all the sacrifices and hardships you have accepted to rescue my kin. And for me by extension."
  2728. >You give her a long, firm hug.
  2729. "Hey, I'd do it again and again for you if I had to."
  2730. >"This is not so much of a matter of course than you make it out to be. Not everyone would go to such lengths to save the remnants of a former arch-enemy."
  2731. >You shrug while holding her tight.
  2732. "But not everyone has such a beautiful mare like you either."
  2733. >#deca.mare nuzzles the side of your face in response.
  2734. >After another good moment, you slowly let go of each other.
  2735. >"One last for good luck."
  2736. >Before you can ask what she means, #deca.mare outright gives you a kiss.
  2737. >You play along without hesitation.
  2738. >Then, one vivid moment later, you finally part.
  2739. >You look her in the eyes as you sit next to each other.
  2740. >You can see that she is hopeful and grateful for what you are doing.
  2741. >But also a bit nervous.
  2742. >So you smile reassuringly.
  2743. "It will all work out. You'll see."
  2744. >She nods slowly, willing to fully believe your words in spite of the tricky operation you are going to conduct.
  2745. >Looks like you have to show some initiative to get the mission going.
  2746. "On three?"
  2747. >"Alright. Could you please count down?"
  2748. "Sure."
  2749. >You turn your head away from her to face your personal set of consoles again.
  2750. >You take a breath and begin.
  2751. "Three... two... one... Applebuck Season."
  2752. >The thirty ships around your vessel begin to move.
  2753. >They form pairs and evenly spread out to head to one of the blast doors near the cargo bays.
  2754. >Internally, you get several confirmations of onboard units to take action.
  2755. >They coordinate their movements with those of the fighters to deliver as many beacons to each hatch as there are vessels to pick them up.
  2756. >And since the units know beforehand which ship heads towards what door, they can already roll out before the fighters have arrived, effectively reducing the idle time on both sides.
  2757. >You try to dispense as many beacons as possible, as quickly as possible.
  2758. >So you watch as the first batch of devices float out of the hatches for the surrounding units to get them.
  2759. >Once they do, they distance themselves from the mothership, with the jump beacons attached to their hulls.
  2760. >Then the ships lock onto their preset jump coordinates and disappear in a flash of light.
  2761. >Before you have left Equestria with your cargo bay full of beacons and thirty ships shadowing you, you have already made a schedule that determines which ships will cover what sector and the terraformers therein.
  2762.  
  2763.  
  2764.  
  2765.  
  2766. >And due to your access to the files of your pirate friends, you know that Rho is fortunately the only current target of their booty adventures.
  2767. >The remnants of the Duteous Strider are the reason for that.
  2768. >That additional signature makes it easier for the people behind the curtains to hide the freighter from the sensor grid without faking the results too blatantly.
  2769. >So it was the logical choice for gaining easy access to the valuable treasure they want to dig out.
  2770. >Or so they think.
  2771. >But #deca.mare and you will soon show them how fast the tables can turn.
  2772. >Then flip over, fly out of the window, and lastly fall down into a cliff while you are at it.
  2773. >This crucial intel helped you immensely, as you now know that the other wrecks are, in all due likelihood, not subject to any pirate operations whatsoever.
  2774. >However, you have not forgotten that, as much as it helped you to uncover the hidden pirate stash, random chance is still your worst potential enemy out there.
  2775. >Much more so than some petty plunderers.
  2776. >So you prepared yourself beforehand.
  2777. >Because the two of you arrived the day prior for a specific reason.
  2778. >You sent out one cloaked ship to every single wreck site, except Rho's, and scanned both the ships and the surrounding perimeters thoroughly.
  2779. >As to make sure that you and the pirates are really the only ones out here.
  2780. >After you had that confirmed, you mutually agreed to have a rest before you proceed with the big event.
  2781. >For you will need the entirety of your focus to ensure a flawless operation.
  2782. >And so you did.
  2783. >You called the ships back to resupply them, and went to bed afterwards.
  2784. >With your systems set on high alert, in case of unwanted company or other undesirable circumstances.
  2785. >Now, a day later, you watch as your cluster of thirty vessels gradually dissolves as they all head for different sectors in pairs.
  2786. >Once most of these crafts have jumped away, you send out more fighter units from the still docked stock inside your own hangar bays.
  2787. >Their orders are essentially the same.
  2788. >Take up jump beacons, bring them to a terraformer ship to install them there, and return to pick up the next.
  2789. >However, you do not utilise the blitz start protocols, as they have no use here.
  2790. >Instead, you release them in a gradual flow which is precisely coordinated with your cargo units on board.
  2791. >Even though time is a critical factor in what you are doing, you have to keep things orderly.
  2792. >Otherwise your meticulously planned schedule might clog and cause you some serious headache.
  2793. >And you cannot have that.
  2794. >So while both the onboard units and space fighters do their work automatically, #deca.mare and you watch the operation as a whole.
  2795. >Between the two of you, you handle more than two dozens of different consoles at the same time.
  2796.  
  2797.  
  2798.  
  2799.  
  2800. >Everything ranging from flight schedules, already deployed and still stored jump beacons, the state of your fleet, plus the state of your nearby stationed decoy jigs, as well as sector maps and the scanning schedule of the monitor grid.
  2801. >If it were not for the serious situation you find yourself in, one might think that you are rather working as some account staff at some desk job.
  2802. >You do not see that much of the action firsthand right now, at least in the early stages of your current mission.
  2803. >But you frankly do not need to either.
  2804. >You get all of your information in real-time from your stations, and that is sufficient to monitor and coordinate everything properly.
  2805. >The rest would only distract from the critical action.
  2806. >Plus, you will get to see some action soon enough.
  2807. >And perhaps even more so than you would be personally comfortable with.
  2808. >Yet you prefer not to think about that until the time has come.
  2809. >Instead, you keep your focus fully on the task at hand.
  2810. >Monitoring the fleet movements is much more important, after all.
  2811. >And similar to the departure doctrine, the strategy is always the same when a pair of vessels enters a sector.
  2812. >You check their cloaking status, let them scan the perimeter, and tell the twin automatons to compare these findings to the results of yesterday.
  2813. >As soon as the confirmation comes that everything is clear, you manually approve the installation of the beacons for every individual terraformer.
  2814. >Quite a repetitive task, granted, but a necessary one.
  2815. >For you do not want to rely merely on the limited decision making capacities of the automatons in the unlikely case that something is not how it should be.
  2816. >Not to mention the short delay that might occur when an automaton takes a moment to detect and recognise an aberration before it sends a message to you.
  2817. >And then you still have to react.
  2818. >Way too risky.
  2819. >Also, asking #deca.mare is not an option either.
  2820. >Because whilst she holds herself admirably so far, she could slip any time, as the incident with the pirates has proven.
  2821. >No, you better count on your own judgement, as mentally dragging as it might become.
  2822. >It is where your skills are best used in this operation anyway.
  2823. >Whereas #deca.mare remains responsible for less potentially disturbing tasks, like monitoring the internal flow of units and material inside the ship.
  2824. >But on the bright side of things, you only have to do that once upon entering a wreck site for the first time.
  2825. >Once an area is deemed clear, the remaining dangerous steps, i.e. the extraction itself plus the insertion of the jigs, are executed relatively quickly.
  2826. >This may not include the actual transport of the vessels all the way to their new destination, but you consider this the less tricky half of the deal.
  2827. >Though you will not allow yourself to slack in this regard either.
  2828. >So you watch the fighters do their work, whilst you monitor their progress.
  2829.  
  2830.  
  2831.  
  2832.  
  2833. >And sure enough, the number of your onboard beacons dwindles gradually.
  2834. >You brought several hundreds of those, but even with a fleet of eighty units, it takes a while until all your targets are covered and ready for salvage.
  2835. >But as a safety measure, and a surprise, you have brought a few more of those than purely necessary for your purpose.
  2836. >No matter what happens, you will deploy all of them today.
  2837. >Soon, you get your first signal from a target sector.
  2838. >All beacons installed, ship ready for the transport.
  2839. >Once again, you manually check the facts and figures to confirm the report, and then give the subsequent order to move out.
  2840. >The readings of the beacons indicate that they are charging up, and a few seconds later, the wreck disappears from the sector grid.
  2841. >Only to be automatically replaced by an asteroid, less than a minute later.
  2842. >Which then quickly transforms into the shape of the ship that has just disappeared.
  2843. >Good, all according to plan.
  2844. >The assigned pair of fighters leave the grid as well, heading back to your location in order to be sent to their next target.
  2845. >Your beacons plus attached ship will continue to jump from sector to sector on their own, following a safe preset route that #deca.mare and you have scouted in advance.
  2846. >The route itself is not a "straight line" from place A to B, however.
  2847. >And you have several reasons for that.
  2848. >One, you have only picked perimeters that are completely empty.
  2849. >Meaning sectors that contain no celestial bodies and that are not known to be subject to other forms of disturbances.
  2850. >Since you cannot be in several places at once and do not want to transport all terraformers in bulk for safety reasons, you had to make absolutely sure that the route is the most tranquil one imaginable.
  2851. >And considering all the smaller particles and other things that zip through space, it is not as straightforward a task as one might first think, despite the vast quantity of empty space to choose from.
  2852. >Then again, you have also laid the bar exceptionally high, so there is that.
  2853. >Two, the less of a beeline you produce, the better.
  2854. >After all, even when you have no reason to believe that your opponents can trace you, that is no excuse to stop being careful.
  2855. >For once in your life, it is well advised to better be paranoid rather than risking to put all of your work and your very lives on the line.
  2856. >And three, should some of the beacons have a malfunction for one reason or another that prevents the capital ship from being moved any further, you know exactly where to look.
  2857. >Though you still shudder as you think back to the time when you had to examine all the sectors for this procedure.
  2858. >Because as it turns out, creating one such route is tricky, but bearable.
  2859. >Doing the same for an entire fleet of inert terraformers, each with their own individual route on the other hand, is a magnitude that almost incite someone to apply for an asylum.
  2860.  
  2861.  
  2862.  
  2863.  
  2864. >Thankfully though, you will probably never have to do this again in your life.
  2865. >Unless there is a second fleet hidden somewhere that nobody has told you and #deca.mare about.
  2866. >You shake this dumb idea off and once more focus on your task.
  2867. >Shortly thereafter, you get a second report that indicates a readiness to depart.
  2868. >Again, you check the validity of the signal and give green light.
  2869. >You watch as a second wreck disappears and a rigged asteroid counterfeit takes its place.
  2870. >A third prize ship follows a couple of minutes later.
  2871. >And the number of accomplished extractions grows steadily as time passes.
  2872. >Though as your score rises, so does your nervousness.
  2873. >Because each step further brings you closer to the conclusive act.
  2874. >The extraction of Rho, and all the chaos that will ensue during this one.
  2875. >But then you take a brief glance at #deca.mare, and the nervousness is gone for another short while.
  2876. >You just have to keep reminding yourself over and over for whom and why you are doing this.
  2877. >And why it will be the best option in the long run.
  2878. >Besides, you have worked way too hard to allow yourself to bungle the operation on its literal last day.
  2879. >Applebuck Season is almost over, after all.
  2880. >You check the status of the ships that are already en route to their destination.
  2881. >They have only gone through a handful of jumps this early on, but that in itself is hardly a surprise, considering the relatively long downtime between two corridors.
  2882. >But at least they are already safely out of reach for people with less reconstructive intentions.
  2883. >And the amount of ships inside the forbidden zone is thankfully still dropping gradually.
  2884. >Only ever one by one.
  2885. >Slowly, but surely.
  2886. >Under the always leering eyes of the sensor grid.
  2887. >And the more ships you have rescued the trickier it gets.
  2888. >Because some of the remaining terraformers are located so deeply inside the forbidden zone that they need several jumps to get out of harm's way.
  2889. >Which is doubly complicated, as it means you also have to transport the respective jig unseen through several monitored sectors.
  2890. >But you had dumb luck on your side once again, as the pirates are in possession of the planned scanning schedules to avoid the active sweeps whenever possible.
  2891. >Never mind that these files count as confidential military documents.
  2892. >If they are caught within the zone whilst tinkering with #deca tech, the possession of supposedly secret files is the least of their problems anyway.
  2893. >For you, though, it is a jackpot, as it allows you to work around the current scanning schedule without tapping into the terran network yourself.
  2894. >As causing some satellites to restart after a little bit of digital spelunking might be a tad too obvious, considering what is about to follow very soon.
  2895. >So unless there is some freak accident or an unscheduled change of plans, you should be fine with your current jump routes.
  2896. >Still, the uneasy feeling remains until every last ship is out of the critical region.
  2897.  
  2898.  
  2899.  
  2900.  
  2901. >And internally, you count every minute of it.
  2902. >Always looking out, always on guard.
  2903. >Ready to bail at a moment's notice, if necessary.
  2904. >Eventually, even the last remaining and most remote ships are finally prepared properly and sent on their way.
  2905. >Though you are a couple of hours into the operation at this point.
  2906. >Yet you feel like you have aged half a decade or so due to all the mental stress.
  2907. >It is not even fatigue or something of a similar nature that plagues you though; you simply think that your excessive caution constantly keeps you on edge.
  2908. >And sooner or later, it has to chip away at your fortitude.
  2909. >But you keep yourself going in the knowledge that it will all be over soon.
  2910. >Then you can get back to your bed and sleep through the next week or so, if you so desire.
  2911. >Now, however, you enter the perhaps most taxing part of them all.
  2912. >Because you must wait for these last ships to leave the zone first.
  2913. >A proverbial calm before the storm that you have to make it through somehow.
  2914. >You can only approach Rho after every other terraformer has been brought to safety, as the zone will turn into a chaotic madhouse very, very soon.
  2915. >Which would surely endanger every single wreck that is still within its reaches.
  2916. >So the logical prerequisite is obvious.
  2917. >And since the automatons are able to do this part on their own, you have an unwanted moment of leisure time.
  2918. >Even though you do not feel like twiddling your thumbs at all.
  2919. >Yet this is simply how the situation is.
  2920. >The best you can do is to grin and bear it.
  2921. >So you watch again, idling passively as the symbols of the terraformers hop from one visualised sector grid to the next.
  2922. >Whilst the relevant statistics cycle through a well-oiled loop of building up a jump corridor, and cooling down the assets during the downtime.
  2923. >In this not exactly comfortable situation, you have to think of Pinkie Pie again.
  2924. >All it takes is a hop, a skip, and a jump.
  2925. >Plus a tiny bit of applied wormhole theory on top.
  2926. >Though it is not you who has to do the jump, and there is no conviction to be had either.
  2927. >You are just the bystander who has to wait until it is the others who are doing the jumping.
  2928. >You sigh.
  2929. "Do you think the others felt this nervous too when they waited for Fluttershy?"
  2930. >#deca.mare hesitates.
  2931. >You have unintentionally yanked her away from her own personal musings.
  2932. >She clears her throat as she considers her response.
  2933. >"Perhaps. Their town was at risk. Their community, friends, family. For them... the stakes must have felt equally high."
  2934. >#deca.mare blinks twice before adding something else.
  2935. >"And also will feel."
  2936. >You nod, and take her little hint to find some more courage.
  2937. >And you think it is slightly strange that you feel a little better now.
  2938. >Because hoping that those ponies will fear for the safety of their home in your far future does not strike you as overly noble under normal circumstances.
  2939. >Even when it is an optimistic outlook that would bode well for your current operation.
  2940.  
  2941.  
  2942.  
  2943.  
  2944. >Then again, you are also aware of the positive outcome that they will experience once everything is settled.
  2945. >So you nod a second time.
  2946. "Yeah. They will."
  2947. >You check your consoles once more.
  2948. >You do not want to distract #deca.mare too much with your own issues, as much as you would appreciate a more light-hearted conversation.
  2949. >And the wrecks move on unperturbed from sector to sector in the meantime, wholly unaffected by the turmoil that is almost palpable on the command deck.
  2950. >The automatons do not care about any of that, for they do not even have a concept of it.
  2951. >No, they simply follow their instructions and make a radar blip go from one preset point in space to the next.
  2952. >The stark discrepancy between the harmless depiction on the sector grids and the larger picture, with all the implications it entails, is lightly unnerving.
  2953. >Because on paper, or rather consoles, it is a simple game of facts and figures.
  2954. >Yet the whole context, beyond the mere objective circumstances, is a beast of its own.
  2955. >One that can never be adequately described in charts or numbers.
  2956. >You witness yet another jump in the form of a couple of symbols suddenly changing their position, as the charging process reaches one hundred percent.
  2957. >Seconds later, the energy levels fall again as the beacons recharge their jump drives.
  2958. >Nothing extraordinary happens.
  2959. >Which is a good thing by all means.
  2960. >And yet you find no relief.
  2961. >Then you hear #deca.mare raising her voice.
  2962. >"How about you go to the hangar bay already?"
  2963. >You do not reply immediately, as you did not expect that proposition from her.
  2964. "That early? They aren't out of the danger zone yet."
  2965. >"Indeed. But I see you need to do something. It would be better for you if you keep yourself occupied with some preparatory work."
  2966. "This isn't about me. We've discussed this, #deca."
  2967. >"I know."
  2968. "The operation has our top priority now. I... can't allow myself to hamper that."
  2969. >#deca.mare sighs.
  2970. >"Then consider this: It is neither to our benefit nor to that of the operation if you drive yourself crazy in its execution. No one would win in that case."
  2971. >You blink as you consider this.
  2972. "Fair point."
  2973. >She puts a forehoof on the back of your hand.
  2974. >"Go ahead and prepare yourself for the next phase, please."
  2975. >You eye the consoles and their stats briefly.
  2976. "You think you can handle the monitoring alone from here on out?"
  2977. >#deca.mare nods.
  2978. >"I can. The... worst part about it is already over."
  2979. >For her, maybe.
  2980. >Your tricky part is only just beginning though.
  2981. >But you are not going to bring that up.
  2982. >You understand that she is doing you a favour now.
  2983. >So you gratefully accept it for what it is.
  2984. "Okay. I'll go."
  2985. >You pull #deca.mare closer to you for a parting hug.
  2986. >Even though you would very much so love to do something more intimate, it would be highly inappropriate, given the current situation.
  2987. >So you hold her tight for a hearty moment.
  2988.  
  2989.  
  2990.  
  2991.  
  2992. >And you part after a little while, still looking deeply into each other's eyes for a second longer.
  2993. >"To follow an ancient tradition, I wish you Godspeed, Anon."
  2994. >You almost raise an eyebrow in surprise.
  2995. >Because you have not heard her saying anything like this before.
  2996. >Of course, you recognise this phrase as a traditional wish that is still sometimes used in a few circles within the military.
  2997. >Commonly spoken prior to embarking upon risky endeavours.
  2998. >Yet it sounds somewhat unusual for #deca.mare to use it, given that she has never struck you as an overly religious mare.
  2999. >That is to say, not at all.
  3000. >Plus, you assume that, if she were a believer in something otherworldly, she would rather gravitate towards Equestrian spirituality in on way or another.
  3001. >Then again, if she had said something like Celestiaspeed instead, it would have been even stranger.
  3002. >Not to mention phrases such as Harmonyspeed, which, given the circumstances of your harmonic student, would sound borderline idiotic.
  3003. >So you take her friendly gesture for what it is and thank her by holding one of her forelegs in your hand, followed by giving her a light peck on the forehoof.
  3004. "Thanks."
  3005. >You hope your reaction appears as gallant rather than improper.
  3006. >And it seems that #deca.mare appreciates it too.
  3007. >"Please be careful, Anon. I hope we can complete this mission without any losses. Even when it is just a proxy."
  3008. "I'll watch out in there, promise."
  3009. >You give her a reassuring nod.
  3010. >She mirrors it swiftly.
  3011. "I'll be back quickly, #deca. You'll see."
  3012. >Then you let the command deck around you dissolve as you take control of your proxy inside the hangar bay.
  3013. >And whilst your environment distorts to reshape itself, you hear #deca.mare's voice talking to you.
  3014. >"See you soon, Anon."
  3015. >Shortly afterwards, you find yourself in control of your proxy.
  3016. >The pony stands near your personal fighter.
  3017. >Both are fully geared and ready to go.
  3018. >You quickly inspect your surroundings before you clamber up along the hull, and get into the cockpit.
  3019. >Once inside, you seal the canopy and boot the systems of your ship.
  3020. >You watch as the consoles activate themselves one by one.
  3021. >The next thing on the list entails going through a standard routine check prior to heading out.
  3022. >Even with the vast improvements that #deca.mare has made to the design, you nevertheless want to test everything thoroughly before you head out.
  3023. >Besides, this check is the reason why she has sent you here prematurely in the first place; to keep you from driving yourself mad in your downtime.
  3024. >A brief respite of grace.
  3025. >So you deliberately take your time to get some mental distance from the operation that happens all around you outside these walls.
  3026. >Your world now merely consists of these consoles right before your eyes.
  3027. >They have brought you through so many flights, and they will carry you through this one as well.
  3028. >You only have to treat them correctly, and all will work out.
  3029. >You begin to inspect system for system.
  3030.  
  3031.  
  3032.  
  3033.  
  3034. >Navigation, engines, shields, weapons, communication, tactical, and so on.
  3035. >You do it slowly, fully focussing on only one component at a time.
  3036. >And when you realise that you are still too fast for your operation schedule, you decide to double check the individual elements with a vehemence that would make Twilight proud.
  3037. >The checks on the list keep on coming.
  3038. >No matter how long and intensive you screen your components, everything appears to be working orderly.
  3039. >Nay, better even.
  3040. >Which leaves you in a mildly awkward situation.
  3041. >Because on the one hand, you expected this outcome all along, as #deca.mare and you have put a considerable effort into refitting this ship.
  3042. >But on the other hand, you now have nothing else to do until the signal comes.
  3043. >And every occupational therapy can only last so long until it loses its effect on someone.
  3044. >In the end, you still sit more or less idly in your seat, and let your gaze wander around.
  3045. >You first eye the consoles, then you study the pen that holds your ship, and lastly the walls around you.
  3046. >And as strange as it seems to yourself, you find some amusement in the fact that you are once again feeling nervous whilst dwelling inside these halls.
  3047. >It reminds you of the day you have met #deca.mare for the first time.
  3048. >Back when you did not know what to think of her and you thought that you could very well be inside the maw of a beast.
  3049. >Today, the level of uneasiness is almost the same, whereas the circumstances have completely turned into polar opposites.
  3050. >You chuckle to yourself.
  3051. "Life is crazy sometimes, isn't it?"
  3052. >#deca.mare seems to register that you did not address anyone specific, so you get no response to your question.
  3053. >Besides, she has seen far more crazy things than you in her long life.
  3054. >That much has been proven.
  3055. >And a couple of minutes further in, you estimate it is less than ten, you no longer have to think about your own not quite so inner monologue, as a beeping sound chimes in.
  3056. >You look at the comm station.
  3057. >#deca.mare has opened a channel.
  3058. "Yes, #deca?"
  3059. >"It is time, Anon."
  3060. >She gives you a moment to let her words sink in.
  3061. >And you use this respite to collect your thoughts and force yourself back into your professional mode.
  3062. "Acknowledged. Commence the starting procedure and prepare the easter egg."
  3063. >"Understood. Do you... feel ready?"
  3064. >This time, you do not hesitate.
  3065. "Yeah. Bring it, #deca. Let's get Rho to safety."
  3066. >"Very well."
  3067. >Without further notice, you feel that the pen around you begins to drive along the rail, bringing you closer to the outer blast doors of the hangar segment.
  3068. >You eye the walls and junctions of the outer shell as you are taken to your starting position.
  3069. >And just like on your first day here, you take a good look at the myriad of different tools and components that can sometimes be seen lingering in the twilight of the crimson illumination.
  3070.  
  3071.  
  3072.  
  3073.  
  3074. >They have long lost their horror of course, as you now know precisely what these are and for what purposes they are used, yet they still remain an eye-catcher in these reddish lit metal hallways.
  3075. >After a relatively short trip, you are almost at the launching site.
  3076. >The pen drives itself in an optimal position before it stops.
  3077. >You face the familiar hatches, and they are about to open up.
  3078. "Okay. Here goes nothing."
  3079. >You pause for a moment as the doors swing into action.
  3080. "Egg is ready?"
  3081. >"Ready and joining you right after your start, Anon."
  3082. >You watch into the endless starscape beyond the threshold and nod.
  3083. "Send me out."
  3084. >The reaction is swift and notable.
  3085. >Your fighter gets flung out of the hatch, and you receive a notification in the exact same moment.
  3086. >Your tactical screen informs you that eight units have joined your squad and shadow you.
  3087. >Indeed, the units appear to have been stationed near your exit in order to let them follow you as quickly as possible.
  3088. >You check your sensors and see them lining up in formation within five seconds, perfectly matching your speed and course.
  3089. >And they all carry a jump beacon on their hulls as well.
  3090. >Yes, #deca.mare has prepared everything perfectly.
  3091. >The rest is up to you.
  3092. >Time for the final act then.
  3093. >You set the coordinates for the jump to Rho's inert shell.
  3094. >The confirmation from your squad members comes quickly too.
  3095. "Well then, boys and girls. There's some pirates to be sunk."
  3096. >You give the order to head out.
  3097. >The slowly growing rumbling around your ship reminds you that you have to pay full attention now.
  3098. >Because as soon as you are on the other side, there is literally almost no tolerance for any mistake.
  3099. >Nine flashes mark your exit, all of them at the same time.
  3100. >And the second you see the form of Rho in front of you, you instruct all nine ships to cloak at once.
  3101. >So they do.
  3102. >Then, you wait.
  3103. >A generous distance away from the capital vessel, you and your squad members simply idle while you float forwards with minimal speed.
  3104. >Though that does not mean you are inactive.
  3105. >Oh no.
  3106. >Instead, you listen closely.
  3107. >To a certain frequency which #deca.mare has gained access to the last time you were around.
  3108. >And you expect something juicy to happen very soon.
  3109. >Correct.
  3110. >Your not so bright friend on the freighter is at it again.
  3111. >He sends a low priority distress call to his buddies.
  3112. >"They're here! Patrol! Patrol!"
  3113. >Well, at least he is smart enough not to use the largest proverbial loudspeaker to blare out his panic.
  3114. >Even he understands not to do such a light-headed thing during a covert operation.
  3115. >And a sly part within you must grin as you imagine the reaction of his buddies.
  3116. >You bet they are not overly keen to come back and check on a seemingly empty perimeter.
  3117. >Oh, how you will make them wish the sector actually were empty.
  3118. >And as it was to be expected, the wing does return promptly.
  3119. >Your grin widens.
  3120. >That was bait number one.
  3121.  
  3122.  
  3123.  
  3124.  
  3125. >And now that you know where the wing has materialised, you can send out your units to distribute the beacons and attach them on Rho's hull without the fear of collisions or a corridor accident.
  3126. >Because as sturdy and statistically superior as your ships are, having another object materialise directly inside one of them is less than ideal for both parties involved.
  3127. >Your units confirm your order and carefully move out with a stealthy low speed.
  3128. >And so do you.
  3129. >But your target is not the terraformer.
  3130. >No, you head for the squad to deliver another layer of your easter egg.
  3131. >And for that, you must get close to the squad again.
  3132. >So you approach the wing with caution as they irately shout into the ears of their peer.
  3133. >"What's this tim', num'skull?"
  3134. >"They're here! I saw them coming!"
  3135. >"Who? Nobody's here!"
  3136. >"No! They are! I saw them!"
  3137. >"O' yeah? We don't."
  3138. >A muttering sound of approval comes from the comm arrays of the other ships.
  3139. >Good, very good.
  3140. >Argue with one another.
  3141. >Give your good friend Anon all the time he needs.
  3142. >"But I swear I'm not drunk or crazy! Something was on radar!"
  3143. >"Right. 'top blabberin'."
  3144. >"But I can prove it!"
  3145. >Oh?
  3146. >"O'?"
  3147. >"I made a record of it this time!"
  3148. >True enough, he does send a transmission of his recorded radar feed to the others.
  3149. >So you get a copy too.
  3150. >It does indeed show your M3 and the other units for the fracture of a moment.
  3151. >The murmuring goes on.
  3152. >"Eh? w'at's this?"
  3153. >"What do you mean?"
  3154. >"The first look' mil'tary, alright. But the hell 's the rest?"
  3155. >Seriously?
  3156. >They were sent here to gut a terraformer vessel for technological scraps, and they fail to identify one of their most widely used fighter models?"
  3157. >Even when the technology has been improved considerably by #deca.mare over the years, the basic shape has not changed much between then and now.
  3158. >Anyone who bothers to do some actual factual research on the matter would at least recognise a certain familiarity between the ships of the past and the models you use now.
  3159. >Yet here you are, listening to the ramblings and clueless guesswork of some lowly looters.
  3160. >You can barely believe the perplexing lack of basic expertise that you are witnessing right now.
  3161. >Who in his right mind would send such goons to an expedition like this?
  3162. >Can they even find the things they are supposed to excavate?
  3163. >Try as you might, the only at least somewhat conceivable reason for this decision that you can imagine is that the people behind the curtains chose a bunch of muppets to shove the blame upon if something goes wrong.
  3164. >Then again, that already failed because someone apparently did not pay enough on the intermediate layer either, so there is that.
  3165. >Hell, judging by the way how these people act upon seeing this footage, you assume the best contact they ever had to the subject matter prior to their mission is some folklore tales at best.
  3166.  
  3167.  
  3168.  
  3169.  
  3170. >And depending on where they hail from, the accuracy of the conveyed details vary greatly from community to community, after the terraformers have been generally demonised to the point of no return.
  3171. >Everything from a relatively reasonable account to a fantastic fairy tale about hell machines that are out to thrash planets have been making the rounds for centuries.
  3172. >Some even get the fundamental details completely wrong, such as the general shape of the terraformer capital ships.
  3173. >You can at least recall one supposed story that describes the ships as having the base shape of a metal cone instead of a cylinder.
  3174. >Not to mention all the exaggerations which were piled on one another as the storytelling progressed.
  3175. >You on your part can personally attest that you have no gateway to hell on board, for instance.
  3176. >Regardless of the pirates' origin and questionable upbringing, however, you see that your opponents are well and truly playing out of their league.
  3177. >Which probably makes the mission all the easier for you, really.
  3178. >"I don't know! But they all came in hot!"
  3179. >Almost there, keep talking, please.
  3180. >"And where 're they now? Huh?"
  3181. >"How do I know? It's your job to watch our backs!"
  3182. >"Watch you' mouth, boy."
  3183. >"Then do your job and find them! This one's on you! I'm just here to cut through the crud!"
  3184. >Crud, hm?
  3185. >Fuck you very much.
  3186. >You enter the necessary close range to the squad for #deca.mare to work her magic.
  3187. "Quick, I think they won't stay put for much longer."
  3188. >A cue that you do not have to say twice.
  3189. >Within the blink of an eye, another wall of code rushes over your console as it is injected into the systems of the fighters.
  3190. >And not a moment too soon either.
  3191. >Because the conversation between your opponents is close to coming to an end.
  3192. >The leader of the wing curses some unflattering words towards the "crud cutter" before he tells his mates to patrol the perimeter around the terraformer.
  3193. >Which is fine for you, now that you have delivered your dormant surprise.
  3194. >You will activate it in due time.
  3195. >Until then, however, you have another objective to fulfil first.
  3196. >So you steer your fighter slowly away from the now moving squad, and instruct your automatons to adapt their own courses so that they do not collide with any of the pirates.
  3197. >Whilst you turn your attention towards the freighter.
  3198. >It too requires an update to its backdoor breach.
  3199. >And you keep listening to the spitting cusses of the other pilots as they circle around #deca.rho without finding any trace of foreign activity.
  3200. >Oh, if they only knew.
  3201. >Ah well, they will learn soon enough.
  3202. >So while you stalk the freighter, you monitor both the movements of your units, and those of your opponents.
  3203. >The former give the unaware latter a wide berth.
  3204. >And you notice another striking contrast.
  3205. >Your ships fly in stable, controlled trajectories, whereas the pirates tend to sheer out of course now and then, as they cuss themselves into a fury.
  3206.  
  3207.  
  3208.  
  3209.  
  3210. >Still, this is nothing your automatons cannot handle.
  3211. >They have calculated a generous buffer into their projected routes to adapt to these changes in a timely manner.
  3212. >So far, so good.
  3213. >But you remain on guard nevertheless.
  3214. >You near the battered wreck of the Duteous Strider and its attached leech.
  3215. >This time, you theoretically do not need to get as close to your target as the first time around, given that #deca.mare already has a weakness in their systems to exploit.
  3216. >#deca.mare does not hesitate either; she injects the prepared addendum the very moment she has the chance to.
  3217. >However, you cannot let the bomb drop just yet, as not all automatons have brought their beacons in position.
  3218. >So you get closer than you need to, until you are nearly within arm's length to the freighter of your enemies.
  3219. >And as ironic as it seems, this is currently the safest spot for you, considering that this place is the least likely one to be searched by the scouting vessels.
  3220. >After all, who would expect an infiltrator to put himself straight into the heart of the enemy where the risk of exposure should be exceedingly high?
  3221. >Certainly not a bunch of barely competent looters, right?
  3222. >As it turns out, your gamble appears to be the correct course of action.
  3223. >Your other units are able to place the beacons in their optimal positions and install them safely on the hull.
  3224. >But unlike the previous extractions, the ships have to stay where they are this time, after the deployment of the beacons has been completed.
  3225. >The fields of their cloaking devices still have to cover the beacons to avoid them getting detected and shot by your patrolling friends out there.
  3226. >So you wait and wait, until even the last piece of the puzzle is finally in place.
  3227. >Then you close your eyes for a brief moment and take a breath.
  3228. "Time for the finale. Are you ready, #deca?"
  3229. >"Ready when you are, Anon."
  3230. "Okay. On ten."
  3231. >You count down audibly, even though there is no technical need for it.
  3232. >You think you just do this to prepare yourself for what is to come rather than to send a signal to #deca.mare.
  3233. >And the ten seconds pass faster than you would have liked.
  3234. >Yet you spring into action regardless.
  3235. >So without any prior warning, you crank up the engines and accelerate drastically.
  3236. >The sudden boost and energy exhaust of your fighter is fierce enough to slightly distort the cloaking field around you.
  3237. >This produces a trail that even your dim friend in the freighter simply must see.
  3238. >For you do this right under his nose.
  3239. >And he does.
  3240. >"What's that? Did you see this?"
  3241. >"No, num'skull."
  3242. >"Somethings happening here! Come quick!"
  3243. >The panicked delivery of his call earns the digger some harsh responses, but his peers nevertheless follow his plea.
  3244. >Now comes the bait that all of them virtually have to take.
  3245. >Hook, line, and sinker.
  3246. >Because as your vessel swiftly gains some distance to the terraformer, you let the cloak fall.
  3247. >"There! There it is! I knew I'm not drunk!"
  3248. >Yeah, whatever you say.
  3249.  
  3250.  
  3251.  
  3252.  
  3253. >And the others mutter something as they are unpleasantly surprised by your sudden entry out of nowhere.
  3254. >"Shit! That's a mil'tary dog!"
  3255. >"What do we do now, boss?"
  3256. >Oh, suddenly he calls the squad leader boss when things go wrong?
  3257. >Certainly not a stellar performance of personal responsibility at display here.
  3258. >"What 'o you think? Kill 'im!"
  3259. >The full squad begins to pursue you now as they turn their vessels around and head immediately for their top acceleration levels.
  3260. >Normally a dire situation for someone in your position, as they have a severe advantage in numbers.
  3261. >But nobody else possesses an M3 that is tuned beyond what is thought to be possible.
  3262. >So instead of panicking, you restrain yourself to fly at moderate levels, which in itself is almost on par with the peak stats of your opponents.
  3263. >Though they do not need to know that yet.
  3264. >This is your trump card, and it is best kept well hidden until it is needed.
  3265. >All you want them to do is following you for a short while.
  3266. >Let them think they are hunting you.
  3267. >It will only make their fall all the more delicious.
  3268. >You allow them to get closer, as the distance between you and your pursuers sinks gradually.
  3269. >Not much longer until they are in effective firing range.
  3270. >Good thing the pirates' loadouts are documented in their systems though.
  3271. >Knowing what your enemy can dish out is already winning one half of the battle, after all.
  3272. >And subsequently being aware of how to best dodge their shots is a fine perk as well.
  3273. >Which really comes in handy once the first plasma projectiles and other rays of particle beams are flying your way.
  3274. >In fact, your advanced sensors can even measure the energy spikes that are built up shortly before a weapon fires.
  3275. >So as soon as you see these bumps in your energy readings, you know you have to fly evasive manoeuvres.
  3276. >And for this, you use another trick that the pirates have no way of knowing.
  3277. >Because while you fly turns and loops in various combinations and styles to evade the bursts, you sometimes feign to make a mistake that leaves your six exposed to a direct shot.
  3278. >Naturally, you get a volley flung towards you the moment the pirates see the opening.
  3279. >Expecting, and even counting on this, you then use the superior side thrusters of #deca.mare's upgraded design to barely get out of harm's way with an agile last second side dodge that a regular ship of this class normally would not be able to perform at all.
  3280. >The vividly shining volleys zip past your hull, the colours of their light briefly reflecting onto your hull as they harmlessly pass by.
  3281. >If they were not so potentially lethal, they would almost look magnificent to behold.
  3282. >And while your vastly reinforced shields can now take much more punishment before they give in, you do not want to test that out in this particular encounter.
  3283.  
  3284.  
  3285.  
  3286.  
  3287. >Better let them miss a couple of times.
  3288. >It conserves your shield energy and frustrates the hell out of the angry gunners behind you.
  3289. >Because for your hunters, it must look like they missed a mark that they should have gotten with ease.
  3290. >Over and over and over again.
  3291. >You deliberately make them feel like stumped beginners who cannot land hits that should be inconceivable to get bungled by anyone who has used an energy weapon for longer than a week.
  3292. >And it quickly takes a toll on their fairly meagre discipline in all aspects.
  3293. >Resulting in more audible cussing and mean words from the pilots who still do not realise that you are listening to everything you say.
  3294. >"Sh't! Fire straight, you dum'ass!"
  3295. >"I did! I must have roasted him!"
  3296. >"An' why 's he 'till there?"
  3297. >"I... I don't know! He shouldn't be!"
  3298. >"Shouldn' mean' jacksh't, fool!."
  3299. >"Boss, you didn't hit him either."
  3300. >Uh oh, here it comes.
  3301. >"Sh't up an' kill 'im b'fore the rad'r busts 's!"
  3302. >You cannot suppress a lightly spiteful smile as you hear the pirates chewing at each other as their composure fails them.
  3303. >They are decent pilots from what you can tell by playing with them, but without their cohesion as a group, they quickly turn into hindrances for each other that burdens their skills unnecessarily.
  3304. "Perfect, just perfect."
  3305. >All according to plan.
  3306. >Yet despite their internal squabbles, the pirates nevertheless continue to hunt you.
  3307. >For they know that their little shooting gallery could potentially tick off one of the keenly adjusted stations that are monitoring the zone constantly.
  3308. >The longer they keep chasing you, and shoot at you with their weapons, the higher the chance that someone without the correct clearance level in bribery does spot an interesting light show occurring in this sector.
  3309. >Unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on how you look at it, this it not an event you bank on to become a reality at some unclear point in the future.
  3310. >It could happen in ten minutes, or several hours, and you would have no means to find out until an intervention fleet shows up on your doorstep.
  3311. >No, this will not do.
  3312. >Because you aim for a more rapid and volatile escalation.
  3313. >So when you find yourself between two more failed attacks by your stalkers, you check the distance between the enemy squad and #deca.rho.
  3314. >It is sufficiently long for your plans, according to your calculations.
  3315. >Your smile grows.
  3316. >Uncannily so.
  3317. "Showtime."
  3318. >You give your final order to the squad.
  3319. >A confirmation follows swiftly.
  3320. >And from one second to the other, your allied ships disappear from your list of squad mates.
  3321. >Simultaneously, the automatons in the sector drop their cloaks in a seemingly spontaneous manner, revealing themselves and the jump beacons to everyone with a pair of working eyes and a radar.
  3322. >The immediate reaction comes as fast as it is predictable.
  3323.  
  3324.  
  3325.  
  3326.  
  3327. >The person stationed on the freighter shouts frantically into the comm link as he sees sixteen signatures popping up on his radar just like that.
  3328. >And you have fed them with a few outdated designations to emit precisely at this point in time, clearly dedicated terraformer signatures from the days of old, which are still classified as priority one threats by any human data base.
  3329. >Idiot or not, there is no way for him to miss the cues and implications of this sudden appearance.
  3330. >And you can imagine how many alert siren sounds are blaring on his bridge right now.
  3331. >For you have been in a similar situation, a little over a year ago.
  3332. >"Guys! Guys! Trouble! Big trouble!"
  3333. >Indeed, you can even hear the distorted noise of impending doomsday ringing on his end, as he almost cries in fear over the comm.
  3334. >No wonder, you assume he must almost wet himself in panic if you consider his perspective.
  3335. >He sits in a slow, clunky freighter with some basic defensive weaponry which is barely worthy to mention, and finds himself virtually surrounded by a whole squad of fighters from an arch-enemy that was thought to be beaten centuries ago.
  3336. >Whilst he and his ship are attached to one of their fallen comrades, with the obvious attempt to loot the place.
  3337. >Heh, this guy must surely think that the ships are out to flay him alive for that affront.
  3338. >And he cannot even defend himself in any worthwhile fashion.
  3339. >His mates, however, are so thoroughly annoyed by his previous calls, and also highly frustrated by your mysterious evasion tactics which should simply not be possible, that they do not heed his words immediately.
  3340. >Instead, they turn on him at first.
  3341. >The most notorious comment comes from the one they call their boss.
  3342. >"Sh't your yap! We're b'sy!"
  3343. >And again, you find some amusement in how easily these dunces tear themselves apart when put under pressure.
  3344. >Their peer calls for help, and rather than showing at least some hint of caring about him, they pull his metaphorical pants down when he is at his lowest.
  3345. >A better display of camaraderie gone wrong is hard for you to find, that much is certain.
  3346. >And under other circumstances, you might feel at least a little bit bad for the poor sod.
  3347. >But considering that he wants to gut one of #deca.mare's relatives for a quick pile of cash in a shady business, that sympathy has gone right out of the window.
  3348. >Yet that not quite so bright individual does not know how lucky his stars really are.
  3349. >Because even though you could kill him without much effort, you are not out for blood.
  3350. >If you were, your squad could have decisively wiped the floor with these people before they even had a chance to understand what hit them.
  3351. >Though this does not mean he or his associates will get off lightly.
  3352. >Oh no, they are much more useful to you when they remain alive.
  3353. >And whether the pirates will perceive it as so lucky after the deed, well, that is up for debate.
  3354.  
  3355.  
  3356.  
  3357.  
  3358. >For the moment though, you are sure that the operator in the freighter sighs in relief as he watches your squad disband to fly away from the terraformer ship, each heading in a different direction.
  3359. >And as the ships spread out, your pursuers understand that something strange happens on their radars.
  3360. >"Huh? 'he hell's happ'ning?"
  3361. >Good, the boss sounds confused.
  3362. >And the others seem shaken too.
  3363. >Yet not as distraught as you would have wanted.
  3364. >"Where do they come from?"
  3365. >"I've never seen..."
  3366. >"Wait, aren't those..."
  3367. >Ah, getting closer there.
  3368. >"By the stars, no!"
  3369. >Oh, this one is promising.
  3370. >"What?"
  3371. >"It's THEM!"
  3372. >Bingo.
  3373. >There it is.
  3374. >The deathly dread in this voice is so palpable that you can almost feel it manifest in the air.
  3375. >And the hasty back and forth that suddenly floods the comm channel like a cacophony of maddened squallers convinces you that the mental damage is at its peak.
  3376. >Yes, the panic of their realisation has set in deeply.
  3377. >It leaves them positively paralysed.
  3378. >So much so, in fact, that they neither chase you any further, or turn around to attack any of your assets.
  3379. >The perfect moment to deal the metaphorical killing blow.
  3380. >You take advantage of the pirates' frozen state and accelerate your fighter quickly to get yourself out of their firing range.
  3381. >That awakes them from their stupor, albeit too late to stop you.
  3382. >"Hey, the rat gets away!"
  3383. >"What?"
  3384. >And they seem to realise that something is pretty unusual about your craft.
  3385. >"That thing is tuned! He's way too fast!"
  3386. >"Shov' it! We've mor' problems now!"
  3387. >"But he'll rat us out if he gets away!"
  3388. >"The machines are back, you idiot! We're all screwed!"
  3389. >A grim silence reigns briefly until someone says out loud what all of them must think.
  3390. >"Yeah. Thing's busted."
  3391. >Hm, sounds like they want to call it quits and get away.
  3392. >But you cannot let them do that.
  3393. >And a preset timer helps you out in delaying their exit.
  3394. >Because all of the eight automatons power up their jumpdrives simultaneously and leave the system to return to their base.
  3395. >From the perspective of the pirates, the transit takes the shape of eight specks of light which all flare up at the same moment.
  3396. >But there is more.
  3397. >For #deca.mare added a little feature in the instructions.
  3398. >To make sure that the fighters deliberately position themselves in such a manner that the corridors appear to form the edges of an evenly shaped octagon, at least in the eyes of your would-be hunters.
  3399. >She thought this little cue to a certain emblem of an equally certain Draconequus would be appropriate, considering the chaos these people find themselves in right now.
  3400. >You for your part did not understand why she was so keen to add something which they could never understand.
  3401. >Though in retrospect, you assume it has some cathartic effect on her, so you did not dispute her idea.
  3402.  
  3403.  
  3404.  
  3405.  
  3406. >And from a certain point of view, she is even correct.
  3407. >For their chaotic mess is far from over, as they will notice very quickly.
  3408. >Though shortly after the automatons have left the field, the pirates sense a chance to regain at least some form of control over the situation.
  3409. >That is where you come in again, as you are going to drag them down yet another time.
  3410. >By doing something extremely unusual.
  3411. >You hail your opponents and request a video communication.
  3412. >Nearly undecipherable, yet surprised sounding mumblings are exchanged on the channel.
  3413. >The pilots are confused by this unexpected turn of events, as it seems.
  3414. >Nevertheless, they accept your request.
  3415. >If only to see who is botching their operation out of the blue.
  3416. >To have a face to remember.
  3417. >You will happily give them one.
  3418. >And it would of course have changed nothing if they had refused your offer; you would have simply forced the connection in that case.
  3419. >#deca.mare has opened all doors for you to do such a thing, after all.
  3420. >Regardless though, the mutual video conference begins, and you look in the rugged faces of several unfriendly people.
  3421. >You can tell that many of them are worn and have been through a fair share of tight spots in their lives.
  3422. >But that comes with this particular field of profession.
  3423. >So you are not exactly surprised.
  3424. >They, on the other hand, are.
  3425. >To put it mildly.
  3426. >Because the conversation begins with one of them, presumably the 'boss', bracing himself to gnarl some fairly uncouth words at you.
  3427. >But a few seconds into the video feed, as the pirates had a moment to see you "in person", they all turn into stupefied, dumbfounded statues.
  3428. >What, have they not seen enough machines today?
  3429. >Why should it make a difference when one looks like a terraformer unit, and the other more like a sapient equine from another world?
  3430. >These musings of yours are obviously just rhetorical questions you ask to yourself, but you do find some amusement in this charade.
  3431. >Besides, you also get something truly special out of that development.
  3432. >You have been granted the opportunity of a lifetime.
  3433. >To do what no man has done before: Introducing humanity to life outside their known worlds.
  3434. >Now granted, the civilisation aspect behind it is still a work in progress, but nobody is perfect.
  3435. >Never mind that ponies are technically not even extraterrestrial to begin with either.
  3436. >Not in the least bothered by the finer points of principle in this matter though, you proceed to behave as diplomatically as you feel appropriate for the situation at hand.
  3437. >You let your proxy salute with a hoof in front of these captive, unbelieving eyeballs, knowing fully well that an equine hoof is essentially one huge middle finger, and simply say two words as you grin like a bastard.
  3438. "Sayonara, fuckers!"
  3439. >And with that, you give the order to unfold #deca.mare's little easter egg.
  3440.  
  3441.  
  3442.  
  3443.  
  3444. >The inserted code files spring into action and seize control of all computers inside the pirates' ships.
  3445. >A radical surprise that your stumped conversation partners quickly get aware of, as their own consoles shut down whilst a familiar upbeat tune begins to play in their cockpits.
  3446. >And you also know that the displays on most of their screens automatically change, seemingly on their own.
  3447. >The consoles now show a scene in Ponyville instead.
  3448. >With a familiar pink mare right in the centre.
  3449. >She is merrily trotting on a straight path between two lanes of cottages.
  3450. >Said happy pony quickly introduces herself to her captive audience, and subsequently proceeds to sing about how all she wants to do is to make them smile.
  3451. >As if they were the best of friends.
  3452. >And why would you not be friends with Pinkie Pie?
  3453. >That would be just silly, right?
  3454. >On top of that, you have deliberately kept their radars online, so that the other pilots can see their own ships "dancing" around one another in rhythm to the melody they hear.
  3455. >This too was #deca.mare's idea.
  3456. >Whether the pirates share her sort of humour is debatable though, as you can see them trying everything to regain access to their systems.
  3457. >You know they will have no such luck, however.
  3458. >All their consoles are blocked, the steering mechanism is overridden, and the manual shutdown switch was bypassed, thanks to a slight oversight in the ship blueprints.
  3459. >The pirates are effectively at the mercy of Pinkie.
  3460. >And she will not stop to sing her song on loop.
  3461. >At least until either everyone of the squad smiles, or you tell her to let go.
  3462. >Simultaneously, there is something else going on inside their databases.
  3463. >Your code alters the contents of several files and logs covertly behind the scenes.
  3464. >It adds a few things here, and removes some others there.
  3465. >Your newfound friends are in for a few more surprises down the line, when they realise that they have no evidence of their encounter with you and the terraformer fighters.
  3466. >The related files will be thoroughly scrubbed and forgotten once they have some time to check on them.
  3467. >So should they ever recount the things that transpire today to someone, the pilots will have to rely entirely on their listeners' goodwill.
  3468. >Whether these listeners will be fellow looters, or an inquisitive body of authority, depends entirely on them.
  3469. >But you are sure there will be some individuals who are willing believe a pack of semi-intoxicated pirates when they tell tales of spacefaring talking ponies who stole a military-grade heavy fighter and gave them the middle finger in a video feed.
  3470. >After all, it would certainly not be the wildest story that makes the rounds.
  3471. >Stranger things have happened out there.
  3472. >Allegedly.
  3473.  
  3474.  
  3475.  
  3476.  
  3477. >But since both #deca.mare and you like the idea of harmony, you willingly provide them with some additional files and logs instead, to compensate the pirates for a potential loss in their narrative credibility.
  3478. >Content of an equally igniting nature, albeit with a slightly different focus which does not throw any more shade on the terraformers as a whole.
  3479. >This is a blow that someone else will have to take.
  3480. >And strangely, for some unfathomable reason, they will notice that they cannot delete these files, as the computers will not allow them to be pruned.
  3481. >Plus, and this is something that the pirates will only find out when it happens to them, the computers are set to send these files to every ship and satellite they come in contact with.
  3482. >So no matter whether the pirates make it out of the zone in one piece, or are hunted down by a military fleet, the documents will survive and spread their message.
  3483. >You are sure their employers might not be too pleased with this development, as some of the unfolding fury will surely fly in their faces, but oh well.
  3484. >To quote an old terran phrase: C'est la vie.
  3485. >Yet these are concerns for their distant future.
  3486. >Back to the present.
  3487. >If you had to judge the overall mood and general state of the pirate operation, you assume that Pinkie will continue to sing for a long while to come.
  3488. >As none of them seems inclined to smile whatsoever.
  3489. >And it seems that the appearance of your proxy does not faze them that much any more, now that you have obviously hijacked their computers.
  3490. >Frustration and anger have taken over.
  3491. >Some fumble with their controls, others throw obscenities your way, and the freighter pilot sounds like he is about to throw his sanity out the airlock for good.
  3492. >Well, this particular issue is unfortunate, because your next course of action is directed against him.
  3493. >Or rather, his location "underneath" the Duteous Strider.
  3494. >This is nothing personal against him, yet you need to get him off your future ship.
  3495. >And for that, #deca.mare and you use his own equipment against him.
  3496. >You access his computer system and search for the control panel of the mounted industrial drill.
  3497. >It takes you only a few moments of rummaging to find what you are looking for.
  3498. >And #deca.mare takes it upon herself to slightly adjust the internal modulators of the gadget.
  3499. >Then, after she has confirmed the changes, she activates the drill at full power, in the pretence of drilling further into the Strider.
  3500. >That is, however, not what happens.
  3501. >Because thanks to her minor tinkering, the drill does no longer emit the created energy in a focused beam.
  3502. >In fact, the diversion is set up in such a way that the device does not emit anything at all.
  3503. >Everything is directed to remain inside.
  3504. >The energy, and consequently the created by-product heat, accumulates inside the drill at an alarming rate.
  3505.  
  3506.  
  3507.  
  3508.  
  3509. >Less than a minute into this process, you can already see the casing of the machine glowing from within, as the heat begins to cause some serious damage to the internal components of the drill.
  3510. >And the instant shutdown protocols which were implemented for exactly this kind of potential malfunction are "mysteriously" set offline.
  3511. >Forcing the machine to produce ever more heat until something has to give.
  3512. >Hm, a very unfortunate accident, really.
  3513. >So it comes as it has to come.
  3514. >The generator of the drill eventually succumbs to the growing stress, and explodes violently.
  3515. >The resulting burst does not only rip the drill apart, it also rattles the Duteous Strider, and tears a significant portion of the attached freighter's hull open.
  3516. >Most importantly though, it destroys the clamps that connect the pirate vessel to the ancient cruiser, freeing both the old terran warship and the freighter from each other.
  3517. >Which was your intention all along.
  3518. >You check both the integrity of the Strider and the pirate ship.
  3519. >The cruiser regrettably suffers a few more scorch marks from the maltreatment, yet it remains firmly fused to #deca.rho nevertheless.
  3520. >Even an inert vessel of war can still show a remarkable level of durability when necessary.
  3521. >And frankly, you are happy that the ship remains are still, well, "intact".
  3522. >Because it is an old piece of history with a significant story behind it.
  3523. >Even you can see the value of such an artefact.
  3524. >On the other hand, the second vessel has taken much more damage in comparison.
  3525. >Several parts of the ship have been breached and depressurised by the blast, including one engine block as well as the cargo bay.
  3526. >Indeed, you can see a couple of smaller objects floating out of the freighter as it drifts away from your prize.
  3527. >So much for their loot, you suppose.
  3528. >Contrary to those ravaged sections though, your scans indicate that the command post has survived the blast.
  3529. >And by extension, so did the panicked guy inside it.
  3530. >It appears that #deca.mare's calculation have been accurate in this regard too.
  3531. >Good.
  3532. >Because like you did with his peers in the fighters, you had no intention to kill this individual from the get go.
  3533. >Even when he may see it as the more comfortable option from his current point of view, if given the offer.
  3534. >No, you will complete this mission with a kill score of zero on your tally.
  3535. >And considering the virtual level of control that you have over the situation at large, the outlook for that result is fairly reasonable.
  3536. >But now, you have to hurry up.
  3537. >Because the explosion of the drill had a realistic chance to be caught by one of the satellites, and hence could have triggered a response from the USC.
  3538. >And you should be gone before they are showing up.
  3539. >Which must be soon.
  3540.  
  3541.  
  3542.  
  3543.  
  3544. >You check the distance between the drifting crippled freighter and your prize.
  3545. >The gap is wide enough to ensure a safe corridor for the beacons.
  3546. >Alright, you have got everything you came for.
  3547. >Time to bail.
  3548. >You give the extraction order to bring both Rho and the Strider to safety.
  3549. >Then you address the pirates one last time.
  3550. "Alright everyone, it's been fun to have you with us tonight. But all good things must come to an end, don't they?"
  3551. >The charged beacons form a corridor around the Strider and Rho.
  3552. >And you can see a startled reaction from all of the pirates as it happens.
  3553. >A moment later, both entwined ships are gone.
  3554. "Okay. I'm signing off now. You'll get your control back shortly, so stay calm and behave yourselves. And please, don't try to follow us. That would be... unwise."
  3555. >You pause for a moment to create some effect.
  3556. "In fact, I'd say you better use the chance to get the hell out of here. Before the big shots roast your asses. Good luck!"
  3557. >Then, you instruct "Pinkie Pie" to sing one more round of her smile song before she releases the ships from her friendly embrace.
  3558. >You see one of the people mouthing a question over the video feed.
  3559. >Who are you?
  3560. "Me? Don't mind me. I'm just a horse with no name."
  3561. >You cut the connection and jump out of the sector without any further delay.
  3562. >One last corridor bears witness to the fact that you have ever been in the sector at all.
  3563. >And you will make sure that this one will be drowned in a whole slew of other corridors.
  3564. >So as you see the welcoming shape of your home base in front of you again, you lean back, breathe a sigh of relief, and mentally type the final command of the day into the console.
  3565. >Execute protocol "No Loose Ends".
  3566. >Confirmed.
  3567. "Well, that settles it. All hell is breaking loose now."
  3568. >#deca.mare seems to agree with your assessment.
  3569. >"I suggest you quickly land, Anon. Our little rogue satellite receives a lot of agitated calls going back and forth. And not all of them are from the pirates."
  3570. >So they know.
  3571. >Hardly a surprise, given that you have left no replacement for Rho in the sector.
  3572. >Yet the finality of that development still hits you somewhat emotionally.
  3573. >For there is no way back on the path you have decided to tread now.
  3574. >And this is only the beginning.
  3575. >Because in a matter of a minute or two after you have executed No Loose Ends, all decoy asteroids inside the hazardous zone have received new instructions.
  3576. >They are supposed to randomly jump around within the restricted sectors until they are intercepted by a terran fleet.
  3577.  
  3578.  
  3579.  
  3580.  
  3581. >Which means the terran authorities are suddenly facing several dozen terraformer signals which skitter around in the restricted area with seemingly no rhyme or reason.
  3582. >The only exception to that is Sigma's former resting place of course, as you have rigged the beacons to detonate after the transit back then.
  3583. >Maybe not the best idea in retrospect.
  3584. >Anyway, even with one static decoy jig stuck in place, your operation nevertheless forces the USC to send out practically everything they have at hand.
  3585. >For them, it must seem as if the ancient terraformers have suddenly turned to life again, after centuries of silence.
  3586. >Heh, you imagine they will quickly call it a priority level one emergency, which puts all worlds into the highest possible alarm state.
  3587. >General mobilisations are surely initialised across all civilised sectors right about now.
  3588. >The jig is well and truly up.
  3589. >Once that has been publicly announced, the standby fleets are sent on their way.
  3590. >Which will quickly catch up with some of the wandering asteroids in turn.
  3591. >When they do, the decoys are instructed to do the same as Sigma's doppelgänger: to basically destroy themselves and wipe out any technological evidence that could be traced back to your, and more importantly, #deca.mare's involvement.
  3592. >This should keep them busy for a while.
  3593. >At least long enough for you to fade away into the shadows again.
  3594. >And if the pirates are smart, they will use the general confusion to slip away too.
  3595. >Not that it will do them any good in the long run though, as your final present will automatically paint a target on their backs once they meet literally anyone.
  3596. >But they will at least not get shafted immediately.
  3597. >However, both #deca.mare and you wanted to go extra, extra sure that you will get away with all ships.
  3598. >And as such, you have still some spare jigs at your disposal.
  3599. >Which now also head straight into the chaos.
  3600. >Plus, #deca.mare unloads all the remaining beacons, and sets them to execute the same seemingly random jump pattern as the jigs.
  3601. >That will provide the terran satellites with even more traces to hunt down.
  3602. >And they too are rigged for self-termination upon discovery.
  3603. >You can only guess what command will think when they see a dozen more ships and hundreds of unclassified jump activities on their radars.
  3604. >But whatever form of panic or paranoia it is, it will only make your escape even more secure, while everything scrambles to action in complete disarray.
  3605. >Still, your most important concern is to get away.
  3606. >As swiftly as possible.
  3607. >So you dock your fighter in the pen that is waiting for you, and tell #deca.mare to shut the doors and get a move on.
  3608. >You do not have to tell her that twice.
  3609. >Without hesitation, she gathers the thirty fighters that have no vacant slot inside the hangar bay, and prepares your fleet for a coordinated jump.
  3610. >Just like the inert terraformer vessels, you do not head for Equestria directly either.
  3611. >No, you jump around on a convoluted route too.
  3612.  
  3613.  
  3614.  
  3615.  
  3616. >And rather than heading for Equestria at all, your final destination is a sector imbued in a dense nebula cloud that hinders the capacities of long range scanners, and impedes the chance to get detected in turn as well.
  3617. >You will stay here for a while, and listen to what your small satellite has to say about the activities within the zone.
  3618. >The chance that anyone could have even traced the first few jumps of yours is almost close to zero, but you prefer to be safe rather than sorry.
  3619. >After all, you have repeatedly kicked the universe's largest known hornets' nest, so you must not take any steps lightly.
  3620. >Even this late in the game.
  3621. >Likewise, none of the other ships are heading for Equestria either; you have instructed the beacons to deliver them to another nebula cloud with similar properties.
  3622. >It will serve as a hidden stash for the capital ships until you bring them to Equestria, ship by ship, for repair and refitting purposes.
  3623. >Rho, on the other hand, is yet another exception.
  3624. >Since you know that the vessel has been compromised, you transport the duo of Rho and the Strider to a third concealed location.
  3625. >You first have to make sure that none of the pirates, or anyone else, really, got the idea to install some sort of tracking devices on it.
  3626. >Again, the chance is very slim, and your scanners have found nothing of the sort, yet you proceed with caution.
  3627. >Because even when the unthinkable happens and someone hunts down Rho, then that loss will at least not endanger the other ships, as stinging as that loss may be.
  3628. >Still, you silently hope for the best as you step out of your cockpit, and slowly walk through the maintenance tunnels.
  3629. >You return to the command deck the good old fashioned way.
  3630. >While you could let your proxy walk on his own all the way to his cryo pod, you need that little walk to calm yourself down.
  3631. >As strange as it sounds, even to yourself, you somehow have to learn how to relax again after this long ordeal of constant focus and work.
  3632. >And a casual stroll through the ship is the easiest way to do it.
  3633. >So as you tell yourself that everything is fine and wrapped up properly, you imagine yourself falling back into #deca.mare's warm embrace, looking forward to nothing but lovely snuggles.
  3634. >And perhaps something more intimate, if the two of you feel like it.
  3635. >For the time being though, you are sure she is still monitoring the events near the civilised sectors.
  3636. >For what you have done today is without a doubt the largest and most significant heist in the history of mankind.
  3637. >Tempers are bound to run hot, and you are sure there will be more than a few political turbulences coming forth from all of this.
  3638. >So you take your time and let her handle the navigation and post-processing of your mission, whilst you amble through the vast corridors of your mobile home.
  3639. >Some time later, you reach the airlock and go through the usual transit process.
  3640.  
  3641.  
  3642.  
  3643.  
  3644. >As you leave the airlock on the other side, you undress your proxy with the help of an automaton, and tuck your equine counterfeit comfortably into his cool bed.
  3645. >All done.
  3646. >You can finally return to #deca.mare properly.
  3647. >So you do.
  3648. >You sever your connection to the proxy whilst the hatch of the cryo pod closes itself.
  3649. >And a moment later, a very familiar chair with an even more familiar mare sitting on it awaits you.
  3650. >You instinctively look at each other.
  3651. "Hey."
  3652. >She nods and eyes you profoundly.
  3653. >"Welcome home, Anon."
  3654. >You pull her in for a hug and close your eyes.
  3655. >Even with #deca.mare in your arms, you can barely believe that the mission is really over.
  3656. >"Believe it. We have... extracted everyone who was left."
  3657. >You can hear her breathing, as if she is close to chuckling bittersweetly to herself.
  3658. >"And no trace leads back to us. The humans are at a complete loss as to what has actually transpired."
  3659. >From the way she says that, you assume she tries to amuse herself in order to keep her own emotions in check.
  3660. >Because if she did not, she would lose her composure and tear up quickly.
  3661. >And you cannot hold that against her either.
  3662. >The two of you have simply been through too much hassle in the last weeks.
  3663. >Both of you have to go on an extended holiday next.
  3664. >To make up for the lost time, and to leave the bad notions behind.
  3665. >So you try to join #deca.mare in her attempt to entertain herself.
  3666. >You too begin to smile faintly.
  3667. "Any hot takes out there?"
  3668. >"More than you can imagine. The communication channels have gone wild on all frequencies."
  3669. >Is it bad that you feel lightly proud of that?
  3670. >After all, causing the entirety of humanity to think that the sky is falling is an achievement indeed.
  3671. >But on the other hand, it too comes with some repercussions which you cannot entirely predict.
  3672. >Well, the deed is done either way.
  3673. >And no matter how much you overthink things now, neither of you two has any control over the USC's future decisions from here on out.
  3674. >Still, you would be lying if you claimed not to be curious.
  3675. >Doubly so since #deca.mare is already listening to the aftermath of your retrieval tour for quite a while.
  3676. >She probably hears the majority of the broadcasts simultaneously.
  3677. >And even though you cannot mirror that feat, you want to share that experience with her.
  3678. >Even when it is a rather unusual bonding activity.
  3679. "Tune me in. I want to hear some of the conversations as well."
  3680. >"Which ones?"
  3681. >You shrug.
  3682. "Those you think are the most interesting."
  3683. >#deca.mare nods.
  3684. >You promptly get mentally connected to the rogue satellite.
  3685. >She selectively picks a handful of channels for you to listen to, and actively switches between them constantly.
  3686. >Always tuning in to the one she deems the most interesting for you at that time.
  3687. >And so, you indulge in what is perhaps your strangest hobby yet.
  3688. >You hold your mare with closed eyes, lean back deeply into your chair, and listen to the sounds of absolute agitation.
  3689.  
  3690.  
  3691.  
  3692.  
  3693. >Voices of all walks of life pop in and out.
  3694. >One moment, you hear a planetary broadcast, informing the public about a sector wide state of alarm.
  3695. >Then you switch over to a military frequency and follow some reports about the latest fleet movements.
  3696. >Another, and you hear an encrypted conversation between two seasoned admirals.
  3697. >Heh, if they only knew how unsecured their communication really is.
  3698. >After that, you listen to an inspiring speech of a fleet commander who addresses the crews of all ships under his command.
  3699. >His voice roars with a determination that impresses you; he uses his rhetorical tool kit elegantly to boost the morale of the hands who serve in his fleet.
  3700. >And much to your surprise, you recognise the speaker.
  3701. >It is one of your former superiors, under whose squadron you served back when you were a bloody rookie.
  3702. >You even manage to crack a satisfied smile as you can hear a profound cheering coming from the bridges of at least five different capital ships.
  3703. >Good to know that he ascended a few steps on the career ladder, despite the fact that the two of you were now forced to shoot each other if you had the misfortune to reunite.
  3704. >At least that will not happen.
  3705. >You hug #deca.mare tighter and press your cheek against the side of her head.
  3706. >She reacts in kind, yet without tuning out of the proverbial airwaves.
  3707. >And the game of listening and switching goes on as you hold each other closely.
  3708. >At some point, for no particular reason outside her own motivation, #deca.mare moves in for a soft peck.
  3709. >You do not mind her advances at all though.
  3710. >After the time you have, for all intents and purposes, lived almost separate lives right next to each other, you cannot wait to return to the previous status quo.
  3711. >At least between the two of you.
  3712. >And whilst it seems somewhat weird and inappropriate to kiss each other as you listen to the lively speeches of who knows how many people from hundreds of different locations, that all got stirred up by your actions no less, it does not stop you in the slightest.
  3713. >Though you are glad that this little detail will never become public knowledge.
  3714. >You cannot even begin to imagine the fury these people would generate if they would ever learn the truth about #deca.mare and you.
  3715. >So you enjoy your hidden place inside the thick cloud as you weather the storm.
  3716. >Far from any prying eyes.
  3717. >And you for your part could have stayed at the kissing level for now, yet #deca.mare wordlessly conveys her wish to go one step further very soon.
  3718. >She even turns herself around to sit down on your lap, facing you eye to eye.
  3719. >Alright, you get the hint.
  3720. >You are not the only one who pushed a few emotions to the periphery during your operation.
  3721. >But now that the pressure is mostly gone, so are the reasons for holding back.
  3722. >And it seems like #deca.mare has recovered a little bit faster than you in this regard.
  3723.  
  3724.  
  3725.  
  3726.  
  3727. >Not that this is a hindrance for you though.
  3728. >Because once she begins to do more than just implying her wishes, your suddenly disappearing shirt is a fairly obvious cue, you quickly feel the temptation rising within you as well.
  3729. >It pushes any form of hesitation away very soon.
  3730. >So you reach out with your arms and grab #deca.mare's sides gently with both hands, stabilising her body at the height of her barrel, whilst she puts her forehooves softly on your chest.
  3731. >And as you eye one another, you start to grin.
  3732. "Can't wait, huh?"
  3733. >"You were not the only one who missed a lot of things, Anon."
  3734. "I know. But I thought you weren't ready yet. After, you know."
  3735. >#deca.mare takes a breath and nods reluctantly.
  3736. >"You are not wrong. But if I have the choice between... breaking down... and this, I know which one I prefer."
  3737. >So this is what she is doing.
  3738. >Trying to keep her tears at bay by distracting herself with something pleasurable instead.
  3739. >Well, this is one viable strategy, albeit one which you would normally not try to encourage.
  3740. >After all, it bears the risk of turning intimacy into nothing more than a metaphorical bandage for troubled days.
  3741. >Which would only cheapen the act in the long term.
  3742. >In this case, however, where you really have something to celebrate, you too prefer bliss over tears.
  3743. >So you nod back at her, fully expecting things to go wild quickly from here on out.
  3744. >#deca.mare then moves in to seal your lips once more.
  3745. >You think this answer is clear enough.
  3746. >Voices in the background or not, you are going to have some fun today.
  3747. >The two of you part about a minute later, as #deca.mare resumes her previous upright position on your lap.
  3748. >You face each other again.
  3749. >And you can read in her eyes that she is ready to go all the way.
  3750. >But the final signal has to come from you, for she will not push you into something without your full willingness.
  3751. >Though at the same time, her eyes are so inviting that this is virtually just a matter of course at this point.
  3752. >So you do what she is waiting for and let the rest of your apparel disappear with a simple thought.
  3753. >As she sees that gesture, #deca.mare knows it is time to begin.
  3754. >She spurs your senses with a few slow rhythmic movements.
  3755. >And in her current position on top of you, she can use gravity to her advantage.
  3756. >Applying a little bit of soft friction and pressure in all the right places.
  3757. >Nature will do the rest.
  3758. >You even help her out a little as you let your upper body slowly slide down on the cushioning of the seat, lowering both your chest and your head, with your mare still held firmly in your arms.
  3759. >That gives her a bit more room to move around, as your upper and lower body are now almost on the same level.
  3760. >Which provides an opportunity for her to coax a certain reaction out of your nethers.
  3761. >Naturally, she seizes it, and eagerly at that.
  3762. >So it does not take her very long to achieve the desired effect.
  3763.  
  3764.  
  3765.  
  3766.  
  3767. >You feel the pressure between your bodies rising as your blood flow gets into gear.
  3768. >Now she only has to raise her flanks once and swoop down again for the romp to get off properly.
  3769. >Heh, looks like #deca.mare is the one who rides you today.
  3770. >But so what?
  3771. >You let her have the fun, as you can fully see where this desire is coming from.
  3772. >Besides, you get a fair share of relief out of it as well, so all is fine as far as you are concerned.
  3773. >A short moment later, she does indeed slightly raise her lower body from your lap, signalling that she is about to get serious.
  3774. >You nod a second time and let it happen.
  3775. >#deca.mare takes one last breath before she lowers herself onto you for good.
  3776. >And even though you have done this a couple of times by now, there is still a surprisingly intense shiver running through your whole body as you feel it happen.
  3777. >Your heartbeat gets faster, and you hear yourself breathing more loudly than usual.
  3778. >All the while, you witness #deca.mare's composure melting like butter too.
  3779. >So much so in fact, that you can sense the trembling within her limbs translating into your chest.
  3780. >And if it were not for your stabilising hands, you get the impression that she might keel over.
  3781. >But you keep her body steady, and #deca.mare seated firmly in her place.
  3782. >Both with the help of your arms on her sides and, well, another certain support right in the middle of it all.
  3783. >And for a brief blink of an eye, both of you remain perfectly still, relishing in the moment for as long as it lasts.
  3784. >You silently hope that this sensation will always remain as electrifying as it is today.
  3785. >Then, you whisper something to her.
  3786. "You decide on the tact today, #deca. I'll play ball."
  3787. >#deca.mare wordlessly nods between two intense breaths.
  3788. >She is far beyond the blushing phase at this point either.
  3789. >And you bet that if she were to say anything, her words would drown in a gasp or two.
  3790. >Hm, maybe you should motivate her to try just that.
  3791. >You would not be opposed to hearing her like this, after all.
  3792. >But just as you prepare to give #deca.mare the first "nudge" from within, you notice that her ears perk up attentively.
  3793. >And you can immediately tell that it must be unrelated to your actions, as it does not match with the rest of her aroused demeanour.
  3794. >The discrepancy is striking enough to slightly get you out of your mood as well.
  3795. "Something wrong?"
  3796. >One of her forehooves slowly moves towards your face and touches you gently on the lips.
  3797. >"Shh. One. Moment."
  3798. >#deca.mare tries very hard to sound serious, even though she is barely in the position to speak coherently.
  3799. >Yet her mind is apparently still able to process some other things relatively competently.
  3800. >You are sure you could change that with a couple of proper thrusts, but you heed her wish.
  3801. >Though your patience is admittedly running thin too.
  3802. >Thankfully though, #deca.mare provides you with an explanation before you have to ask.
  3803. >"Listen."
  3804. >She tunes you in to another frequency.
  3805.  
  3806.  
  3807.  
  3808.  
  3809. >It is a report of a frightened pilot who bumbled around in the restricted zone on his own with a crippled freighter.
  3810. >And said pilot does not only stand out because he is illicitly travelling through a forbidden sector in a seemingly borderline piece of space junk, but also because his behaviour does not add up.
  3811. >You let go of #deca.mare with one arm, and cover your face with your palm instead.
  3812. >Seriously?
  3813. >Now, of all moments?
  3814. >You are mast deep inside your mare, and she brings that frequency up right as you want to get it on?
  3815. >This is not the time you want to think of an oaf like this guy.
  3816. >Yet #deca.mare persists.
  3817. >So you heed the details as to why a nigh idiotic looter acts strangely in the eyes of a military analyst.
  3818. >As it quickly turns out, your friend has apparently been abandoned by his other peers who turned tail and ran when their operation sank like a lead balloon.
  3819. >Not much of a surprise for you.
  3820. >The cohesion in their team was brittle long before you ruffled their feathers, after all.
  3821. >And a lone lowly pirate in a slow, damaged ship had no chance to escape a fleet of skilled hunters regardless.
  3822. >But once they caught up with him, things took a turn for the absurd.
  3823. >Because your pirate friend first yelled something about how they will never catch him.
  3824. >Words which he spoke clearly in a panic.
  3825. >Then, a few seconds later, the fleet received his official surrender, formulated in a calm and official manner, and coupled with a transmission of all the evidence logs he had on board.
  3826. >And given his sorry state and quick realisation of his forlorn situation, the fleet accepted his defeat and ordered him to stay put and prepare to get boarded.
  3827. >Upon which the pilot screams that he does not understand, right before he jumps away.
  3828. >At this point the analyst assumes the subject suffers from a severe mental disorder of some kind.
  3829. >Naturally though, the hunters had the full active support of the satellite grid at that time, and easily tracked the freighter down again.
  3830. >They followed the pirate to the next sector to capture him.
  3831. >Which promptly resulted in him sending the same pre-scripted and evidence-laden surrender a second time.
  3832. >And again, he tried to jump away, straight up ignoring the safety downtime of the jumpdrive in the process.
  3833. >The guy burned out his own engine as a result, rendering himself entirely defenceless in the face of one fully armed cruiser with corvette and fighter escorts.
  3834. >Much to your surprise, however, is that they actually bothered to fetch him alive.
  3835. >Though they did so for two main reasons.
  3836. >One, because the information he provided was deemed vital enough to warrant further investigations.
  3837. >And two, the pirate in question clearly seems to suffer from a severe case of non compos mentis.
  3838. >A verdict that may actually have saved his life.
  3839. >You for your part have to laugh as you hear that.
  3840.  
  3841.  
  3842.  
  3843.  
  3844. >Because both the highly compromising evidence you have planted, and your mental trickery on him, might be the very two things which have prevented this man from receiving a swift and nasty death sentence.
  3845. >Irony is the name of the game, it seems.
  3846. >#deca.mare on the other hand, does not have the mental fortitude to laugh at all though, as you shift and turn lightly while you chuckle.
  3847. >And she feels every single millimetre of it within her, in the most tangible way possible.
  3848. >You can even see, and feel, her instinctively tilting meekly to adapt to your movements.
  3849. >It does not work nearly as well as she likely thinks it would, however.
  3850. >And by the time you realise this, #deca.mare is already panting heavily.
  3851. >You have every reason to think that her ability to listen to the broadcasts has diminished massively in the last few minutes.
  3852. >So you try to hold still again, to give her a chance to collect herself once more.
  3853. >At least to some degree.
  3854. >Knowing her as profoundly as you do though, you are aware that she is not likely to rebound from this until you are done.
  3855. >Well, now that she is already this far into it, you might just as well take it in good sport and play with her.
  3856. >For as informative and valuable as that latest intel was, you would rather think of something else when you are busy with your mare.
  3857. >Something that you will let her know in your very own, personal way.
  3858. "Oops sorry, #deca. I was in thought."
  3859. >You grin while you talk, as you try to get fully back into the mood as well.
  3860. >The heat and hammering of your heart has not stopped whilst you were listening to the broadcast, #deca.mare's position and innate anatomy kept you going well enough in the interim, but it was turned into a sort of subconscious sensation.
  3861. >Now you just have to bring yourself back to actively relish in it again.
  3862. >Which is not very hard in her tender embrace.
  3863. >And her enlivened breaths and gasps help quite a bit too.
  3864. >#deca.mare's reply to you is laboured, but nevertheless understandable.
  3865. >"Yes. I. Know."
  3866. >You dig a bit deeper, just to playfully mess with her in a moment when she has to struggle to think straight.
  3867. "We could have started a little slower, you know? But no, you had to tell me a story of another man. Did you think this turns me on or something?"
  3868. >You maintain an ignorant tone the whole time, feigning a fake outrage.
  3869. >You think you could not make it more obvious that you just play with her.
  3870. >And indeed, you get her to chuckle through her heavy breathing.
  3871. >A chuckling that quickly nips itself in the bud as it only makes her stimulate herself even more as she sits atop you.
  3872. >And so it ends in another hearty gasp as a tremble runs through her body.
  3873. >So you swiftly use both hands again to help #deca.mare in keeping herself upright.
  3874. >Well, at least you can be sure that she is not thinking of any traumatising events right now, thanks to your assistance.
  3875. >After all, nobody shall say that you do not take your relationship seriously.
  3876.  
  3877.  
  3878.  
  3879.  
  3880. >And if taking things seriously means to make a few teasing jokes now and then when you are deep in your mare, so be it.
  3881. >There are worse things you can think of.
  3882. >Plus, it gives you some inspiration to get going too.
  3883. >Your grin widens.
  3884. "You tilt like a control stick when you're hot, did you know that?"
  3885. >A poorly faked grumpy gaze is your reward for that comment.
  3886. >Because as much as #deca.mare tries to come up with a fitting riposte, her whole body shows that there is some truth to your words.
  3887. >She is barely able to maintain her grip on herself, and much less in the position to formulate any suitable retort.
  3888. >And as long as #deca.mare keeps sitting like this, you get to keep the upper hand.
  3889. >Despite being at the bottom.
  3890. >Perhaps your expectation of who rides whom today were not quite accurate.
  3891. >For as you can clearly see, #deca.mare has urged for this far more than you did.
  3892. >And so it was her who pinned herself down.
  3893. >Figuratively, yet also somewhat literally.
  3894. >Still, you want to play with her a little more.
  3895. >Both to prolong the experience, and because it is really fun.
  3896. "You know, maybe we should adopt that as our new method to navigate."
  3897. >#deca,mare actually manages to look at you in mildly surprised confusion, mixed with a healthy blush.
  3898. >"I. Uhm. What?"
  3899. "Yeah. We'd use your tilting as steering. It's cute, isn't it? And..."
  3900. >You quickly point at #deca.mare's teats with a finger.
  3901. "...we could use those as consoles. How about it?"
  3902. >You hear a faintly amused huff.
  3903. >"Oh, you..."
  3904. "What? You like it too, don't you? Come on, you can't deny it."
  3905. >She grins slyly.
  3906. >"Only if I can do this."
  3907. >You notice that she does something with her tail.
  3908. >But just as you get a grasp on what it is, you feel it wandering around between your legs, aiming for your nethers.
  3909. >And something tells you that #deca.mare is cheating just a little, as her tail moves a bit more nimbly than it should.
  3910. >Though this not the only surprise.
  3911. >Because whilst you can easily predict what spot #deca.mare is aiming for, she couples it with something unusual.
  3912. >The tip of her tail starts to fondle your testes softly, as you have expected.
  3913. >But what you did not see coming is the sheer intensity of the sensation.
  3914. >It is far above what should be reasonable.
  3915. >You can feel her soft hair carefully brushing over your vulnerable skin, like the finest silk that almost flows as smooth as water.
  3916. >She always had a fine coat, but not like this.
  3917. >And much to your surprise, it sends unreal pleasant shivers down your spine, as you feel her tail leaving a faint tickling sensation behind.
  3918. >It lasts for a few seconds.
  3919. >Long enough for #deca.mare to move in for the next swipe.
  3920. >Three strokes in, and you feel yourself trembling too.
  3921. "Hey! That tickles! You're cheating!"
  3922. >#deca.mare shrugs faintly.
  3923. >It is all what her tense muscles are capable of at the moment.
  3924. >Yet another clue that there is indeed some trick at work here.
  3925. >"Have you. Forgotten? I am. Not the only one. With a. Soft spot."
  3926.  
  3927.  
  3928.  
  3929.  
  3930. >She puts yet another emphasis on this fact as she renders stroke number four onto you.
  3931. >You automatically twitch, despite the anticipation.
  3932. >#deca.mare looks amused.
  3933. >"See? You like. It too."
  3934. "But that's not normal! What did you do?"
  3935. >Five.
  3936. >You gasp, she shrugs.
  3937. >"Nothing extra. Ordinary. Just a slight. Simulated. Increase of. Sensitive activity. In your. Nerves."
  3938. >So she amplifies your sense of touch down there to enhance the effect.
  3939. >And she continues to make good use of this advantage.
  3940. "Cheater."
  3941. >#deca.mare shakes her head slowly.
  3942. >"On the. Contrary. We do need. A finely tuned. System. For precision. Do we not?"
  3943. >Damn, what is she up to?
  3944. >You do not need to wait long for an answer, yet it is not quite like what you have thought of.
  3945. >"How about. We use. You for. Speed regulation. Then? Let me. Explain."
  3946. >Oh boy.
  3947. >"Upwards..."
  3948. >A correspondent stroke follows.
  3949. >"... for acceleration. Downwards..."
  3950. >Another one in the opposite direction.
  3951. >By now you feel tempted to cover yourself.
  3952. >Not due to any pain or panic, you feel none of those after all, but out of sheer instinct.
  3953. >But even if you tried to, you could not, for #deca.mare's body is blocking your reach.
  3954. >#deca.mare, who is fully aware of your limitations to intervene, plays with your natural reaction on purpose.
  3955. >And she enjoys every moment of it.
  3956. >"... for speed. Reduction. And..."
  3957. >What now?
  3958. >Her tail performs a notable left-right combination.
  3959. >A two for one, if you will.
  3960. >"The sides for. Rotation. You forgot those."
  3961. >You attempt to appear calm and collected as you formulate your objection.
  3962. >Yet both of you are aware of the fact that you are anything but.
  3963. "A ship of this size doesn't roll often, #deca."
  3964. >She shrugs again, deliberately nonchalantly at that.
  3965. >"But we. Could do it. Nopony would. Hinder us."
  3966. "We could. And do you know what else we could do, #deca?"
  3967. >"What?"
  3968. "Taking advantage of gravity."
  3969. >You carefully tighten your grasp around #deca.mare's sides and gently pull her a bit further down.
  3970. >And you, by extension, a little bit further in.
  3971. >That gets a few more twitches and meek sounds out of her.
  3972. >But then, only a second later, you notice that something else is amiss.
  3973. >It seems like your weight is gradually dwindling.
  3974. >Which it does.
  3975. >Up to the point where the two of you begin to float out of the chair.
  3976. "Uh. Okay."
  3977. >#deca.mare looks you in the eyes.
  3978. >"I am. Terribly. Sorry, Anon. But our. Gravity field. Has a. Malfunction."
  3979. >Inside the simulation?
  3980. >Right.
  3981. >You know of course that this was a blatant pretext so that you cannot use her own weight to tease her.
  3982. >Nevertheless, weight or not, you still have her in your arms and effectively pinned in place.
  3983. >In the literal sense of the word.
  3984. >And since she wants to play with you like this, you go ahead and innovate as well.
  3985. >You suddenly thrust with your hips once, and catch #deca.mare entirely off guard.
  3986. >She clutches your sides with her lower rear legs.
  3987. >But it does precious little to mitigate the effect.
  3988.  
  3989.  
  3990.  
  3991.  
  3992. >Another tremor fit is rushing through her body.
  3993. >And you grin.
  3994. >Oh it was effective, alright.
  3995. >Yet you did not plan to give her a bump per se.
  3996. >For your intention was to send the two of you spinning.
  3997. >Not because of the rotation itself, but to get the upper edge of your seat in range of your arms.
  3998. >So you reach out to it with a limb, and slowly push the paired bundle of man and mare away from the chair.
  3999. >Then you retract your arm and keep smiling.
  4000. >While the two of you merrily fly through the room.
  4001. >"You know. We will. Hit a wall. Eventually."
  4002. "Yeah. But I wasn't the one who got rid of gravity."
  4003. >You chuckle.
  4004. "Besides, we'll see who bumps against the wall first."
  4005. >You pause for a moment and laugh.
  4006. "Maybe you'll thrust in me. Can't blame me for anything then."
  4007. >"Anon. I can. Predict. The trajectory."
  4008. >You raise and eyebrow.
  4009. "Really? That means you are not invested enough yet."
  4010. >You fall silent for another second, as the next thing comes to your mind.
  4011. "And we can test how fast we can make ourselves spin, if you catch my drift."
  4012. >You consider to wiggle to prove your point, but #deca.mare acts faster.
  4013. >She uses her tail for another stealthy, yet careful stroke.
  4014. >Still, the unexpected experience causes you to jerk unintentionally.
  4015. >And #deca.mare giggles again.
  4016. >"Yes. Keep it up. The more you move. The harder. It becomes to. Predict our angle."
  4017. >This damned devious mare.
  4018. >She has yet again found a way to turn your own trick against you.
  4019. >But you are not exactly defenceless either, with your ace up her sleeve.
  4020. >So you "wrestle" with each other as you toss and turn in the weightless hall of the simulated command deck.
  4021. >Spinning and moving in ever changing ways.
  4022. >And while you have virtually no effective agency over your general trajectory until you make contact with a wall, neither of you cares much about it.
  4023. >You have far more stimulating things to worry about.
  4024. >And the two of you hit your first metal wall fairly swiftly.
  4025. >It is you who takes the first bump to the back, as you bounce off the surface, and sail into the room again on a new course.
  4026. >The impact did not hurt any of you, as the simulation disregards these aspects, but you can tell with absolute certainty that you are not the only one who felt the impulse.
  4027. >#deca.mare's deep moan makes every other hint redundant.
  4028. >After all, no matter who of you touches the next surface, it seems that #deca.mare will always be a tad more affected.
  4029. >It lies in the nature of her anatomy, really.
  4030. >But you immediately go for round two regardless.
  4031. >Because you know that when she is driven into a proverbial corner, she will find other ways to make up for it.
  4032. >Which, you expect, means an extensive use of her "magic" tail.
  4033. >Your impromptu game goes on.
  4034. >Wall after wall, surface after surface.
  4035. >You play with each other, always trying to find new ways to make your partner twitch and turn with the means you have at your disposal.
  4036.  
  4037.  
  4038.  
  4039.  
  4040. >And that usually entails to catch the other off guard for the greatest effect.
  4041. >So it looks like you did indeed find a way to "steer" each other, though admittedly without much overall control as to where the romp goes.
  4042. >All you can do is to affect the angle in which you touch the respective surface now and then.
  4043. >And the two of you simply take it how it comes every time.
  4044. >Walls, floor, or the ceiling, it does not make any difference.
  4045. >They are only sturdy metal, after all.
  4046. >And even as #deca.mare headbutts the main screen, she simply shrugs it off like it is nothing.
  4047. >Apart from the little bump that presses her touchy parts lightly stronger against you, that is.
  4048. >Yet neither you nor the equipment in the room can take any damage, so there is nothing to be worried about.
  4049. >Although there is one incident that briefly startles you.
  4050. >Namely the moment you inadvertently bump groin first into the handrail of the ramp.
  4051. >Even though you feel nothing but a light pressure in your privates that subsides just as quickly as it comes, that could have hurt badly if this were a real situation.
  4052. >And so it does instinctively strike you as something that you should have avoided, despite the harmlessness in this particular case.
  4053. "Ugh. Cheap shot."
  4054. >#deca.mare, however, does not seem perturbed whatsoever.
  4055. >"Something wrong?"
  4056. "I'm fine. You didn't cause that on purpose though, did you?"
  4057. >"You think. I would?"
  4058. "Maybe? You're a prankster sometimes."
  4059. >She snickers.
  4060. >"No Anon. If I were. A prankster, I would have. Put my. Tail in between."
  4061. >Your brain does not process the implication immediately.
  4062. >After all, it would have been a courteous gesture, even if her hair does not deflect much force.
  4063. >Right?
  4064. >But then it makes click.
  4065. >Because if she really did plan this, she would have of course kept your heightened sensitivity active while she did.
  4066. >And you can only imagine how intense that tickling would have been.
  4067. >Another coy laughter.
  4068. >"Instantaneous. Climax."
  4069. "You sure?"
  4070. >"Hmhm. Would have been. Too fast."
  4071. >Now you wonder whether she initially had the idea and discarded it later on, or if it was really just a coincidence.
  4072. >But the answer to that question is ultimately redundant, as you already float on.
  4073. >And while you could fix that whole climax thing easily inside the simulation, you do not bring this up.
  4074. >It could give #deca.mare the idea to try it out if the opportunity presents itself again.
  4075. >But it has shown you one thing.
  4076. >There are certain circumstances in this simulation in which #deca.mare is not at a disadvantage by default.
  4077. >For she could have easily gotten you right here if she wanted to.
  4078. >But even then she would still be on the receptive end of something else, so there is that.
  4079. >"Anon?"
  4080. "Huh?"
  4081. >"You know. What we forgot. As well?"
  4082. "No, what?"
  4083. >#deca.mare smiles, visibly swayed by all the "rounds" you have played.
  4084. >"We did not. Take any photos. For the album. Today."
  4085. >Well, that is true.
  4086.  
  4087.  
  4088.  
  4089.  
  4090. >Due to all the pressure, and the things that were at stake this time around, there simply was no time to take any.
  4091. >"But the day. Is not. Over yet."
  4092. >You blink as you hear that.
  4093. "Are you telling me you consider making a photo of... this?"
  4094. >You pause.
  4095. "That's not what you put in a family album, #deca."
  4096. >"True. It was. Just an idea."
  4097. >You shake your head as you think about it.
  4098. >And while you do, you notice that the broadcast is still running.
  4099. >It has been the whole time.
  4100. >Though you are sure that neither of you has been paying attention to it while you were doing your thing.
  4101. >"Nothing critical. Has happened."
  4102. "Oh? You could still pay attention?"
  4103. >Another fit of coy laughter.
  4104. >"No. But no alarm. Was triggered so far."
  4105. >Which means nobody has traced down any of your ships.
  4106. >And even the rogue satellite is still positioned near the fringes.
  4107. >Whole, intact, and still sending.
  4108. >In other words, nothing is urgent.
  4109. >There is nothing out there that cannot wait until tomorrow.
  4110. >So #deca.mare and you get back to your little activity of catching up with each other in the most unique way possible.
  4111. >Albeit without any pictures.
  4112. >The things that happen in this nebula remain a secret between the two of you.
  4113. >And really, what interest could future Equestrian historians have in this material anyway?
  4114. >You should perhaps not ponder this question.
  4115. >For some historian would certainly write that down somewhere if given the opportunity.
  4116. >No, this better remains a private thing between the two of you, thank you very much.
  4117. >It will not hurt the universe if this particular part of the story remains untold.
  4118. >Private matters and all that.
  4119. >Besides, you will absolutely remember everything that happened today for a long time to come, even without a reminder.
  4120. >And should you ever need one in the future, unlikely as it is, then you have a mare with a perfect memory to rely on.
  4121. >As such, you stop making history for today, and fully spend your remaining energy to make love in zero gravity instead.
  4122. >With all the bumps that may come.
  4123. >In both meanings of the word.
  4124.  
  4125.  
  4126.  
  4127.  
  4128. 131
  4129.  
  4130. >Despite the levity, amongst other things, that #deca.mare and you have given into shortly after wrapping up the mission, you have not left the nebula for the time being.
  4131. >Instead, you wait in the depths of the dense cloud and listen to the developments inside the colonised sectors as the current situation evolves.
  4132. >It does not take #deca.mare very long to catch up on what the conscious part of her mind had missed while you "distracted" her.
  4133. >And she subsequently informs you of the most important changes in turn.
  4134. >As the two of you soon discover, the precarious files, that your friend on the freighter has spilled ever so generously, have been distributed far and wide fairly quickly.
  4135. >Because even though most of the documents were declared as confidential material, virtually within less than an hour, the transmission was directed at a lot of ships simultaneously.
  4136. >And each and every one of those vessels contain many, many lips.
  4137. >Some of which were apparently more loose than others.
  4138. >Unsurprisingly, the people in charge still tried to stifle any further distribution regardless.
  4139. >Unbeknownst to them though, this approach was unfortunately doomed to fail from the start, due to factors that they never had a chance to be aware of.
  4140. >Then, the inevitable happened.
  4141. >Another ship, an officially decommissioned fighter craft with a faked ID, sent the same transmission to a civilian network satellite, only a few sectors away from the restricted zone.
  4142. >At that point, the game was effectively over, and the knowledge became widely available on nearly all colonies.
  4143. >So much so, in fact, that the secrecy has been officially revoked shortly after its implementation.
  4144. >From the documents and calls that your rogue satellite manage to pilfer, you can gather that the higher command echelons have figured that they cannot suppress the information anymore.
  4145. >And so their strategy turned in the opposite direction.
  4146. >Their new stratagem is to let the information flow freely, whilst they gather the reactions that come out of the development, and see what can be gained from the results.
  4147. >This even includes an official statement that confirms the validity of the leak.
  4148. >The terraformers have been confirmed to be missing.
  4149. >On top of that, the statement openly mentions the illicit involvement of some officers, who are blatantly called out by name, and puts a heavy emphasis on the fact that they have been doing this without any official approval.
  4150. >And at the end of the day, this is not wrong, albeit not the complete picture either.
  4151. >Nevertheless though, the decision is a novelty, as the USC has never disclosed anything this openly before.
  4152. >Yet one decision which was not taken without reason.
  4153. >On the contrary, it was done for a number of purposes.
  4154.  
  4155.  
  4156.  
  4157.  
  4158. >For it both gives the public outrage a scapegoat to put the blame on momentarily, in the form of a few corrupt individuals and their rich benefactors, rather than the military structures as a whole, and to see whether perhaps more useful intel may wash up which could shed some light on what the hell has actually happened.
  4159. >Damage mitigation is the number one priority, at least until the clueless intelligence offices can find out how this debacle could have been allowed to occur at all.
  4160. >Because even though the top brass has some people to throw under the proverbial bus, justifiably so at least, it will not take long for the public to realise that the military has failed spectacularly in their mission to screen the dead sectors.
  4161. >After all, they made it possible for a few individuals to funnel uncountable tons of banned material out of a military area.
  4162. >Even worse, tons of said material which is now undiscoverable.
  4163. >This should be impossible.
  4164. >Unthinkable.
  4165. >Yet here they are.
  4166. >No matter how one looks at it, this is a display of clear, horrendous failure.
  4167. >A disastrous level of incompetence which would have been exponentially magnified if the people knew that the number of individuals who actually did the deed is even lower than the one that is mentioned in the files.
  4168. >And who the two were who had really done it, of all people.
  4169. >Still, the overall havoc is potent enough as it is.
  4170. >Many people were suddenly riled up like never before, in a few hours at that, whereas a couple of select others ran to duck and cover as if the proverbial falling sky is going to drop on them.
  4171. >Which it very well might, depending on how agitated the populace will become when they get to know that the documented suspects seem to have no terraformer material in their possession.
  4172. >As you already know though, this will only be a matter of time.
  4173. >And once the investigation has reached this point, someone will suddenly find another document somewhere.
  4174. >Containing a list of people who allegedly worked as some of the intermediates between the rich backers and the military personnel, under the pretence to arbitrate prices and such.
  4175. >However, this list of names will also include a declaration which states that these individuals were against the backdoor dealings from the start, and knowingly infiltrated the operation to bust it from the inside.
  4176. >Said mysterious unknowns take the sole responsibility for the sudden reveal and the outrage it caused, but reject any of the blame that comes with the dealings themselves, for they did everything in their power to stop it.
  4177. >A semi-confession of sorts, signed by a few dozen names.
  4178. >And not just any names.
  4179. >For if someone were to conduct further investigations into the individuals who are allegedly behind this scandal, either from official sides for interrogation purposes, or from some shady groups who are motivated to settle a score, the investigators will surely find out that all these names are on another certain list as well.
  4180.  
  4181.  
  4182.  
  4183.  
  4184. >Namely that of casualties on several colonies during the terraformer war, six hundred years in the past.
  4185. >Then, a little bit of more digging will reveal that these were deliberately select names of humans who had no living relatives left when the war was concluded.
  4186. >So there are no remote heirs to "show their regards to" either.
  4187. >This trail is dead in its entirety, and it has been for centuries before the operation could have even been conceived.
  4188. >So both the perpetrators and the terrafomers have officially disappeared somehow.
  4189. >Tough luck.
  4190. >The status quo remains.
  4191. >The few corrupt officers and the people who sought highly exotic trinkets remain the only ones left to vent all the legitimate anger on.
  4192. >Not to mention a bunch of pirates on the run with suddenly skyrocketing bounties on their heads.
  4193. >Of course, neither of them could provide any disclosure regarding the whereabouts of the terraformers.
  4194. >Or how anyone managed to replace the ships with literal rocks and a pile of what is now nothing more than scrap metal.
  4195. >But you doubt that the authorities will let them go this easily, even if they could prove any evidence to the contrary.
  4196. >Unfortunately for them, they do not even have that.
  4197. >There are only their oral reports of a horse in a space suit who stole everything under their nose.
  4198. >While a pink pony sang to them.
  4199. >And so, with no real evidence of any kind, it quickly becomes clear that the investigations will come to a grinding halt after the first wave of suspects has been dealt with.
  4200. >You think it is very likely that a few careers at the top will also get some nasty dents due to this interplanetary embarrassment.
  4201. >After all, this happened right in their sphere of responsibility.
  4202. >Which is not exactly a boost to their reputation, especially so when they have no definite answers to present when the case gets closed.
  4203. >Nothing but question marks will be left in the wake of the search, that much is obvious to you.
  4204. >And sure, almost everyone will try to uncover the mystery of the disappeared ships, even after the official search efforts have been ceased.
  4205. >But these attempts of solving the case will be directed inwards.
  4206. >Suspecting one internal faction or the other for whatever reason.
  4207. >Yet nobody will ever be able to produce any clues of note.
  4208. >Because they simply cannot find what has never existed.
  4209. >And so, the events of this fateful day will remain an enigma, full of unanswered questions, and inconclusive results.
  4210. >In some ways, it will certainly stress the relations between the different colonised sectors for a while, as everyone will suspect everyone else to know more than they pretend to be aware of.
  4211. >Yet you have faith in the hope that things will smooth over eventually, given that the terrans are investigating the disappearance of the remains of whom they consider to be enemies of humanity as a whole.
  4212.  
  4213.  
  4214.  
  4215.  
  4216. >If they had to wage another war against the machines again, purely theoretically speaking of course, the colonies would not have the luxury to be at each others' throats, and they know it.
  4217. >So, if anything, the fear of a possible common enemy might very well strengthen some bonds in the long run.
  4218. >But that remains to be seen.
  4219. >As far as #deca.mare and you are concerned in the present though, the mission was a roaring success.
  4220. >You have gained what you came for, and made everyone look in the wrong direction in their search of culprits.
  4221. >Nobody knows what you did, and that either of you is still alive for that matter.
  4222. >In fact, it may seem as if the names of the deceased, that you deliberately picked to sow the bread crumbs towards a dead end, are more alive than you are.
  4223. >At least in the eyes of everyone who is not you.
  4224. >And the two of you are fine with that.
  4225. >Let the dead linger in the minds of the living for the time being.
  4226. >Whilst an undead pair of a man and a mare sign off to build a paradise of life somewhere.
  4227. >In the deep, seemingly uncharted vastness of outer space.
  4228. >Nobody witnesses the thirty-one lights in the clouds, that pour forth between the dense flows of particles for the fracture of a second.
  4229. >And this is good.
  4230. >Because it is exactly what you have hoped would happen.
  4231.  
  4232.  
  4233.  
  4234.  
  4235. 132
  4236.  
  4237. >Some people believe that, whenever something is brewing on the horizon, there is a proverbial calm before the storm.
  4238. >Others say that the true calm phase is the so called eye of the storm, right in the centre of the mess that is unfolding all around.
  4239. >A third phrase claims that the calm follows after the storm has passed.
  4240. >And although this appears to be paradoxical on the surface, it seems that one of the three can be applicable to nearly every given scenario, depending on how one looks at it.
  4241. >In your current state, however, you are absolutely certain that both #deca.mare and you deem the third proverb as the most accurate one to describe your situation.
  4242. >The storms that have raged through the vast dimension of space have passed for the moment.
  4243. >Your storm on the old graveyard.
  4244. >The military storms in the terran sectors.
  4245. >#deca.mare's inner storm, and her efforts to handle the latest developments.
  4246. >Your storm to both care for #deca.mare and Equestria.
  4247. >Only a brief respite of tense silence reigns over everyone as every living being in existence is trying to make some sense of, or is attempting to come to terms with the puzzling change of events they suddenly find themselves in.
  4248. >For a while, you find it quite calming to just be with #deca.mare, and let the time pass in serene togetherness.
  4249. >It helps you just as much to regenerate your physical and mental reserves as it helps #deca.mare to calm down.
  4250. >However, you fully know that the quiet is like a vacuum which eventually needs to be filled.
  4251. >So after a relatively short period of soothing idleness, you muster all your determination to get #deca.mare and yourself out of your de facto vacation.
  4252. >After all, you have picked up and collected all the proverbial pieces in a single swoop.
  4253. >Now the only thing that remains is to piece them together into something more functional.
  4254. >Easier said than done, of course.
  4255. >But you have to take the first step either way, and you prefer to do it sooner rather than later.
  4256. >Nobody urges you to rush anything, yet that in itself is a bad reason to procrastinate.
  4257. >If there is any good reason to do so at all.
  4258. >So you motivate #deca.mare to pick your second candidate for a general overhaul and repair project.
  4259. >Her choice is, to your surprise, #deca.omega.
  4260. >You did not expect her to select this one so early, as this vessel has suffered from more extensive damage than the average inert terraformer.
  4261. >But her reasoning for this course of action is even more surprising.
  4262. >#deca.mare argues that Omega often marks a symbolic end.
  4263. >As such, she vows to both herself and you that your mutual work on #deca.omega will also mark the end of her struggle with herself.
  4264. >It is a bold statement in your eyes, as she has set a relatively tight ultimatum for herself with that decision.
  4265. >And you are not sure that she will be able to pull this off.
  4266.  
  4267.  
  4268.  
  4269.  
  4270. >Yet at the same time, you see why she would want to make this statement, and that it is a symbol for her to cling to, despite the fact that #deca.omega is of course not the "youngest" terraformer in the #deca line.
  4271. >Either way, you are determined to support her all the way through this.
  4272. >As always.
  4273. >And you quickly realise another bonus in her pick.
  4274. >Since the structure of Omega is in a worse shape than that of Sigma upon retrieval, it will take you significantly longer to chart, clear, and repair the ship properly.
  4275. >Which means you have more time to support #deca.mare and further strengthen her resolve while you scrape through the wreck.
  4276. >A slightly macabre view on things, sure, but from a purely objective perspective, she has done both of you a favour.
  4277. >Whether she was aware of that factor during her selection, that you cannot say.
  4278. >But this is no longer relevant anyway.
  4279. >The only thing that matters is that the two of you look forward.
  4280. >At the future of the terraformers.
  4281. >The dawn of Equestria.
  4282. >And your life together as a couple.
  4283. >With, and between, the two.
  4284.  
  4285.  
  4286.  
  4287.  
  4288. 133
  4289.  
  4290. >At one point in your life, you are surprised to catch yourself pondering on a peculiar observation.
  4291. >It seems that the longer you live, the faster time seems to be passing in some aspects.
  4292. >Operations that take weeks or months to get finished are seemingly completed in a breeze.
  4293. >Whilst the number of said operations grows gradually.
  4294. >Both in terms of currently active endeavours, and the list of projects you have finished in total.
  4295. >Eventually, you ask yourself in a quiet minute how this can be possible.
  4296. >If you were living under regular human conditions, you would probably not find this very peculiar.
  4297. >After all, then you could claim that years of routine tasks could distort your perception of time, as the human mind tends to remember unusual or striking events much more easily than years of always doing the exact same thing.
  4298. >And since the common days generally outweigh the memorable ones by a wide margin, it is no wonder that certain perceived "gaps" can occur in one's recollection of things.
  4299. >Yet you do not have that excuse.
  4300. >Not only is your life unlike that of any other human, your tasks are also exceptional in many ways.
  4301. >Your ever evolving planet and notably growing forces keep you busy and cause you to face new and unique challenges frequently.
  4302. >Plus, your brain is in the best condition it could possibly be, tended to under nigh optimal conditions by the best loving caretaker you could ever hope for.
  4303. >Which in turn means that your memory and capacities are also leagues better than those of any average person.
  4304. >For you, every day of your new life should be memorable, and you have the abilities to recall them all, if you focus on them in a quiet meditation.
  4305. >Every time you compare your personal memories with the accounts of #deca.mare and your personal logs, you always find very little to no discrepancy whatsoever.
  4306. >And yet, you cannot tell where time has gone sometimes.
  4307. >Back when you rescued and repaired Sigma to the best of your mutual abilities, it really felt like you invested weeks over weeks into the project.
  4308. >The same holds true for preparing the fleet to excavate the rest of the terraformers, and restoring Omega.
  4309. >But then, something started to change.
  4310. >Slowly.
  4311. >Gradually.
  4312. >So subtle that you did not even register it until now.
  4313. >Every subsequent restoration effort regarding your fleet, and the terraforming process on the surface of Equestria, appears to have accelerated as far as your perception of time goes.
  4314. >Months feel like weeks, and weeks feel like days.
  4315. >You restore and equip ever more capital ships, whilst life in Equestria is slowly flourishing almost planet-wide.
  4316. >And it is not that either #deca.mare or you might get bored or anything like that while you are at work.
  4317. >Oh no.
  4318. >You pass the time and live happily together as usual.
  4319. >Neither of you can truly claim to feel bad or empty, as you have each other, and found a purpose to pursue together.
  4320. >Overall, things could barely be any better.
  4321.  
  4322.  
  4323.  
  4324.  
  4325. >But still, you now find yourself in wonder how you have, apparently out of the blue, reached the last of the listed vessels that has not been repaired yet.
  4326. >The only terraformer left on the chart is Rho.
  4327. >Including the Duteous Strider by extension as well.
  4328. >#deca.mare and you have invested more than one extensive occasion on what to do with this particular case.
  4329. >So much so in fact that you regularly postponed the work on the vessel, up until there nothing else to restore, and the urge to come to a decision became palpable.
  4330. >And in a few ways, it does feel strange to work on Rho and the Strider, as it is an inconvenient mirror for both of you.
  4331. >A possibility of what could have happened between #deca.mare and you, if things had been only a little bit different at the time you met.
  4332. >Nevertheless, neither of you wants to abandon any of the two ships, and so you cordially come to the only conclusion that makes sense for both of you.
  4333. >You separate Rho and the Strider, and proceed to bring both back into a functional state after some sweeping repairs.
  4334. >As far as Rho is concerned, the process is, by now, comparatively easy due to the experiences you have lived through already.
  4335. >However, the Strider is a slightly different case.
  4336. >On the one hand, you want to preserve as much of the original vessel as possible, despite the massive internal and external damage to the construction.
  4337. >But on the other hand, doing so would mean to recreate a wholly obsolete vessel, even compared to current terran standards.
  4338. >An outdated craft which does not benefit from any of the improved #deca techology, unlike the other capital ships you have rebuild and partially improved upon.
  4339. >Sure, it is a historic artefact first and foremost.
  4340. >More suitable as a symbol of renewal to the two of you.
  4341. >And not primarily meant to be used as a tool to fulfil a more practical role.
  4342. >You could technically leave the Strider's design as it is, and simply repair what has been destroyed.
  4343. >Yet neither of you is truly happy with that option, whilst you also do not want to drastically alter the design either.
  4344. >After all, what is the point in wanting to authentically restore a historical object, if the end product turns out to be something almost completely unrecognisable?
  4345. >You do not want that to happen.
  4346. >So you go for an unusual compromise.
  4347. >An approach similar to the one #deca.mare has devised for repairing your M3.
  4348. >Albeit on a more thorough level, due to the already existing damage to the structure.
  4349. >You tow the Strider to your dock.
  4350. >There, you initiate the first phase of your plan.
  4351. >You get into the interior, and gain access to as many still existing segments as possible.
  4352.  
  4353.  
  4354.  
  4355.  
  4356. >Once this is achieved, #deca.mare scouts every corner of the Strider for potentially still working computer cores, data slides and personal belongings of former crew members, hoping to save whatever documents in every form, if there are any, that may have survived over the centuries.
  4357. >Then, after the initial mapping and charting is complete, begins the unusual renewal progress.
  4358. >The two of you pick the ship apart, disassembling one segment at a time, grind the metal structures and other assets down to their base components, and smelt or otherwise refurbish the resulting scrap inside the facilities of your terraformer fleet.
  4359. >At this stage, you take the regained molten metals, and use it as your base to reform the same pieces of the ship's hull and interior structures that the glowing liquids once embodied.
  4360. >But this is where #deca.mare applies a little trick.
  4361. >Instead of imitating the processes of the past centuries, she uses her advanced insights in metallurgy to significantly improve the now obsolete formulae.
  4362. >She adds and alters both the individual compositions and processes where necessary, but she makes sure to use every little bit of the metal that the two of you have harvested from the wrecked Strider.
  4363. >And you only allow yourselves to add resources from your own ore stock after the yield from the Strider has been used in its entirety.
  4364. >At the end of each individual processing cycle, you have recreated almost identically looking, functional and undamaged components of the original vessel.
  4365. >They are visually almost identical to the old ones, yet boast far more advanced and sturdy alloys that excel the original ones in virtually all aspects.
  4366. >And you do the same with the computer cores and other internal systems.
  4367. >Only the few still existing personal belongings of the original crew are left completely untouched, as neither of you would dare to alter them in any way.
  4368. >So you merely keep them safe in one of your cargo bays until you have found a safe repository for them on the new Strider.
  4369. >In the last phase, when all of the material has been gathered and remade, you assemble the ship anew, creating a historically correct replica of the design.
  4370. >You leave every detail as it was in the original blueprints.
  4371. >From the outer appearance of the hull, to the internal halls, the arrangement of the systems, and everything in between.
  4372. >You even recreate a faithful copy of the bridge, assembly hall, and the personal quarters up to the most minute of details, despite them now being technically pointless.
  4373. >But similar to how the two of you wanted to preserve the original design of the command decks on the other terraformers even though they have no practical purpose to you any more, so do you want to maintain every aspect of the Strider as it once was before the fated confrontation with Rho.
  4374.  
  4375.  
  4376.  
  4377.  
  4378. >In the end, you are left with a visually nearly identical and practically indistinguishable rebuild of the original Strider.
  4379. >Minus the fact that the improved hull, engines, shield generators, and weapons, give the ship enough of an edge to be able to directly confront and likely surpass a modern terran destroyer of twice the Strider's size in single combat.
  4380. >However, since you are not likely to get any terran visitors here in your remote little corner of the galaxy, you doubt you will ever be forced to test that assertion in practice.
  4381. >Which makes both you and #deca.mare very glad, as you consider the Strider to be a "living" piece of history rather than a tool of war.
  4382. >A museum ship that orbits your new home.
  4383. >And perhaps to serve as a secondary asset to maintain Equestria, should you, for one reason or another, require the old terran cruiser to play a more active role.
  4384. >As the final step before you relieve the "newly" built capital ship from the clamps of the shipyard, you feel compelled to add one little detail which was not found in any of the official blueprints.
  4385. >#deca.mare and you have prepared two golden plaques that you are going to fasten on one of the walls on the bridge.
  4386. >The first bears a name.
  4387. >A new designation, writ in bold letters.
  4388. >To mark a second beginning.
  4389. >Which is followed by a blessing.
  4390. >"Duteous Strider of Theseus. The past and the future best go hand in hand."
  4391. >And the second, which you place right underneath the first one, contains a list of names.
  4392. >In commemoration of the former crew of the cruiser.
  4393. >Because this vessel is consecrated just as much to their past as it is to your future.
  4394. >So it is only apt to always have something on the bridge that reminds you of them.
  4395. >Even though you have their names placed on a marker in your vast simulated memorial site already, you think they should also get a physical tribute on the Strider's bridge.
  4396. >After all, these people all have been here, six centuries ago.
  4397. >This is still their ship.
  4398. >They stood on the same metal, walked through the same hallways, and slept in these very quarters.
  4399. >Now, for the first time since the Strider's last mission, everything looks exactly as it did back then.
  4400. >Only a little bit more polished, and of course free of scorch marks and other signs of wear.
  4401. >If the original members of the crew were still around, you are sure they would barely notice the difference.
  4402. >At least until they use the computers, that is.
  4403. >And you like to think that they would appreciate your cleaning efforts.
  4404. >In a quiet moment, after you have fastened the two plaques on the metal wall, you promise to take good care of the Strider in their stead.
  4405. >#deca.mare does the same.
  4406.  
  4407.  
  4408.  
  4409.  
  4410. >As strange as it sounds, an ancient terran ship, that has been in active service at the time she was still young and comparatively inexperienced, is the closest tie she has to her second long lost home.
  4411. >Even when the ship was on the other side of the conflict.
  4412. >Because at her core, and despite all your differences, she is basically exactly as terran as you are.
  4413. >And while neither of you may see a realistic way to rebuild the bridge that was burned for good when the terraformers were deceived to go on their rampage spree, she too wishes to hold on to as many fragments of the past as she can.
  4414. >But at the same time, the two of you also have to get used to the realisation that from this moment onward, you should start to consider yourselves Equestrians as well.
  4415. >At least in part.
  4416. >Although that small initial part is bound to grow as time passes, given that your experiences in Equestria will eventually make up the larger part of your life.
  4417. >That may happen faster for you than it does for #deca.mare, considering her head start in terms of age.
  4418. >Yet neither of you knows who of you will have an easier time to settle in.
  4419. >Or rather, who of you is better at ironing out the quirks of the other.
  4420. >You being a human and her not being a quite so ordinary mare might not make the process any easier, but you are sure that everything will be alright eventually.
  4421. >One thing is already clear though.
  4422. >You are truly facing the dawning stages of your new, your second life.
  4423. >Whilst #deca.mare is going to begin her third.
  4424.  
  4425.  
  4426.  
  4427.  
  4428. 134.1
  4429.  
  4430. >From an ancient scroll:
  4431.  
  4432. >The following is a tale as old as known time.
  4433. >A tale of you, and a tale of me.
  4434. >Of life, and all there is.
  4435. >From Origin, to Trinity, to Diarchy, to Harmony.
  4436.  
  4437. >Once upon a time, there was a world unlike any other.
  4438. >Far away from any other known lands.
  4439. >It was so far away that no one from the outside knew it existed.
  4440. >So it was left undisturbed for many untold years.
  4441. >And as it so happened, it was the home of three different pony tribes.
  4442. >None of the ponies could say with certainty where they came from.
  4443. >Yet they have always lived there for as long as they can remember.
  4444. >And for them, there could be no better place.
  4445. >The land was fertile.
  4446. >Blessed with many grasslands and forests.
  4447. >And all ponies could find enough food with some effort.
  4448. >They lived without hardship, yet they did not prosper.
  4449. >But the land was not to blame for this.
  4450. >Every tribe had unique special talents which they used to make a living.
  4451. >The first tribe was that of the Earth Ponies.
  4452. >Strong mares and stallions who had a fine sense for all plants, rocks, the soil, and nature itself.
  4453. >They were the best in dealing with a raw and untamed environment.
  4454. >The second: The Unicorns.
  4455. >Ponies with a natural talent for the unseen, often also called magic.
  4456. >Unicorns learned to use their unique horns to weave their magic powers into spells as they pleased.
  4457. >Everything from simple magic tricks up to powerful incantations were theirs to command.
  4458. >And the third: The Pegasi.
  4459. >Winged ponies who could soar into the blue heights and control the weather.
  4460. >Pegasi moved faster and wider than any other tribe.
  4461. >And unlike the other two, their mastery of the air allowed them to live on clouds.
  4462. >The sky eventually became their home, and the clouds turned into their cities.
  4463.  
  4464.  
  4465.  
  4466.  
  4467. >In these early days, all three tribes mainly lived to fend for their own kin, utilising the abilities they had been blessed with.
  4468. >They wandered in small groups and lived in small communities, mostly unaware of the other two.
  4469. >And while their singular talents were enough to provide for themselves, it was not an easy task.
  4470. >Scavenging and working for their next meal became a manageable, albeit daily chore.
  4471. >Starting anew with each coming dawn.
  4472. >Life was not opulent, but it was fair.
  4473. >The Earth ponies were sturdy and easily found and cultivated food.
  4474. >But they were dependant on the moody weather.
  4475. >The Unicorns used their spells to find what they needed.
  4476. >But they were inexperienced in farming and also endured the weather.
  4477. >The Pegasi could drench the ground to ease plant growth and ward off storms.
  4478. >But they too were no farmers and could store nothing in the clouds.
  4479. >Inexplicably to all of them, every foal of every tribe received a Mark at a certain age.
  4480. >It blessed the ponies with individual talents in which they developed an excellence beyond comparison.
  4481. >Even within their own tribes.
  4482. >Nopony understood where the Marks came from, but they had always been a part of their nature.
  4483. >Just like the ponies had always been a part of this land.
  4484. >It was a boon.
  4485. >Maybe from nature, or perhaps even from life itself.
  4486. >Yet one thing they knew without a doubt.
  4487. >Every new blessing was a miracle of fate.
  4488. >And although no pony was ever able to fully grasp the ways of fate, it always showed itself in the right place at the right time.
  4489. >This was the time of Origin.
  4490. >The age of which there was no predecessor.
  4491.  
  4492.  
  4493.  
  4494.  
  4495. 134.2
  4496.  
  4497. >In a dimly lit tunnel, far beneath the surface of Equestria.
  4498. >The sounds of hooves stepping on solid metal can be heard as a lone figure marches through the seemingly endless subterranean labyrinth.
  4499. >It is your Pegasus proxy.
  4500. >You pilot it remotely as #deca.mare and you fly around the planet in a stable orbit.
  4501. >Only the day prior to today, you have decided to transfer the pony shell from the mother ship down to the planet.
  4502. >For there is something happening underneath the world for which you want to show up in person.
  4503. >Or at least as close to that as technically possible without moving your cryo pod or severing your connection to #deca.mare and the rest of the network.
  4504. >At this moment, you are on your way to partake in that special event.
  4505. >So you let your proxy trot through the long hallways with a moderate pace, and witness the underground deeds that both of you have done along the way.
  4506. >And even though you know exactly what the tunnels look like, due to the excessive time you have invested to help creating them, today they appear unusual for another reason.
  4507. >After all, this is the first time you get to experience the actual terraformer tunnels of Equestria from the perspective of a "living" organism outside of a simulation.
  4508. >Up to this point, you have only ever seen it through the camera lenses of several units, or as digital recreations that were based on the original blueprints.
  4509. >But right now, you get the chance to witness the real deal in the way how a pony would see it, if given the chance to.
  4510. >And that is something very different.
  4511. >At least from an emotional point of view.
  4512. >Incidentally, it is also the reason why you declined #deca.mare's offer to bring your proxy to your destination with another unit.
  4513. >You want to see it all for yourself, and in the pace you deem appropriate.
  4514. >After a while, you begin to chuckle.
  4515. "Heh, isn't it strange to feel like a tourist at the place you've built yourself?"
  4516. >"Perhaps under different circumstances, Anon. But I assume it is safe to say that this situation is everything but commonplace."
  4517. "With all the things happening around this planet, yeah, I'm pretty sure it's a first in history."
  4518. >#deca.mare laughs lightly too.
  4519. >"Which is yet more of a justification to feel elated."
  4520. >A short pause.
  4521. >"If it makes you feel better, let me say that I share your sentiment, Anon. Should this make us strange, we are at least strange together."
  4522. >You grin.
  4523. "That's good to hear."
  4524. >You check the map of the tunnel system.
  4525. >Still about five hundred metres left to walk.
  4526. >Alright.
  4527. >Enough for a little pleasure flight.
  4528. >The architecture may only exhibit utilitarian and monotonous metal walls on all sides, but at least they are special monotonous metal walls.
  4529. >That is what you like to think anyway.
  4530. >And you are sure that #deca.mare agrees with you on that.
  4531. >You spread the wings of your proxy and take off.
  4532.  
  4533.  
  4534.  
  4535.  
  4536. >The tunnel provides enough space for you to navigate and glide fairly safely.
  4537. >And the mostly straight structure means that you do not have to take any sharp turns or try other difficult tricks either.
  4538. >All you have to do is to keep the Pegasus steady.
  4539. >Plus, you know exactly what to expect, given that you have the exact plan at hand and can rely on it at a moment's notice.
  4540. >Nevertheless, you alternatively sway lightly to both sides now and then, to add a little bit extra excitement to the experience.
  4541. >And when you feel like it, you also ascend a little bit or let your proxy drop for half a metre or so.
  4542. >Nothing extraordinarily dangerous for the proxy at your passable speed.
  4543. >Though if you had done something like this with a ship in a station dock, back when you were an enlisted fighter pilot, you would have been booted within a day.
  4544. >And while you would also never do such a thing with a unit on board of your mother ship, since it could needlessly damage some of your assets, none of these concerns apply down here.
  4545. >The worst thing you could do now is to damage the proxy.
  4546. >But for that to happen, you really have to fly like an idiot.
  4547. >So you enjoy your opportunity for a tunnel flight as you watch the walls move past everywhere around you.
  4548. >There is only you, the surrounding corridor, and the somewhat dim open space right in front of you.
  4549. >Even without any notable wind down here, you still get a little rush out of the experience.
  4550. >Heh, who knew what terraformer maintenance tunnels could be good for.
  4551. >Aside their actual functions, of course.
  4552. >You check the remaining distance again.
  4553. >Two hundred metres.
  4554. >#deca.mare gives you a signal over the comm.
  4555. >"Beware, there is a general purpose unit coming your way. Shall I stop it?"
  4556. "No need to. I can deal with that."
  4557. >And only a few moments later, you can indeed make out the shapes of something fairly big and bulky right in front of you.
  4558. >The outlines of the machine quickly get much clearer as you move towards each other.
  4559. >You slow down your proxy to about half your previous speed and fly close to the tunnel ceiling.
  4560. >Then you carefully maintain this height as you observe the approaching automaton.
  4561. >The heavy machine on tracks drives by without reacting to your presence, and follows its own route as its powerful engine merrily hums along with a few low key sounds.
  4562. >If you had not known beforehand, you would be perturbed by the low volume that a machine of this type emits when it drives somewhere.
  4563. >More than a ton of metal and other components are not supposed to be this quiet.
  4564. >And if it were not for the tracks making some sounds as they make contact with the hard floor, one would barely notice its approach in the first place.
  4565. >Still, for someone like you who has learned to work with this machine, it has become a normal experience.
  4566. >Besides, this thing is not nearly as scary as #deca.mare's little prank on your first excursion with your proxy.
  4567.  
  4568.  
  4569.  
  4570.  
  4571. >Once the unit has moved on, you resume your central position inside the corridor and speed up again.
  4572. >You pass the last couple of metres with casual gliding, and without any real obstacles.
  4573. >Then you spot the place you are looking for.
  4574. >A mesh door appears on the left side.
  4575. >And on the right, at the exact same spot, a second pathway meets the one you are currently on.
  4576. >This is the crossing.
  4577. >With the place now in sight, you controllably decrease your speed to come to a stop right in front of the barrier.
  4578. >You land near the large gate and face it directly.
  4579. >The thing is almost as high and wide as the tunnel you have been flying through so far, and you can see that a corridor of equal proportions awaits you on the other side.
  4580. >A simple design choice, but easy to work with.
  4581. >Standardised sizes do have their uses, after all.
  4582. "Okay. I'm in position. Please unlock the gate, #deca."
  4583. >"Understood."
  4584. >And the request does lead to the desired effect.
  4585. >You hear some faint clicking and clunking noises coming from the door mechanism.
  4586. >Then you watch as the mesh quickly slides aside and disappears into one of the walls.
  4587. >Unlike the heavier blast door variants for the most vital areas, these ones involve far less rumbling and are much faster to open and close respectively.
  4588. >With the way ahead now free to tread, you strut forwards into the next segment.
  4589. >After you have passed about a dozen metres, you hear the door locking itself again behind your back.
  4590. >But knowing in advance that this would happen, you do not look back to check what is going on.
  4591. >Instead, you rather focus your mind of what lies ahead.
  4592. >About another dozen metres or two, you spot another pony figure in front of you, standing right in the centre of the walkway.
  4593. >#deca.mare has been waiting for you.
  4594. >You quickly trot closer until you have finally reached her idling proxy.
  4595. >She greets you with a friendly smile and a hug.
  4596. >"Welcome, Anon."
  4597. >You chuckle.
  4598. "Hey, it's not like I've never been here in the past."
  4599. >"You said it yourself though, it is not the same as before."
  4600. "Fair point. Shall we then?"
  4601. >"Of course."
  4602. >You part again and begin to walk side by side.
  4603. "I suspect the status is still the same, right?"
  4604. >"It is. Everything is unchanged and stable. And we have no reason to hurry."
  4605. >You nod.
  4606. "Good. We've got a lot of work ahead of us."
  4607. >The two of you follow the tunnel further.
  4608. >Until you catch a glimpse of an opening in the distance.
  4609. >A threshold where the corridor nearly seamlessly turns into a cavity.
  4610. >And that is not all.
  4611. >The room you are about to enter emits a vibrant emerald sheen that completely outshines the otherwise rather dim standard lighting of the tunnels.
  4612.  
  4613.  
  4614.  
  4615.  
  4616. >Once you see it with your, more or less, own eyes, you stop for a brief moment and take a deep breath.
  4617. >"Do you need some time?"
  4618. >You shake your head.
  4619. "No. But I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't nervous."
  4620. >#deca.mare looks at the green light of the opening in front of you as well.
  4621. >"Me too, Anon. This is probably the biggest step of our entire project for a reason."
  4622. >You feel tempted to remind her that pointing out the obvious does not necessarily relieve your nervousness, but you realise this is entirely redundant.
  4623. >Because you can read in her whole demeanour that #deca.mare feels the exact same thing.
  4624. >Her remark is just her own way to deal with it.
  4625. >Well, you figure the best thing you can do is to dive in quickly.
  4626. >Because the earlier you begin, the faster you are done.
  4627. >So you take heart, exhale calmly, and give #deca.mare a reaffirming pat on the back.
  4628. "Let's go. We'll work it all out. Promise."
  4629. >She nods.
  4630. >You continue your walk towards the seemingly glowing chamber.
  4631. >Both of you fully know what to expect of course.
  4632. >After all, there is nothing happening in these tunnels without your knowledge.
  4633. >But still, you nevertheless have a strange feeling of treading entirely new and wholly unknown grounds.
  4634. >And in a way, you actually do precisely that.
  4635. >#deca.mare and you reach the threshold.
  4636. >The inside of the room is laid bare before your eyes.
  4637. >It is an underground storage site, designed like the ones you have on board your mother ship, albeit partially adapted to take regular planetary gravity into account.
  4638. >However, this one does not store mere resources or processed goods.
  4639. >No, its shelves contain something much more valuable than mere ores, building material, or tools.
  4640. >You look at rows upon rows of shelved, yet active pods.
  4641. >Dozens of them, neatly ordered and safely stacked.
  4642. >Although you have not properly entered the room yet, you can already hear the subtle sounds of their integrated machinery.
  4643. >And now that you are here with the proxy, you believe that you spot very subtle nuances between the individual pods.
  4644. >Minimal variations that almost sound like a strange form of melody to you.
  4645. >But variation or not, the units are kept operational at their peak performance.
  4646. >Plus, you have a good number of automatons assigned to monitor the status of all pods simultaneously.
  4647. >If some values were outside the normal parameters, you would have been alerted already.
  4648. >And for a very good reason at that.
  4649. >You take another breath as you inspect the shelves from afar.
  4650. "So, where do we start?
  4651. >"I suggest we approach one group at a time."
  4652. "Shelf by shelf then."
  4653. >"It is the easiest strategy. And considering that we have four other halls to tend to..."
  4654. >You nod to tell her that you understand.
  4655. "Yeah, working methodically makes sense."
  4656. >"If it takes too long for you, we could reduce the required time by not doing this with our proxies, Anon."
  4657.  
  4658.  
  4659.  
  4660.  
  4661. >You sigh.
  4662. "That's easier and faster for sure. But also far less... personal."
  4663. >You still look at the pods.
  4664. "But this isn't about efficiency or time, #deca. It's something we've got to do ourselves."
  4665. >#deca.mare agrees after a short moment of consideration.
  4666. >"You are right."
  4667. >You slowly walk up to the first shelf, with #deca.mare following you closely.
  4668. >And on your way to the construct, you spot a transporter unit entering the hall from the other end.
  4669. >It drives towards the two of you and the shelf.
  4670. >You stop shortly before the first row of pods, and leave enough room for the unit to place itself between you and the pods.
  4671. >The automaton stops precisely there and aligns itself to face the first row.
  4672. >Its adjustable pairs of clamps automatically bring themselves in position and grab the nearest pod.
  4673. >Once it has the unit is firmly in its grasp, the pod detaches itself from the planetary energy grid and switches over to battery mode.
  4674. >You are technically on the clock from now on, as its embedded energy cell can only support the system for a limited time without a refill.
  4675. >Still, the pods are designed to work for a couple of hours on their own.
  4676. >So it should not become a pressing matter unless you tarry needlessly.
  4677. >The transporter unit carefully retracts its clamps from the shelf, carrying the heavy unit with it, and lowers it almost onto the ground level.
  4678. >Then the automaton switches into idle mode and waits for new commands.
  4679. >But before you can give those, there is something that #deca.mare and you have to do first.
  4680. >You walk up to the pod and look through the transparent canopy at its top.
  4681. >The unit is filled with a warm liquid, and illuminated by a gentle emerald light.
  4682. >It is vivid enough for a fraction to shine through the upper layer, yet not dazzling enough to be glaring to the naked eye.
  4683. >Inside the fluid and the light swims a young Earth pony mare nearing her prime.
  4684. >Her eyes are closed, the muzzle covered by a respirator, and her limbs are kept in place by carefully placed restraints.
  4685. >She is unconscious, artificially held in a deep, near comatose slumber, and kept from randomly swimming around in the pod.
  4686. >The latter is meant to prevent her from loosely floating around and accidentally hurting herself or causing damage to the unit by sheer random chance.
  4687. >But a small screen at the side of the pod tells you that her vitals are strong and stable.
  4688. >The mare is resting soundly and shows no signs of stress.
  4689. >You take a long quiet moment to simply look at the sleeping pony inside the pod.
  4690. >You try to remember her name without looking it up at the screen.
  4691. >After all, #deca.mare and you have personally named every single one of the ponies in the five sleeping halls.
  4692. >You could simply have left this part to Harmony and let it decide the names of the first generation of ponies.
  4693.  
  4694.  
  4695.  
  4696.  
  4697. >It would have created a list of monikers based on the ponies' latent talents you have bestowed upon them when you began to "conceive" them.
  4698. >But instead of doing this, you insisted that both #deca.mare and you also have a say in the matter as well.
  4699. >Because since you are technically somewhat of a father to them, it is only appropriate and courteous to also give them a name yourself.
  4700. >And #deca.mare's maternal side wholeheartedly agreed.
  4701. >On the flipside, however, it is not exactly easy for you to remember several hundred names and to associate those with the correct pony by heart.
  4702. >So you now feel slightly embarrassed as you have to think for a while to remember the name of your daughter of sorts who lies sleeping in a pod right in front of your proxy's face.
  4703. >Sure, she does not look anything like you and would certainly not pass a genetic relationship test by any stretch of the imagination, but that is completely beside the point.
  4704. >Fact of the matter is, this pony would not exist without you or #deca.mare.
  4705. >Which makes the two of you her de facto parents for all intents and purposes.
  4706. >And to a certain extent, the same status applies to Harmony as well.
  4707. >Though that aspect is another can of philosophical worms, considering that a little bit of Harmony is embodied inside these ponies.
  4708. >And vice versa, every single one of those ponies is a small part of Harmony too.
  4709. >You have no idea how to depict that on a family tree.
  4710. >In any case, you are sure it is safe to say that your family bonds are quite unusual to say the least.
  4711. >Eventually, you actually manage to recall her name.
  4712. >Whether you will be able to hit a perfect score in all five halls is another matter, however.
  4713. >Yet that will not deter you from trying your best.
  4714. "Hello, Ash Seedling. This will be your great day."
  4715. >The mare inside the pod remains motionless.
  4716. >Of course, she could not hear a single word of what you have just said.
  4717. >But deep down you like to think that a subconscious part of her understands you nevertheless.
  4718. >Or at the very least you hope she will understand your motivations when she learns the truth about the two of you in a very distant future.
  4719. >#deca.mare approaches the pod from the other side to eye its dormant occupant.
  4720. >As she looks at Ash Seedling's still form, she sighs.
  4721. >"I cannot wait to release them. It does not feel right to see them all restrained like this."
  4722. >The rational side of her is of course aware of the fact that you have only fixed them in this pose to ensure they remain safe and sound inside their pods until the day of their "birth".
  4723. >And that their pod stage will be effectively over very soon.
  4724. >But still, you can also sympathise with her emotional side which feels for these ponies.
  4725. >She wants to see them free, so that they can begin to live their lives on the surface as soon as possible.
  4726. >And to finally end their sedated existence inside a gestation unit.
  4727.  
  4728.  
  4729.  
  4730.  
  4731. "Yeah, me too."
  4732. >You carefully tap on the canopy and focus on Ash Seedling's face.
  4733. "Don't worry, Ash. It won't be much longer until you see the light of the sun."
  4734. >Again, no reaction from the mare.
  4735. >As expected.
  4736. >Yet it does not change much.
  4737. >For you nevertheless feel obligated to address each and every pony in here personally before you release them.
  4738. >Even when they have no recall of the words you spoke, or that you are technically their parents for that matter, you owe them this much personal attention.
  4739. >You keep observing the floating mare for a few more seconds before you take a couple of steps away from the unit with the pod in its grasp.
  4740. >You turn your head to #deca.mare.
  4741. >She nods in agreement.
  4742. >Then you give the next order to the automaton.
  4743. >The machine turns towards the entrance from whence #deca.mare and you have come, and starts to roll away.
  4744. >And even without looking at the automaton and what it is doing, you know what is happening next.
  4745. >The unit drives into the corridor and towards the mesh.
  4746. >When it is there, the automaton will meet up with a larger transporter machine that has just arrived at the crossing.
  4747. >This machine can harbour the pods of up to two fully stacked shelves.
  4748. >And in the case of an emergency, it can also connect the units to its main energy cell and regulate the pods' activities on its own until either #deca.mare or you can step in.
  4749. >But to be extra sure that it does not even come to this situation, you have parked a second smaller transporter automaton behind the big transporter, filled to the brim with replacement energy cells and other spare parts.
  4750. >Nobody shall say that you take the wellbeing of the ponies under your care lightly.
  4751. >The whole process will take a couple of minutes.
  4752. >Though you will not idle while the automaton is en-route.
  4753. >For a second smaller transport unit appears in the hall, automatically heading for the same shelf as the first automaton.
  4754. >Like the other unit, it reaches for the nearest available pod to pick it up.
  4755. >The automaton repeats the procedure of the first and presents the next dormant pony to the two of you.
  4756. >#deca.mare and you approach it like the previous one.
  4757. >The body of a slumbering Earth pony stallion lies within the unit.
  4758. >He is of the same age as Ash Seedling.
  4759. >Though this is not much of a surprise to you, as all of the first generation ponies are roughly of the same age.
  4760. >And this is a deliberate choice of both of you.
  4761. >Since you are already forced to let the first generation skip their foalhood entirely, given that the pony society has to start somewhere, the two of you have agreed to let them mature to a state where they are not quite fully adults yet, but developed sufficiently to be able to rely on their own skills.
  4762. >It is the youngest age range that both of you were comfortable with.
  4763. >That way they do not miss that many years of their life in comparison to newborn foals, and still have most of their best years to look forward to.
  4764.  
  4765.  
  4766.  
  4767.  
  4768. >For while you have given them some "memories" of their happy foalhood and a sense of identity to start out with, it still is not really a fair exchange.
  4769. >And at the end of day, it is a fake.
  4770. >A fake made with good intentions, but a deception nonetheless.
  4771. >Something you will apologise for when you can talk freely to them about this matter.
  4772. >In who knows how many years in the future.
  4773. >Yet you can already tell that you will not be excited to have that conversation, as it will be awkward at best, and rough at worst.
  4774. >Either way though, these are the responsibilities you have accepted to face when you proposed to #deca.mare to finally realise this project in the first place.
  4775. >So you will not complain about that to anyone.
  4776. >This was your personal decision, and you will live it now, no matter what.
  4777. >Really, it is not so different from conventional parenthood if you think about it.
  4778. >Only the scales vary significantly.
  4779. >Once more, you rummage through your mind to remember the stallion's name.
  4780. >#deca.mare attempts to help you out, but you refuse her assistance.
  4781. >You want to try it yourself.
  4782. >And it finally makes click.
  4783. >So you raise your voice again for the second greeting.
  4784. >If one can call it that.
  4785. >"The moment has come, Crag Grinder. Soon you'll get the chance to show the world what you've got in store."
  4786. >Another short while of silence before you step back and let the automaton carry the second pod to the crossing as well.
  4787. >By that time, the first transporter is already on its way back to the hall, ready to pick up the third pod of the day.
  4788. >And so it goes on.
  4789. >Pod after pod.
  4790. >Pony after pony.
  4791. >You wish every single one of them well before they are brought to the tunnel.
  4792. >Of course, you will still look after them and help them with all the tools you have at your disposal.
  4793. >But once they are out of the pods and exploring the "wilderness", you need to let them try out things on their own.
  4794. >So if there is a moment for some final friendly words before the next big era of Equestria is about to commence, it is now.
  4795. >And you do not let that opportunity slip.
  4796. >After the first shelf has been cleared of gestation units, you let #deca.mare see off the other half of the Earth ponies who are about to get "shipped out" with a few friendly comments.
  4797. >The two of you have arranged that even split beforehand.
  4798. >You originally had the idea to let both of you speak to every single pony prior to being moved, but you quickly reconsidered this approach as #deca.mare has calculated for you how long it would take you to cover all five halls with this longer procedure.
  4799. >So you mutually agreed to settle for a more abridged version of the ritual to save some time.
  4800. >But even with this fair split, it takes the better part of two hours for you to fill the large machine at the crossing.
  4801.  
  4802.  
  4803.  
  4804.  
  4805. >The effort was worth it though, as you want to form a stronger mental bond to each and every one of those mares and stallions.
  4806. >It will become impossible for you in the long run of course, as their numbers will eventually surpass your mental faculties to grasp them and to differentiate between all the individuals.
  4807. >But you will be damned if you do not try to remember as many as humanly possible.
  4808. >#deca.mare really has an advantage over you in that regard.
  4809. >You watch as the last unit of the first two shelves is carried out of the hall.
  4810. >Then you turn around to observe the still remaining shelves.
  4811. >You notice that the collective emerald aura in the room has dimmed somewhat, especially in the corner of the chamber that you are currently standing in.
  4812. >Though you will still have to return a couple of times to release the rest of the dormant lot in this room alone.
  4813. >Not to mention the other four halls of equal size with a similar amount of occupants.
  4814. >Well, you have your work cut out for you.
  4815. >But nobody ever said that it is easy to colonise a planet.
  4816. >You turn to #deca.mare.
  4817. "Okay, that's it for now. Shall we go?"
  4818. >And she nods.
  4819. >"Hmhm. Ready when you are."
  4820. >You leave the hall together and tread the same path that you have used to enter.
  4821. >Since you have a time limit of sorts, you walk in a moderate, albeit steady pace and reach the mesh door in due time.
  4822. >Even from the distance, you can see the lively emerald light of the pods shine through the iron grid.
  4823. >If it were not for the fact that you know what is going on, you might have gotten the impression that the source of this sheen must be otherworldly.
  4824. >The mesh door unlocks itself automatically as the two of you draw near, revealing both the fully loaded large transporter and the three smaller units.
  4825. >The pair of transporter units you have used parked themselves in front of the more massive construct.
  4826. >Which causes it to form the centre of your little formation, whilst the spare part storage forms the rear.
  4827. >So far, so good.
  4828. >Shortly after you have passed the door, #deca.mare gives you a signal to help her.
  4829. >Already knowing what she wants you to do, you step closer to assist her in an attempt to climb onto the top of one of the spearhead units.
  4830. >And you get her up there without much of a hassle.
  4831. >Then you take flight and land on the top of the other unit.
  4832. >Both of you align yourselves to face the tunnel in front of you.
  4833. >"Ready for departure. And you?"
  4834. "Same. Let's make it roll."
  4835. >Without further ado, the two spearhead automatons begin to accelerate gently.
  4836. >The heavy transporter does the same with a delay of a few seconds.
  4837. >And so does the depot of spare parts behind it.
  4838.  
  4839.  
  4840.  
  4841.  
  4842. >Your humble caravan of four drives through the subterranean network with a clear destination in mind.
  4843. >You are heading for one of the surface exits that is hidden inside a small hill cave at the surface world.
  4844. >This is the place where you will set this group of Earth ponies free.
  4845. >For it is the perfect location for them to start.
  4846. >Shielded from the weather and wind, not high enough to count as a proper mountain cave, and relatively close to the nearest forest and the grassy lowlands.
  4847. >During an early spring season.
  4848. >Water, food, and wood will be around to be gathered in abundance.
  4849. >Plus, you have also donated a generous starter pack of those resources too.
  4850. >A gift they will find in the cave when they wake up.
  4851. >This, combined with the versatile set of inherent talents and skills that this group of ponies possesses, should ensure that they will quickly find themselves in a position in which they can live fairly comfortably.
  4852. >After all, you have made sure that there are a few ponies of all trades in the groups you have picked.
  4853. >Farmers, craftsponies, explorers and gatherers.
  4854. >Everything they need to found a stable settlement.
  4855. >The rest is up to them.
  4856. >#deca.mare and you will only intervene in the foundation process if things appear to go awry.
  4857. >Or when the settlement finds itself in need of some help from someone outside their own community.
  4858. >But you did everything in your power to reduce the risk of such an occurrence.
  4859. >It would take a major incisive event to disturb the balance that you have created so carefully.
  4860. >All those things rush through your mind as you ride the automaton through the tunnels at a fairly high speed.
  4861. >The ponies under your protection know none of these things.
  4862. >For as far as they will be concerned, they are going to wake up and greet a normal new day.
  4863. >One of many uncountable days to come.
  4864. >But also a day like all the others they have lived through so far.
  4865. >A big, albeit sweet lie.
  4866. >Yet also one with a silver lining.
  4867. >After all, the shadow of this lie will shrink just a tiny bit of a sliver with the light of every new dawn.
  4868. >#deca.mare is confident that, by the distant point in time at which the two of you will reveal the initial lie to the world, you will be able to bear the burden of the remaining shadow together.
  4869. >And then, over time, banish it outright.
  4870. >Together with your protégés.
  4871. >Your home.
  4872. >And if the inhabitants of Equestria are willing to embrace you as friends on an equal footing, your family.
  4873. >But until then, you have a task to tend to.
  4874. >Accepting the terms you have chosen for yourself, #deca.mare and you look optimistically into the dim tunnel before you, eagerly waiting for the first rays of light to shine on your faces.
  4875.  
  4876.  
  4877.  
  4878.  
  4879. 135.1
  4880.  
  4881. >Further written in the text:
  4882.  
  4883. >All of this changed one day.
  4884. >The time of Origin was nearing its end when groups of all three tribes met.
  4885. >Their fates had led them to a common ground.
  4886. >For the first time in known history, the three tribes truly understood that they were not alone.
  4887. >But as fate would have it, this union was not a pleasant one.
  4888. >All three tribes could tolerably live off the land when they were alone.
  4889. >Yet there would not be enough to feed three.
  4890. >And every tribe witnessed the talents of the other two, though nopony deemed it possible to work together.
  4891. >To the Earth ponies, the Unicorns were too proud and fancy, and the Pegasi too arrogant and featherbrained.
  4892. >Surely Earthen craftsponyship will overcome all strife.
  4893. >To the Unicorns, the Earth ponies were too simple and crude, and the Pegasi too uncouth and cheeky.
  4894. >Surely Unicorn magic will triumph over them all.
  4895. >And to the Pegasi, the Earth ponies were too slow and dull, and the Unicorns clinging too much to their magic for everything.
  4896. >Surely Pegasi flight will rise above them all.
  4897. >The tribes parted in mistrust and vowed to stay away from the others.
  4898. >Only the own tribe truly counted to them.
  4899. >All kept their blessings to themselves.
  4900. >But fate had other plans.
  4901. >The tribes met again.
  4902. >Yet with unchanged spirits and conviction in their hearts, the tribes parted one more time.
  4903. >Only to be brought together once more.
  4904. >Again, and again, and again.
  4905. >No matter how often they parted, all tribes came together at one point in time or another.
  4906. >Fate wished for it to happen.
  4907. >And so, the inevitable happened indeed.
  4908. >With every new meeting, they found less and less food.
  4909. >The land was as lush as ever, yet contentions began to grow between the ponies of the different tribes.
  4910. >And so, more ponies began to be involved in these disputes, which robbed them of their time to gather something to eat.
  4911. >There was always a little bit less to go around with every new day.
  4912. >Until the supplies were almost depleted.
  4913.  
  4914.  
  4915.  
  4916.  
  4917. >Ponies began to fear famine, suffering, and worse.
  4918. >But before any of this could come to pass, better minds prevailed.
  4919. >Some ponies considered a new gathering to mediate and find a remedy for their plight.
  4920. >And with the sprouting sensations of fear and urgency, doubt quickly made way for a wish to negotiate.
  4921. >Delegations of every tribe met on neutral ground.
  4922. >The talks were harsh and arduous, and for a long time it seemed as if hope and reason had finally left the spirits.
  4923. >Until one idea broke through the veil of grim minds.
  4924. >An Earth pony mare requested something which had never been done before.
  4925. >The tribes agreed.
  4926. >And on the very next day, an experiment was started.
  4927. >A group of Earth ponies cultivated a small plot of land with their knowledge.
  4928. >Another group of Pegasi provided pristine weather thanks to their skills.
  4929. >And the Unicorns weaved their magic into tools and gadgets to ease the burden of the others.
  4930. >The tribes combined their talents for a mutual goal.
  4931. >Lo and behold, the plot began to flourish shortly thereafter.
  4932. >Its yield was magnificent, miraculously even.
  4933. >It became the success that everypony so desperately needed.
  4934. >The tribes quickly raised more crops on new fields.
  4935. >And soon thereafter, the fears of strife were distant once more.
  4936. >But the Origin was not completely over yet.
  4937. >The tribes still remained as such, although an arrangement was negotiated.
  4938. >The Earth ponies were promised the support of both the Pegasi weather craft and the Unicorn magical skills to grow food.
  4939. >As a compensation, the tribe of the Earth ponies vowed to fairly share the grown crops as tributes to the other two.
  4940. >And so the three tribes were saved for a generous time.
  4941.  
  4942.  
  4943.  
  4944.  
  4945. 135.2
  4946.  
  4947. >In a field of clouds, far above the ground.
  4948. >The beaming midday sun gently embraces the vast blooming summer planes and clear rivers of Equestria.
  4949. >And the soft winds of a calm noon blow every now and then.
  4950. >Even in the comparatively high cloud layers, it is nothing more than a good breeze.
  4951. >You have landed your proxy on one of those lofty cushions, and observe the vast scenery below.
  4952. >Your relaxed gaze casually wanders around and relishes in the natural beauty on display everywhere.
  4953. >This is a good day to be alive.
  4954. >And in moments like these, you almost forget that you are not really here.
  4955. >Almost.
  4956. >But the sensual pleasantries you get to enjoy help you to ignore the few thousand kilometres between Equestria's surface and your geosynchronous place of actual physical residence.
  4957. >Plus, there is something else that catches your attention.
  4958. >Down below on the ground, a group of moving specks appear from behind the cover of your cloud.
  4959. >They follow the course of a trail and head for a small hamlet that is a couple of kilometres away from their current position.
  4960. >And you happen to know for sure that this is a group of Earth ponies.
  4961. >For there is one equine shape that you would always recognise under virtually all circumstances.
  4962. >You smile with genuine joy as you see them.
  4963. >A grin for which you earn an immediate comment.
  4964. >"Do you like watching me from afar, Anon?"
  4965. >You snicker in amusement before you reply.
  4966. "I like watching you everywhere, #deca. And there is nothing you can do about it."
  4967. >"I could file a complaint and give it to your wing leader."
  4968. "Sure. If you can get up to the clouds, be my guest. But I doubt that your voice will have any weight for Sky Squall. You... lack a certain something, you know?"
  4969. >"Careful, Anon. You are watching a mare of the stupid and lame mud pony tribe. The scandal!"
  4970. >You laugh.
  4971. "Oh no! If I don't watch out I could fall in love with her! How absolutely horrifying!"
  4972. >A moment of silence follows.
  4973. >Then you burst out laughing.
  4974. >And you can hear that #deca.mare fights with herself to suppress hers.
  4975. >"Anon, stop! The others will want to know what is going on when I start smiling like a filly out of nowhere."
  4976. "Eh, you aren't that old. I'm sure you could let it pass as a fit of youthful mirth."
  4977. >"Charmer."
  4978. "For you? Any time, love."
  4979. >"I feel flattered. But I suggest you stop talking physically."
  4980. >Alright, but why?
  4981. >"To your left, Anon."
  4982. >You follow the direction she gave you and look up to see what is happening.
  4983. >A Pegasus is flying your way.
  4984. >It is a mare of your group.
  4985. >Cerulean mane, light grey, almost white coat.
  4986. >A good flier with whom you have been on some travels already.
  4987. >And a pleasant conversation partner.
  4988. >Though she acts a bit reluctant sometimes.
  4989. >Nowhere near the extreme level of shyness that a certain butter-hued Pegasus of the distant future will harbour, but it is nevertheless noticeable.
  4990. >And it seems like she is looking for you.
  4991.  
  4992.  
  4993.  
  4994.  
  4995. >Well, no point in making it any harder for her than necessary, right?
  4996. >You wave to her as she comes closer.
  4997. "Hey, Gust Glider! Over here!"
  4998. >Glider spots the source of the call immediately and looks you in the eyes.
  4999. >She prepares to land on your cloud.
  5000. >So you act accordingly and shift a bit to the side to grant her more space to navigate.
  5001. >The Pegasus descends slowly and makes contact on a spot right next to you.
  5002. >You can feel the wind of the final couple of wing beats as Gust Glider comes down near you.
  5003. >But you do not mind that in the slightest.
  5004. >It is a common occurrence in a Pegasus society, after all.
  5005. >"There you are!"
  5006. "Hello, Gust. Do you like my little cloud hideout?"
  5007. >"It's cosy. But hideout is fitting. I thought I'd never find you."
  5008. >You look over to her, smiling politely.
  5009. "Oh, come on. I didn't fly very far. It was only a trip of five minutes."
  5010. >You let your proxy do a few casual stretching moves.
  5011. "Which means fifty minutes of relaxation before I got to head back."
  5012. >"Right. Five minutes in direct flight. But spotting you takes a lot longer."
  5013. >Gust Glider smiles too.
  5014. >"Believe me, I just tried."
  5015. >You blink.
  5016. "Hold on, you spent the longer part of your break to look for me?"
  5017. >"I did."
  5018. >She hesitates for a brief while.
  5019. >"About half an hour in total."
  5020. >That is unusual.
  5021. >Normally you are left alone when you seclude yourself during a break.
  5022. >You do not do this all the time of course, as that would inevitably lead to certain questions at some point.
  5023. >Yet whenever you deem it appropriate, you say you need a quiet respite somewhere nearby to relax.
  5024. >That you are actually using the opportunity to "fraternise" with a mare who is, supposedly at least, from a different tribe, is your and #deca.mare's little secret.
  5025. >But even then you never meet up outright.
  5026. >For this would be far too risky with so many ponies in the area.
  5027. >And you can be damn sure that neither the Earth ponies nor the Pegasi would approve of that sort relationship, to put it mildly.
  5028. >So you have little remote sessions like this one instead, and simply talk to each other about personal things and how the ponies are faring.
  5029. >And so far you have had no problems with this approach.
  5030. >No one asks any questions, and you are always back in time.
  5031. >Though Gust Glider just threw a wrench into your latest comfy get-together.
  5032. >Which is an absolute novelty.
  5033. >And the novelties do not end there, as you are about to notice very quickly.
  5034. >"Because we need to talk about something."
  5035. >Judging from the way she says it, you do suspect that something important is up.
  5036. >You let your proxy tense slightly.
  5037. "Did something happen at the camp? Do we have to cut the break early?"
  5038. >She shakes her head.
  5039. >"No."
  5040. >The mare begins to draw circles on the cloud "surface" with a forehoof.
  5041. >She is... nervous?
  5042. >No, not quite.
  5043. >Gust acts coyly.
  5044. >"Everything is fine at the camp. It's... nothing like that."
  5045. >Yes, something is definitely afoot.
  5046.  
  5047.  
  5048.  
  5049.  
  5050. >Though Gust Glider apparently struggles to speak her mind.
  5051. >So you decide to help her in getting the conversation along.
  5052. "But there's something that drove you to fly after me."
  5053. >A short pause.
  5054. "For a talk."
  5055. >A second pause, followed by a nod.
  5056. >"Yes. It's just..."
  5057. >Gust Glider pauses once more.
  5058. >You keep smiling politely as you notion her to elaborate.
  5059. >"You know, I wonder why you... like to isolate yourself sometimes."
  5060. >Well, time to bring forth the excuse you have prepared in advance.
  5061. >It was bound to happen at some point anyway.
  5062. "Oh, that's simple. I do it when I need some time for myself to relax and calm down."
  5063. >You wait for a second to let your words sound more naturally.
  5064. "And it's easier here than in the camp. You know how noisy the 'recreational' cloud fights between Squall and his buddies can be."
  5065. >The mare nods understandingly.
  5066. >You think she has no issues in buying this explanation, given her own latent tendency to peace and quiet.
  5067. >"Right. But..."
  5068. >More circles on clouds.
  5069. >"... there's a downside to it, don't you think?."
  5070. >You give Gust Glider a curious expression.
  5071. "Which one?"
  5072. >The Pegasus next to you takes a long, deep breath.
  5073. >Based on the way it sounds, you are almost led to believe that she has a problem with getting enough air into her lungs.
  5074. >But she eventually musters the resolve to say what she is thinking.
  5075. >"When you always keep some distance to the others, you will never get to know them better."
  5076. >You consider what to reply to this statement.
  5077. >But Gust Glider is faster.
  5078. >She continues to elaborate on her rationale.
  5079. >As you signalled her to do.
  5080. >"And you will never find out who you might actually like."
  5081. >Alright, you think you can see where this is going.
  5082. >And you better make sure to clear up any potential misunderstandings before things get messy.
  5083. >You look the Pegasus in the eyes and try to appear as earnest as possible.
  5084. "Listen, Gust..."
  5085. >But the mare cuts you off with an unexpected gesture.
  5086. >She spreads her wing and puts it on the back of your proxy.
  5087. >So much for diffusing the situation before it gets tricky.
  5088. >"I know you are not like the others. You work as much and help as well as any other Pegasus, but you're different."
  5089. >You sceptically raise an eyebrow at that.
  5090. >For you think that you have done your best to assimilate and blend into the group.
  5091. >Hell, you even trained so many hours to fly almost as naturally as a Pegasus pony that you cannot even begin to count the sessions any more.
  5092. >And for someone who does not actually have any inherent wings on his back, you think you are doing relatively well.
  5093. >Though that was, quite apparently, a misbelief.
  5094. >Something about you must have been revealing.
  5095. >Somehow.
  5096. "I am? What do you mean?"
  5097. >"You're less boisterous and direct than most of the other Pegasi. You're reserved, steadfast, observing."
  5098. >She lightly leans her head against yours.
  5099. >"And a patient listener."
  5100. >Yeah, so that pretty much confirms it.
  5101. >Plus, you think you can grasp what she sees in you.
  5102.  
  5103.  
  5104.  
  5105.  
  5106. >And why a less extroverted pony like her would look for someone who does not stand in the limelight all the time.
  5107. >She has formed a bond to you during your common talks.
  5108. >Additionally, since you do not appear to have any obvious special somepony yet, you are the ideal candidate for an attempt to make advances to.
  5109. >Disadvantageous.
  5110. >Yet something you have to deal with.
  5111. >You knew a situation like this would occur one day.
  5112. >It simply had to.
  5113. >After all, the ponies on Equestria are all real living beings who are independent in their actions.
  5114. >And their link to Harmony does not change that either.
  5115. >Quite the opposite, in fact.
  5116. >So it was only inevitable that, as soon as you began to interact with them directly, some of them could develop some feelings for either you or #deca.mare.
  5117. >However, it turns out that you are confronted with this happenstance right about now.
  5118. >Much earlier than you thought.
  5119. >You had hoped to keep a low profile until the three tribes will unite, as that would erase most of your current problems.
  5120. >Because then #deca.mare and you can move around as an official couple.
  5121. >But that plan is a bust.
  5122. >So you must find a way out of this predicament without mentioning #deca.mare or her proxy.
  5123. >A tricky deed, as you realise.
  5124. >Especially since Gust Glider affirms her attempt by gently stroking your back with her feathers.
  5125. >Admittedly not an unpleasant sensation, although one you cannot derive any pleasure from.
  5126. >Much less reciprocate.
  5127. >As much as Gust Glider deserves someone who loves her, you cannot be the one who does it.
  5128. >That mare has literally picked the only objectively wrong candidate in a considerable list of bachelor stallions.
  5129. >Even when one only considers Pegasi as potential mates.
  5130. >Damn.
  5131. >Talk about likely chances.
  5132. >And if you had to guess, you would wager that she has had some vague interest in you for some time already.
  5133. >She only waited until now to act upon it.
  5134. >What other reason should she have to sacrifice her well earned break to look for you?
  5135. >Oh man, this realisation only makes it harder to reject her.
  5136. >For it will thwart all the effort she put in to find you.
  5137. >In addition to her courage to say this out loud in front of you.
  5138. >Anyway, you need to find a strategy with which you can politely reject her advances without hurting her.
  5139. >You figure that the first thing you have got to do is to make sure that she does not take any more steps in the wrong direction.
  5140. >So you slowly move your head away from hers and lift your wing to get Gust's feathers off your back.
  5141. >You do not use any force or rapid movements, yet you make sure that she understands the tactful signals.
  5142. >She does.
  5143. >You watch as her ears droop in mere moments.
  5144. >Ouch.
  5145. >It hurts to only look at that display.
  5146. >Still, you remind yourself that it is better than the alternative.
  5147. >But you need to do more.
  5148.  
  5149.  
  5150.  
  5151.  
  5152. >So you sigh and raise your voice.
  5153. "Gust, please don't get me wrong, but I... don't think I'm the right one for you."
  5154. >Her reaction is as emotional as it is predictable.
  5155. >"But... but why? How can you say that this quickly?"
  5156. "That's... difficult to explain."
  5157. >You pause and then add something that you deem very important to point out quickly.
  5158. "But to make this absolutely clear, that has nothing to do with you."
  5159. >The Pegasus mare blinks in confusion.
  5160. >"It does not?"
  5161. "Not in the slightest. You're a great pony. And it's always a joy to have you around."
  5162. >"Then I understand your concerns even less."
  5163. >Well, that did not work so well.
  5164. >But you have to keep trying to find an explanation.
  5165. "I know. And the issue is wholly on my side."
  5166. >Gust Glider eyes you thoroughly with a concerned expression on her face.
  5167. >"Do you... want to talk about it? Maybe I can help."
  5168. >You close your eyes.
  5169. "No, I don't think you can."
  5170. >You fall silent.
  5171. >And Gust Glider does not say anything for a considerable time as well.
  5172. >Though once she speaks up again, the conversation takes a sharp turn for the precarious worse.
  5173. >"So your issue..."
  5174. >She pauses briefly, apparently to brace herself for her own words.
  5175. >"...it's... it's the ground pounder, isn't it."
  5176. >If you had an alarm siren implemented into the proxy, it would have gone off at this very moment.
  5177. >Because that was not a question.
  5178. >This was a suspicion.
  5179. >And a damnably legit one too.
  5180. >You begin to stammer some incoherent shreds of words that are supposed to be sentences before you find the composure to say anything useful again.
  5181. >Which in turn only hardens Gust's assumption to the point of nigh certainty.
  5182. >You see no way to talk yourself out of this one.
  5183. >So you fly the proverbial white flag and cave in.
  5184. >You give her a single nod.
  5185. >And Gust's jaw drops considerably as she realises that her suspicion was indeed more profound than she had expected herself.
  5186. >"I can't believe it. So my feeling was right."
  5187. >You only give her an indirect answer to that.
  5188. "How did you find out?"
  5189. >Still looking for words, and probably also wondering how the hell she shall react to this revelation, she tries to answer your question right away.
  5190. >"I... first got the idea during the summit. When that ground pounder down there suggested a common... undertaking, you had a strange look on your face."
  5191. >You piece the rest together yourself.
  5192. "This isn't the first time you followed me to watch what I was doing."
  5193. >You pause.
  5194. "And you saw me observing the same group every time."
  5195. >You hear Gust taking a heavy breath.
  5196. >"Essentially, yes. But... I didn't think it was really possible until you admitted it."
  5197. >So you screwed up your cover.
  5198. >During your first longer excursion on the surface.
  5199. >Great.
  5200. >What now?
  5201. >You look into the sky, focussing at nothing in particular.
  5202. >Your little mishap will cause quite the stir, that much is certain.
  5203. >At the very least within your group.
  5204. >But probably also beyond that.
  5205. >That is the last thing you need right now.
  5206.  
  5207.  
  5208.  
  5209.  
  5210. >The bonds between the three tribes are still feeble, and rocking the boat with stunts like this one is not exactly constructive for anyone.
  5211. >Fortunately though, Equestria is a robust world.
  5212. >And Harmony a flexible force.
  5213. >Should things go south today, there will be another attempt of cooperation at one point.
  5214. >Nevertheless, that was a sloppy, completely avoidable mishap.
  5215. >You should not have told #deca.mare to let you try it on your own when she offered you some advice.
  5216. >Oh well, that too will pass.
  5217. >Accepting what is most likely to come at the moment though, you look at Gust Glider again.
  5218. "So, are you going to tell Squall and the rest?"
  5219. >"Tell me, how did it happen? How could you fall in love with a slow grounder?"
  5220. >Interesting.
  5221. >She did not answer your question and countered with one of her own instead.
  5222. >Not that you could use this for anything noteworthy, yet you will see where this leads.
  5223. >But considering that you are already in a proverbial bind, you better come up with something stellar soon.
  5224. >Otherwise you will not be able so salvage anything.
  5225. >Wait a moment.
  5226. >Stellar does not sound so bad.
  5227. >You get an idea that seems outlandish enough that it might possibly work just fine.
  5228. >So you clear your throat and begin.
  5229. "Alright, I'll tell you. Say, do you remember the heavy spring storms a few months back?"
  5230. >Gust does not need long to remember what you allude to.
  5231. >"How could I forget? It was the toughest storm season in years. But what does that have to do with you and this mare?"
  5232. "It ties in to something that I have never told to anypony."
  5233. >Her eyes express a slight notion of curiosity.
  5234. >Sceptical curiosity, but curiosity nevertheless.
  5235. "You see, I was caught by surprise during one of those storms. At night."
  5236. >"Really?"
  5237. "Yes. The winds rattled me good. Lost the rest of my group. Or rather, the group lost me."
  5238. >"That sounds terrible."
  5239. "And it got worse. Not only was I alone, the winds also stopped me from finding out where I was. The night was so dark that I could have also been floating between the stars for all I knew."
  5240. >You study Gust Glider closely.
  5241. >She seems to be hooked by the story, though you have no idea whether she believes a single word of it.
  5242. >You try to act embarrassed as you come to the next chapter of the tale, and continue to recount the alleged event while pointing downwards with a forelimb.
  5243. "And then came the part with her."
  5244. >"How so?"
  5245. "Well, I eventually crashed landed in the middle of nowhere and hurt my wing."
  5246. >A short pause.
  5247. "So there I was, lost, alone, flightless, and with no hope to get out. That's when she found me."
  5248. >The Pegasus mare shakes her head.
  5249. >"Hold on, you're telling me she found you somewhere? In the midst of a storm?"
  5250. "I know it sounds unlikely. It's the truth though."
  5251. >Except for the storm part.
  5252. >But good enough, you suppose.
  5253. "She found me against all odds because she heard... my voice. Calling out for someone to find me."
  5254. >"And what happened then?"
  5255. >You cough once.
  5256.  
  5257.  
  5258.  
  5259.  
  5260. "Believe it or not, she took me with her. That mare offered me shelter, and nursed me back to health."
  5261. >Gust Glider does not seem to be convinced of that, however.
  5262. >"What, a stubborn lame Earth pony helped you? Just like that?"
  5263. "That she did. Despite our... differences in allegiance. And we, ahem, became friends over time."
  5264. >"And I'm supposed to believe that tale?"
  5265. "Well, if you don't believe me, ask that pony down there. She'll confirm everything I said when she's alone."
  5266. >The mare's ears perk up as she registers your choice of words.
  5267. >"So the others of her tribe don't know about you."
  5268. >You shake your head.
  5269. "They don't. And I doubt they would appreciate what she has done. Just like the Pegasi."
  5270. >You can see how the gears are grinding in the head of your winged listener.
  5271. >Perhaps a good moment to suggest something.
  5272. "Gust, could you please keep quiet about this?"
  5273. >"You want me to keep this a secret?"
  5274. >You nod yet another time.
  5275. "Yes. Not so much for me, but for the sake of the others."
  5276. >Gust Glider blinks.
  5277. >"I'm afraid I can't follow."
  5278. "Consider, if this thing becomes widely known, the common efforts between the tribes could be in danger. Everything we've worked for might be ruined because of what two ponies have done."
  5279. >A short moment of silence to let your words sink in.
  5280. "And I don't want to be responsible for that. Not now when the toil has just begun to yield such a good harvest. Things are finally getting better again."
  5281. >Whatever she is thinking of, she does not seem to be overly enthusiastic about it.
  5282. >Still, it looks like she has come to a conclusion.
  5283. >"Alright, I won't say anything to the others."
  5284. >Phew.
  5285. >Crisis possibly averted.
  5286. >"If you tell me one more thing. And be completely honest about it."
  5287. >Oh dear.
  5288. >You try to act calmly.
  5289. "Yes, everything. What do you want to know?"
  5290. >"Have you ever asked yourself how that... friendship between the two of you is supposed to work out? She's a ground pony and you're a Pegasus! It's a lost cause and will only end in trouble."
  5291. >You smile faintly.
  5292. >For you can answer this one with complete honesty.
  5293. "This wasn't a rational decision, Gust. Fate decided for us. A long time ago. There was nothing I could do about it back then. And I can't undo that now either."
  5294. >You hear a slightly miffed sigh coming from her.
  5295. >"My advice: You'd be better off if you tried to forget her. You'll only cause yourself pain by keeping this up."
  5296. >You feel the strong urge to repulse that piece of advice sternly.
  5297. >But you know where this perspective is coming from.
  5298. >The Pegasus mare has no way of knowing what has happened between the two of you, and what is going to happen on Equestria in due time.
  5299. >So you simply shrug.
  5300. "I don't know, maybe it could work one day. I mean, we've already started a common effort together."
  5301. >Gust Glider shakes her head in disagreement.
  5302.  
  5303.  
  5304.  
  5305.  
  5306. >"That's not the same. We're lending them our wings and clouds, and they thank us for that generous boon with a tribute in food. That's not a friendship. It's an arrangement at best."
  5307. "Yes. At the moment. But what if it could become something more? What if it could grow like a plant?"
  5308. >"With these stubborn crop pushers? And the fancy horn swingers on the other side?"
  5309. "Why not? Don't you think it could work?"
  5310. >"Only with a miracle."
  5311. >Now you smile.
  5312. "Well, one small miracle happened already."
  5313. >Gust Glider tilts her head.
  5314. >"What do you mean?"
  5315. "Between the two of us, it was my encounter with that mare which gave her the idea to have a go at a common effort in the first place. And now look what it led to."
  5316. >You gain a sceptical expression for that.
  5317. >"You're giving way too much credit to random chance."
  5318. >You turn your gaze to the landscape below again.
  5319. "Random chance, hm? So maybe it can happen again then. The chance is there."
  5320. >"There's also the chance of things getting worse though."
  5321. "I guess. But I like to stay optimistic."
  5322. >Gust replies to your comment with a shrug.
  5323. >You assume she does not really know what to reply to that.
  5324. >And after a good couple of seconds in a strange wordless silence, you check the time and rise slowly.
  5325. "Anyway, we need to get back to the others. Don't want to keep them waiting."
  5326. >Gust Glider follows your example and prepares herself to take off as well.
  5327. >But before she can lift herself into the air, you need to make sure that she does not share her new insights with the other Pegasi.
  5328. "So, I did what you asked for and told you my story. Can I count on your... discretion?"
  5329. >Gust looks down at the "surface" of the cloud, pondering what to say next.
  5330. >Eventually, she has come to a conclusion.
  5331. >"I promise I won't say anything to the others. But you owe me something."
  5332. "And what?"
  5333. >"A break. I spent most of this one to find you."
  5334. >You believe you spot a faint blush.
  5335. >"And the next we'll spend together from beginning to end."
  5336. >You need a moment to process this.
  5337. "Wait, just a second. You've got your answers. Why would you still pretend to like me?"
  5338. >The mare clears her throat and draws another circle.
  5339. >"Well, because that part was... not an act. And still isn't. Despite your confession."
  5340. >Oh brother.
  5341. >For a moment you had hoped it was just a charade to reveal your secret.
  5342. >It would have made a lot of things much easier.
  5343. >But as it stands right now, you have to deal with something more complex than a simple predicament.
  5344. >You hastily analyse the situation and evaluate the options you have at hand.
  5345. >And you come to the conclusion that you have to act right now.
  5346.  
  5347.  
  5348.  
  5349.  
  5350. >Though you also have to consider your tact in your approach.
  5351. "Gust, I think I must pass the same question back to you. How do you expect this to work out? Do you want to drive a wedge between her and me?"
  5352. >Gust Glider shakes her head.
  5353. >"No, you got it all wrong. I don't want to hurt either of you. On the contrary, I want to prevent you from making a mistake."
  5354. >The mare takes one step towards you.
  5355. >"Think about it. Neither of you can live with the other. One on the ground, the other in the clouds. And nopony will endorse your choices either. It just won't work."
  5356. >She pauses for a moment, looking at you with earnest concern.
  5357. >"You will always live a life apart from the other. Alone. Unfulfilled. And..."
  5358. >Gust Glider turns her head to the side.
  5359. >"I don't know how the grounders settle matters like this, but I for one don't want to see that happen to you."
  5360. >Is this true?
  5361. >#deca.mare quickly confirms Gust's statement.
  5362. >"It is."
  5363. >Oh damn, she was not lying when she implied that she likes you.
  5364. >And this is a conundrum.
  5365. >Because not only are you currently unable to prove Gust Glider's notion wrong without relying on a frame of reference that the Pegasus has no access to, you also cannot simply discard her notion either.
  5366. >This mare is genuinely concerned about your wellbeing.
  5367. >Which means you are unable to just fight or ignore that.
  5368. >At least not without acting harshly and heartlessly towards her.
  5369. >No, this is not an acceptable option.
  5370. >You need to find another way to stall her advances until the Windigo incursion is looming on the horizon.
  5371. >Then you can prove that these things can indeed work.
  5372. >But you realise that this is only one half of the challenge.
  5373. >Because it would leave Gust Glider alone with her feelings towards you if just disappeared from her life without a notice.
  5374. >And this is equally unacceptable for you.
  5375. >Both from the perspective of her friend, and also from that of her father.
  5376. >Of sorts.
  5377. >Though you need a quiet moment, preferably with #deca.mare, to plan your next steps in that regard.
  5378. >At the moment though, you have to roll with the punches and buy some time.
  5379. >So you raise your voice and look Gust Glider in the eyes.
  5380. "Okay, I'll do it."
  5381. >You have Gust's full attention.
  5382. >"You do?"
  5383. "Yeah. I'm not sure about the whole thing, but what we do during our next break is up to you."
  5384. >And she nods with a smile.
  5385. >"Wonderful! That's all I ask for. You won't regret it. I swear."
  5386. >Gust Glider flaps her wings to ascend.
  5387. >"Now get your flanks up. We're tardy."
  5388. >The two of you leave the cloud behind.
  5389. >And whilst you are heading back to a flock of Pegasi on weather duty, you subconsciously know that a certain Earth pony mare below you is gazing at the sky.
  5390. >A mare with whom you immediately get into soundless contact as you follow Gust Glider.
  5391. >#deca, we need to find a fitting stallion for this mare.
  5392. >And quickly.
  5393. >"Anon, this is not how this works. We cannot force ponies to couple on a whim."
  5394.  
  5395.  
  5396.  
  5397.  
  5398. >Not without violating your own principles, that is.
  5399. >And Harmony would protest against such a move too.
  5400. >Fair enough then.
  5401. >But we must do something to direct her interest away from me.
  5402. >"I would not worry too much about her, Anon. Not every friendship has to move into 'that' territory."
  5403. >Please do not cite any friendship lessons now, #deca.
  5404. >I am familiar with the show.
  5405. >Besides, Gust made it very clear that she wants to get to "that" level with me.
  5406. >"True. But she will not reach it over night. We have plenty of time to work on an elegant solution for everyone involved."
  5407. >Plenty of time?
  5408. >You realise she already had her wing around me, yes?
  5409. >"I know. But you interpret too much intimacy into the gesture. It was cordial, yes. But not as loaded as you make it out to be. Remember our lessons in the simulations."
  5410. >Yes yes, lower physical inhibition between ponies.
  5411. >But it is one thing to train for such a situation in a simulator, and another to suddenly have a real pony's limb wrapped around your bare back.
  5412. >#deca.mare chuckles.
  5413. >"Well, I wanted to help you out with my advice, but you insisted on doing it on your own.
  5414. >You subconsciously roll your eyes.
  5415. >Please refrain from mocking me.
  5416. >"This is admittedly a little bit amusing to behold, but no intended mockery, Anon. Besides, I am in no position to judge your approach to mingle. You are aware how... inept my attempts to socialise would have been without your assistance."
  5417. >Right.
  5418. >That was a piece of work alright.
  5419. >But #deca.mare managed to blend into an Earth pony community eventually.
  5420. >Now it is your turn to do the same.
  5421. >Okay, what shall I do then?
  5422. >"Just interact with her and keep a friendly, if low profile for now. Gust Glider will not rush things after your open confession, so you are not cornered in this regard."
  5423. >Wait a minute, is she seriously suggesting that you pretend to go along with this?
  5424. >#deca, I thought you would be, shall we say, less encouraging of that option.
  5425. >You think you hear a giggle.
  5426. >"And why should I be? You are not actually planning to couple with her."
  5427. >Of course not.
  5428. >"See? So I suggest to take it as an opportunity, Anon. You can still be friends after she realises that you are not meant to be her special somepony."
  5429. >You see her point there, given that you are talking about life in Equestria.
  5430. >Despite the world's young history and early stage, making friends does have its value here.
  5431. >#deca.mare clears her throat before she adds something to her statement.
  5432. >"And to be completely honest with you, it could do you good."
  5433. >Uh, what?
  5434. >Elaboration, please.
  5435. >"You, how do I put it, show signs of a certain, well, relapse."
  5436. >A relapse?
  5437. >In what way?
  5438.  
  5439.  
  5440.  
  5441.  
  5442. >"In the demeanour of your USC days."
  5443. >My time in the military?
  5444. >How?
  5445. >"By partially acting in similar manners. You put yourself near the fringes of the social group. More so than necessary."
  5446. >You mean because I want to spend some of my breaks near you?
  5447. >"These couple of breaks are not the heart of the issue, Anon. I rather refer to your actions in certain ways."
  5448. >Go on.
  5449. >"Gust Glider is correct about one thing. You have gained a standing as a competent team player when it comes to work tasks, and the other Pegasi do indeed value your work with them by the way, but you are not going to find close friends if you keep yourself at bay like this."
  5450. >In short, you want me to become more outgoing.
  5451. >"Hmhm. And I suggest you begin with Gust Glider. She has already offered you a hoof in friendship. All you have to do is take it."
  5452. >More like she has offered you a wing instead, but you are not going to get picky over that.
  5453. >For you see what #deca.mare means.
  5454. >And yet, you have to stifle a wry grin.
  5455. >Back when you had just begun your social simulations with #deca.mare, it was you who had to cajole her into merely speaking with a simulated pony.
  5456. >But now it is her who encourages you to get out of your introverted shell and make some friends.
  5457. >#deca.mare laughs lightly.
  5458. >"I just reciprocate a good deed, Anon. You helped me to integrate into a group of Earth ponies, now I encourage you to do the same. You may not be a pony, but Equestria is your home now too. And I want you to feel at home on this planet."
  5459. >You shake your head in some minor amusement.
  5460. >She almost speaks like a certain princess who is not even foaled yet.
  5461. >Something that calls for a sly remark.
  5462. >Okay, I go out and make some friends.
  5463. >Do you want to receive weekly letters too?
  5464. >And #deca.mare runs with the joke.
  5465. >"Hm, no. I think our link is sufficient. It gives me the intel I need to help you."
  5466. >Amongst other things.
  5467. >Either way, you notice that you feel much more relieved now.
  5468. >Thanks, #deca.
  5469. >I needed that.
  5470. >"You are welcome."
  5471. >Another snicker.
  5472. >"Oh, and Anon?"
  5473. >Yes?
  5474. >"Feel free to consult me next time before somepony might consider to make you her significant other."
  5475. >Hey, it is not like I did it on purpose.
  5476. >"I know. And yet I saw it coming weeks in advance."
  5477. >And you did not say anything?
  5478. >"You asked me not to when you headed out, Anon."
  5479. >So you let it come to this instead.
  5480. >"Please calm down. Nothing bad has happened yet and we still got everything under control. And while we are at it, Gust Glider was far less inclined to make your... fondness for wingless mares public than you realise."
  5481. >Seriously?
  5482. >"She would not have said a thing either way. Because she is determined to help you. Discrediting your reputation in the eyes of the others would be the polar opposite of that."
  5483.  
  5484.  
  5485.  
  5486.  
  5487. >Huh.
  5488. >It would have been nice to know this in advance, but you know what #deca.mare would say in response if you commented on that.
  5489. >You did not ask her and tried to do it on your own.
  5490. >This is all on you.
  5491. >But at the very least, you still have #deca.mare to cover your back when you need it.
  5492. >And if there is someone who can solve a problem, it is her.
  5493. >So you breathe out a sigh of relief and relax.
  5494. >Just look into the future, be happy, and make some friends.
  5495. >After all, this is a considerable part of the reason why you are here.
  5496. >And hey, how hard can it be?
  5497. >You have claimed, vivified, and shaped a whole planet.
  5498. >Finding good company is a cake walk compared to that.
  5499. >And whilst you do not say this out loud, you remind yourself that #deca.mare is the best example in this regard.
  5500. >You managed to help a socially inexperienced, sometimes even outright clueless mare to find some peers.
  5501. >When she can do it, so can you.
  5502. >And no matter what challenges are yet ahead, no matter how tricky some things may still get at times, friendship and harmony will prevail.
  5503. >You only have to accept some help and fully embrace the blessings you have worked for.
  5504. >Once you can do that, the magic will come on its own.
  5505.  
  5506.  
  5507.  
  5508.  
  5509. 136.1
  5510.  
  5511. >From the scroll:
  5512.  
  5513. >Yet the balance was not meant to hold forever.
  5514. >With the steady and bountiful harvest of food came many changes.
  5515. >The tribes grew, and each founded their own realm.
  5516. >Earth ponies built small farming villages near and far.
  5517. >Unicorns used their magic and prestige to erect majestic castle holds for themselves.
  5518. >The Pegasi founded the first vast cloud fortresses.
  5519. >As the number of ponies increased, so did both their hunger and confidence in themselves.
  5520. >Soon the Unicorns and Pegasi demanded more and more tributes for their services, whilst the Earth ponies were inclined to give less and less.
  5521. >Earth Ponies saw themselves as the sole rightful stewards of the fields.
  5522. >The Unicorns swore their magic was so important that even the sun and moon would not move without them.
  5523. >And the Pegasi saw only their own efforts to create fair weather as the key to a great harvest.
  5524. >Tensions grew anew, and this time they turned into fierce rivalry.
  5525. >Relationships soured, and so did the cooperation between the ponies of the different tribes.
  5526. >Their meetings degraded to spiteful arguments.
  5527. >The mutual work halted.
  5528. >The fertile plots withered.
  5529. >The old shortages returned.
  5530. >And something unforeseen stretched over the world of Origin.
  5531. >Coldness.
  5532. >A freezing, daunting chill that conquered all the known lands.
  5533. >Ice and snow covered the plains and forests.
  5534. >And the howling gusts of wind lashed out every day and night.
  5535. >The ponies did not understand this at the time.
  5536. >But their governance on the world grew as their numbers grew.
  5537. >And when their respect for each other froze, the world froze with it.
  5538. >Facing their newest plight, the ponies came together for one last large assembly.
  5539. >The three supreme leaders gathered around a table.
  5540.  
  5541.  
  5542.  
  5543.  
  5544. >Chancellor Puddinghead of the Earth Ponies, Princess Platinum of the Unicorns, and Commander Hurricane of the Pegasi.
  5545. >Another long and hard debate was once again afoot.
  5546. >But thanks to all their confidence and pride in themselves, no new deal could be struck.
  5547. >And there was no other pony who intervened at the last minute.
  5548. >The ponies parted ways with contempt in their hearts, unable to see any light in each other.
  5549. >They returned back to their holds and were looking for another solution with the council of their aides.
  5550. >While the harsh winter raged on.
  5551. >Realising just how bad things had gotten, all leaders came to the same harrowing conclusion.
  5552. >It was clear that the lands they had cultivated so far were now lost to the snow.
  5553. >So the decision was made to leave their homes.
  5554. >In the search for new green pastures and fertile plains.
  5555. >Some ponies argued they should try to reconcile with the other tribes.
  5556. >But they did not dare to veto their superiors in public.
  5557. >So with the die cast and their hearts hardened, all ponies left the lands of Origin.
  5558. >Fated not to return for a long, long time.
  5559. >During their travels, no tribe ever encountered anyone else, which raised their spirits.
  5560. >The others were without any doubt left back in the snowy reaches, bickering over scraps.
  5561. >It was as if fate had chosen them to be the ones to be led to a better future.
  5562. >And after what seemed like an eternity of travelling, the ponies finally reached a new land.
  5563. >The forests were lush, the plains were green, and the rivers held the cleanest water any pony had ever seen.
  5564. >These lands were the true paradise.
  5565. >Naturally, the ponies told themselves that only the fateful ones could be destined to live here.
  5566. >Nopony was yet aware of the other tribes' presence, and so they founded their new realms independently.
  5567. >Three new banners rose high at the very same day.
  5568. >Proud Pegasopolis.
  5569. >Noble Unicornia.
  5570. >And lastly, a realm whose name held more gravitas than it first seemed, Earth.
  5571.  
  5572.  
  5573.  
  5574.  
  5575. 136.2
  5576.  
  5577. >You approach your usual seat on the command deck and find #deca.mare already sitting on hers.
  5578. >And as you turn your gaze towards the mare, you can see a certain tension in her eyes.
  5579. >A tension of a kind which she has not expressed for a very long time, and which ranges somewhere between discomfort and mental pressure.
  5580. >In fact, you believe you have not seen her looking this disconcerted since the times you have retrieved Sigma and the others.
  5581. >But you are not surprised by this in the slightest.
  5582. >You know very well why #deca.mare feels like this.
  5583. >And for once in your life, you believe you can fully sympathise with her notion, as you share it too.
  5584. >Yet you are aware that you cannot allow yourself to falter today.
  5585. >If only for the fact that you have promised #deca.mare to be her backup in case that she does find herself wanting in tight situations.
  5586. >You slowly sit down, lay one hand gently on her back, put the other on the arm rest of the chair, and eye the screen.
  5587. >It still shows the same detailed overview map of the Equestrian heartlands as the last few days.
  5588. >You quickly skim through the essential figures and values regarding the current temperature, weather, and, which is by far the most important intel of all, the movements of the ponies on the surface.
  5589. >Because as you sit here with #deca.mare, the world beneath you is invaded by a sudden group of flash winter storms.
  5590. >In late summer at that.
  5591. >They started out small, with a few cloudy patches and light snowfall in many areas.
  5592. >But given the relatively negligible amount of it, and the otherwise warm temperatures, this was hardly a threat to the world at large.
  5593. >In fact, many ponies thought these were strange forms of pranks conducted by the Pegasi.
  5594. >Invented to "persuade" the Earth ponies to increase the amount of tributes they offer to the Pegasi in exchange for good weather conditions.
  5595. >And the Pegasi, not wanting to weaken their own position amongst the tribes by admitting that they have no idea what is going on, used this as a welcome opportunity to do just that.
  5596. >But over the course of several days, the weather conditions got worse and worse.
  5597. >Culminating in the chaotic snow storms of today, paired with howling winds that almost sound like haunting equine shrieks.
  5598. >Not the best living conditions you can think of, sure, and fortunately only a temporary measure of a few days, but nevertheless a necessary part of Equestria's history.
  5599. >After all, it is the event that will be remembered as the incident which ultimately spawned the Unification of the three tribes.
  5600. >The unarguably single most important cornerstone in the foundation of Equestria as a realm.
  5601. >For there would have been nothing of the sort without these long days of ice and snow.
  5602. >A fact that will be commemorated during the annual Hearth's Warming festivities later on.
  5603.  
  5604.  
  5605.  
  5606.  
  5607. >But before any of you can bask in the glamour and glory of Equestria as you know it, you must first wade through the chilling grime and the grit.
  5608. >For the ponies on the world, this fact of life can be taken quite literally, as all of the three tribes are currently besieged by massive snow storms and gruelling cold snaps.
  5609. >And even though you sit in the warm interior of the command deck, if one ignores your current residence in a cryo pod, that is, your task is not exactly merry either.
  5610. >Because you are the one who has to dabble with the planetary weather system in order to ruin the ponies' recent days.
  5611. >#deca.mare and you do everything in your power to regulate the weather in such a way that it does not endanger anyone on a life-threatening magnitude.
  5612. >Yet it remains a grim task.
  5613. >And doing so over the course of several days is somewhat detrimental to the overall mood of everyone involved, on the surface and in orbit alike.
  5614. >For you personally, it means to wake up in an empty bed every morning, as #deca.mare does not leave her post for even a minute until this issue is over and dealt with.
  5615. >While you have offered to sleep in the chair next to her for several nights in a row if necessary, she insists that you should better regenerate in a more quiet place.
  5616. >Somewhere with a little distance to the unfolding events.
  5617. >And a spot where you are not directly in the thick of things.
  5618. >She reasons that, if you need to take over for whatever reason, it is better for you to be well rested.
  5619. >Still, you were able to convince #deca.mare to wake you up prematurely from your sleeping phase at any point in time if she requires your assistance in whatever needs to be done at the moment.
  5620. >Though such a thing has not happened yet.
  5621. >And fortunately so.
  5622. >Because it indicates that nothing bad, or at the very least nothing catastrophically bad, has happened during the night.
  5623. >So as you study the latest intel depicted on the map, you do the same thing that you have done at the start of every morning ever since the first snowflakes have fallen on the Equestrian summer plains.
  5624. "Status?"
  5625. >"The ponies are on the move, Anon. Everypony has finally recognised that they cannot brave these storms in their villages."
  5626. >You nod once.
  5627. "Good."
  5628. >And immediately, you sense the lingering notion of a bad feeling inside you after you have said that.
  5629. >Because life on Equestria is currently the exact opposite of good.
  5630. >Plus, you feel as if you should be down there with them, and endure the same piercing cold phase as they do, given that you are directly responsible for what is transpiring on the surface.
  5631. >Though at the same time, you know that your abilities are best used here on the command deck, where you can focus all of your skills and mental capacities on the operation at large.
  5632.  
  5633.  
  5634.  
  5635.  
  5636. >As presumptuous as it sounds, remaining here in the warm insides of the ship is the better option.
  5637. >For you, and the ponies.
  5638. >Causing yourself to suffer from the cold would only hamper your performance, even if you were to simulate it in here.
  5639. >You keep telling yourself that over and over.
  5640. >And yet, you feel somewhat dirty for doing this, in spite of what the rational part of your brain is telling you.
  5641. >You know that #deca.mare feels the same inner turmoil about this issue.
  5642. >But now that you have initialised this phase, there is no turning back.
  5643. >Especially since calling off the storms before the ponies have all assembled in one place would not only disturb the history of Equestria that is supposed to rise, it would also render the previous days of hardship and sorrow entirely pointless.
  5644. >So you venture on as intended, even though your mood is more grim than merry at the moment.
  5645. >You closely follow the progress of each individual group while the information gets updated on the map in real time.
  5646. >Just as the two of you have predicted, the ponies were quickly able to figure out in what areas the storms rage more ferociously, and where the weather conditions appear to be better.
  5647. >So they did the only logical thing.
  5648. >They packed whatever they could grab and transport, and headed out to escape the sudden winter.
  5649. >The ponies are obviously unaware that there is a pattern to the storms which is meant to bring the majority of all three tribes together in one spot.
  5650. >Though they will notice that on their own soon enough.
  5651. >Additionally, there are a few outliers from all tribes that go a different path.
  5652. >But that too is intentional.
  5653. >After all, Equestria is not the only pony realm on the future map of, well, Equestria.
  5654. >And the seeds for that are sown here.
  5655. >Some Earth ponies, for instance, will find their way into the mountainous reaches further up north, where they are eventually seeking shelter in a larger cave system.
  5656. >Once there, they will discover strange and unusual crystal formations with exceptional energy capacities underneath the surface.
  5657. >Over a fairly short span in time, the Earth ponies learn to attune themselves to these formations, and combine their inherent talents with the potential of said crystals, spawning an isolated offshoot tribe of ponies who form a new civilisation.
  5658. >The creation of a miniature empire of their very own, in a way.
  5659. >Built out of crystals, yet moulded by ice.
  5660. >A force so strong that it can even weather and defy the permanent coldness of the northern Equestrian boundaries.
  5661. >And a fact that these Earth ponies will forever commemorate in their banners and in their architecture, which both resemble a perfect mix of the two.
  5662. >As the history of the world would have it, however, they will only reunite with their Equestrian kin at a significantly later date.
  5663.  
  5664.  
  5665.  
  5666.  
  5667. >A few other smaller groups travel to the shores and find their luck on some of the habitable islands near the continent.
  5668. >One particular village is going to be founded by another group of Earth ponies who plan to build a wooden longship to ferry themselves across the water.
  5669. >And although the place is not destined to rise to a reputable greatness by itself, it does become the home of an exceptionally sturdy breed of ponies.
  5670. >Some amongst them will join the ranks of the greatest Equestrian legends, forever to be remembered and admired by the generations that are to follow.
  5671. >A second island will be claimed by a band of Unicorns who, guided by visions from their collective dreams, embark upon a journey to find a source of great magical potential.
  5672. >This source will indeed bestow its power on these Unicorns, granting them access to unique forms of magic and spells that nopony else has ever even heard of.
  5673. >Though receiving this boon will also leave its mark on the Unicorns, as it will slightly bend their horns in the process.
  5674. >But much like the isolated Earth ponies in the north and the stout village on the other island, they still will be ponies first and foremost.
  5675. >As for the Pegasi, their tribe is the least affected one by the storm when it comes to mobility, so they have the fewest issues to move as a unified force.
  5676. >Yet there is a small number of outliers, even in their winged circles.
  5677. >Fliers who were in more remote locations than others when the storms started, and who had not gotten the call to gather for a coordinated relocation.
  5678. >Instead, these ponies plan to go their own way, rather than trying to catch up to a larger flock of Pegasi.
  5679. >A flock that they possibly may not even reach any more in the first place.
  5680. >And they eventually end up in a cave system somewhere beneath Equestria, similar to that one group of Earth ponies.
  5681. >But unlike their northern wingless brethren, they do not find any crystals to use for their purposes.
  5682. >No, these isolated Pegasi are bound to stumble upon a unique bioluminescent eco system inside these spacious halls which, while not very rich in comparison to traditional food sources, is going to prove itself to be sufficient for a moderate population of ponies.
  5683. >And as these Pegasi will find out in due time, the caves have another implicit effect on the ponies inside it.
  5684. >Or rather, their offspring.
  5685. >Pegasi mares who spend their time of pregnancy inside the caves, and simultaneously consume the local food, will conceive foals who are somehow better adapted to a more tenebrous environment.
  5686. >The foals will still undoubtedly be the descendants of the parents, but will find some of their bodily features somewhat altered.
  5687. >Especially in regards to their eyes and wings.
  5688. >Yet even though this change is both permanent and also passed on to further generations of this tribal bloodline, it will not be seen as a curse.
  5689. >Quite the opposite, in fact.
  5690.  
  5691.  
  5692.  
  5693.  
  5694. >To the affected ponies themselves, it is going to be seen as a boon.
  5695. >A gift of fate which helps them to overcome the times of isolation.
  5696. >And later on, when their days in the caves are over and Equestria has formed as a united realm, their unique talents, though very low in absolute numbers, will still have their benefits.
  5697. >After all, the fondness of a dim environment means they are going to be perfectly suited for a nocturnal style of life.
  5698. >Which in turn is of course highly sought after by a certain princess with an affinity to Equestria's satellite.
  5699. >But this is all a vision of distant days for now.
  5700. >Because before any of this can happen, you need to make sure that the ponies safely arrive in their respective havens.
  5701. >Though judging from all the moving markers on the map, the ponies on the surface make good progress in spite of the hampering circumstances.
  5702. >Nevertheless, #deca.mare and you need to tweak the values of the weather control every now and then.
  5703. >Mostly to either give groups who have seemingly lost their orientation a hint, or to lessen the severity of the wind and snowfall around groups that appear to struggle.
  5704. >The whole process needs to be finely tuned constantly.
  5705. >And manually to boot, too.
  5706. >After all, you need to evaluate both the mental and the physical condition of each member within every single group to make sure that you do not overstrain their endurance or their resolve, as crippling either of the two could be devastating.
  5707. >It is a profound, yet nerve grating balancing act in which you have to heed objective and subjective factors alike.
  5708. >A work for which automatons are wholly unsuitable, given their complete lack of empathy and inability to grasp emotions properly.
  5709. >Sure, they can emulate them in simulations if given a template to work with, but this alone is not enough to comprehend an actual living being like the ponies down there.
  5710. >Automatons simply cannot reflect on what needs to done here.
  5711. >And so, the two of you have to cover that part yourself in cooperation with Harmony, whilst the automatons are relegated to merely checking the vitals and measurable stress levels of the ponies under you care.
  5712. >But as grating on your nerves as that task is, simply doing it in the first place is not the worst thing about it.
  5713. >No, what makes it even more tedious and taxing is the waiting.
  5714. >Because you are wholly dependent on the progress of the ponies.
  5715. >The plain fact of the matter is that trailing through a snowy terrain simply takes its time.
  5716. >And no matter how quickly you adapt the local weather to ease the burden of a particular group, it will not cause them to suddenly double their speed or anything like that.
  5717. >Hoping for such a thing would be naive and illusory.
  5718. >The first hour of your daily chore passes at a painstakingly slow pace, but at least it passes without any incidents.
  5719.  
  5720.  
  5721.  
  5722.  
  5723. >And the marks on the map move steadily towards their intended destinations.
  5724. >You tell yourself that this means you are doing this right at least.
  5725. >If one can call it that.
  5726. >Still, #deca.mare fails to suppress a sigh.
  5727. >You react immediately as you notice this.
  5728. "Everything alright, #deca?"
  5729. >It takes her a moment to respond.
  5730. >"Yes. Apart from the obvious, that is."
  5731. "What's bothering you?"
  5732. >A second sigh.
  5733. >"Nothing you can help me with, I assume."
  5734. >You shrug.
  5735. "Can't tell until I know."
  5736. >"Well, it is just that... deliberately causing damage to a planetary surface wakes certain memories."
  5737. >You pull #deca.mare closer to you and give her a firm hug.
  5738. "Things are different this time around though. We're going for a one hundred percent survival rate instead of... you know."
  5739. >She nods, despite her discomfort.
  5740. >But with the exception of forceful commands, there is nothing else you can do to stop her memories from coming to the surface.
  5741. >And you do not want to do that to her.
  5742. >So friendly words are all you can give her.
  5743. >You smile reassuringly.
  5744. "Besides, think of the joys and mirth that will come out of this. Ponies will soon celebrate these days as the birthday of their Equestria. The realm of ponies. The land of friends."
  5745. >A faint laughter is coming from #deca.mare.
  5746. >"You know it is not quite so easy, Anon. A new kingdom does not just phase into existence one day. It needs to be built."
  5747. >You maintain your friendly smile.
  5748. "Sure. But we're getting there in full gallop, don't you think?"
  5749. >And #deca.mare finally mirrors your grin.
  5750. >"I like to think so, Anon."
  5751. >The two of you remain silent for a few more seconds.
  5752. >Unfortunately, reality does not seem to be fond of your quiet moment though.
  5753. >Because an alarm notifies you of something that requires your attention.
  5754. >From one second to the next, #deca.mare and you switch over to your fully professional mode.
  5755. "#deca, what happened?"
  5756. >"An Earth pony stallion has slipped on the icy ground and injured his hind leg. It is... Solid Keg, the master brewer."
  5757. >You connect some dots in your mind as you hear that name.
  5758. >He is part of the group that #deca.mare accompanied for quite a while.
  5759. >A big guy, and someone who can carry a significant weight if necessary.
  5760. >So if he was injured by a fall, then it is a decisive setback for the whole group.
  5761. "How bad is it?"
  5762. >"Minor bone fracture. His augments can absorb the burden on the leg to relieve the bone of it, but he can no longer carry much more than his own weight."
  5763. "So he can walk?"
  5764. >"Uncomfortably, but yes. Though the rest of the group needs to distribute the things he carried amongst themselves."
  5765. >A short pause.
  5766. >"And possibly leave some of it behind too."
  5767. "Show me their list, #deca."
  5768. >So she does.
  5769. >A new chart appears on the main screen, and it shows a complete listing of all the stuff that this group carries around.
  5770.  
  5771.  
  5772.  
  5773.  
  5774. >And much to your dismay, it is already fairly barebones to begin with.
  5775. >Bagged food, blankets to ward off the cold, some tools, and so on.
  5776. >Nothing they could truly afford to ditch.
  5777. >Not good.
  5778. >But you think you see a way to help them.
  5779. >Because there is something you might bring them which they now need the most.
  5780. "#deca, they don't have a cart?"
  5781. >"Unfortunately not. Their old one broke down shortly before the storm came. And the replacement cart was not completed in time."
  5782. "I see. Guess that warrants the use of a special delivery then, doesn't it."
  5783. >A nod.
  5784. >"Hmhm. I think so too."
  5785. >Well then, here you go.
  5786. >You do two things next.
  5787. >First, you authorise the usage of a "dedicated care package level two" and instruct an automaton to perform a rush delivery of it.
  5788. >It shall bring said package to a place near the Earth ponies' current location in record speed.
  5789. >And second, you change the values of the weather system to drastically reduce the wind and snowfall levels in the local area.
  5790. >Not only does this ease the burden of the ponies in the storm, it will also improve their field of vision drastically.
  5791. >This way you can be sure that they will spot your gift swiftly.
  5792. >However, you include a delay of about five minutes between the execution of the first and the second command into your instructions, giving the automaton ample time to place the "care package" and disappear into the shadows again.
  5793. >Not that anyone on the planet could perceive the unit for what it truly is, yet you prefer to err on the side of subtlety.
  5794. >The number with Gust Glider is still too fresh in your memory.
  5795. >And so, you watch as the automatons heed your commands.
  5796. >One nearby ground unit quickly drags the package in position.
  5797. >Once the thing is in place, the machine detaches the package and drives on without it.
  5798. >The automaton then withdraws from the scene and returns to its original hiding position.
  5799. >A couple of minutes later, the Earth ponies notice that the howling wind gradually ebbs away.
  5800. >And the nerve-wracking snowstorm turns into a light trickle of singular flakes.
  5801. >You watch closely what happens next.
  5802. >As you have expected, the ponies thank their lucky stars for this unexpected improvement of their situation.
  5803. >You try not to feel addressed by their relieved cheers though, as you should not perceive any of this as gratitude directed towards you.
  5804. >It would be fairly inappropriate, considering the circumstances of the whole situation.
  5805. >But regardless of your personal stance on the matter, the ponies' cheer reaches wholly new levels the moment one of them spots an abandoned cart, only about a hundred metres away from their current position.
  5806. >Naturally, they immediately rush towards the lone thing to inspect it closely.
  5807. >As they quickly discover, the wooden construct may show some signs of wear and tear, but it is still usable.
  5808. >Though there is even more.
  5809.  
  5810.  
  5811.  
  5812.  
  5813. >They find some still edible foodstuffs and basic first-aid equipment loaded on it as well.
  5814. >It contains basically everything that they need so desperately right now.
  5815. >To those Earth ponies, this is the jackpot of the day.
  5816. >But as the absolute crowning cherry on top, it seems like they can not only utilise the contents on the wagon, but also the wagon itself.
  5817. >It is equipped with an elaborate harness that can be used by up to six ponies simultaneously.
  5818. >The combined force of half a dozen Earth ponies is more than enough to drag the wagon and their gear, even across snowy terrain.
  5819. >And due to their large number, the members of the group can easily take turns in several shifts to minimise the risk of overexertion.
  5820. >Unsurprisingly, it does not take long to convince everyone to load a good portion of their personal baggage on the loading space at the back whilst the first six volunteers step forth to take the first shift.
  5821. >The most heartwarming gesture is yet to come though.
  5822. >Because despite the relatively limited space on the wagon itself, they leave a small spot open and free of cargo.
  5823. >This place is reserved for Solid Keg, should he find it unbearable to trot further on his own.
  5824. >He gratefully appreciates the gesture, but nevertheless insists to try walking some more.
  5825. >After all, he does not want to needlessly burden the rest of them in these uncertain times.
  5826. >The others accept and respect that decision.
  5827. >Still, this place remains reserved for him if he ever reaches the point at which he really struggles to keep his pace.
  5828. >While you look at the display of heartfelt fellowship within this group, it pierces you on an oddly deep and personal level.
  5829. >For you understand what it feels like to be the one of the group who depends on help due to the circumstances.
  5830. >The only difference is that your mates had no idea where to look for you.
  5831. >But you wonder what they would have done if they knew and had come after you.
  5832. >Would they try to save you in the face of an approaching terraformer capital ship, or would they just bolt to spread the message of the return of an old enemy?
  5833. >You are not so sure about that.
  5834. >But to be fair to your former squad, you would see their reason to prefer the latter, considering the impact of that hypothetical scenario.
  5835. >If you would be personally able to grasp this situation rationally if you were in that position is a different matter of course.
  5836. >And if you are honest with yourself, you probably would not.
  5837. >But either way, you continue to observe the cohesion of these Earth ponies and sigh.
  5838. "You know what's the best thing about this whole snow mess? We won't have to live through this a second time. Not going to miss these strange thoughts either."
  5839. >#deca.mare nods.
  5840. >"I know exactly what you mean, Anon. And I too am sick of ruining meadows that I helped to create."
  5841. >Yeah, you do not miss that obvious hint.
  5842.  
  5843.  
  5844.  
  5845.  
  5846. >But instead of trying to debate that matter with #deca.mare objectively, you simply pull her closer to you for another long hug.
  5847. >And together you watch the group of Earth ponies while they are busy securing their inventory on the wagon.
  5848. >Not much thereafter, they are on the move again.
  5849. >A tad faster than before, and with a considerably better mood.
  5850. >Suddenly, the cold and the snow seem to have lost most of their immediate dread, at least to these ponies.
  5851. >Which means that the alert status is well and truly fixed.
  5852. >Plus, you seem to get remotely infected by their mirth as well; you manage to crack a faint smile at the sight of this happy display.
  5853. >Even against your own expectations.
  5854. >And that gives you an idea.
  5855. "Hey #deca, how about this?"
  5856. >You clear your throat.
  5857. "Three months of winter coldness..."
  5858. >However, #deca.mare snorts, well, like a horse.
  5859. >She does not seem to be overly convinced of your proposal.
  5860. >"I do not feel like singing winter songs at the moment, Anon."
  5861. >You saw this reaction coming.
  5862. >Yet you try it again.
  5863. "That's actually the best time to do it. Remember Pinkie's lesson. Singing can raise the spirits and stave off fears."
  5864. >Your grin grows ever so slightly.
  5865. "Besides, wasn't it one of your wishes to help me to integrate in pony society? What would be better than a round of singing to do that?"
  5866. >#deca.mare takes a breath.
  5867. >"I suppose I see your point. Winter Wrap Up then?"
  5868. "Hm, actually no. The Heart Carol is much more fitting."
  5869. >"And shorter."
  5870. >You shake your head.
  5871. "Not the abridged version, #deca. I'm talking about the extended one of course. It's got all the adequate lines for this day."
  5872. >A pause.
  5873. >And finally, a nod.
  5874. "Alright. Line after line. I'll start."
  5875. >You need a brief moment to find the right tones for a somewhat adequate singing voice.
  5876. >After all, even though your singing skills got somewhat better, you still would not dare to lead a pony choir any time soon.
  5877. >But that is completely irrelevant right here and now.
  5878. >The deed matters more than the artistic quality.
  5879. >Though that does not stop you from trying your best.
  5880. "The Fire of Friendship lives in our hearts..."
  5881. >And #deca.mare, although hesitant, chimes in.
  5882. >"... as long as it burns, we cannot drift apart..."
  5883. >You genuinely grin as you cover the third line.
  5884. "... though quarrels arise, their numbers are few..."
  5885. >"... laughter and singing will see us through."
  5886. >And as if right on cue, you sing the repetition together.
  5887. >"Will see us through!"
  5888. "Will see us through!"
  5889. >By now, it looks like #deca.mare has warmed towards the idea.
  5890. >At least a little bit.
  5891. >"We are a circle of pony friends..."
  5892. "...a circle of friends we'll be to the very end!"
  5893. >And while the two of you sing your way through the extended lyrics of the carol, the marks on the map also move closer together.
  5894. >So far, they have no idea that there will be an amicable truce between the three tribes fairly soon.
  5895. >A decision which will break the ice for good.
  5896. >In at least two meanings of the word.
  5897.  
  5898.  
  5899.  
  5900.  
  5901. 137.1
  5902.  
  5903. >Though fate showed its unforeseen side once more.
  5904. >The ponies quickly learned of the other tribes, and the old dispute erupted for a third time.
  5905. >Every tribe claimed to be the true discoverer, and therefore the true sovereign of the new land.
  5906. >Nopony was willing to buckle or give in, and the next clash loomed on the horizon.
  5907. >Anger and mistrust spewed back and forth, and it seemed as if the last straw was finally at hoof.
  5908. >But as mischievous as fate sometimes was towards the ponies, it still showed some grace in its own twisted way.
  5909. >For when the tribes were on the brink of the abyss yet again, the chill had finally caught up.
  5910. >One piercing scream rang out in the far distance and travelled across the whole land.
  5911. >A shriek so bone rattling, so terribly appalling that everypony knew what was coming next.
  5912. >And quickly thereafter, the wonderful plains of the paradise lands were swept away by the howling winds of frost.
  5913. >The storm was even more vicious than before, and some ponies believed the glacial gales were the home of evil spirits.
  5914. >They thought the winds were their screams, and the freezing cold their breaths.
  5915. >But nopony had the time to dwell on these thoughts, for all of them fled to safety.
  5916. >Alas, they only found one cave.
  5917. >It was large enough to house all ponies, but they had to share it with everypony else.
  5918. >There was no time for discussion.
  5919. >So they acted.
  5920. >But even after all tribes had found safe refuge in the cave, the allegations did not stop.
  5921. >Everypony blamed everpony else to be the reason for this terrible curse.
  5922. >Then the entrance was frozen solid.
  5923. >The disputes went on.
  5924. >More and more ponies of all tribes and crafts fell into a slumber.
  5925. >As if a magical sleeping spell was at work.
  5926. >The leaders still argued.
  5927. >Then sleep came for them too.
  5928. >Only their aides were still awake.
  5929.  
  5930.  
  5931.  
  5932.  
  5933. >Three ponies were all that was left of the old world of Origin.
  5934. >Smart Cookie of the Earth ponies.
  5935. >Clover the Clever of the Unicorns.
  5936. >Private Pansy of the Pegasi.
  5937. >And in the face of the merciless cold, their slumbering kin, and sheer despair, they overcame their barriers.
  5938. >They realised that they would rather stay together before they perished alone.
  5939. >The three began to talk.
  5940. >And they understood what some of the ponies had surmised for a long time.
  5941. >They were not so different as they first thought.
  5942. >The three felt how the cold and sleep tugged at them.
  5943. >But they did not relent.
  5944. >The aides kept talking and talking.
  5945. >They kept their spirits high, and they staved off the cold.
  5946. >Amity was all they needed to survive.
  5947. >Soon they found a common ground, and something wondrous happened.
  5948. >The chill slowed down, much to the dismay of the evil wind spirits.
  5949. >These dark creatures did all they could, but they were unable to drive the ponies apart.
  5950. >The three aides remained a steadfast beacon of friendship to spite their dire defeat.
  5951. >And so the spirits knew they had failed.
  5952. >Their dark powers waned, and so did the chill.
  5953. >With the evil banished and the curse broken, the ice began to thaw.
  5954. >And the other ponies slowly recovered from their mysterious slumber.
  5955. >Only a couple at first, then more and more.
  5956. >They learned what happened, and it left them speechless.
  5957. >Were they so badly in the wrong for all this time?
  5958. >First there was disbelief.
  5959. >But deep in their hearts they knew the truth.
  5960. >It was a common friendship that saved them from their peril.
  5961. >And it taught the ponies that they were stronger together.
  5962.  
  5963.  
  5964.  
  5965.  
  5966. 137.2
  5967.  
  5968. >It has been three days since the storms have ceased to sweep over the lands of Equestria.
  5969. >The weather is as pristine as it has always been before the inexplicable cold phase, and summer has returned in all its warming glory.
  5970. >Apart from a few lightly battered patches of vegetation here and there, it has left no visible traces on the landscape as a whole.
  5971. >And these smaller plots of land will heal properly in time.
  5972. >To the world at large, it seems like the disastrous weather shift has been nothing more than a temporary natural anomaly.
  5973. >A one-time event.
  5974. >Which will never return to the world.
  5975. >The ponies believe it has something to do with their relationship to one another, and that the power of their mutual amity has managed to either weaken or outright banish whatever force has caused this phenomenon.
  5976. >And in some ways, that is not so far from the truth.
  5977. >Though the part about chilly malevolent wind spirits which will find its way into the narration later on will be not much more than an artistic addendum to the account.
  5978. >Granted, #deca.mare and you may have contributed a little bit to its spread by making the wind sound like shrieking horses and all that.
  5979. >Yet both of you see it as justified, given that the imagery of the Windigos is a major element in the story of Hearth's Warming Eve.
  5980. >Regardless of the technical accuracy of the future stage play though, you can state with absolute certainty that the mission was a success.
  5981. >Because despite their rather short reign of chilling fear, the storms have left their mark on the ponies and their societies.
  5982. >No, that is not quite correct.
  5983. >It showed them what ponykind can be capable of when the tribes overcome their disputes and combine their strengths.
  5984. >The aides of the leaders have proven this to the world in the most evident manner one can think of.
  5985. >After all, these three have presumably saved everyone from perishing under an unbreakable layer of solid ice.
  5986. >Even though no pony speaks of the Fire of Friendship as such just yet, the seed has been planted in their minds.
  5987. >And when the bonds of one trio can already have such a decisive positive impact on the world and the ponies around them, then what could they all accomplish if they follow their example?
  5988. >The mere thoughts of these possibilities boggle their minds.
  5989. >Plus, you notice something peculiar happening to #deca.mare and you.
  5990. >Both of you fully know how Equestria will develop, at least for more than a millennium from this point onward.
  5991. >But still, you can somewhat share the enthusiastic notion that is pulsing through the three tribes.
  5992. >The future looks bright, and the days are warm again.
  5993. >And things that were considered to be impossible have actually come true.
  5994. >This is one of those phases where nothing seems to be unreachable.
  5995.  
  5996.  
  5997.  
  5998.  
  5999. >It is an overwhelming feeling of positivity.
  6000. >Even for someone like you who cannot enjoy the sensation to its fullest thanks to your knowledge of the wider context around it.
  6001. >The same is true for #deca.mare.
  6002. >She beams like the sun itself as she witnesses all the cheering and prancing ponies everywhere.
  6003. >That sight alone is all you need to join in.
  6004. >Sure, it is only natural for the initial rush of joy to partially subside over time.
  6005. >And #deca.mare's comment on the long time it takes to actually build Equestria as a proper civilisation has a point as well.
  6006. >There is still much work to do.
  6007. >Nevertheless, you have something to celebrate.
  6008. >But unlike the last time you had a party of this scale, you are now surrounded by actual ponies, and not just simulated ones.
  6009. >This is the first genuine celebration in this world.
  6010. >Not going to participate would be a wasted opportunity.
  6011. >Besides, what good parents would miss such a memorable occasion of their children?
  6012. >And there is also one more thing.
  6013. >#deca.mare and you still have to keep another promise.
  6014. >Something you have agreed upon a while ago.
  6015. >It is not quite the right time to act upon just yet, but you are now in the best position to prepare yourself for it.
  6016. >The thawing of the ice made it possible, and you see the opportunity to combine two wonderful things in the same festivities.
  6017.  
  6018.  
  6019.  
  6020.  
  6021. 137.3
  6022.  
  6023. >#deca.mare and you walk on a trail which leads to one of the many comely Earth pony settlements that dot the Equestrian landscape.
  6024. >Your destination is still a couple of kilometres away, but you can already feel the unusual sensation in the air.
  6025. >For this town has been chosen as one of the places where the ponies celebrate their recently proclaimed Unification.
  6026. >Ponies from near and far and all walks of life are invited to come and take part in this great event.
  6027. >So the two of you happily decided to accept the open invitation to mingle a little bit.
  6028. >And you are not the only ones.
  6029. >Because you have already seen at least two groups of Pegasi flying past you, also heading straight for the village.
  6030. >Not to mention the twelve Unicorns who you have met in the neighbouring hamlet whilst you were preparing yourself for your trek.
  6031. >They are somewhere behind you, but also planning to join the ceremonies.
  6032. >Yes, the festival will be a big one, and that is just fine.
  6033. >Interestingly though, you feel somewhat strange as your proxy trots next to that of #deca.mare, openly to be seen by everyone.
  6034. >After all, you had to constantly ensure that you are alone before you could "meet up" with her on Equestria so far.
  6035. >Especially with both your schedules and living habits being so different from one another, at least in your roles amongst the ponies.
  6036. >Now though, after you have finally gotten used to the practice of watching her from afar most of the time, if at all, this charade is over again.
  6037. >Pretty annoying, but oh well.
  6038. >It is only a minor annoyance in comparison to the things you have achieved.
  6039. >And certainly not something that can ruin the mood of either of you.
  6040. >So since you are on the move at the moment, and still will be for the better part of an hour or so, you do the only thing you can do while you are walking.
  6041. >You talk about the celebrations at hand.
  6042. "And? Are you excited?"
  6043. >#deca.mare nods happily.
  6044. >"As excited as I was on my first day on the surface."
  6045. >She giggles.
  6046. >"But far less nervous."
  6047. "Heh. That's great."
  6048. >And you grin.
  6049. "Though I'm still not used to seeing you with this thing from up close."
  6050. >You pan your head towards her flanks for a brief moment, referring to the "Cutie Mark" that trims her coat back there.
  6051. >It depicts an artistically crafted glass flask with an equally elegantly designed metal adornment around it.
  6052. >The vessel is filled with a vibrant crimson liquid which almost seems to shine through the greyish metallic ornament around the glass.
  6053. >And sometimes, when you look right at it, it seems as if you see a faint silhouette twirling inside the red fluid.
  6054. >This is of course impossible, as Cutie Marks are generally static.
  6055.  
  6056.  
  6057.  
  6058.  
  6059. >Yet there are times when you think that you can make out the ever so vague form of the mother ship's frontal array in there.
  6060. >#deca.mare has told you that she added no such thing to the design, and you have no reason to doubt her in that regard, but the feeling remains.
  6061. >Plus, implementing a feature like this to her Mark would be entirely pointless or even detrimental.
  6062. >Because the ponies would, provided that they can see it in the first place, not understand what they are looking at.
  6063. >And having a Cutie Mark that changes and moves at random would raise a lot of questions.
  6064. >Especially in these new times.
  6065. >"Do you see hull compartments on my flanks again?"
  6066. >You first look #deca.mare in the eyes, and then to her Cutie Mark.
  6067. "Not right now."
  6068. >You move your head closer to be absolutely sure.
  6069. >Nothing.
  6070. >Only a patch of coloured coat that covers a strong and well shaped pony rear.
  6071. "But I swear to you it looks real sometimes. Don't know if it's the lighting or what, but it is."
  6072. >A short pause.
  6073. "Or maybe you've got to do the right moves. That requires further study."
  6074. >This gets a brief, yet amused laughter out of her.
  6075. >"You better postpone your staring attempts, Anon. We are here to see the world, are we not? And you will not see much of it when my behind blocks your vision all the time."
  6076. >You shrug with a grin.
  6077. "That's not something I'd complain about."
  6078. >"I know. But you can take a look later. It will still be there after the party is over."
  6079. >Well, that is true.
  6080. >And #deca.mare slightly speeds up her pace to emphasise her priorities.
  6081. >But just a moment before you turn your gaze away from her flanks with the faux Cutie Mark, you see it again.
  6082. >The frontal array of your mother ship appears blurrily in the red liquid.
  6083. >Yet it also vanishes again, just a moment later.
  6084. >You blink and check a second time.
  6085. >Nothing out of the ordinary.
  6086. >You look towards the path ahead of you and pick up the pace to catch up with #deca.mare.
  6087. >And once you are walking side by side again, she looks at you with a curious expression.
  6088. >"You saw it again, did you not?"
  6089. "Yep. Did you notice something?"
  6090. >"Your vitals spiked briefly. They indicated that you experienced something..."
  6091. "...scary?"
  6092. >"Nothing so drastic. More like concerning."
  6093. "Huh, so there is a reaction. And you know what I'm thinking anyways."
  6094. >"Yes, you are telling the truth. There is no doubt about that. But like I said before, I did not do anything special to the Mark. And the logs show no irregularities either."
  6095. >You breathe out loudly.
  6096. "My mind is playing tricks on me, huh?"
  6097. >"I assume a misperception is the most likely explanation."
  6098.  
  6099.  
  6100.  
  6101.  
  6102. >You chuckle.
  6103. "So I'm turning into a mental basket case."
  6104. >You have attempted to make it sound like a joke, but #deca.mare treats it like a legitimate comment.
  6105. "Nonsense. Your brain works as well as ever. Your subconsciousness is probably just associating more into the symbol than there actually is."
  6106. >Your rational part can follow the argument nicely.
  6107. >But regardless of this possible and apparently logical theory, you cannot fully buy it.
  6108. >The visions felt just too real to be an illusion of your mind.
  6109. >#deca.mare nevertheless tries her best to calm you down and make you think of something else.
  6110. >She gets a little bit closer to you.
  6111. >Then she motions you to spread your wing and wrap it around her.
  6112. >Alright.
  6113. >It will make walking a little bit more tricky as you now have to coordinate your steps to some degree, but you do not mind.
  6114. >So you do what she asks of you.
  6115. >And you immediately feel the warmth emanating from #deca.mare's proxy as she presses herself against you.
  6116. >"There. Now you cannot see it any more. Out of sight, out of mind."
  6117. "Unless the thing learns how to bite."
  6118. >Another faint chuckle.
  6119. >"Now you are just silly, Anon."
  6120. "Okay. I'll tell you when my proxy has lost a leg or something."
  6121. >#deca.mare rolls her eyes in light amusement.
  6122. >Then she tilts her head slightly towards you.
  6123. >And understanding what she is doing, you do the same.
  6124. >The two of you meet in the middle, gently leaning on the other.
  6125. >Albeit without slowing down your pace.
  6126. >The perfect chance for #deca.mare to change the topic.
  6127. >"I can barely believe that we are going to be officially engaged soon."
  6128. >That causes you to smile almost immediately.
  6129. "Heh, yeah. Though I'd be happier if we did not have to use synonyms for that."
  6130. >"It is the most subtle way to attend an official ceremony, Anon. And we knew of the hurdles when we promised ourselves to make our bond official on Equestria."
  6131. "Yeah, you're right. But it's kinda weird to get engaged with 'Enigmatic Decanter', you know? It's not the same without the real name."
  6132. >"Though it changes very little. I am still the same mare. Just as you are still the same man. We know who we are, and nothing will change that."
  6133. >#deca.mare gives you a nudge and smiles.
  6134. >"Do you not agree with me, 'Star Plotter'?"
  6135. >You grumble slightly as you hear that name.
  6136. "I'm not sure if this name suits me. The cartography thing was mostly your merit."
  6137. >Yet she simply snickers and keeps her smile up.
  6138. >"Indeed. But it was you who helped the Pegasi to learn how to use the stars and their constellations as means to navigate. This is your credit."
  6139. "Credit, eh? Even that wasn't my original idea though. This sort of stuff has been used by humans on Earth for I don't know how many centuries."
  6140.  
  6141.  
  6142.  
  6143.  
  6144. >"Indeed. And so what? Ponies have no clue what a human is and what their history may be like. Only the Equestrian point of reference is available to them."
  6145. >A second nudge.
  6146. >"And your aid in the matter was greatly appreciated."
  6147. >You take a breath.
  6148. "Perhaps a little bit too much. I don't want to be celebrated incorrectly as a genius at some point. That'd be fraudulent."
  6149. >#deca.mare chuckles lightly again.
  6150. >"Considering that you needed some friendly incentive from Gust Glider to form a stronger social bond with the group at large, that is not going to happen. Trust me when I say that they still see you as a competent flier who simply happened to have the right suggestion about the night sky at the right time. Nothing more, nothing less."
  6151. >A short pause.
  6152. >"Do you think you can live with that?"
  6153. "I suppose, 'Decanter'."
  6154. >You blink once as you realise that you have just called your mare friend and soon-to-be fiancé an ornamented liquor bottle.
  6155. "You know, pony naming habits or not, that really sounds weird. Or do you prefer 'Enigmatic'?"
  6156. >"Just address me as you always do. If somepony asks, we say it is a moniker."
  6157. >You nod.
  6158. "That should work."
  6159. >Though you still have to use #deca.mare's full "name" for the ceremony.
  6160. >Because you are sure there will be one pony or the other who writes reports to document the events of this day.
  6161. >And you would rather avoid to officially appear this openly in the annals of Equestria with your real names, especially at such an early stage.
  6162. >Hence the pony names in the first place.
  6163. >Your little stroll along the simple path goes on.
  6164. >Ten to fifteen minutes later, you are nearing the boundaries of a relatively small and quiet forest.
  6165. >The village is just on the other side of the woods.
  6166. >So all that still stands between you and the celebrations is a casual hike straight through the rows of trees before you.
  6167. >The two of you stop briefly before you proceed.
  6168. >"Anon, look."
  6169. >#deca.mare points at something which is in the sky on your left.
  6170. >You turn your head accordingly and spot a group of five Pegasi in the air.
  6171. >Judging from their speed, they are not in a hurry.
  6172. >But they are certainly heading for the same village as you do.
  6173. >One of them sees you watching their group.
  6174. >The mare informs the others of her team, and soon all eyes are on #deca.mare and you.
  6175. >#deca.mare kindly smiles and waves to them.
  6176. >And the five return the favour and wave back before they disappear behind the canopy of leaves.
  6177. >Well, that was a relatively short and casual interaction, but a pleasant one nonetheless.
  6178. >You are sure there are many more yet to come today as well.
  6179. >Yet even though you already know that none of them could ever surpass your personal highlight of the day, you are looking forward to witness them anyway.
  6180. >Because each and every one of those gestures is another testimony of the fact that the vision of Equestria has come one more step closer to its realisation.
  6181.  
  6182.  
  6183.  
  6184.  
  6185. >And there is more.
  6186. >With the Unification of the tribes now practically in progress, #deca.mare and you can now finally enjoy the delights of this world side by side.
  6187. >No more secret encounters, and no more hiding.
  6188. >Well, less hiding at least.
  6189. >Neither of you can think of a better day to make your engagement official.
  6190. >You look at the path and the forest ahead of you.
  6191. >Then you take a breath, and look at #deca.mare.
  6192. "Are you ready?"
  6193. >"As ready as I will ever be, Anon."
  6194. >You interpret that as a careful, albeit excited yes.
  6195. >You raise a forelimb and motion her to move out in unison.
  6196. >She nods.
  6197. >And after a short moment of coordination, #deca.mare and you take the next first step together.
  6198. "Let's step it up a notch, #deca. If we take too long, the Pegasi will think we got lost. Possibly on purpose for private time."
  6199. >"You think?"
  6200. "The two of us entering the woods together in an embrace? Yeah, I think the signals are there to assume certain things."
  6201. >You hear a subtle chuckle.
  6202. >"Well, the assumption would not be without a kernel of truth, now would it."
  6203. "Sure. But we don't have to spur any more rumours than necessary, right?"
  6204. >"Right."
  6205. >And with that said, #deca.mare and you disappear beneath the canopy as you follow the path through the forest.
  6206. >Until you come out on the other side again some time later, roughly a hundred metres away from the bustling village.
  6207. >Curiously though, the twelve Unicorns have arrived shortly before you do.
  6208. >And they took the same route.
  6209. >Strange that.
  6210. >What may or may not have happened to cause this remains unknown to the public, however.
  6211. >Covered by leaves and trees.
  6212. >The opinions that the others may form about #deca.mare and you after your engagement ceremony are entirely their own business.
  6213. >You let them speculate to their hearts' content if they so wish.
  6214. >But either way, #deca.mare and you will be a proper couple at sunset.
  6215. >And nothing can change this actuality after the fact.
  6216.  
  6217.  
  6218.  
  6219.  
  6220. 138.1
  6221.  
  6222. >An age ended as the tribes of old ceased to exist.
  6223. >From the day of the thawing and onward, Origin turned to Trinity.
  6224. >All ponies united to provide for a better future.
  6225. >Together as one.
  6226. >The ponies left the cave and began to rebuild their lost realms.
  6227. >But where only one banner was once fluttering in the winds above a town, there were now three.
  6228. >Every one borne by the same pole and held up at the same height.
  6229. >The Earth Ponies openly welcomed Unicorns and Pegasi in their towns.
  6230. >The Unicorns vowed to grant all ponies access to their castles.
  6231. >The Pegasi invited Earth Ponies and Unicorns to visit their clouds.
  6232. >The last vow seemed like a farce, but it was a genuine promise in spite of its impossibility.
  6233. >For it showed that even the pushy Pegasi were willing to share something that was undisputedly theirs during the age of Origin.
  6234. >Though for all the newfound goodwill and friendship, the former tribesponies still had different traditions and rites.
  6235. >It took its time for them to get fully accustomed to each other, without erasing what made them special and unique.
  6236. >So a new council was set up, conceived with the mandate to represent everypony equally.
  6237. >It was a tough challenge, despite ponies growing much more cordial to each other.
  6238. >Some matters simply remained bones of contention which the council could not resolve with mere talks.
  6239. >Though the ponies would not allow these squabbles to drive them apart again.
  6240. >Not after the problems of the past storms.
  6241. >Still, they got stuck more than once due to some lack of resolution that nopony could explain.
  6242. >It seemed as if something was still missing to truly bring them together as ponies.
  6243. >Some doubted fate yet again in a fit of uncertainty.
  6244. >But fate blessed the former tribes with another inexplicable wonder at the best of times.
  6245. >Ponies began to mingle more.
  6246. >They spent more time with ponies from other tribes.
  6247. >They crafted new friendships.
  6248. >Some moved more closely to one another soon.
  6249. >A few were even willing to join the ceremonial bond of matrimony.
  6250.  
  6251.  
  6252.  
  6253.  
  6254. >It was a joyous festival that marked the day.
  6255. >And it was seen as a great moment by many.
  6256. >But not all ponies thought of this as wise.
  6257. >Especially the ranks of the Unicorns brought forth many reasons for concern.
  6258. >And the Unicorns' special bond to the unseen was well known by all, so their doubts held a considerable weight.
  6259. >They did not know in what ways this could shape the world they lived in.
  6260. >They feared for the things that could be lost.
  6261. >Foals may have gained weaker special talents.
  6262. >Or lost them outright.
  6263. >If the couples were blessed with foals at all.
  6264. >Plausible objections, as the ponies of Trinity had no understanding of their fate and how it worked.
  6265. >Even the Unicorns, for all their bragging and admittedly talented magicians, were unable to solve this riddle.
  6266. >A potential disaster in the making that could devastate ponykind was indeed possible.
  6267. >Nevertheless, the wish for unity outgrew the objections, and more willing couples were wedded quickly thereafter.
  6268. >So the wonder took its course, and the first mare was expecting soon.
  6269. >Much to the relief of everypony, the becoming mother was healthy and remained in good spirits.
  6270. >The foal was eagerly expected.
  6271. >It seemed as if everything was prepared for what was to follow.
  6272. >Yet things came differently once more.
  6273. >Because on the third anniversary of the Unification, the day had arrived.
  6274. >But what was born into the world was not the foal that the ponies had anticipated.
  6275. >For they were a pair.
  6276. >Two sibling mares were foaled.
  6277. >One bright as the daylight, the other dark as the night sky.
  6278. >This alone was a sensation like no other, as nopony had ever witnessed a twin birth before.
  6279. >It was clear that such a fated event must be an exception, a rarity of the highest order.
  6280. >But this was not the end of it.
  6281. >Ponies quickly fell into a silence of unbelieving awe when they realised what they were seeing.
  6282. >For both foals bore a pair of wings and a horn.
  6283.  
  6284.  
  6285.  
  6286.  
  6287. 138.2
  6288.  
  6289. >The Earth pony village is a humble sight at first glance.
  6290. >The place consists of about two dozen wooden huts of varying sizes and a larger community hall.
  6291. >They are all connected by simple pathways, much like the trail you have travelled on to get there, and surrounded by cultivated fields of grass and crops.
  6292. >There are no fences or gates that might separate the village from the landscape.
  6293. >Only a carefully crafted wooden arch that looms above the path into the hamlet tells you that you are now entering the domain of the local Earth ponies.
  6294. >Additionally, the sign is more welcoming than off-putting, as it depicts a pair of happily rearing ponies at the top that are surrounded by the green leaves of vines.
  6295. >The plants also cover most surface parts of the construct.
  6296. >And they are so thoroughly intertwined with the wood that it almost seems as if they had been a part of the whole arch to begin with.
  6297. >Though that is fairly normal for Earth pony architecture, considering that they know how to combine constructs and nature in a nigh perfect and seamless blend.
  6298. >In time, and with some magic assistance from Unicorn spellcasters, some exceptionally talented individuals in the field will even learn to build houses in fully living, and still growing, trees.
  6299. >A rare mastery, granted, but a craft with exceptional results.
  6300. >Though it will take a while until the architecture of literal tree houses will be known across the land.
  6301. >Most eligible trees for this art do not grow that fast, after all.
  6302. >Nevertheless, the first steps in that direction have been taken.
  6303. >The seed will grow gradually on its own.
  6304. >Just like this settlement, it is a small demonstration of what has already happened, and what is yet to come.
  6305. >On a slightly different note, you assume that the huts of this place house, under normal circumstances, about a hundred ponies at their peak.
  6306. >But right now, the number is easily five times higher.
  6307. >Possibly more.
  6308. >Even from the relative distant vantage point of the archway, you can already count more than fifty ponies of all colours and shapes.
  6309. >Some of them are standing near the huts, holding exited conversations with one another, whilst others walk to and fro on the pathways.
  6310. >And as you observe the ponies briefly, you register some interesting patterns.
  6311. >Members of all three tribes are present.
  6312. >So far, so obvious.
  6313. >But even though most of the ponies still interact with individuals of their like-limbed kin first and foremost, probably the very same fellows with whom they arrived at the village in the first place, there are nevertheless a few careful advances to become acquainted with some members of the other tribes.
  6314. >Like a trio of Unicorns who approach a team of Pegasi to strike up a conversation with somepony they do not know yet.
  6315. >Or the open offer of an Earth pony family to show both Unicorns and Pegasi some of their tilling tools and how they are used optimally.
  6316.  
  6317.  
  6318.  
  6319.  
  6320. >And there is a wing of Pegasi who decide to prepare an impromptu flight show for the amusement of everyone around.
  6321. >It becomes obvious that the tone in the community is gradually getting warmer in small steps.
  6322. >But this is fine.
  6323. >Things like trust and actual friendship need some time to grow naturally.
  6324. >And now that the end of the "Windigo" attack has turned the loose arrangements of necessity into a provisional constructive alliance with a mutual benefit, there is nothing left that needs to be rushed.
  6325. >Harmony, however, has its proverbial hands full with processing all the new acquaintanceships and interactions that suddenly spawn all over this hamlet.
  6326. >And on the planet at large for that matter.
  6327. >The beginning of thousands of new friendships, all arising at the same time.
  6328. >Well, good thing that you have subjected Harmony to your series of stress tests early on.
  6329. >The knowledge and experience gained through these sessions now prove to be useful during this phase of rapidly spiking input.
  6330. >Though it is nothing that Harmony cannot handle.
  6331. >#deca.mare and you made sure of that long in advance.
  6332. >The two of you can now take a step back, relax, and delve into this new and exciting experience to celebrate one of the best days of your life.
  6333. >Neither of your attention is required at the time being.
  6334. >So as far as #deca.mare and you are concerned, you are currently on holiday.
  6335. >The sooner you start, the more days you have off.
  6336. >And in this regard you gladly heed a certain old terran phrase again.
  6337. >No time like the present.
  6338. >You give #deca.mare a signal, and she agrees.
  6339. >The two of you follow the remaining short pathway into the village proper.
  6340. "Any plans for the day?"
  6341. >"Aside from getting engaged you mean?"
  6342. >You grin.
  6343. "Yes. Aside from that of course."
  6344. >"No concrete plans. Let us just mingle and have a good time together."
  6345. >Should not be so hard, you reckon.
  6346. >"Oh, and by the way, Anon. Some of your friends from the flight teams are here too."
  6347. >You listen attentively as #deca.mare mentions the Pegasi.
  6348. "They are here?"
  6349. >"Hmhm. A number of them are. I assume you want to say hello to them, correct?"
  6350. "Yeah, good idea. They should know that I'm fine."
  6351. >This is one of the few loose ends from the time before the winter storm that you still have to deal with.
  6352. >Because you departed shortly before things got bad.
  6353. >It was a transfer over to another weather team.
  6354. >At least officially.
  6355. >However, Squall and the others never got the chance to hear whether you made it to the other team in time.
  6356. >Which you did not.
  6357. >If you had, your proxy would be chewing on some glowing roots and plants in a cave right about now.
  6358. >But unbeknownst to everyone except #deca.mare and you, you getting lost in the storm was the plan all along.
  6359. >For you used this opportunity to get your proxy back into the tunnel system to store it there.
  6360. >Whilst you were busy managing the planetary weather system from orbit.
  6361.  
  6362.  
  6363.  
  6364.  
  6365. >And now you have the chance to let them know that you are still alive and in one piece.
  6366. >They deserve this much, as you do not want them to needlessly worry about your wellbeing.
  6367. >Which means you best meet up with them in person.
  6368. "Okay. Let's do that first, #deca. Where are they?"
  6369. >#deca.mare snickers.
  6370. >"I doubt we will be able to simply walk there in a straight line, my dear."
  6371. >You look over to her.
  6372. "And why is that?"
  6373. >You get your answer swiftly.
  6374. >Albeit not from #deca.mare.
  6375. >Because mere moments after you have turned your head away from the hamlet in front of you, an equine shape appears in the very edge of your visual field, seemingly out of nowhere.
  6376. >And you do not even have the time to turn your gaze back before said shape storms right at you.
  6377. >You just barely manage to register the mare with the light rosy coat before she is less than a metre away from the two of you.
  6378. >Her long mane is pale, almost white, and the hue of her eyes is a gentle mix of faint blue and silver.
  6379. >She eyes #deca.mare and you and smiles brightly.
  6380. >Perhaps it is just your mind playing tricks again, but you think that the whole scenery around her seems to appear a tad more vivid than before.
  6381. >The mare stops just barely before she knocks both of you over.
  6382. >Physically, at least.
  6383. >Her verbal onslaught is a different matter though.
  6384. >"Welcome to Rootshome! We're happy to have you here for our first joint fair and festival!"
  6385. >Oh dear.
  6386. >Jovial Pebble.
  6387. >You blink once and remember who will be one of her descendants a few generations down the line.
  6388. >And much like her pink relative, this mare is friendly, outgoing to the extreme, and can be an absolute powerhouse when she commits herself to something.
  6389. >But at least she does not possess such a mind-blowing talent for inexplicable perception, or the same levels of bending fate as Pinkie will.
  6390. >Most of the time, at least.
  6391. >Regardless of Pebble's distant family tree though, she is already quite a handful.
  6392. >Harmony can attest to that.
  6393. >And Jovial proves her talent right from the start.
  6394. >She addresses #deca.mare first.
  6395. >"Oh, a strange face! Haven't seen you around these parts before! Always good to find new ponies of the wider family, don't you think?"
  6396. >#deca.mare can barely muster the time to formulate a reply.
  6397. >"Ahem, I..."
  6398. >"Just a moment, we can talk about everything in a minute."
  6399. >Well, you guess that means her question to #deca.mare was a rhetorical one.
  6400. >And the answer is yes, obviously.
  6401. >As it turns out though, you can do precious little with that conclusion.
  6402. >For Jovial Pebble gets to you next.
  6403. >"And look what we have here! Another Pegasus descends from the skies! I hope you had a safe flight!"
  6404. >You answer swiftly to avoid getting cut off in your sentence.
  6405. "I did. Thanks."
  6406. >"Well, that's just outstanding! But where are my manners? I haven't even introduced myself properly, now did I?"
  6407.  
  6408.  
  6409.  
  6410.  
  6411. >The rosy mare clears her throat before she goes on.
  6412. >"Hello to both of you! My name is Jovial Pebble. Or just Jovial for friends. I'm the recipient and guide for newcomers. If you have a question or need something, I'm here to help out! Glad to meet you!"
  6413. >#deca.mare and you nod politely.
  6414. >And you use the time to contact her silently over the comm.
  6415. >Shall I?
  6416. >"Yes, please."
  6417. >Alright.
  6418. >You raise your voice.
  6419. >And immediately find yourself being in the full focus of Pebble.
  6420. >Before you have even spoken a single syllable.
  6421. >Oh yes, she is stoked.
  6422. >So here goes nothing.
  6423. "Hello Jovial, pleased to meet you too."
  6424. >You point to your own proxy with a forelimb.
  6425. "I'm called Star Plotter, and this..."
  6426. >Then you point at #deca.mare.
  6427. "... this is Enigmatic Decanter. We're travelling together."
  6428. >Pebble claps approvingly with her forehooves.
  6429. >"You travel together, hm? Now that's what I like to hear!"
  6430. >No wonder, considering that you two seem to embody everything what this festival is about.
  6431. >#deca.mare continues to speak for you two.
  6432. >"Actually, it goes a bit further than that. We are... about to get engaged."
  6433. >You freeze where you stand, as you did not expect #deca.mare to give that out to her right from the start.
  6434. >Because now she will pay extra attention to the two of you.
  6435. >And indeed, the next reaction you witness is a loud excited gasp and a pair of widening pupils.
  6436. >Pebble looks like she has struck a vein of pure gold.
  6437. >"Is... is that true?"
  6438. >God damn it, #deca.
  6439. >Why did you do that?
  6440. >Probably expecting your reaction, she responds quickly.
  6441. >"Trust me, Anon. I know what I am doing."
  6442. >Then she talks to Jovial Pebble again.
  6443. >"It is. And we need your help."
  6444. >The mare almost begins to stammer.
  6445. >"I... I... oh, of course. What do you need?"
  6446. >#deca.mare smiles politely.
  6447. >"You see, we want to have a proper official ceremony. Open for everypony who wishes to attend and witness it."
  6448. >A short pause.
  6449. >"But we need the head of Rootshome to give the traditional blessings and wed us officially. Could you please help us to plan and arrange this?"
  6450. >Pebble nods, obviously happy to hear that.
  6451. >"Why... yes, it would be an honour. Don't worry you two, I'll arrange everything! Come to the main hall at sunset. Oh, and by the way, congratulations!"
  6452. >Ah, so that is her plan.
  6453. >#deca.mare uses your engagement as bait to keep Jovial Pebble busy.
  6454. >While simultaneously easing the burden on the two of you.
  6455. >Because now you do not have organise everything yourself somehow in a village that you have, supposedly, no knowledge of.
  6456. >A simple, yet effective strategy.
  6457. >Though at the same time, #deca.mare does not want to appear too overeager either.
  6458. >So she tries to rein Pebble in to some extent.
  6459. >"Thank you. But we cannot let you do everything alone. That would be impolite, would it not?"
  6460. >However, Pebble seems to have a different opinion.
  6461.  
  6462.  
  6463.  
  6464.  
  6465. >"Are you kidding? Organising the first engagement ceremonies for an Earth pony and a Pegasus in history is impolite?"
  6466. >"Well, if you put it like that..."
  6467. >"I don't put it anywhere, dear Deca! I do it!"
  6468. >Hold on a second.
  6469. >How...
  6470. >Never mind.
  6471. >Do not question it, Anon.
  6472. >This mare has the progenitor genes of Pinkie Pie in her cells.
  6473. >Of course she does things like that.
  6474. >"In fact, you do me a favour!"
  6475. >Not thinking of what you are doing at the moment, you respond out of basic habit.
  6476. "Really?"
  6477. >"Why, yes! Ponies told me all the time I have a knack for preparing things! Why do you think it's me who got chosen as Rootshome's recipient?"
  6478. "Right. Makes sense."
  6479. >"And you two give me a chance to show it all! A real challenge! This is the best day of my life!"
  6480. >You begin to have the impression that this mare is even more excited about this engagement than #deca.mare and you combined.
  6481. >But she has a point, now that you think about it.
  6482. >In a way, you two help her to discover her latent talents.
  6483. >An ability that will only come to full fruition more than a millennium into the future, granted.
  6484. >Yet the groundwork needs to be laid at some point.
  6485. >Still, you did not expect that it would be you two who would directly steer fate in that direction.
  6486. >With your very own ceremony at that.
  6487. >You bet Harmony organised this.
  6488. >Though you are not sure whether #deca.mare simply followed Harmony's suggestions in this matter, or if she actively helped to plan for things to unfold like this.
  6489. >Either way, she knew something in advance that she did not tell you outright.
  6490. >Probably as a surprise.
  6491. >And you have to admit that this worked flawlessly.
  6492. >Fine then.
  6493. >If your engagement is a deed for the realm of Equestria on top of your vows to #deca.mare and vice versa, so be it.
  6494. >For sun, moon, country, and your lover it is.
  6495. >Maybe not necessarily in this order, but oh well.
  6496. >And without further ado, Pebble turns around and swiftly trots towards the huts.
  6497. >"This town just keeps getting more and more blessings every day!"
  6498. >With that said, #deca.mare and you are on your own once more.
  6499. >And while a considerable number of the nearby ponies notice Pebble's ruckus, they apparently have not noticed what her cheers are about.
  6500. >Which is a good thing, considering that you would be the sole magnet of attention for the rest of the day if they did.
  6501. >Especially since you can already predict that the reactions to your decision will inevitably be mixed.
  6502. >After all, a bond of this nature has never been seen in Equestria to this day, and so no one can know what to expect of it.
  6503. >Yet you are ready to lead by example.
  6504. >To become the willing pair who strengthens the cohesion between the ponies, and who calms their concerns in the long run.
  6505. >Though it is a good thing that no one here knows that you are not quite as equine in nature as they might believe.
  6506.  
  6507.  
  6508.  
  6509.  
  6510. >Regardless of this minor detail though, you do not think that you are deceiving them with this action.
  6511. >You merely show them what is possible.
  6512. >Both in theory and practice.
  6513. >But at the same time, you doubt that Harmony and #deca.mare have secretly planned for you two to also be the prominent example which proves to ponies that members of different tribes can have healthy foals just fine.
  6514. >Because you see several glaring issues in this approach.
  6515. >Not only would a pregnancy mean yet another layer of direct personal responsibility, it would also weigh her down both metaphorically and quite literally.
  6516. >For years.
  6517. >However, there is yet one more aspect to consider.
  6518. >A factor that will last far, far longer than raising a foal.
  6519. >The first natural pregnancy of ponies between tribes is meant to be something special.
  6520. >One strong symbol of true unity, and a good omen for the future of uncountable generations that are yet to come.
  6521. >An icon which really unites Equestria as a realm for good.
  6522. >And given the enormous gravitas around this event, which will inevitably outshine your engagement by far in the eyes of the Equestrian population, it is better for someone else to have this glory.
  6523. >That way you can stay true to your vows to one another, and still operate more in the background of the world where you are not immediately seen by anyone.
  6524. >Besides, it would probably feel strange if the Royal Sisters were your literal daughters, considering the future that lies ahead of them.
  6525. >Sure, #deca.mare and you want to have foals of your very own one day who were not grown in an underground gestation pod.
  6526. >Yet you are not sure whether the timing is quite right for this.
  6527. >Then again, if #deca.mare and Harmony would deem you two to be the ideal candidates, theoretically speaking of course, would you refuse?
  6528. >Something you are not exactly sure of as well.
  6529. >Before any of that turns into a pressing matter though, you have one day full of festivities and a very special celebration ahead of you.
  6530. >Get engaged first, think of foals later on.
  6531. >Full stop.
  6532. >So you embrace #deca.mare like you did before.
  6533. >And together you walk straight into the heart of Rootshome.
  6534. >Into the thick of the all-embracing and unanimous mirth.
  6535.  
  6536.  
  6537.  
  6538.  
  6539. 138.3
  6540.  
  6541. >As you pass the first hut of the hamlet, you get a good look at the open place in front of Rootshome's main hall.
  6542. >It is nearly filled to the brim.
  6543. >Populated by content ponies who gather in ever changing groups and celebrate the day.
  6544. >Earth ponies, Unicorns, and Pegasi, all sharing the same place without any overt sign of animosity.
  6545. >Much more so than the newcomers who still linger near the fringes of the settlement.
  6546. >And although the sounds of their voices do overlap constantly, you manage to catch a few snippets from some talks here and there.
  6547. >The ponies share stories and experiences with one another.
  6548. >They talk about simple and common matters of the day.
  6549. >And fairly regularly, every couple of minutes or so, you hear somepony laughing about a joke that someone else has cracked.
  6550. >You think that, if you were simply standing right in the middle of this, just listening to the words that are spoken all around you, it would already be enough to captivate you for the rest of the day.
  6551. >But this location is not just a forum for an open round of talks.
  6552. >Because the local inhabitants have erected three long tables around the place, and filled them with all manners of high quality food and tasty morsels.
  6553. >Despite the still relatively low stocks of food in Equestria after the sudden winter period, Rootshome can afford to offer a buffet and host this event.
  6554. >For the hamlet had the luck to be one of the locations which were affected the least by the storms.
  6555. >Its houses remained largely undamaged and the fields were not notably marred either.
  6556. >Being comparatively close to the newly found green lands and the huge harbouring cave was a considerable advantage too.
  6557. >As such, Rootshome was quickly reclaimed by the Earth ponies, and could return to its daily business in a matter of days.
  6558. >This is also one of the major reasons why it was chosen for the occasion in the first place.
  6559. >Other and more remote places were less fortunate and require more effort and time to recover.
  6560. >It would take months before anyone can even consider to return to these places at all.
  6561. >Not to mention any attempts to begin the repair work.
  6562. >And with the discovery of the rich plains that currently still bear three names in technicality, the ponies have a higher interest in tapping these new resources in common endeavours first.
  6563. >The reclamation of the rest will come at a later date.
  6564. >Yet before any solid plans and preparations can be made, the former tribes first have to assess and consolidate the material that is available to them.
  6565. >No one speaks of it just yet, but this is the second reason for this gathering.
  6566. >After the jolly cheers, there will be talks to discuss the fate of Pegasopolis Unicornia Earth.
  6567. >Which means another round of discussions.
  6568. >But since both #deca.mare and you already know the ultimate outcome of this round, you are not overly worried about that.
  6569.  
  6570.  
  6571.  
  6572.  
  6573. >It will be taxing again, that much is certain, but the general attitude of the ponies has also shifted considerably.
  6574. >They see each other now much more like partners, rather than adversaries.
  6575. >And these celebrations do their part to reinforce that notion on all sides before the real work begins.
  6576. >It is an obvious pragmatic strategy, laid bare for everyone to see, and mixed into the nevertheless genuine celebrations of the day.
  6577. >But in spite of this blatant decision, no one seems to mind it that much.
  6578. >They all know why the choice was made.
  6579. >And judging from the mutual positive reception in this village, it seems to have been the correct course of action.
  6580. >So when #deca.mare and you blend into the crowd, you are accepted without any questions or surprised looks.
  6581. >As a matter of fact, the two of you appear to be nothing more than ordinary party guests.
  6582. >Perhaps even somewhat easy to miss.
  6583. >So you move through the fairly crowded environment together.
  6584. >Unrecognised, and almost entirely unnoticed either.
  6585. >Though you sometimes need to wiggle yourselves through a few narrow spots here and there.
  6586. >Plus, the two of you communicate silently over your comm channel most of the time as you look for your team mates.
  6587. >For while the sounds of hundreds of ponies do create a soundscape where most of your words would drown unnoticed, you still try to remain as subtle as possible.
  6588. >Alright, turning where next?
  6589. >"Pass that cluster of ponies, then to the left. After that, walk straight ahead until you have passed three Unicorns. At that point you head to the right once again."
  6590. >Certainly the most unusual directions that have ever been given to you.
  6591. >But at the same time, they are entirely sufficient for you to work with.
  6592. >You follow #deca.mare's instructions without hesitation.
  6593. >She is directly behind you, closely following your every step.
  6594. >The whole thing could have been performed with less asking for directions if #deca.mare had taken the lead.
  6595. >Yet she insisted on you going ahead.
  6596. >For you shall be seen first as well.
  6597. >Two turns and a good dozen of ponies later, you have arrived at the next "waypoint".
  6598. >And just as you are about to ask where to go now, you hear a voice that turns this question into a moot issue.
  6599. >"Star?"
  6600. >That was not #deca.mare.
  6601. >Unless she suddenly switched to a masculine voice and decided to use your pseudonym to call you.
  6602. >Which you deem fairly unlikely.
  6603. >Besides, you recognise that voice instantly.
  6604. >"Hey Star! It's really you!"
  6605. >That came from somewhere on the left.
  6606. >So you turn your head accordingly and look around.
  6607. >And true enough, you find the stallion in question very quickly.
  6608. >The shiny amber coat of your former team leader is unmistakable.
  6609. >You wave once and carefully head towards Sky Squall, making sure to not jostle someone along the way.
  6610. >#deca.mare still shadows you.
  6611. >Probably to not push herself into the limelight.
  6612.  
  6613.  
  6614.  
  6615.  
  6616. >Once you are there, you notice that Sky prepares to greet you with a chest bump.
  6617. >A fairly common gesture amongst Pegasi.
  6618. >To both show camaraderie and measure strength in equal terms.
  6619. >Although one you were less inclined to participate in.
  6620. >Because, depending on who is involved, they sometimes tend to turn into friendly tussles.
  6621. >These confrontations are not overly serious, of course.
  6622. >But when it happens, the participants are usually quite fond of using it as a chance to show off.
  6623. >You were one of the very few exceptions to the rule in his team.
  6624. >And another one is a certain mare who tried to bond with you over that fact.
  6625. >This time though, you are not hesitant to play along.
  6626. >Because you doubt that Sky Squall will pick a show quarrel in front of, and amidst, hundreds of ponies from all tribes.
  6627. >The Unicorns and Earth ponies would not understand it.
  6628. >And Sky is, despite his bravado, not a dunce.
  6629. >He understands this just as well as you do.
  6630. >And so, the moment he rears up to bump into you, you mirror his gesture and bump as well.
  6631. >With just enough force to cause the stallion to take a step back.
  6632. >Some ponies look your way as both Sky and you get your limbs back on the ground.
  6633. >The Pegasus grins widely and pats you on the back.
  6634. >"You pack more of a punch these days, huh? Good on you."
  6635. "Glad to see you too, Sky. It's been a while."
  6636. >"Not that long. But times were wild in between."
  6637. >His grin diminishes somewhat, but he still looks at you with a friendly expression.
  6638. >Almost like a father who tutors his son.
  6639. >In a way, that image is not so far off.
  6640. >After all, since he is the leader of the team, he is to some degree responsible for you.
  6641. >And he sent you out for a transit.
  6642. >Shortly before disaster struck.
  6643. >So, depending on how much one wishes to spin it, his instructions could have sent you to your demise.
  6644. >He had no way of knowing that such a thing could happen in advance, obviously, so no one can blame him for his actions.
  6645. >But that would not matter one bit whatsoever if something had happened to you.
  6646. >A fact he points out right away.
  6647. >"To tell the truth, the team was worried about you when the storms broke out."
  6648. "Yeah, it was a tough time. But as you can see, I'm fine."
  6649. >"That's great. The others will be relieved to hear that."
  6650. >Translation: He is relieved to hear that as well, but he would never say this openly.
  6651. >Reputation as a tough stud and all that.
  6652. >But you know how to read through his lines, and you appreciate the gesture anyway.
  6653. >Then comes the question you have expected all along, however.
  6654. >And this is where things become a tad delicate.
  6655. >"So you reached Team Cloud in time? I haven't seen you or any of them in the cave when the entrance froze shut."
  6656.  
  6657.  
  6658.  
  6659.  
  6660. >You take a breath.
  6661. "Actually, I didn't. From what I can tell, they were hit earlier on and had to abandon their post. No pony was there when I arrived. And the clouds were uncontrollable."
  6662. >And all of what you have said is true, minus the statement that you were there in person.
  6663. >Proxy or otherwise.
  6664. >Sky Squall is not overly fond to hear this though.
  6665. >"That's... not good. Have you found any traces of them?"
  6666. >You evaluate how much you can tell him.
  6667. "Not many. But it looked like an orderly departure. I... guess they flew further east. To evade the storm on the other side."
  6668. >The stallion nods.
  6669. "I'm sure they outran the cold. Cloud is a seasoned team. If there's anyone who can find a save haven while avoiding a storm, it's them."
  6670. >You wish you could tell him that this is precisely what happened, but you cannot.
  6671. >For obvious reasons.
  6672. >And even though he has some close friends in said missing team, Sky Squall accepts your report like a professional nevertheless.
  6673. >He is the leader of his wing for a reason, after all.
  6674. >Though you can read in his eyes that he is grateful for the intel.
  6675. >"And what happened to you afterwards? Once you realised the transit was called off?"
  6676. >Here you go.
  6677. >#deca.mare meeting story, take two.
  6678. >Now with one hundred percent less blunders.
  6679. >Hopefully.
  6680. "Well, I couldn't stay where I was, and I wasn't sure if I had enough time to return to you. If you were still there at all any more."
  6681. >Also not quite the truth, given that you immediately headed towards the nearest tunnel entrance, but the explanation should be plausible enough.
  6682. "So I... had to look for another shelter. And I found it."
  6683. >You take a step to the side to reveal #deca.mare.
  6684. "Sky Squall, meet Enigmatic Decanter. She's my special somepony. And the one with whom I weathered the cold spell."
  6685. >Sky examines the mare with a great deal of surprised interest.
  6686. >Unsurprisingly though, he quickly notices her lacking a pair of certain appendages.
  6687. >And she, not at all bothered by Sky's astonished examinations, simply smiles politely.
  6688. >"Hello, Sky Squall. Pleased to meet you. I have heard so much about you and your team."
  6689. >The normally so confident stallion hesitates for a brief moment before he replies.
  6690. >"Yes. Good day, Enigmatic."
  6691. >You have rarely seen the amber Pegasus talking this stiffly.
  6692. >It is an amusing sight for once.
  6693. >Though a very short-lived one.
  6694. >The stallion clears his throat.
  6695. >"I've heard there were a few scattered ponies out in the cold who weren't around when the big melting began."
  6696. >He eyes both of you in quick succession.
  6697. >"But they were all members of the same tribe."
  6698. >Another short pause.
  6699. >"This here is something else, right?"
  6700. >Oh boy, he is quick to suspect something.
  6701. >But since the cat is out of the bag now, you think it is best to be open about the whole thing.
  6702.  
  6703.  
  6704.  
  6705.  
  6706. >You inhale loudly before you begin.
  6707. "Yes. We knew each other for a while. Before it got cold, that is. It's why I knew where to go when I was out of other options."
  6708. >Much to your surprise, Sky Squall only nods once.
  6709. >"So Gust said the truth."
  6710. >If you were not already in the Unification phase, you would get concerned right about now.
  6711. >But even though there is nothing left to fear regarding this issue, you do feel somewhat disappointed.
  6712. "She told you about it?"
  6713. >Sky Squall confirms it at once.
  6714. >"In the cave. Shortly before we all passed out. Gust mumbled something about you telling her about the tribes working together. When we asked what she meant, she told us of your... liaison with an Earth pony."
  6715. >Oh man.
  6716. >You can imagine that these were absolutely not the last words that Squall wanted to hear, this close to his seemingly inevitable death.
  6717. >And really, given the situation, you cannot be angry with Gust Glider.
  6718. >It was a moment of desperation, when all things appeared to have been lost for good.
  6719. >No wonder that she slipped up down there.
  6720. >But that was then, and now is now.
  6721. >Everyone is still alive, and you have met again under wholly new circumstances.
  6722. >However, your actions are not wholly without consequences, as you quickly find out.
  6723. >"And to be blunt, I should be angry with you, Star. For two reasons."
  6724. >You tilt your head.
  6725. "For two?"
  6726. >"Yes. First, for not telling me, or anyone else in the team for that matter, about it. That's not what you do in a group. It erodes the trust."
  6727. >You would like to interject that you could have been afraid of their reactions to that revelation, but you know better.
  6728. >When Sky Squall is on a roll, you wait until he has finished.
  6729. >"And second, for involving Gust in your secret after she caught you. I don't want to know what she felt like when she found out. That mare had feelings for you, Star."
  6730. >Right, and you did not notice until it was too late.
  6731. >But instead of wallowing in misery, you focus on something more important.
  6732. "How is she?"
  6733. >"She's fine now. But you made it harder for her than it had to be."
  6734. "Believe me, Sky. That wasn't my intention."
  6735. >"I do. Seen enough of you to believe that. You've got a good character, Star. But you completely botched this one."
  6736. >Harsh, but not without justification.
  6737. >Well, you suppose you had that one coming.
  6738. >You sigh.
  6739. "You're right, Sky. I'm sorry for causing this mess."
  6740. >"If I were you, I'd say that to Gust the next time you see her. She's the one who should hear it. Not me."
  6741. >Then you slowly nod once.
  6742. >And Sky Squall pauses shortly to let the awkwardness of the moment pass.
  6743. >The olive branch follows shortly thereafter.
  6744. >"But enough of that. I had to give you a piece of my mind because I owed it to Gust and the team."
  6745. >Of course.
  6746. >As it is his duty as a leader to step in when someone steps out of line.
  6747. >And while you are currently not assigned to his wing, you were a member of it back when the whole debacle started.
  6748.  
  6749.  
  6750.  
  6751.  
  6752. >So he had to reprimand you anyway.
  6753. >But now that he did, the matter is over and done with as far as he is concerned.
  6754. >There are no hard feelings in the long run, and no lingering grudges on any side.
  6755. >If you are honest with yourself, Sky took it better than you have expected.
  6756. >For you had thought he would be much more strident in his condemnation if he found out.
  6757. >Well, perhaps he would have been, only a couple of days ago.
  6758. >Yet that concern is fortunately no longer prevalent.
  6759. >Sensing that he made his point quite clear to you, Sky Squall tries to shift the conversation into a more enlivening direction.
  6760. >He looks at #deca.mare.
  6761. >"So, you are the mare who turned our little Star's head your way when we weren't around, hm?"
  6762. >And although his choice of words might imply it, you hear no aggression in the stallion's voice.
  6763. >It seems like he is merely speaking like a team leader out of pure habit.
  6764. >"I wouldn't have thought it possible if I hadn't seen you myself."
  6765. >He blinks before he adds two more words to his comments.
  6766. >"No offence."
  6767. >#deca.mare remains calm and keeps smiling politely.
  6768. >"None taken. And I know what you mean. The circumstances of our first encounter were... unexpected. To say the least."
  6769. >You nod in agreement.
  6770. >And Sky appears to be of that opinion as well.
  6771. >"Well, I suppose I should thank you for saving his hide in that storm. You rescued a good flier that day."
  6772. >"True."
  6773. >#deca.mare's smile widens.
  6774. >"And I think it was one of the best decisions in my life."
  6775. >Sky Squall laughs quietly.
  6776. >"I can imagine."
  6777. >You roll your eyes.
  6778. >And you do not even try to hide it from the amber Pegasus.
  6779. >He takes the hint and does not push his teasing any further.
  6780. >A moment later, he clears his voice to say something else.
  6781. >"But there's something I still don't understand yet. How did you get the idea to help a pony from another tribe back then? There weren't many who would have done that in your position. At least not without demanding a high tribute in return."
  6782. >#deca.mare shrugs.
  6783. >"It is simple, really. I saw someone in distress and decided to help."
  6784. >"Were you not afraid that it could have gone bad?"
  6785. >"There was a risk, yes. Though I saw the chances and recognised that they outweighed the risks by far."
  6786. >#deca.mare looks at you.
  6787. >"And it was worth it."
  6788. >The stallion seems to accept that.
  6789. >"Wasn't there myself, but Gust also said you were the one who saved the summit when things were almost going to Tartarus the first time around. And that Star over here was your inspiration for it. Is that true?"
  6790. >"Yes to both. Her accounts were accurate."
  6791. >Sky Squall laughs and pats you on the back a second time.
  6792. >"Hah! Who knew that the single crash of one of my best fliers would have such an impact on the world? You couldn't have chosen a better time to go down."
  6793. >More than you can imagine, Sky.
  6794.  
  6795.  
  6796.  
  6797.  
  6798. >And even though you know he is just teasing you a little bit, your subconsciousness is not sure whether you shall feel dignified or insulted by him.
  6799. >But you decide to ignore you inner ponderings and reply instead.
  6800. "Thanks, I guess. Always happy to help."
  6801. >The stallion goes on.
  6802. >"And what are you two going to do now?"
  6803. "We... haven't fully decided yet."
  6804. >"In that case, there's always a place for you in my team if you need one, Star."
  6805. >He looks over to #deca.mare.
  6806. >"I'd say the same goes for you too, but..."
  6807. >He flicks with his wings once.
  6808. >"Yes. I see the problem."
  6809. >"I'm sure we can figure something out though. With the way how things are going from now on, I wouldn't be surprised if mixed teams become more of a thing in the future."
  6810. >You address #deca.mare over the comm.
  6811. >Speaking of the future, shall we tell him already?
  6812. >"I see no reason not to, Anon. Provided you do not mind his attendance."
  6813. >Not at all.
  6814. >Sky Squall can be pushy and competitive sometimes, but he is fine.
  6815. >"Then invite him."
  6816. >Alright.
  6817. >You raise your voice.
  6818. "Now that you mention it, there's something else I'd like to tell you."
  6819. >"Oh? Sure."
  6820. "You see, we may not have elaborate plans on what to do next yet, but we've decided that, wherever we may go, we'll be a package deal from now on."
  6821. >Sky Squall's eyes widen.
  6822. >"Wait, you two are..."
  6823. >You nod.
  6824. "We are today. The ceremony begins at sunset. Near the main hall. If you want to come, be our guest. The same goes for the whole team too."
  6825. >"Well, I'll be damned if I missed that!"
  6826. >You take that as a yes as he talks more to himself than to you.
  6827. >"Oh, our Star's getting hitched soon."
  6828. >He chuckles.
  6829. >"Didn't expect you could be that fast."
  6830. "Yeah, my life took some unforeseen turns here and there. I never expected to marry an Earth pony either when I was younger. But that's just how things go sometimes."
  6831. >"I'll go and tell the others. I'm sure they're glad to join in too. Well, most at least."
  6832. >You sigh.
  6833. "I talk to Gust myself when I see her. Where is she?"
  6834. >"No idea. She was with us when we arrived, but that mare disappeared in the crowd after a while. She must be here... somewhere."
  6835. >You nod.
  6836. "Okay. I'll see if I can find her then. Send the others my regards. And tell the team I'm happy to meet them all again."
  6837. >"Will do. See you at sunset."
  6838. >And so #deca.mare and you part with Sky Squall for the time being.
  6839. >The stallion disappears in the crowd as the two of you look at each other.
  6840. "Phew, that worked neatly. I feared he would have taken it a lot worse than that."
  6841. >"I know you got the impression due to working with him before the storm. But just like everypony else here, he is willing to give a more cordial approach a try. He didn't say it openly, but you could read it in his eyes that he is glad to witness the recent developments."
  6842. >You chuckle.
  6843. "Yeah. But he acts like the same tough golden horse as ever. That's Sky, alright."
  6844.  
  6845.  
  6846.  
  6847.  
  6848. >You take a breath.
  6849. "But he wasn't wrong to chastise me. There's still one mare I need to talk to."
  6850. >#deca.mare shakes her head, however.
  6851. >"I suggest you postpone this meeting, Anon."
  6852. >You tilt your head.
  6853. "Okay. And why?"
  6854. >"Because if you approach her now, you will disturb her in something, well, promising."
  6855. "Can you elaborate on that?"
  6856. >"I do not have to. Look for yourself."
  6857. >#deca.mare turns around and points at the porch of one of the wooden huts.
  6858. >Indeed, a certain light grey Pegasus mare stands over there, right next to the most remote hut from your point of view.
  6859. >Barely visible, and easy to miss if you are not actively looking for her.
  6860. >But what you find even more interesting is the company she is surrounding herself with.
  6861. >It is a group of five ponies in total.
  6862. >And only one other of the five possesses a pair of wings.
  6863. >The third pony has a horn.
  6864. >The other two feature no additional appendages whatsoever.
  6865. >And it seems as if they all are quite happy with the arrangement as it currently is.
  6866. >You grin as you see that.
  6867. "Hm, I guess we have our miracle right here."
  6868. >You look at #deca.mare again.
  6869. "You're right, We'd only disturb their gathering at the moment."
  6870. >A short pause.
  6871. "So what else can we do then? We've got the pressing things off from our list."
  6872. >"Whatever we want to. We can explore the festival like every other guest."
  6873. >You get an idea.
  6874. "Hm, I assume there are some ponies around who travelled with you, right?"
  6875. >"Yes, there are."
  6876. "Would you like to introduce me to them? I mean officially. Perhaps some of them want to come as well."
  6877. >#deca.mare nods.
  6878. >"If you want to, sure. This way."
  6879. >She motions you to follow her through the crowd, leading you directly this time.
  6880. >And you get the chance to be introduced to yet more ponies with whom you could only interact passively so far.
  6881. >Be it through the canopy of a gestation pod, the screen on the command deck, or from the distant vantage point of a cloud.
  6882. >You are certain it is going to be a refreshing change to talk to them naturally.
  6883. >From one living being to another.
  6884. >Or at least the closest equivalent thereof.
  6885.  
  6886.  
  6887.  
  6888.  
  6889. 138.4
  6890.  
  6891. >The next hours pass quickly from your personal point of view, as you always find something to keep you busy.
  6892. >After your little chat with Sky Squall, it takes #deca.mare only a couple of minutes to introduce you to her travel group during the time before the storm.
  6893. >This time though, the introduction goes the other way round.
  6894. >And in two different ways at that.
  6895. >Because not only has #deca.mare a much more dominant role in her conversations with the Earth ponies, but she also does not wait for someone of them to recognise her.
  6896. >So it is her who calls them by name, drawing their attention to the two of you first.
  6897. >Things quickly get rolling from this point onward.
  6898. >Happy greetings followed by hugs and hoof bumps, some friendly words as they are all happy to see each other again after the uncertain times, and a few comments on how everyone is doing.
  6899. >Apart from the fact that she talks with more than just a singular pony simultaneously, her reunion with the Earth ponies is fairly similar to that between Sky Squall and you.
  6900. >And even though you are still in the background behind #deca.mare, remaining unnoticed by the group in question, you listen attentively.
  6901. >For you want to observe how these ponies interact with one another when they are amongst friends.
  6902. >#deca.mare has given you several detailed reports on that subject matter over the course of her travels already.
  6903. >Yet hearing those things from mere reports, or watching them from a long distance at the top of a cloud, cannot fully replace the experience of seeing it right in front of you.
  6904. >And you quickly get the chance to witness how close their trust to one another is.
  6905. >Their cohesion is just as firm as that between the Pegasi with whom you have lived and worked previously.
  6906. >To you, it somewhat appears to be even a bit closer in direct comparison.
  6907. >However, you assume this assessment of yours is affected by the personal experiences you made in your daily life amongst your winged peers.
  6908. >Because these Earth ponies do not appear to be quite as competitive as the Pegasi.
  6909. >For instance, they do not regularly butt heads in show contests like many of your companions.
  6910. >Quite differently, they are acting more like one big family with whom they pursue a common goal to thrive.
  6911. >Even when the individual ponies in question are not in a direct relationship with one another.
  6912. >To an observer like you, the display looks much more cordial in comparison.
  6913. >But this does not mean that any of the two groups is less genuine in regards to the inner team spirit than the other.
  6914. >Both the Pegasi and the Earth ponies want to help their groups to be successful.
  6915. >They only go about it in different ways.
  6916. >One as a big family, where all ponies try to use their individual talents to help each other out with the greatest possible beneficial effect.
  6917. >The other by honing each others' individual skills in regular challenges to test their mettle and gather new experiences.
  6918.  
  6919.  
  6920.  
  6921.  
  6922. >Though neither of the two approaches is, objectively speaking, inherently better.
  6923. >For both have their own merits in certain situations, and are born out of the different living habits of the two tribes.
  6924. >Pegasi learn to keep their senses sharp and to rely on their personal skills.
  6925. >Which comes in handy in tight situations in the air.
  6926. >The Earth ponies on the other hand learned the merit of cooperation.
  6927. >Mainly to erect farms and to increase their stocks of food and other material.
  6928. >Far less exposed to the common danger of flight, they prefer mutual stability in their groups.
  6929. >And so far, both mindsets have proven themselves in the eyes of their respective tribes.
  6930. >Now the Unification finally offers all sides to get into contact with, and draw upon, the benefits of all these characteristic habits.
  6931. >Instead of being limited to only one set.
  6932. >A fair exchange of knowledge and experience, so to speak.
  6933. >As for #deca.mare and you, you are about to play yet another small part in that exchange.
  6934. >Because the next really interesting part comes up shortly after the introductory rounds.
  6935. >Just as you did with her in your conversation with Sky Squall, #deca.mare eventually reveals to her peers that she has been with you for quite a while.
  6936. >She steps aside like you did.
  6937. >And all eyes are turning towards you within a second.
  6938. >As the Earth ponies study your proxy, you get to look at a variety of different reactions in their expressions when they spot the pair of wings on your proxy's back.
  6939. >If you had to categorise the overall resonance in groups, you would guess that some are positively surprised, others seem to be unsure of what to think, and a third camp looks somewhat concerned.
  6940. >You would say that none of the Earth ponies, not even those of the latter group, show open hostility towards you.
  6941. >Not at all.
  6942. >In fact, you can see that they are somewhat interested in you as an individual.
  6943. >Yet at the same time, they are not sure if #deca.mare really thought her decision through.
  6944. >For she is treading absolutely new territory with you.
  6945. >And while they too are hopeful that the tribes can find ways to permanently improve their relations, they have never considered that a few might be willing to go this far.
  6946. >Or rather, the Earth ponies have no idea whether such a union with a Unicorn or a Pegasus can work as you imagine it.
  6947. >But #deca.mare reassures them that the two of you are serious, and that such a union will indeed work flawlessly.
  6948. >Given her extensive knowledge on that matter, well, it does not take her much to virtually radiate confidence in this regard.
  6949. >Of course, you express an identical notion for the same reasons.
  6950. >After all, what is there to fear in a statement when you already know that you will be proven right in the end?
  6951. >You know that some will remain sceptical nevertheless, and you understand where their worries are coming from.
  6952. >And that mere words alone will not be able to dispel those.
  6953.  
  6954.  
  6955.  
  6956.  
  6957. >But you draw some relief from the fact that Celestia and Luna will solve this problem in the long run.
  6958. >The only drawback is that it still takes some years until the future Royal Sisters will see the light of day in Equestria.
  6959. >Until then, good words will have to suffice.
  6960. >And there is more than enough other mending work to do in the interim anyway.
  6961. >Once the conversation leaves this somewhat bumpy territory though, the course of the introduction becomes far smoother.
  6962. >#deca.mare officially tells you the names of the present ponies, and you for your part do not have to do much to appear happy to meet them in turn.
  6963. >Though a tiny chill runs down your spine as you face a mare who has come with her husband.
  6964. >For the stallion in question is a certain brewer.
  6965. >With one rear leg thoroughly bandaged and supported by a wooden frame.
  6966. >Your mental diversion only lasts for a couple of seconds, yet that was enough for Keg to catch you staring at his wounded limb.
  6967. >And he quickly tells you not to mind it, for it will heal in the course of a few weeks.
  6968. >To him, it is a nuisance, but a temporary one that he can endure.
  6969. >Though in spite of his fairly calm stance on the matter, you wonder what he might say if he knew that you are indirectly responsible for this injury.
  6970. >Not to mention the crud that his family and friends went through.
  6971. >Literally in some cases.
  6972. >But this is a matter for another day.
  6973. >Plus, the Earth ponies make it very easy for you to discard these thoughts altogether for the time being.
  6974. >Because over the course of the next hours, you get involved in one conversation after the other.
  6975. >You meet farmers, craftsponies, wanderers, gatherers, and everything in between.
  6976. >Familiar faces, every single one of them, for you know their names and stories longer than they do themselves.
  6977. >And yet, listening to their stories and thoughts from their own personal perspectives is something else.
  6978. >It embodies that same certain personal touch that you have felt ever since you had the urge to address the ponies in their pods shortly before you have brought them to the surface.
  6979. >#deca.mare and you love to hear what they have to say, and you are also happy to share some of your thoughts and experiences with them.
  6980. >Although you have to rely more on metaphors and proverbial wisdom than they do.
  6981. >Still, you get the point across, and not even once do you have the impression that the ponies fail to understand what you want to say.
  6982. >And the day gradually turns to dusk, telling you that the great moment is approaching rapidly.
  6983. >So the two of you officially invite the Earth ponies to attend your ceremony as well before you part with the group.
  6984. >You will see many of them again during the ceremony.
  6985. >Of that you are quite certain.
  6986. >Because regardless of their personal stance on your engagement, they all hope for the best outcome, whatever that might be.
  6987. >And you will not disappoint these ponies, full stop.
  6988.  
  6989.  
  6990.  
  6991.  
  6992. 138.5
  6993.  
  6994. >You return to the main hall.
  6995. >From a purely objective point of view, the building remains wholly unchanged.
  6996. >A fairly unspectacular, albeit sturdy wooden house built by a group of Earth ponies.
  6997. >A neat sight at sunset to be sure, yet nothing which would normally catch your eye.
  6998. >Today, however, the situation is completely different.
  6999. >For it is the house in which your lives are going to be changed for good, probably still within this very hour.
  7000. >And while this is for all intents and purposes only a mere technicality, as you are already a couple in all but name for years at this point, it remains a special occasion for both of you.
  7001. >After all, it marks the fulfilment of a promise you made to each other a long time ago.
  7002. >As a sign for yourself, yes, but also as a symbol that #deca.mare's old vision has finally come to life.
  7003. >Because Equestria has become a reality.
  7004. >A living, breathing world that strives for harmony.
  7005. >A planet through which she has found a purpose in her life again.
  7006. >One that finally enables #deca.mare to combine the best of her past self with the best of what she is now.
  7007. >Something which she would never have been able to achieve without your calming presence and helping guidance.
  7008. >And you, who has gained a second lease on life due to your encounter with her, you have discovered a purpose in your newfound soul mate and her vision.
  7009. >A goal in life that is greater than anything you could have ever achieved if you had remained a pilot for a sector patrol squad.
  7010. >So as far as both #deca.mare and you are concerned, there is absolutely no doubt that you are doing the right thing now.
  7011. >It has basically become a certainty already back then.
  7012. >You only waited to act on it until today.
  7013. >And the events indeed unfold very quickly.
  7014. >Because the moment #deca.mare and you reach Rootshome Hall's front door, a pony opens the thing from the other side.
  7015. >Almost as if said individual has been waiting for this exact moment to do so.
  7016. >Which does not surprise you very much, considering that it turns out to be a certain rosy Earth pony mare.
  7017. >Jovial Pebble calls you immediately.
  7018. >"There you are! Come in! We're almost ready!"
  7019. >Without further ado, #deca.mare and you share a glance, nod, and get to the opening.
  7020. >Jovial quickly leads you inside.
  7021. >Though she remains at the porch for now.
  7022. >And you take a good look around as you enter.
  7023. >Rootshome Hall's interior is like the facade of the building.
  7024. >Nothing special, yet exactly what you would have expected from a community centre.
  7025. >The house features one singular room, carefully designed to serve all everyday purposes that the village may need it for.
  7026. >It is well-lit during the day, thanks to several large glass windows on all four walls, 'generously' donated by the Unicorns prior to the Unification.
  7027.  
  7028.  
  7029.  
  7030.  
  7031. >A rare feature in these times that must have cost quite a number of tributes.
  7032. >For almost all of the glassblowers in the current day Equestria do bear a horn on their foreheads.
  7033. >Because as it turns out, being able to levitate equipment, and to magically apply pressure equally, does wonders when one wishes to form hot glass in particular ways.
  7034. >And this is an advantage that has become a fairly lucrative market opportunity for the Unicorns prior to the storm.
  7035. >But on the flipside, it means that most Earth pony houses are built with windows that consist of simple wooden hatches rather than evenly formed glass panels.
  7036. >Though it seems that Rootshome was willing to afford this luxury when they erected the main hall.
  7037. >Considering that it is in many ways the heart of the whole community, you can see why they wanted to have that status symbol for this particular building at least.
  7038. >Besides, it does have its uses too.
  7039. >Because it allows ponies to still see everything in the room just fine, even in the later evening hours.
  7040. >You study the room further.
  7041. >One singular table, similar in size to the ones outside, has been built right in the central spot of the whole chamber.
  7042. >You are looking at the long side of it from your current perspective near the entrance.
  7043. >And judging from the way how this piece of furniture is installed, you wager the table belongs to the permanent inventory of the house.
  7044. >Behind the large table, almost at the opposite end of the house, you spot a small ramp which leads up to a relatively humble wooden stage with an equally built-in lectern.
  7045. >It is apparently designed for one speaker.
  7046. >This is probably the place where the head of the hamlet will be during the ceremony.
  7047. >But there is something else which really catches your interest.
  7048. >Because on both sides of the stage desk, right at the respective edges of the room, there are two cuboid wooden frameworks that are covered by curtains.
  7049. >Based on the looks of them, these two constructs provide sufficient space to hide two or three ponies with ease.
  7050. >Though you are not going to wonder for very long what they are for.
  7051. >The rest of the room, i.e. the frontal half of the hall, is covered in rows of orderly arranged seat cushions, obviously meant for the attending guests.
  7052. >And shortly after you have taken all of that in, Jovial Pebble tells you everything you need to know about the two covered frameworks.
  7053. >"Get into the cabinets at the sides. Future groom to the left, wife to the right. You'll find the ceremonial engagement accessories in there. If you need help to put them on, one of my assistants will be there to aid you."
  7054. >Well, that sounds easy enough.
  7055. >So far, so straightforward.
  7056. >But whilst #deca.mare and you share a hug before you go to your personal cabinets, you get to witness that Jovial Pebble can be yet more straightforward than that.
  7057.  
  7058.  
  7059.  
  7060.  
  7061. >The mare steps out on the porch and inhales deeply.
  7062. >Just from hearing Pebble filling her lungs with that much air, you can deduce fairly clearly what is happening next.
  7063. >And just as you have thought, both the interior of the hall and the place outside are suddenly dominated by a singular female voice which quickly cancels out all the conversations that are going on in the entirety of Rootshome.
  7064. >"Hear ye, hear ye! Good folk of Rootshome, and dear guests from every angle of our lovely world! You are hereby all invited to an open surprise engagement ceremony in Rootshome Hall!"
  7065. >Oh yes, that mare is better than any loudspeaker.
  7066. >Surely every single pony in the whole hamlet must have heard that.
  7067. >This is obviously the whole point, but you thought Pebble would announce the ceremony somewhat less bombastic.
  7068. >Though that was probably just you kidding yourself.
  7069. >You should have known better what this bloodline can be capable of.
  7070. >But she is not done yet.
  7071. >Oh no.
  7072. >Jovial Pebble brings forth the really big guns for this one.
  7073. >"The happy couple, Star Plotter of the Pegasi, and Enigmatic Decanter of the Earth ponies, have decided to officially join the bond of engagement today! You heard right, it's the first bond between ponies of formerly different tribes! Come and see the historic moment for yourself!"
  7074. >Oh boy.
  7075. >This escalates quickly.
  7076. >A market crier who advertises a new and sensational product could not have done a better job to pique the interest of the general public.
  7077. >You are sure she already has the full attention of every single pony in the whole village.
  7078. >You look at the door.
  7079. >Only to see one forehoof reaching in, motioning you to get going to the cabinet.
  7080. >She somehow knew you would react like that.
  7081. >"Entry is in a quarter of an hour. So have a quick snack, bring your friends, and get ready to witness the sensation of the year! Nay, not the year. The decade!"
  7082. >Well, so there is one point in which Jovial will be proven wrong, at least.
  7083. >But this is a good thing.
  7084. >Because if she had made any reference to the Alicorn twins already, you would have to have a serious word with Harmony.
  7085. >Either way though, you better follow Jovial Pebble's instructions.
  7086. >For her implications were quite clear.
  7087. >You have fifteen minutes to dress up and get tidy before she opens the gates for the audience.
  7088. >And with an introduction like this, she surely raked in the majority of the guests out there.
  7089. >So you do not hesitate any further and get to the cabinet that Jovial has prepared for you.
  7090. >You walk up to the wooden framework, and carefully shove the curtains aside.
  7091. >As you do this, you notice two things at once.
  7092. >One, the "ceiling" of the cabinet is fully open and uncovered.
  7093. >Most likely to keep the interior of the cabinet bright even when it is covered from all sides.
  7094.  
  7095.  
  7096.  
  7097.  
  7098. >And two, you immediately look at the face of a maroon Earth pony stallion, who quickly inspects you in turn.
  7099. >But before you can pull back or say anything to him, he politely smiles and motions you to come inside.
  7100. >"So you're the happy star of the evening, I take it?"
  7101. >You blink.
  7102. "Uh, I guess you can say that."
  7103. >"Splendid, then come inside! I'm Kempt Bridle, your personal assistant for the day."
  7104. >Kempt Bridle, hm?
  7105. >You do not have to think long to remember him.
  7106. >He is one of the craftsponies who create a good chunk of the tools that the Earth ponies use.
  7107. >From hammers to harnesses, and everything in between.
  7108. >And if he is the pony who is meant to help you, you can imagine what kind of accessory Jovial Pebble was referring to.
  7109. >Then again, you are not exactly surprised.
  7110. >Because what else would you expect from the traditional bonding rites of the ancient Earth pony tribe of Equestria?
  7111. >Though you better ask to be absolutely certain.
  7112. "You were sent by Jovial?"
  7113. >The maroon pony confirms your suspicions at once.
  7114. >"Yes. And let me tell you, Jovial was fired up when she asked me to help her."
  7115. >Of that you have no doubt.
  7116. >He goes on.
  7117. >"Said she needed me for something special. And when she told me the details, well..."
  7118. >Kempt Bridle's gaze wanders across the back of your proxy.
  7119. >"... she didn't need to say much more to convince me."
  7120. >Alright.
  7121. >He is apparently wholly on board with the idea of the engagement as a whole.
  7122. >That will make things easier to handle.
  7123. >And Kempt Bridle asks the most important question right at the start.
  7124. >"Do you need some help with the garb, Star? I have no idea how much experience you have with this sort of dress."
  7125. >You hesitate for a moment and ask yourself how much you want to reveal to the Earth pony.
  7126. >But you eventually decide to be fairly honest.
  7127. "Consider me as a beginner. I'm... not very familiar with the craft of Earth pony apparel. In terms of personal experience, that is."
  7128. >And that is actually pretty close to the truth.
  7129. >Apart from a few simulated sessions when you learned how to operate the proxy, you have not worn much in the way of pony clothing between now and then.
  7130. >It only happened on a handful of occasions, and always with #deca.mare being there to help you.
  7131. >And while you could probably don the "garb" on your own, you keep in mind that you are on the clock.
  7132. >So you better use every help you get to put this thing on in time.
  7133. >The proxy having a pair of wings is a useful silver lining in this case.
  7134. >Because you can hide your inexperience behind the pretence of being a Pegasus, and may therefore ask for almost every sort of assistance without standing out like a sore thumb.
  7135. >Kempt Bridle obviously expected this answer too.
  7136. >"No problem. That's why I'm here. Leave it to an expert."
  7137.  
  7138.  
  7139.  
  7140.  
  7141. >He slowly walks up to you to study the two extra limbs up close.
  7142. >"May I?"
  7143. >You are tempted to say no immediately to maintain your private space.
  7144. >But on a rational level, you understand that you should agree with it and let Kempt Bridle do his job.
  7145. >After all, this is the first time he is dealing with a Pegasus body as well.
  7146. >He should at least have seen one before he gets to work.
  7147. >So you nod.
  7148. >And Kempt Bridle wastes no time.
  7149. >He carefully prods one of the wings with a hoof.
  7150. >As you feel what he is doing, you let the limb twitch once in response.
  7151. >The stallion blinks.
  7152. >"Are wings sensitive to touch?"
  7153. >You shake your head.
  7154. "Not overly. But one... who is using them every day to fly through the air tends to be protective of them. Habits and instincts, if you know what I mean."
  7155. >"Hm, I see. Don't worry, I'll be careful."
  7156. >A short pause.
  7157. >"Alright. Can you unwrap the wing now?"
  7158. "Spread, you mean."
  7159. >"Sorry. Spread then."
  7160. >You do what he asks of you and spread it at once.
  7161. >Yet Kempt Bridle shakes his head.
  7162. >"Not like that. Slower, please. I need to see precisely how the joints move."
  7163. >Nothing easier than that.
  7164. >You reverse your earlier movement and retract the wing slowly.
  7165. >Then you wait a second and spread it again, albeit in a much slower motion this time.
  7166. >Kempt Bridle closely observes every little detail he can find with the eyes of a craftspony.
  7167. >And the Earth pony seems to be fascinated by what he sees.
  7168. >He repeatedly points at several different spots on the feathered limb, wordlessly asking you for permission to add another haptic impression to his observations.
  7169. >You take a breath to muster your patience before you agree.
  7170. "Go ahead. But remember, time's short."
  7171. >"Of course."
  7172. >Kempt Bridle sits down on his haunches and tentatively touches the limb with both forehooves.
  7173. >He puts one near the shoulder, and the other close to the tip.
  7174. >"Please keep it relaxed."
  7175. >So you do.
  7176. >And quickly sensing this as well, Kempt Bridle uses the chance you have granted him by trying to get a feeling for the joints himself.
  7177. >He proceeds to move the wing with his hooves.
  7178. >As far as you can say, he is careful in his approach and does his best to avoid bending the limb in any unnatural angles.
  7179. >Which is to the stallion's credit, no doubt.
  7180. >But being the anatomical study object for a craftspony, during the final preparation stages of your official engagement no less, does annoy you somewhat.
  7181. >Yet although you are sure that you are not sending out any overt signals, as you understand both Kempt's fascination and reasoning for doing what he does, the Earth pony is not oblivious to your stress.
  7182.  
  7183.  
  7184.  
  7185.  
  7186. >"Tell me if it hurts or when I'm going too far. I don't want to break anything."
  7187. >You snort briefly.
  7188. "Eh, you won't if you keep it up like this. Contrary to popular belief, Pegasi don't have hollow bones. Wings are about as vulnerable as any other joint."
  7189. >Yet about twice as heavily augmented as most other pony body parts, you quietly add for yourself.
  7190. >If anything, they are a bit harder to break on average because of that.
  7191. >Kempt Bridle nods as he listens to you, and repeats to retrack the movement one last time.
  7192. >Then, before he overstays his welcome, he lets go of the wing and takes a step back.
  7193. >"Fine. Looking good so far. Just one more thing, please."
  7194. >You return his look.
  7195. "Namely?"
  7196. >"Could you pretend to flap once?"
  7197. >You think you can follow his line of thought.
  7198. "To check the flexibility, I take it? And to see how high and low the wings can get."
  7199. >The Earth pony looks pleased as you show some technical understanding for his requests.
  7200. >"Right."
  7201. "Nothing easier than that. Watch."
  7202. >You fully spread the wing again and stretch it upwards.
  7203. >And you hold the limb like this for a second.
  7204. >Then you let it descend slowly as if you were performing a regular wing beat.
  7205. >The Earth pony observes your motions closely.
  7206. >Once the limb has reached its lowest position, you keep it in this pose for another short moment before you retract the wing a second time.
  7207. >And staring into the face of a wholly satisfied Kempt Bridle is your reward.
  7208. >You bet he will keep everything you have shown him in mind.
  7209. >Because you get the impression that Kempt will use these insights one day to craft equipment for Pegasi as well.
  7210. >If he is given the chance.
  7211. >You make a mental note to perhaps deposit a "misplaced" set of surplus Pegasus armour for the stallion soon.
  7212. >When he is somewhere alone near his village or something.
  7213. >He sure could use this thing as additional inspiration for his future work.
  7214. >Even if you make the set look as if it has been lying there for years.
  7215. >This stallion is a pretty clever fellow, after all.
  7216. >A few dents and scratches on the source material will not scare someone like him off.
  7217. >However, right now you are more interested in a different type of pony fashion.
  7218. >And Kempt does not mess about any further either.
  7219. >"I've got all I need, thank you."
  7220. "My pleasure. But what's with the special gear for the ceremony?"
  7221. >Kempt Bridle turns towards a moderately sized wooden chest that stands directly behind him.
  7222. >And he keeps talking to you as he rummages through its contents.
  7223. >"Yes, about that. I've got some great news for you."
  7224. >He reaches for something.
  7225. >"Your wings do not clash with the garb. You should be able to wear it and still use your limbs just fine. We just have to... work around the stems a little."
  7226. >The Earth pony reveals the first item before you can ask what he means.
  7227. >He presents you with a horse collar.
  7228.  
  7229.  
  7230.  
  7231.  
  7232. >But as you realise at first glance, this is not an ordinary everyday piece for field work.
  7233. >On the contrary, the outer ring of the collar was carefully cut out of sturdy oak wood, and embellished with fine decorative carvings on the surface.
  7234. >Right in the middle, on the frontal part of the piece, you see the depiction of a flourishing tree with firm roots.
  7235. >The insignia that represents Rootshome as a community.
  7236. >It is effectively displayed on the chest of the wielder.
  7237. >You will wear it near the heart, figuratively speaking.
  7238. >Around the central imagery, the maker of this collar added two prancing pony figures, one on each side.
  7239. >Their pose remotely resembles the stances of old rampant heraldry.
  7240. >Both face the tree next to them, and by extension, each other as well.
  7241. >And with a little bit of creative imagination, one can identify the pair as a stallion and a mare.
  7242. >The former rears on the left side of the tree, whilst the latter was placed on the collar's right half.
  7243. >Rather unsurprisingly, both depicted ponies neither possess horns nor wings.
  7244. >Behind the couple, the artist has added several additional symbols that are part of everyday life in an Earth pony community.
  7245. >Blossoming flowers, tree leaves, small seedlings that are just coming out of their opening shells.
  7246. >And also the sun and the moon.
  7247. >These two symbols are not quite the same as the pair which will be borne by the Royal Sisters later on.
  7248. >But the iconography of these two celestial bodies is unmistakable.
  7249. >Yet it should not really surprise you either.
  7250. >Because the distinction of day and night does play a vital role in an agricultural community.
  7251. >So the daily cycle affects Earth ponies the most in that regard.
  7252. >Either way, Kempt Bridle offers the piece to you.
  7253. >He does not say it out loud that he expects you to put that on.
  7254. >This part is quite obvious to you.
  7255. >As such, you do just that without any further question.
  7256. >And while you are busy getting the collar around the neck of your proxy, you notice that the inner side is padded with layers of fine cloth to make it more comfortable to wear.
  7257. >Whoever designed this thing spent a lot of time on getting the details right.
  7258. >#deca.mare comments on that over the comm channel.
  7259. >"The maker of the 'garb' stands right before you, Anon."
  7260. >Hm.
  7261. >Not bad, Kempt.
  7262. >The next thing the stallion brings forth from the chest is quite a number of different straps, bands, and pads.
  7263. >And you must admit that you feel the initial temptation to bolt immediately.
  7264. >Because if someone would approach you with that sort of gear under normal circumstances, you would assume that you took an unfortunate turn into the wrong club at some point.
  7265. >But you actively remind yourself that this is not the case.
  7266. >Wearing a harness is a common thing in an Earth pony community.
  7267. >Still, you nevertheless baulk lightly at that sight.
  7268. >And the stallion notices it at once.
  7269. >"Something wrong?"
  7270. >You shake your head.
  7271. "Not directly. But..."
  7272. >You point at the straps and pads.
  7273. "... I'm not used to wearing that. At all."
  7274.  
  7275.  
  7276.  
  7277.  
  7278. >You figure this is a good time to put an emphasis on the Pegasus alibi.
  7279. >And the craftspony in chief has patience with you too.
  7280. >"Come here, I'll help you. It's not so hard when you've done it once."
  7281. >And even though you are personally not exactly keen on doing this, you take heart and remember the fact that this is all part of the ceremony.
  7282. >You will not fail to keep your promise now.
  7283. >Hell, you have settled and founded a world on a formerly lifeless planet.
  7284. >Wearing a harness is nothing in comparison.
  7285. >So you accept Kempt Bridle's offer and step up to him.
  7286. >And he is doing his thing immediately.
  7287. >Working in record speed with the skills of a seasoned craftspony, he attaches one longer strap to each side of the collar, places a sizable pad on your back, just barely behind the shoulder blades and wing joints, and competently links the former with the latter.
  7288. >You assume the pad would normally be placed a few centimetres closer to the shoulders.
  7289. >Were it not for the pair of wings that is already occupying this particular spot.
  7290. >Nevertheless, the pad sits well enough for the purpose of serving as a festive piece of apparel.
  7291. >Which is all that matters.
  7292. >And with the first elements in place, Kempt proceeds to attach two shorter straps to the back pad.
  7293. >He then winds the pair of short straps around the barrel, near the forelegs of your proxy.
  7294. >One on each side.
  7295. >Though they are not long enough to completely envelop the outline of the barrel all the way by themselves.
  7296. >About one fourth is still laid bare, whilst the respective ends of the straps dangle around loosely.
  7297. >So in order to bridge the remaining gap, and to complete the forward ring of the harness, he connects the loose ends of both short straps to a flexible and somewhat comfortable band that neatly wraps itself around the underside of the proxy.
  7298. >Not exactly an overly difficult procedure in theory.
  7299. >Yet things are not quite as simple when you are involved.
  7300. >There are several steps along the way at which you have to suppress your urge to protest.
  7301. >Because you know that it would be pointless to do so.
  7302. >Kempt Bridle cannot put the harness on you properly if you keep him at bay, so you have to grin and bear it.
  7303. >Besides, the stallion is helping you at the end of the day, and it would be very impolite to hinder him in the process.
  7304. >And you notice something else that catches your attention.
  7305. "What are the mounts on the straps for?"
  7306. >The Earth pony laughs quietly.
  7307. >"A surprise. Wait for it. I'm sure you'll like it."
  7308. >Uh huh.
  7309. >Another remark that would earn a red flag under different circumstances.
  7310. >Yet you stand still and watch as Kempt unearths the next pieces of the gear.
  7311. >A second pad and band, plus a respective pair of straps.
  7312. >The process of donning those is fairly similar to the first one.
  7313. >Albeit placed much closer to the rear end of the barrel, almost at the hips.
  7314.  
  7315.  
  7316.  
  7317.  
  7318. >And since this particular harness is not meant to get attached to the frame of any wagon or plough, it needs to be fastened on the proxy's underside as well.
  7319. >This is where you begin to become a considerable bit more jumpy.
  7320. >So much so that the craftspony has a hard time to attach the band properly.
  7321. >In the end, you decide to completely blot out all sensory input of the proxy, except for hearing.
  7322. >And you remotely give the order to let the proxy stand idly until Kempt Bridle is done.
  7323. >A decision which both saves time and prevents you from enduring more fuss than necessary.
  7324. >But once the rear ring is in place and attached to the two longer straps as well, you reinstate your direct control to resume the status quo.
  7325. >You look at Kempt Bridle.
  7326. "So, what's next?"
  7327. >"That's it for the harness."
  7328. >Thank goodness, this means no head gear at least.
  7329. >"Now we only have to add some more trimming to complete the look."
  7330. "And how?"
  7331. >Kempt Bridle grins.
  7332. >"That's the surprise."
  7333. >You raise an eyebrow.
  7334. "Kempt, I don't want to sound ungrateful, but we've got less than five minutes left before Pebble lets the guests into the house."
  7335. >"We won't need much longer. Besides, we still have some breathing room. It takes at least five more minutes until everypony has found a seat."
  7336. >A short pause follows as the stallion's head and neck disappear in the chest again.
  7337. >Considering what has come out of the thing so far, he must be scraping at the very bottom now.
  7338. >"That's enough for... aha!"
  7339. >The whole pony comes out of the box again, holding a smaller wooden casket carefully between his forehooves.
  7340. >He puts the container down and unlocks it slowly.
  7341. >And the first thing you see in there is yet more cloth that seems to fill the entirety of the room inside.
  7342. >But this is no fine clothing or anything.
  7343. >These are soft, albeit raggedly cut pieces of fabric which were formed into bundles.
  7344. >However, as soon as the stallion begins to unwrap these pieces of tattered cloth, you realise that there is something inside.
  7345. >Kempt Bridle reveals a small, yet elegant bronze figurine, depicting a prancing pony.
  7346. >You immediately recognise its resemblance to the iconography on the collar.
  7347. >And you also notice that it is attached to a ring which fits into the mounts on the straps.
  7348. >Another piece of decoration to improve the visuals of the harness as a whole.
  7349. >This "garb" is indeed meant to be purely ceremonial in every little detail.
  7350. >Kempt Bridle attaches the small bronze pony to a mount near the collar, and unraps the next.
  7351. >A bronze leaf appears.
  7352. >It finds its place on the spot right next to the pony figurine.
  7353. >The third is a tree.
  7354. >And so it goes on and on.
  7355. >All the bronze idols that you see are inspired by the symbols which were carved into the wood.
  7356.  
  7357.  
  7358.  
  7359.  
  7360. >You cannot say for sure which one of the two came first, though you assume that it was the collar.
  7361. >Because considering the means that these ponies have at their disposal, working on pieces of wood is far less complicated than creating an alloy, and shaping it into an artistic image at the same time.
  7362. >Then again, their talents are exceptional in their own special way.
  7363. >Perhaps one of them actually did it the other way round.
  7364. >It even could have been Kempt himself.
  7365. >No matter who did what and when, however, Kempt Bridle has his hooves full with unwrapping every single figurine and attaching them to the straps.
  7366. >You estimate that he improves the look of the thing with almost a dozen bronze pieces on both sides.
  7367. >All distributed more or less evenly on the whole length of the harness.
  7368. >Kempt Bridle inspects his work closely after he has put the last piece in its respective place.
  7369. >Then he nods.
  7370. >"So much for that. It looks great on you."
  7371. >You grin lightly.
  7372. "I guess I have to leave that judgement to an expert."
  7373. >This seems to amuse the stallion.
  7374. >"And I'd say so. You're almost good to go."
  7375. >Almost?
  7376. "Huh? I thought the bronze additions were the final surprise."
  7377. >Kempt Bridle smiles.
  7378. >"Oh, they're a part of it. But the crowning piece hasn't arrived yet."
  7379. >There is still more?
  7380. >Not that you want to discredit the support that Jovial Pebble and Kempt Bridle have offered you, but the constant addition of yet another thing does get tiring.
  7381. "What hasn't arrived yet? The ceremony is about to begin in minutes!"
  7382. >"It will arrive in time, trust me."
  7383. >And just as if Jovial Pebble had planned to prove the stallion wrong, she officially begins to grant access to Rootshome Hall.
  7384. >You hear dozens of different hoofsteps and low volume chatter that gradually fill the room as more and more ponies gather inside.
  7385. >Yet Kempt remains as calm and professional as ever.
  7386. >"Relax, we've got this covered. Speaking of covered, do you know the rites of an Earth pony engagement? And what you are supposed to do?"
  7387. >Yes and no.
  7388. >You have studied the general outline of these rites for quite some time.
  7389. >But while the overall process is roughly the same throughout Equestria, every village and community has a slightly different set of traditions and habits which revolve around the finer details of the ceremony.
  7390. >For example, this particular harness is, as far as you know, a completely unique piece.
  7391. >Sure, couples in other Earth pony settlements sometimes engage and marry in harnesses as well.
  7392. >But it is neither a necessarily ubiquitous thing in any place, nor do they possess such an elaborate artistic variant.
  7393. >So you give Kempt Bridle an answer you deem generally correct and truthfully, whilst you can still save your face.
  7394. "Enigmatic told me about it a while ago. But I'm always grateful for a rehash from an expert."
  7395. >He nods.
  7396.  
  7397.  
  7398.  
  7399.  
  7400. >"Well then, quick summary. It goes like this: The head of our settlement, Trusty Trunk, delivers the initial speech. She greets and addresses the present guests, and gets all the introductory stuff out of the way first. You and your mare will stay in the cabinets during this part."
  7401. >He pauses briefly.
  7402. >"Your cue comes when Trusty calls you by name. That's the point when you two come out and meet in front of the stage. Then she will ask you to cite your vows."
  7403. >Kempt blinks.
  7404. >"You do have vows, right?"
  7405. >Now you grin.
  7406. "Don't worry about that. We know what to say when the time comes."
  7407. >"Perfect. After your vows, you get bonded by Trusty and that's it. You're officially engaged from that moment on. And we all have another reason to celebrate the day."
  7408. >You nod.
  7409. "Sounds good to me."
  7410. >With that matter solved, you listen to the noises that are coming from the room outside the cabinet.
  7411. >The amount of hooves clattering on the wooden floor of the hall has reduced to a notable degree.
  7412. >Whereas the murmuring choir of voices is practically as strong as it was shortly after Jovial Pebble began to let the other ponies in.
  7413. >You assume this means that a good portion of the attendings guests has already found a seat.
  7414. >And, by extensision, that the ceremony is about to begin very soon.
  7415. >Yet at the very moment you want to turn your head back to Kempt Bridle to comment on this, you hear that one set of stepping hooves is coming closer to the cabinet.
  7416. >Somepony is approaching, and you suspect the pony in question to be no one else than Jovial Pebble.
  7417. >And indeed, your expectation turns out to be entirely justified, as the mare sticks her head through the cover of the curtains, checking on Kempt and you.
  7418. >"Ah, you're already spruced up. Did everything go well with the garb?"
  7419. >You clear your voice.
  7420. "Given my... limited experience with this sort of clothing, I'd think so. Right, Kempt?"
  7421. >The stallion agrees.
  7422. >"Our colt of the day got a bit fidgety one time, but we worked it out. And the garb fits neatly with wings as well."
  7423. >Your personal organiser mare is visibly happy to hear this.
  7424. >"That's great!"
  7425. >She shoves a small, hastily wrapped parcel into the cabinet.
  7426. >"Here's the final piece. Put it on and get ready to have the best evening of your life!"
  7427. >You look at the package.
  7428. >It is an unassuming, quickly assembled box.
  7429. "Uhm, what..."
  7430. >However, you get no chance to finish your question, as Jovial Pebble interrupts you quickly.
  7431. >"Sorry, no time! Have to deliver the second to Deca yet!"
  7432. >And with that, her head disappears behind the curtain again.
  7433. >Kempt Bridle chuckles lightly.
  7434. >"She gave your future bride a nickname already?"
  7435. >You nod.
  7436. "Yeah. I don't know how she got the idea though."
  7437. >The craftspony shrugs.
  7438. >"Don't think too much about it. She does that for everypony she meets eventually."
  7439. "It's not that. But her nickname is... fairly close to the one I use when we two are... in private."
  7440. >A second shrug.
  7441.  
  7442.  
  7443.  
  7444.  
  7445. >"That's Jovial for you. She does that sort of thing."
  7446. >Kempt Bridle trots up to the recent delivery.
  7447. >"Now, time for the final surprise of the day."
  7448. >He undoes the wrapping and opens the package.
  7449. >And you see something what, at first glance, appears to be a piece of folded white cloth.
  7450. >Finely sewn white cloth, granted, but still base monochrome cloth.
  7451. "Alright, that's a surprise to be sure."
  7452. >Kempt Bridle snorts in light amusement.
  7453. >"There's a saying I learned today from a Unicorn mare. And it does have a certain truth to it."
  7454. "Which one?"
  7455. >He grins.
  7456. >"Don't judge a book by its cover."
  7457. >He reaches for the cloth with a forehoof, pulls it up, and unfolds Jovial's delivery.
  7458. >As it turns out, the mare's present is not a single rectangular piece of fabric.
  7459. >But two.
  7460. >And each is just about the right size to effectively cover one side of your proxy's midsection, as they fit precisely into the outlines that are drawn by the straps of the harness.
  7461. >They look like they are meant to be a part of the display.
  7462. >An impression that quickly substantiates itself as you notice the four rings which are worked into the edges of the fabric.
  7463. >And as you quickly discover by turning your head a little, there are still four vacant mounts on each side of the harness.
  7464. >Which pretty much confirms it.
  7465. >You are supposed to wear these two as a part of your ceremonial garb.
  7466. >And it is not hard to see why either.
  7467. >For they both are embroidered with two distinctive symbols, placed side by side near the centre.
  7468. >One is an adorned crimson decanter, and the other is the Mark that you have chosen for your Pegasus proxy when you first drafted it with #deca.mare.
  7469. >You blink in disbelief as you look at that display.
  7470. "But... how?"
  7471. >Kempt Bridle laughs heartily.
  7472. >"I see the surprise is a resounding success."
  7473. >You look at him with your mouth open.
  7474. "You knew she was bringing those?"
  7475. >The stallion shrugs for the third time.
  7476. >"Well, the Marks of the bonding partners were always a piece of the ceremonial garb. Their personal symbolism is exactly as important as the heraldry of Rootshome. Because the ponies are a vital part of the village, just as the village is a vital part of us."
  7477. >A short pause.
  7478. >"And it would be a shame not to have this important symbol of fellowship on a day as important as this one, don't you think?"
  7479. >You take a breath as you understand why #deca.mare has suggested Rootshome as the place of your engagement.
  7480. >A better feeling of belonging is hard to find, even in Equestria.
  7481. "Believe me, I see what you mean. But how did Jovial get those this quickly? She only knew about the plans for half a day at best."
  7482. >Kempt Bridle feigns to ponder this question.
  7483. >But in reality, he already knows the answer.
  7484. >And he does not even try to hide it.
  7485. >"In this case... it stands to reason that somepony made them between then and now."
  7486.  
  7487.  
  7488.  
  7489.  
  7490. >Thank you for stating the obvious, Kempt.
  7491. >But he addresses an important point.
  7492. >These two pieces of cloth must have been sewn and stitched in half a day.
  7493. >Which means someone must have, in all due likelihood, kept working strenuously on this pair for the whole time between then and now.
  7494. >And as Jovial Pebble implied, four of those were made in total.
  7495. >Because #deca.mare receives a pair as well.
  7496. >You are almost afraid to ask.
  7497. "She didn't make them all on her own, did she?"
  7498. >"Hm, probably not. But Jovial is on good terms with literally everypony in this region, and even a bit beyond. I'm sure she found a few friends who were willing to do her that favour."
  7499. >With that said, you begin to look at the decorative fabric in a different light.
  7500. >After all, there is a bunch of ponies in this hamlet, most likely Earth ponies, who were willing to spend a considerable part of this joyous day to sit down somewhere and produce a small work of art for a Pegasus they have not even seen yet.
  7501. >And on that note, you earnestly have to praise the accuracy of the work.
  7502. >For the depiction of both of your respective Marks is almost entirely accurate when compared to the real deal.
  7503. >You do spot some minor inaccuracies here and there, but considering that the pieces were created in record time from nothing more than Jovial Pebble's recollections, the result is outstanding.
  7504. >Clearly, the makers put their hearts and souls into this effort.
  7505. >But despite your amazement about this generous and benevolent gift, Kempt Bridle needs to poke you a little to finalise the preparations.
  7506. >"Keep still now. Fitting the banners is always a bit tricky."
  7507. >You nod.
  7508. "Sure. Please go ahead."
  7509. >After you have said that, you strike an idle pose to let the stallion work unimpeded.
  7510. >This time without bailing on most of the proxy's functions in the process.
  7511. >And while he does his best to attach the pair of banners to the harness, you register something peculiar.
  7512. >The volume outside the cabinet has dropped again.
  7513. >Many of the attending guests have stopped talking altogether.
  7514. >The few that still do have lowered their voices almost to a whisper.
  7515. >Something is happening out there, and you believe to know what it might be.
  7516. >Trusty Trunk must have arrived.
  7517. >The clearest signal to everyone around that the ceremony will begin in the next minutes.
  7518. >And as you have thought, you begin to register the steps of a singular pony.
  7519. >The individual in question has just entered the hall, and slowly but surely walks on the path towards the stage at the other end.
  7520. >Based on the sound of the gait alone, you can derive that the pony is deliberately stressing every single step along the way.
  7521.  
  7522.  
  7523.  
  7524.  
  7525. >If this is Trusty, and you have every reason to think it is her, then she tries to make an entrance in which she emanates an elegant aura of gravitas that the head of a hamlet should conjure up during a celebration like this one.
  7526. >Sure, cheerfulness and delight are what this day is primarily about, but an engagement ritual nevertheless requires a modicum of dignity.
  7527. >And just like Sky Squall is aware of his role as an acting example, so does Trusty know how to behave in a moment like this.
  7528. >Once the pony arrives at the lectern, the thudding sounds of hooves stop altogether.
  7529. >All of a sudden, the room is almost eerily silent.
  7530. >You look at Kempt Bridle.
  7531. >He is nearly done with fastening the second cloth banner.
  7532. "Trusty, hm?"
  7533. >He nods.
  7534. >"Sounds like her."
  7535. >Only a few seconds later, the pony at the stage audibly knocks on the surface of the wooden lectern with a hoof.
  7536. >Kempt Bridle confirms it.
  7537. >"Yes, it's her."
  7538. >A couple of further knocks follow the first, as Trusty draws the attention of the guests to the stage.
  7539. >You can hear how the mare clears hear throat before she begins.
  7540. >One last pause of silence in between, and then she gets started.
  7541. >"Fillies and gentlecolts, good friends and residents of Rootshome, dear guests from near and far. Today we have gathered, here in this humble stead, to celebrate an occasion which has, for the lack of a better word, befallen us out of nowhere. It was an event which has taken us all by surprise, and brought us to our weakest point within days. I speak of course of the terrible storm and the following hardships. It was a short, yet excruciatingly dark time for everypony. And yet, the shadow has also shown us the visions of a new light. The hope for a better and brighter future which has come with it. From one moment to the next, the world was wrapped in darkness. But in the blink of an eye, it suddenly was whole again. Or perhaps now has a chance to become truly whole for the first time in history. Only fate knows the answer to this."
  7542. >A short pause.
  7543. >"Though I believe I do not have to elaborate any further than that. Everypony in this hamlet, and dare I say everypony everywhere, knows very well what I am talking about."
  7544. >Trusty Trunk gives the audience a moment to digest her words.
  7545. >"However, as sweeping and swift as the turn of events was, it is not the last surprise to greet us. As you have all heard from our cherished friend Jovial Pebble, only mere moments ago, another unexpected union is about to greet us. A new bond between formerly unlikely mates. And it has come just as sudden as the other event."
  7546. >You think you hear Trusty Trunk chuckling lightly.
  7547. >"Believe you me, I have not known about this decision until this noon either. And I too could hardly trust my ears when I heard it for the first time. But here we are. The first two ponies of formerly different tribes have chosen to become a couple and spend their lives together."
  7548.  
  7549.  
  7550.  
  7551.  
  7552. >Some chatter erupts amongst the ponies in the rows of seat cushions.
  7553. >Relatively low-key and civil, yet definitively nuanced.
  7554. >You can hear several ponies who are excited to witness the event.
  7555. >And judging from the soundscape, they are the larger part of the active speakers.
  7556. >Yet, as #deca.mare and you have seen coming a long time in advance, you nevertheless hear a few concerned speakers who are not sure whether this is a sound idea.
  7557. >If you interpret their stances correctly, they are not against your decision on the basis of a tribal doctrine.
  7558. >But rather because they are worried that Earth ponies and Pegasi may not be able to truly fall in love like that.
  7559. >With all it implies.
  7560. >Thankfully, however, you do not have to intervene or comment on that yourself, as there are some ponies in the audience who do so already.
  7561. >The main counter-argument you hear so far is that no one knows for sure until somepony has tried it.
  7562. >And should it fail, against all hopes, the only ones who are affected by the failure are the ponies who voluntarily vowed to give it a chance.
  7563. >So those who are not convinced of the idea do not risk anything either way.
  7564. >A notion that Trusty Trunk quickly addresses as she once again knocks on the lectern to draw everyone's attention back to the stage.
  7565. >"I know some of you have their doubts about this newest development, and trust me when I say that I understand why you do. The events that unfold today are an uncharted territory. A case that nopony had even thought to be possible only a short time ago."
  7566. >Another brief pause.
  7567. >"But at the same time, I can think of no better moment in our history to bless those who found a kindred heart and are willing to dare it."
  7568. >She takes a breath.
  7569. >"Indeed, the ultimate outcome of their union is uncertain. Yet isn't that a general truth of our lives? Nopony knows for certain what the next day will bring. Fate has given us a clear demonstration of that recently."
  7570. >You begin to feel slightly uneasy as you listen to that.
  7571. >What is supposed to motivate and inspire, both the audience and you, hits a tad too close to home for your personal tastes.
  7572. >Of course, Trusty cannot know this, but she has just indirectly referred to #deca.mare and you as fate.
  7573. >And you are not that special.
  7574. >Even on the best of days.
  7575. >The mare goes on.
  7576. >"Still, it has driven us to discover new facets of ourselves which we never truly considered before. And look where we are now, only a few days afterwards. Earth ponies, Pegasi, and Unicorns, all assembled in one place, sitting side by side."
  7577. >Trusty waits for a second to stress the significance of her words.
  7578. >"I heard somepony calling it a miracle just a few hours ago. And I for one think so too. This newfound friendship is a miracle. And there surely are yet more wondrous things for us to discover together. If we are willing to look for them."
  7579. >She pauses briefly.
  7580.  
  7581.  
  7582.  
  7583.  
  7584. >"In a way, looking out for new possibilities already is a part of our very nature, regardless of the tribes we hail from originally. We have simply never seen it as such."
  7585. >And another moment of thoughtful silence, as Trusty prepares the next link in her rhetorical line of reasoning.
  7586. >"Because from an early age onward, each and every single foal aspires to find a special talent. A calling of fate and destiny that, once it is found, changes a life in one quick sequence. All of a sudden, nothing is as it was before. But as we all know, it is not the end of the journey. On the contrary, it marks the start of a new adventure. And we all grow with the things we learn along the way."
  7587. >Trusty Trunk sighs.
  7588. >"Call me an idealist if you want, but I personally believe that the cold days behind us have given us the chance to find our destiny as ponies. A journey with new, yet unknown experiences. They are waiting for us right there, in the future. All we have to do is to be bold enough to venture forth and find them. It will not be a straightforward process, and we will certainly face bouts of trial and error. Though this is true for every learning experience. That's just a part of life."
  7589. >Silence again.
  7590. >And the mare waits a moment longer this time before she goes on.
  7591. >Trusty does this deliberately, as you quickly figure.
  7592. >To allow the audience to contemplate her point of view.
  7593. >So that the ponies can form an own opinion before she comes to her conclusion.
  7594. >"Keeping these thoughts in mind, I am more than willing to give these two hearts my blessings, and remain eager to see where their journey leads them. And by extension, us as a whole. Let us all wish them only the best for their way into the future."
  7595. >She exhales loudly.
  7596. >"Well, I think you have been patient with me and my comments for long enough now. So let us come to the main event of this evening."
  7597. >Trusty Trunk clears her throat again.
  7598. >"Star, Enigmatic, would you please come forward?"
  7599. >Here you go.
  7600. >You take a single breath, look quickly at Kempt Bridle who swiftly nods in your direction, and step out of the cabinet.
  7601. >Your first gaze wanders immediately towards the opposite end of the room.
  7602. >The other set of curtains is your sole point of interest right now.
  7603. >Since it is the place where an equally clad #deca.mare emerges from the drapes.
  7604. >She wears the same setup as your proxy.
  7605. >From harness to collar, as well as a pair of banners and a full set of figurines.
  7606. >The appearance is virtually identical.
  7607. >Only the proportions differ slightly to adapt the garb to the shape of her body.
  7608. >Everything looks as if the display were tailor-made just for her.
  7609. >Which it somewhat is.
  7610. >At least partially.
  7611.  
  7612.  
  7613.  
  7614.  
  7615. >And if you did not know better, you too would have guessed that the whole composition had been crafted specifically to be worn by her and no one else.
  7616. >Though as far as you are concerned, you do not overly care about the finer details in this regard.
  7617. >Because no matter how many parts were tailor-made or not, the unique magic of this moment is the only thing you can think of right now.
  7618. >Nothing in the world could diminish that for you.
  7619. >After all, seeing the love of your life fully dressed up for this very occasion mesmerises your mind for good.
  7620. >And although a major part of her body is hidden behind the harness and the banners, the combination of the two nevertheless accentuates her outlines perfectly.
  7621. >The bronze figurines do their part as well, as they reflect the warm beams of the dusk sunlight.
  7622. >They glint like small precious treasures whilst #deca.mare presents herself to you and the public.
  7623. >And within the moment of one breath, you look each other in the eye.
  7624. >A new suspense seems to build up between the two of you.
  7625. >You feel like you are drawn to her, and even more so than normal.
  7626. >By some new, yet inexplicable lure.
  7627. >And so does she.
  7628. >Not long thereafter, the two of you simultaneously begin to approach the stage, and at the same pace at that.
  7629. >You move slowly, but with clear and unwavering certainty.
  7630. >Without using any words or signals.
  7631. >You simply know when the other takes the first step.
  7632. >Then the second, then a third.
  7633. >The rest happens almost on its own.
  7634. >And as both #deca.mare and you walk the short way towards the lectern, you briefly examine the room.
  7635. >You focus on the stage, and expect to spot a cream-coloured mare with a teal mane standing behind the desk.
  7636. >Indeed, you are not disappointed in this regard.
  7637. >Trusty Trunk is right where you expect her to be.
  7638. >She eyes both #deca.mare and you in quick succession.
  7639. >To make sure that you are properly geared and heed her call.
  7640. >So far, so good.
  7641. >Then you subtly turn your head a few degrees towards the audience to find out who has come.
  7642. >The hall is properly filled.
  7643. >Not completely stuffed to the brim, though you can easily tell that most of the seats are occupied by ponies from all three tribes.
  7644. >And a few somewhat curious individuals still stand at the door to casually peek inside.
  7645. >All in all, a decent turnout in your opinion.
  7646. >Of course, #deca.mare and you are not doing this to garner attention.
  7647. >The two of you even would have been willing to go along with it if the hall were completely deserted.
  7648. >Yet it is much nicer to have some guests in a lively hall.
  7649. >And now that you have a crowd who is interested in your doings, you do not mind to play the leading role model for once.
  7650. >The opportunity is just too good to pass up.
  7651. >Especially since Trusty has given the two of you her full support.
  7652. >Her foresight and skills have helped Rootshome several times in the past.
  7653. >So an approval of her is a good omen in the eyes of most local ponies.
  7654.  
  7655.  
  7656.  
  7657.  
  7658. >#deca.mare and you reach the central part of the stage at the same time.
  7659. >You come to a stop with not much more than a metre between the two of you.
  7660. >As you stand there, exposed to everyone around, you simply look her in the eyes.
  7661. >She does the same in turn.
  7662. >Not a single word is spoken by either of you.
  7663. >And perhaps it is just your imagination, but you believe to see a vivid gleam in her eyes that you have never witnessed before.
  7664. >She is completely mesmerised by the experience.
  7665. >You cannot blame her though.
  7666. >Because you feel exactly the same.
  7667. >In this very moment, which in reality lasts probably only a couple of seconds, you just stand where you are.
  7668. >Facing each other in complete silence.
  7669. >None of the present ponies says anything as well.
  7670. >Everyone is far too focused on what is happening on the stage.
  7671. >In this short instance of fascinated tranquillity, you suddenly get the impression that time has frozen to a standstill.
  7672. >And if you are honest with yourself, you would be perfectly fine with this.
  7673. >You could look at her face for an eternity, and you would never tire of this image.
  7674. >Even if it were the last thing you would see in your life.
  7675. >For you can somehow feel the magic of it in your bones.
  7676. >Both within the proxy and your actual physical body.
  7677. >Simultaneously.
  7678. >You have no idea if this is possible, or whether it may merely be an illusion of your mind.
  7679. >But frankly, you do not care to look for an explanation for this one.
  7680. >A rational analysis would only disrupt whatever sensation it is that makes this moment so great.
  7681. >Some things are perfectly fine as they are.
  7682. >And this moment is one of those.
  7683. >Without any shadow of a doubt.
  7684. >However, as potent and mystifying as the experience is, time does eventually catch up.
  7685. >A realisation that strikes you fairly quickly as Trusty Trunk raises her voice.
  7686. >"And so the pair has come together. Enigmatic Decanter, Star Plotter, it is time for your vows. Who of you wants to begin?"
  7687. >You raise a forelimb.
  7688. >Trusty Trunk nods in your direction, leaving the limelight to you for the time being.
  7689. >And you take one more step towards #deca.mare before you speak your mind.
  7690. "You caught me when I was at my lowest, isolated and out of options. You took me in without hesitation, and did not demand any recompense in return. You could have left me where I was, a stranded stranger and potential adversary, and no one would have known."
  7691. >You sigh.
  7692. "But... not you. You did the opposite. It was an act of benevolence unlike any other I've ever seen. A deed that only a good soul is capable of. I... do not exaggerate when I say that you've granted me a new lease on life with your quick intervention in my time of need."
  7693.  
  7694.  
  7695.  
  7696.  
  7697. >You pause briefly.
  7698. "For this alone, you have my respect and gained my eternal gratitude. But as we spent more time together, you began to show me yet more of the pony under your shell. And I realised there is a greater bond between us. Something which transcends mere thankfulness."
  7699. >Another pause.
  7700. "There's no other way of putting this. I love you. Not for what you have done, but for who you are. Despite our differences in many ways, there's not a single soul below or above the stars with whom I'd rather be. For me, you're the one and only."
  7701. >You fall silent.
  7702. >And the room is completely quiet once again.
  7703. >Not a single pony dares to disrupt this moment of pure and honest devotion.
  7704. >Then it is #deca.mare who takes a step in your direction.
  7705. >Now you are so close to one another that your proxies are almost touching.
  7706. >#deca.mare takes a breath before she cites her half.
  7707. >"And I am grateful for you giving me a chance in the first place. I know you had a hard time to trust me when you saw who, and what, I am. You had every reason to expect malicious intents behind my actions, driven by long-lasting bad blood. Yet you gave me the benefit of the doubt and opened your heart. Not many would have done that."
  7708. >She too pauses for a short moment.
  7709. >"But that was not the end of it. No, you gave me much more than I could have hoped for, and encouraged me to do things I would never have considered to really attempt otherwise. You believed in me. And gave my life a new purpose."
  7710. >She smiles.
  7711. >"And look what came out of it. You always insist that it was me who took the most important steps in that direction, but you must never forget that nothing of this would have happened without your help and kindness at the right place and time."
  7712. >A sigh.
  7713. >"Most importantly though, you have taught me what genuine love feels like. In all my travels from one place to the next, I have heard many accounts of what love is supposed to mean. But I never fully understood and felt it myself until I met you. You have completed me in more ways than I can tell. You... are the guide star who has shown me the path into the future. And I wish to share that future with you by my side."
  7714. >With these words spoken aloud, silence returns to the hall once more.
  7715. >It seems as if you have captivated every single guest in the room.
  7716. >Including Trusty Trunk.
  7717. >But neither of you two minds that fact.
  7718. >On the contrary, you use the time to lose yourselves a little more in the eyes of the other.
  7719. >Until the mare at the lectern finally manages to find her voice again.
  7720. >"I think these words speak for themselves. So let us then come to the conclusion of the ceremony."
  7721. >Trusty clears her throat before she goes on.
  7722.  
  7723.  
  7724.  
  7725.  
  7726. >The mare looks at you first.
  7727. >"Star, do you want Enigmatic to become your fiancée, and if fate wills it, your future wife?"
  7728. >You nod.
  7729. "I do."
  7730. >Trusty Trunk looks at #deca.mare next.
  7731. >"And you, Enigmatic, do you want Star to become your fiancé from this moment onward?"
  7732. >#deca.mare smiles widely.
  7733. >"Yes, I do."
  7734. >The mare at the lectern nods, and focuses her gaze on the crowd.
  7735. >"So it is official. With the community of Rootshome and many ponies from all tribes as our witnesses, I hereby declare the two of you to be betrothed. May fate smile upon your future."
  7736. >This is it then.
  7737. >The moment that both #deca.mare and you have been waiting for.
  7738. >Now you are an official couple, even in the eyes of Equestria.
  7739. >And neither of you wastes any time, as you immediately show it to all ponies in the hall.
  7740. >Both of you simultaneously reach out for a hug, and quickly find yourself in a mutual embrace.
  7741. >The two harnesses are a bit in the way, but you do not let that stop you.
  7742. >You hug each other tightly, and simply take in the moment for what it is.
  7743. >Only a few seconds later, you hear some thudding sounds coming from somewhere within the ranks of the seated guests.
  7744. >It is a moderately paced, regular knocking of a hoof on wood.
  7745. >Someone over there applauds you in the pony way.
  7746. >And soon thereafter, more limbs chime in.
  7747. >Only a handful of reluctant beats at first, but then they become more and more.
  7748. >Until it sounds as if the entire hall has joined in.
  7749. >You are not sure if this really is the case, given that some have their doubts about you two as a pair.
  7750. >But perhaps they too have been convinced to at least give you a chance.
  7751. >And since you happen to know that they will not regret it in the long run, you can fully live with that result.
  7752. >In all the approving hoofsteps and the occasional cheer, you begin to hear Trusty Trunk stepping down from the lectern.
  7753. >You look at her without letting go of #deca.mare.
  7754. >Trusty is standing right next to the two of you.
  7755. >With a rope between her teeth.
  7756. >Uh, come again?
  7757. >What is she planning to do with that?
  7758. >Whatever it is, however, it does not appear to be malicious.
  7759. >If you judge her friendly smile correctly through the rope.
  7760. >"May I? Can'th bonth you like thith."
  7761. >You blink and look at #deca.mare's harness from up close.
  7762. >And you detect one final mount which has not been used so far.
  7763. >Plus, it is only worked into one side of the harness too.
  7764. >You realise that the same spot on the opposite strap shows no sign of a mount whatsoever.
  7765. >Hm, looks like you have not paid that much attention while Kempt Bridle was working on yours.
  7766. >Because you have one matching and still vacant mount on your garb as well.
  7767. >Albeit on the other side.
  7768. >Oh.
  7769. >So Trusty means that literally.
  7770. >The engagement ceremony in Rootshome includes some literal bonding at the end.
  7771. >Really, you should have read the tourist information before coming here.
  7772. >But alright.
  7773.  
  7774.  
  7775.  
  7776.  
  7777. >A literal bonding session it is then.
  7778. >Instead of wrapping up winter, these ponies sometimes prefer to have a couple wrap up instead as it seems.
  7779. >So #deca.mare and you take one step back each, and turn around to face the attending audience.
  7780. >Shortly after that, Trusty steps between the two of you to finish the engagement ceremony for good.
  7781. >And as she does, you seize this moment as an opportunity to examine the crowd in detail.
  7782. >As you have thought, you have a fairly balanced mix of ponies in the hall.
  7783. >Earth ponies, Pegasi, and Unicorns.
  7784. >Every face a familiar one.
  7785. >But for the first time ever, they are all around in one hall without flinging arguments and curses at their peers.
  7786. >And they are all rooting for you.
  7787. >Some more enthusiastically, others a tad more reluctantly.
  7788. >Though you can read in their faces that they all hope for your bond to work out.
  7789. >Even when they do so out of different motivations.
  7790. >You let your gaze wander across the audience, and promptly detect a few ponies who you have both hoped and expected to see.
  7791. >You spot the golden frame of Sky Squall in one of the forward rows, surrounded by almost the entirety of your flight team prior to the transit.
  7792. >They all salute you simultaneously as they notice you watching them.
  7793. >You would like to do the same, but a certain Earth pony mare is currently preventing exactly that.
  7794. >While she ties you to your future bride, that is.
  7795. >So you keep your response simple and leave it at a singular nod and a smile.
  7796. >However, one particular mare has not joined the others.
  7797. >And you do not see her anywhere nearby.
  7798. >Well, you cannot blame Gust for not showing up to this event, you suppose.
  7799. >You go on.
  7800. >Just a few seats further in the back, a big stallion with a bandaged leg catches your eye.
  7801. >Solid and his family are here too.
  7802. >But that is not all.
  7803. >Because one of their group, a pony in the last row, has brought what seems to be a canvas.
  7804. >You cannot say for sure who is sitting there, as said canvas is completely blocking your line of sight to the seat behind it.
  7805. >Though it seems as if the pony in question has claimed this seat deliberately.
  7806. >Presumably to paint a picture of the whole scenery.
  7807. >How exactly the artist can see anything with this large thing literally shielding the pony, that you cannot say.
  7808. >But you are sure that the potential artist has the required talent to do this sort of thing.
  7809. >Of course, you could ask #deca.mare who it is.
  7810. >Or try to find it out yourself by assessing the individual talents of the ponies of that group in a quiet moment.
  7811. >Yet you see no need for that.
  7812. >The mystery makes it all the more interesting.
  7813. >Then you eye the rest of the attendants.
  7814. >And just when you did not expect it any more, you do see one more pony you find striking, right at the very edge of the seating rows.
  7815. >Gust Glider sits on the outermost cushion of the back row, looking at you as she applauds your union.
  7816. >Much to your relief, she does not look sad or unhappy at all either.
  7817.  
  7818.  
  7819.  
  7820.  
  7821. >On the contrary, she is apparently glad to see you.
  7822. >However, that is not all.
  7823. >Because even though she only has one pony sitting next to her, given that there is a house wall on the other side, their respective seat cushions are placed unusually close to one another.
  7824. >Even in this pretty populated hall.
  7825. >Odd.
  7826. >You figure there is something more to it.
  7827. >So you try to eye the other pony without making it too obvious.
  7828. >It turns out to be a stallion.
  7829. >And at first you think your eyes are deceiving you, for there appears to be something wrong with his wings.
  7830. >You can only see the one which is on the opposite side of Gust Glider.
  7831. >But the limb does not look right.
  7832. >For you can only make out half the joints that a wing usually has, and they protrude at a wholly wrong angle.
  7833. >You blink as your mind fails you for the fracture of a second as you see something that cannot be.
  7834. >After all, none of the ponies you have grown in the tunnels had any kind of physical handicap.
  7835. >Much less a crippled limb of this severity.
  7836. >And on a Pegasus wing, no less.
  7837. >This is unthinkable.
  7838. >Additionally, Harmony would have told you if there had been an accident which might have caused such a damage to a pony.
  7839. >No, something is wrong about this.
  7840. >So you take a closer look, dropping the pretence of making it subtle.
  7841. >And this is where you notice something important.
  7842. >Because the hue of the feathers does not align with the one of his coat.
  7843. >But it perfectly matches Gust's colours instead.
  7844. >She has wrapped her wing around his back.
  7845. >And you finally grasp the reason why this display looks so odd to you.
  7846. >The stallion has no wings of his own in between.
  7847. >Oh.
  7848. >That was fast.
  7849. >So much so in fact that you keep your gaze on the two for quite a while.
  7850. >Long enough for the stallion to notice it.
  7851. >He first watches you in light confusion before he turns to his wryly smiling mare friend.
  7852. >Gust in turn briefly looks at you once to shrug.
  7853. >Then she turns around and whispers something into the ear of the stallion.
  7854. >And if the Earth pony's face is any indication, you can guess with a great deal of surety what story she is telling him over there.
  7855. >The stallion's expression turns into one of speechless fascination.
  7856. >Not necessarily in a positive way, but also not directly disapproving either.
  7857. >It reminds you more of someone who hears a tale which is mildly hard to believe.
  7858. >You wonder what he thinks about the fact that he has unwittingly come to attend the engagement ceremony of that one individual who was once the potential love interest of the mare with whom he appears to be in a relationship now.
  7859. >To him, it surely must look like an incredible case of higher fateful coincidence of some kind.
  7860.  
  7861.  
  7862.  
  7863.  
  7864. >Even you did not see that one coming, though you would not have thought that she would get this close to another pony this quickly either.
  7865. >Pegasus or otherwise.
  7866. >#deca.mare gives you a brief explanation on how this happened though.
  7867. >"They got to know each other during the thawing, Anon."
  7868. >Hm, it has apparently sparked something very quickly.
  7869. >Well, you are certainly not going to complain about it.
  7870. >Because as far as you can tell, it is a happy outcome for everyone involved.
  7871. >And as you ponder these thoughts, you notice a light tug on your side.
  7872. >Trusty Trunk has finally bound your harness to that of #deca.mare.
  7873. >You are now, in the literal sense of the word, bound together.
  7874. >Trusty Trunk raises her voice again to loudly address both you and the crowd.
  7875. >"And it is done!"
  7876. >Her words pierce the pervasive thudding of hooves for a brief moment.
  7877. >Long enough for everyone to hear.
  7878. >And even if someone did not understand what she said in all the noise, the scenery of you two being tied to one another speaks for itself.
  7879. >Trusty bows to each of you once to express her congratulations on the engagement.
  7880. >She then slowly retreats to the back of the stage, leaving the limelight solely to you.
  7881. >You smile at #deca.mare.
  7882. "I guess it's time for that part of the ritual, isn't it?"
  7883. >#deca.mare nods wordlessly, albeit with the brightest gleam that you have ever seen in her eyes.
  7884. >Courtesy of the warm light of sunset and the magic of the moment.
  7885. >So with one quick breath and an ever growing grin on your face, you close in for the kiss.
  7886. >And as #deca.mare and you meet right in the middle, the applause of the guests reaches its climax.
  7887. >You have no idea how long you stay like this.
  7888. >Any objective sense of time is now flung well and truly out of the window.
  7889. >But you are fine with that.
  7890. >For you feel and savour every second of this sensation manifold.
  7891. >You sense the warmth of #deca.mare as she presses herself against you.
  7892. >It mixes perfectly with the warm, yet comfortable air in the hall at the end of a gentle day.
  7893. >You take in the almost rhythmic beatings of the hooves from the guests, which you can not only hear, but also feel pulsing through the ground.
  7894. >Almost like ripples on the water that are rising and dancing to revel your union.
  7895. >And after only a short while, you feel as if even the beating of your own heart is swayed by this melody.
  7896. >For you think it begins to beat in tune with the unusual choir.
  7897. >You do not care whether this is possible or just your imagination.
  7898. >Or whether you are feeling your actual own heart or that of the proxy.
  7899. >After all, you know you are not in danger.
  7900. >Because none of the systems that control your vitals sound an alarm.
  7901. >You know that, whatever is happening in the heat of this magic moment, it is not a bad thing.
  7902. >So you can relax and enjoy everything about it to your heart's content.
  7903. >In every possible meaning of the word.
  7904.  
  7905.  
  7906.  
  7907.  
  7908. >At some point in time, after who knows how many seconds or minutes, both of you eventually pull back.
  7909. >Neither of you averts your gaze.
  7910. >Not even for the fraction of a second.
  7911. >Both of you look deep into the eyes of the other as you slowly begin to regain your grasp on reality.
  7912. >You are finally able to process the last few moments somewhat consciously.
  7913. >You exhale and laugh lightly.
  7914. "Is it just me, or was this kiss the best one we had so far? It just felt, I don't know, like more."
  7915. >#deca.mare shrugs happily.
  7916. >"That it was. But I am sure the kiss after our marriage will be even better."
  7917. >You snort.
  7918. "Hey, hold your horses, #deca. We're just barely engaged, and you already plan the marriage. I thought your profession taught you a little more patience."
  7919. >And she laughs.
  7920. >"Yes. Patience. But also foresight. And I thought you would have learned that during your time with me."
  7921. "Eh, fair point."
  7922. >You idle for yet another long moment before you can finally motivate yourself to proceed with whatever comes next.
  7923. "So, what now?"
  7924. >#deca.mare snickers.
  7925. >"Now? Now we leave the hall as a bound couple while everypony watches us. To show ourselves to the world outside."
  7926. >You close your eyes with a smile.
  7927. "Let me guess, this village is one of those in which the guests follow us as some form of procession, right?"
  7928. >#deca.mare is quick to confirm this.
  7929. >"Indeed. It is not a part the ceremony itself, but a popular tradition nonetheless."
  7930. >And yet another reason to extend any form of celebration, as you think to yourself.
  7931. >Because celebrations are fun, and always a welcome opportunity in the lives of ponies.
  7932. >That is one thing which all three tribes have in common.
  7933. >Their traditions around joy and mirth may differ notably in some areas, but as Rootshome proves right now, that is not an obstacle for them in their pursuit of having a great time.
  7934. >A festival is a festival.
  7935. >Sure, #deca.mare and you will be paraded around in the hamlet like a pair of flagged steeds in a fairy tale, but not in a bad way.
  7936. >This is all meant to be in good spirits, so there is nothing to worry about.
  7937. >But despite being aware of that simple fact, you nevertheless feel a slightly nervous tingling growing inside you.
  7938. >Because you realise that once you are outside, you will have more eyeballs looking your way than ever before in your life.
  7939. >A strange thought to ponder.
  7940. >Still, you manage to keep your excitement in check.
  7941. >Your heart may be beating like a herd of galloping horses, but you do not lose your wits.
  7942. >You are inevitably the talk of the village tonight, and probably will be for the foreseeable future anyway.
  7943. >No matter what you do.
  7944. >And when you can do your part to make the festivities even better for everyone involved, including both #deca.mare and you, then you happily do what needs to be done.
  7945.  
  7946.  
  7947.  
  7948.  
  7949. >You take a breath to get some time to think straight.
  7950. >Then you put one forelimb on #deca.mare's harnessed back and pull her body a little closer.
  7951. >You whisper the next words directly into her ear.
  7952. "Shall we?"
  7953. >You do not need to ask #deca.mare twice.
  7954. >"I would love to, Anon."
  7955. >With that said, you let go of #deca.mare before you begin to slowly walk the short path back to the entrance.
  7956. >The members of the audience keep their strangely melodic hammering of hooves up all around you as you pass the rows of seats.
  7957. >And their eyes follow every step of yours.
  7958. >A few even say some friendly words to you while you are nearby.
  7959. >#deca.mare and you politely nod and occasionally wave to the crowd while you maintain your slow but steady pace.
  7960. >You eventually reach the door in a storm of hoofsteps, cheers and compliments.
  7961. >As you look outside, you notice that the sheer vociferous ruckus of the interior has piqued the interest of the still sizable number of ponies around the banquet tables.
  7962. >They all turn towards the entrance.
  7963. >And the first thing these ponies get to witness is #deca.mare and you, standing side by side at the porch.
  7964. >Dressed in the fine ceremonial garbs of the hamlet.
  7965. >Rootshome's insignia on the collars and straps, as well as your own Marks paired on the sides, are displayed openly for everyone to see.
  7966. >In the nigh impossible case that anyone in the hamlet has not heard of your engagement yet, then they understand now.
  7967. >Even the Unicorns and Pegasi, who have never seen the ceremonial engagement apparel of an Earth pony community before, do still understand the symbolic significance behind it.
  7968. >The sight, and the soundscape which happens to come along, is apparently all that it takes to spark an inspiration in most ponies who are present.
  7969. >Jovial Pebble seems to have done her part as well.
  7970. >Because that mare has at some point apparently left the hall to mingle with the crowd outside.
  7971. >You can only guess what she has done in the interim.
  7972. >But you think you have a very good idea of what it was.
  7973. >For at least a part of her is a latent entertainer at heart.
  7974. >One diamond in the rough, maybe, but shiny nevertheless.
  7975. >Either way, the combination of your quick appearance, and Jovial's very likely incitements amongst the ponies outside, produce immediate and unmistakable results.
  7976. >A good number of them is quick to join in.
  7977. >They may not have attended the ceremony for one reason or another, yet they are still more than willing to participate in the open after-party.
  7978. >And you can fully see why.
  7979. >If you were in an episode of the show, this would be the perfect point for a musical number to appear out of the blue.
  7980. >Even though you have no instruments that are starting to play some tunes in the background, the ponies' tendency to herald a new celebration with a mutual chant already begins to manifest itself.
  7981.  
  7982.  
  7983.  
  7984.  
  7985. >Oh boy.
  7986. >You are lucky that the former tribes did not have the time to create any common songs yet.
  7987. >Because it is probably the only thing which prevents you from being drawn right into the middle of such a piece.
  7988. >Good thing you have chosen this early date for your engagement, you figure.
  7989. >If this will still hold true for you proper and full marriage is a different matter, however.
  7990. >Nevertheless, song or no song, you have your hands full as it is.
  7991. >The day will end in only a few hours, given that dusk is almost over.
  7992. >But something tells you that this will not stop the ponies from keeping this number going for a few more hours.
  7993. >Possibly even beyond midnight.
  7994. >And just as if the gathered crowd inside the hall has somehow mutually decided to emphasise that point in the most obvious way possible, you can hear how they are slowly standing up to form a makeshift procession behind you.
  7995. >#deca.mare and you give each other a brief glance, and nod simultaneously.
  7996. >Then you leave the porch to slowly walk into the crowd in front of you.
  7997. >Whilst a steady stream of mares and stallions leave the hall to follow suit.
  7998. >Happily stomping, cheering, and humming as they do.
  7999.  
  8000.  
  8001.  
  8002.  
  8003. 138.6
  8004.  
  8005. >The ponies have not disappointed you in regard to your expectations.
  8006. >After #deca.mare and you have left the hall, the procession that formed behind you was quick to encourage you to show yourself in the whole town.
  8007. >Which meant treading virtually every single small trail in Rootshome.
  8008. >And not only once at that.
  8009. >All in all, you have traversed the same course three times.
  8010. >Because once you completed the first run, one pony suggested to repeat the tour.
  8011. >For those who might have missed it.
  8012. >It was clear to everyone that this was just a pretence to prolong the celebration yet again, as only a comatose pony in a house could possibly have missed the loudly cheering crowd that trotted through the streets.
  8013. >Still, no one objected.
  8014. >Quite the opposite.
  8015. >The suggestion was well received.
  8016. >And neither of you wanted to be a fun killer by saying no, so you politely agreed as well.
  8017. >Plus, you got your fair share of joy out of it too.
  8018. >But then, shortly before you were done with the second round, someone else asked you to do a third.
  8019. >To have one trip dedicated to each tribe.
  8020. >Obviously.
  8021. >So number three it was.
  8022. >That trinity alone has kept you busy for roughly two hours.
  8023. >And even when the sun disappeared wholly from the horizon, about one third into the second round, the procession did not stop.
  8024. >Because the ponies quickly grabbed all the candles and bioluminescent insect lanterns they could find.
  8025. >To light the way for you.
  8026. >So that no darkness could ever hope to deter you from completing the courses properly.
  8027. >Nothing against a good night stroll, right?
  8028. >However, with three successive laps around the village behind you, the mood slowly began to wind down.
  8029. >The first members of the procession were ready to call it quits and to retire for the night.
  8030. >Which in turn led to a shift in the festivities.
  8031. >When the first ponies went to sleep, the remaining attendees gathered at the tables near the hall again.
  8032. >Where the formerly fairly loud procession gradually toned down to the previous level of tempered and friendly talks in smaller groups.
  8033. >#deca.mare and you decided to stick around for a while longer too.
  8034. >Partially because you were the honour guests of the evening.
  8035. >But also out of personal interest in striking up a few more conversations with ponies you did not officially know yet.
  8036. >And just as it is with many good things you have come to enjoy over the years, time passed much faster than you had imagined.
  8037. >Around midnight, the remaining crowd began to disperse slowly, albeit steadily.
  8038. >Every couple of minutes or so, you could see a pony or two who left the gathering to get some rest.
  8039. >Some more resilient individuals still managed to stay awake for a good while longer though.
  8040. >But they too could not keep this festival going forever.
  8041.  
  8042.  
  8043.  
  8044.  
  8045. >And now, at the equivalent of Earth's three o'clock in the morning, the party is well and truly over.
  8046. >The last ponies have withdrawn from the gathering to go to sleep.
  8047. >Though even that is a small adventure in itself.
  8048. >Given that the momentary population of Rootshome is several times higher than usual, the ponies had to rearrange some things to properly accommodate everyone for a few nights.
  8049. >For instance, Rootshome Hall was quickly repurposed to function as a dormitory, able to house about a hundred ponies.
  8050. >After all, the seat cushions are already there to be used as a somewhat decent substitute for a bedding.
  8051. >Add to that some impromptu blankets from whatever suitable material that is at hand, and the makeshift bed is complete.
  8052. >Not exactly a luxurious dwelling by any conventional standard, granted, but the ponies can make do with it.
  8053. >Others were invited to spend the night in the living rooms of the surrounding houses.
  8054. >Available pieces of furniture such as benches serve as improvised beds for these guests, as they too can be made relatively agreeable to ponies with suitable cushioning.
  8055. >Despite the best of efforts, however, the houses of Rootshome do not provide sufficient space to shelter everyone who came for the festivities.
  8056. >But as it turns out, that is not even necessary.
  8057. >Because there are quite a lot of ponies, especially amongst the ranks of the Earth ponies and Pegasi, who have absolutely no problems with sleeping outside.
  8058. >And so it is no surprise to see groups of sound sleepers scattered throughout the entire village.
  8059. >Earth ponies who hail from other villages mostly gather underneath the porches of the houses, as well as the somewhat larger porch of Rootshome Hall.
  8060. >So they are out in the open, yet shielded from potential phases of rainfall during the night.
  8061. >Whereas the Pegasi have no problem with claiming some vacant spots on the roofs of the houses.
  8062. >Being who they are, they are not afraid of possible weather changes at all.
  8063. >In fact, many of them even prefer this style of sleepover, as they are not used to living in confined spaces whatsoever.
  8064. >From the perspective of the average Pegasus, being wholly surrounded by something which is not either air or clouds feels unusually restrictive.
  8065. >Especially so over longer spans of time, like a whole night.
  8066. >Or at least what is still left it.
  8067. >And in case of sudden rain, a small team of them can easily deal with the issue in a couple of minutes.
  8068. >Even in the pale aura of moonlight.
  8069. >So not long after the festivities have ended, everyone has found and reached a suitable place for the night.
  8070. >From that moment onward, the once so busy and loud hamlet has fallen completely silent.
  8071. >The only things one can occasionally hear are the soft rustling of leaves in a gentle breeze, and the sounds of chirping birds, coming from the nearby forest.
  8072. >It is the perfect night to rest, and to recover from an eventful and somewhat taxing day.
  8073.  
  8074.  
  8075.  
  8076.  
  8077. >As for the role of #deca.mare and you in this little peaceful scenery, the two of you find your personal spot on a small wooden terrace which is attached to one of the regular houses.
  8078. >You lie on your back with your arms casually folded behind your head, and watch the stars above.
  8079. >#deca.mare rests right on top of you in turn, also facing the sky.
  8080. >"Anon?"
  8081. "Yes, #deca?"
  8082. >"I cannot sleep."
  8083. >You chuckle.
  8084. "Me neither."
  8085. >#deca.mare reacts with a light snicker of her own.
  8086. >"I know. I would not have said anything otherwise."
  8087. >You smile.
  8088. "To not wake me up. Because I need my sleep, hm?"
  8089. >She exhales loudly, audibly amused.
  8090. >Both of you know the answer to your question, considering how often you have gone through precisely this line of reasoning.
  8091. >But to you it feels like an old ritual which just seems appropriate to bring up again.
  8092. >For the sake of this occasion, probably.
  8093. >Because not only was this day a moment to celebrate the present, and to set a course for a prosperous future, it was also linked to the reminiscence of past events.
  8094. >Including everything that has happened.
  8095. >Both in your life, and that of #deca.mare.
  8096. >And it seems as if she is more than willing to play along.
  8097. >"Of course. Your health is my greatest concern."
  8098. >You free one arm to put your hand on the side of #deca.mare's neck.
  8099. "Well, tonight you won't have to worry about disturbing my beauty sleep. I don't think I can nap for even a minute after this party."
  8100. >"That is far less of a relief than you make it out to be, Anon."
  8101. >You begin to softly pet and scratch her side.
  8102. "It's fine. You know one night won't kill me. And tomorrow I'll be right back on my regular sleep schedule. You'll see."
  8103. >#deca.mare obviously agrees, though deep down you can feel that she would rather see you fast asleep at this very moment.
  8104. >Yet you cannot give her that.
  8105. >Not on this special night.
  8106. >And while you think about the subject of sleep, another related thought crosses your mind.
  8107. >You look over to the house.
  8108. >The nearest door and window hatch are firmly closed.
  8109. >But you do not need to see anything to know what lies behind it.
  8110. >On the other side of the wall is a fairly small, but cosily outfitted living room.
  8111. >And you happen to know that a certain cream-coloured mare is sleeping there.
  8112. >She rests on a seemingly random assortment of seat cushions that function as her provisional bed tonight.
  8113. >Inside her own house.
  8114. >Because her equally small but agreeable bedroom is occupied by a certain pair of proxies.
  8115. >You sigh.
  8116. >#deca.mare is quick to react to that.
  8117. >"Is something wrong, Anon?"
  8118. "Not really. Though I feel kinda bad for letting Trusty crash on her couch, so to speak. We don't even use her bedroom properly."
  8119.  
  8120.  
  8121.  
  8122.  
  8123. >#deca.mare shrugs.
  8124. >"It is not like we could have convinced her otherwise. She practically insisted on leaving the room to us. To grant us some privacy for our first... official night as a couple."
  8125. "And that's what irks me. It's a generous gesture that's effectively wasted."
  8126. >"The gesture is not wasted as long as we appreciate it, Anon."
  8127. >You nod.
  8128. "Yeah, I guess you're right."
  8129. >You turn your gaze back to the moon and stars.
  8130. >Perhaps it is just you, but the starscape above looks exceptionally picturesque today.
  8131. >If you did not know that this is an exact depiction of the night sky from Rootshome's perspective, you would have thought that #deca.mare might have enhanced the appearance a little bit.
  8132. >To make it look more romantic to you.
  8133. >And you can understand why some artists are drawn to dedicate their time and effort to preserve the beauty of sceneries like this one in their pictures.
  8134. >Apropos pictures.
  8135. >That reminds you of a thought you wanted to address.
  8136. "I wish we could have brought a camera with us. You know, to have something for the album."
  8137. >#deca.mare stirs lightly.
  8138. >You can tell that she is smiling.
  8139. >"We have something similar to remember the day, Anon. Even without recreating the scene in the simulation for taking pictures after the event."
  8140. >An object suddenly materialises, roughly a metre above you.
  8141. >It is a painting on a rectangular canvas.
  8142. >And you recognise that piece in an instant.
  8143. >Because you have seen the opposite side of this very canvas earlier today.
  8144. >Granted, you have only spotted it from a certain distance, and the dim light of the night makes it currently impossible for you to make sense of what was actually painted on its surface.
  8145. >But you have a fairly good idea of what it might be.
  8146. >So you materialise a lantern to check whether you are right or not.
  8147. >You let go of #deca.mare's neck to pick up the glassy container with a couple of little glowing insects inside, and hold the thing a bit closer to the floating canvas.
  8148. >Then you take a closer look at the now properly illuminated painting.
  8149. >And what you see puzzles you slightly.
  8150. >As you have thought right from the start, the painting depicts the climax of the engagement ceremony inside Rootshome hall.
  8151. >The precise moment when #deca.mare and you were facing each other in front of the lectern.
  8152. >Yet the strange thing about this artwork is not the selection of the scene, but the execution of the work.
  8153. >Because on a purely technical level, you can immediately tell that the creator of the picture is a sophisticated artist.
  8154. >The strokes of the brush have been placed expertly, showing the creator's great surety and excellent precision.
  8155. >Every line is exactly where it is supposed to be.
  8156. >And all colours have been chosen and blended with a great deal of care as well.
  8157.  
  8158.  
  8159.  
  8160.  
  8161. >The composition of the work is kept in a classical, yet plausible style too.
  8162. >For the artist has decided to draw the scene from a centralised, and lightly elevated perspective.
  8163. >The pathway from the entrance to the stage is in the middle of the composition.
  8164. >Much like the real counterpart, it splits the image vertically, into two equally large halves.
  8165. >Starting from the lower end of the canvas, the path leads straight towards the stage.
  8166. >And the artist has drawn dozens of ponies on both sides of the path.
  8167. >They are neatly lined up, exactly like the rows of cushions in the real hall.
  8168. >But even though they all look cheery and have their gaze turned towards the stage, not a single one looks like the other.
  8169. >The artist made sure to make them all look like the individuals they are.
  8170. >Not only through their coat colours, sex, or tribe.
  8171. >But also by giving them all their own nuanced expressions and poses.
  8172. >Even if you did not know any of the ponies in the crowd beforehand, you think you could more or less guess what their personalities are like.
  8173. >Just by looking at the scenery.
  8174. >The artist understood to capture details like Sky Squall's confident grin near the centre, just as much as a more reluctant, yet nevertheless optimistic smile of Gust Glider at the side, near the very edge of the composition.
  8175. >It is almost as if someone had taken a photograph of the crowd, and turned it into a realistic, yet also distinctively artistic painting of itself.
  8176. >The ponies appear like they are alive.
  8177. >Rather than an elegant mix of mere strokes and colours on a canvas.
  8178. >And this is only the "periphery" of the artwork.
  8179. >The actual eye catcher is placed close to the centre, where the real action is shown.
  8180. >Because there, right on the stage, are the depictions of #deca.mare's and your proxy.
  8181. >Yours is put on the left half of the composition, and #deca.mare's on the other.
  8182. >Both proxies are shown in their full ceremonial garb, standing face to face to one another.
  8183. >If one would draw a vertical line straight through the middle of the canvas, it would reveal that the two figures have been placed at the exact same distance to said hypothetical midline.
  8184. >Only a tiny bit further in the back is the lectern, accordingly occupied by the friendly figure of Trusty Trunk.
  8185. >The mare is looking down on the two of you from her slightly heightened position.
  8186. >She watches you with an approving and caring expression.
  8187. >And to top the appearance off in its entirety, the trio is engulfed in a cone of warm light which comes from the side.
  8188. >It is clearly the depiction of the dusk rays that shone through the windows.
  8189.  
  8190.  
  8191.  
  8192.  
  8193. >Yet at the same time, you cannot shake the feeling that the light somehow reminds you of a sacred halo.
  8194. >Sure, heavily accentuating the light, and the three of you by extension, is in all due likelihood just a stylistic trick of the artist.
  8195. >Who simply saw and seized an opportunity.
  8196. >After all, the ponies have no knowledge of any strictly religious concepts that hail from Earth.
  8197. >Still, it is an odd experience to see yourself in such a borderline mythical imagery.
  8198. >No matter whether directly or by proxy.
  8199. >But your own humble feelings on this matter aside, this is not your main point of bemusement in regard to this image.
  8200. >Because you notice that there is something off about the scenery.
  8201. >Or, to be more precise, about your two proxies.
  8202. >For instance, the hues of the coats and manes are seemingly, for the lack of a better word, amiss to some degree.
  8203. >At first you think this might have been caused by the sunlight, as that could explain the discrepancy.
  8204. >But then the same would apply to Trusty Trunk as well.
  8205. >Right?
  8206. >Yet her cream-coloured coat and teal hair are not affected in the same way.
  8207. >In fact, the artist has even taken the time to meticulously picture the effects that the lighting has on those parts of her body that are directly exposed to the sunbeams.
  8208. >And the shadows on the other side are drawn accordingly too.
  8209. >So no, this cannot be the cause.
  8210. >Plus, it also further demonstrates that the pony in question knew exactly what he or she was doing.
  8211. >Which makes the inaccuracies in the choice of colours even more noteworthy.
  8212. >But the hues are not the only minor anomalies.
  8213. >Another issue you notice is that the Marks on your banners are not entirely correct either.
  8214. >#deca.mare's decanter is formed somewhat differently.
  8215. >It has not lost any of its artistic style, and is still filled with the same crimson liquid as ever.
  8216. >Yet it is clearly not the exact same container.
  8217. >Something similar has happened to the details of your emblem as well.
  8218. >And in stark contrast to that, the heraldry on the collars and the figurines have been translated masterfully into the painting.
  8219. >So much so that you can even recognise singular symbols and bronze pieces if you squint hard enough.
  8220. >You nod and chuckle as you come to the only logical conclusion.
  8221. >This did not happen by accident.
  8222. "All the personalised details are obscured and altered. That was Harmony's work, eh?"
  8223. >#deca.mare confirms your suspicion while she keeps looking at the painting as well.
  8224. >"Hmhm. It was only a minor interference in the artist's perception of things. But it goes a long way to cover our tracks later on. Harmony figured this was a reasonable action to take."
  8225.  
  8226.  
  8227.  
  8228.  
  8229. >#deca.mare turns herself around to look you in the eyes.
  8230. >"Do you like it?"
  8231. >You nod again, almost touching her muzzle in the process.
  8232. "It's a good picture. And fine for our collection too. Although..."
  8233. >She blinks.
  8234. >"Yes?"
  8235. "I think our drawing friend here has stressed some features a bit... heavily."
  8236. >"Such as?"
  8237. "Now don't get me wrong, but your mane isn't that... wild and flowing, for example. It's a bit reminiscent of Celestia."
  8238. >#deca.mare chuckles.
  8239. >"And the musculature of your Pegasus is slightly more accentuated as well."
  8240. "That too."
  8241. >"Are those inaccuracies an issue for you?"
  8242. >You shake your head.
  8243. "No, it's fine. I get why we're illustrated like this."
  8244. >"But we can easily make some corrections in the copy of the picture that we include in our album. If you want to."
  8245. "Thank you, but no. That pony has poured way too much love into this painting for this. It wouldn't be right for me to fiddle with it. Besides, there's nothing wrong with some level of artistic license."
  8246. >"Understood. I have added it to the album as it is."
  8247. >The floating canvas above you fades out and vanishes, leaving nothing but the night sky in the distance.
  8248. >So you dematerialise your lantern as well and put your hand on #deca.mare's back instead.
  8249. >A short moment later, you begin to massage her with one hand.
  8250. "It's still a few hours until dawn. Got something in mind that we can do to fill the gap?"
  8251. >#deca.mare smiles before she replies.
  8252. >And you think you know where this is going.
  8253. >"Optimally? Getting at least half a night of good sleep. Especially you."
  8254. >You snort in response.
  8255. "Why am I not surprised that you say that?"
  8256. >Knowing that this is a rhetorical question, #deca.mare does not reply.
  8257. "Well, I can't say I'm closer to sleep now than I was a couple of minutes ago."
  8258. >"Hm, how about a nightly stroll around the village then? We have not yet explored the place for ourselves. I mean outside the ceremonial parade."
  8259. >Not the most exciting idea #deca.mare ever had, but your day has been exciting enough already.
  8260. >A peaceful walk around the now slumbering and quiet Rootshome might be just what you need.
  8261. >#deca.mare and you get up.
  8262. >As you walk around the house to get onto the adjacent trail, you pass the window of the bedroom.
  8263. >And you notice that you have left the hatch open.
  8264. >So you take a quick peek inside, even though you know what you are going to find.
  8265. >Your pair of proxies lies in the bed, covered by a blanket as the two embrace each other.
  8266. >The harnesses you have worn are completely disassembled again, with their singular components orderly placed on a table in one corner of the room.
  8267.  
  8268.  
  8269.  
  8270.  
  8271. >Even with only a swift glance, you see all the straps, figurines, and the four now folded banners.
  8272. "Oh, right. We have to bring those back to Kempt Bridle tomorrow."
  8273. >"No worries, Trusty will do that voluntarily. She takes the garbs and two of the banners."
  8274. "Only two?"
  8275. >"Yes. One of the pair you wore, and one of mine. The other set is for us. This is a part of the tradition."
  8276. "How so?"
  8277. >"Because it is a rite that bases on their mindset regarding individual ponies and communities."
  8278. "That both are important to one another in equal measures."
  8279. >"Indeed. The sharing of the banners is supposed to embody that vital symbiosis in a symbolic form."
  8280. >You reach the trail and just follow it calmly through the town.
  8281. >"You see, one banner from each pony is taken to Rootshome Hall, to be stored and preserved in the local archive. They are a historical document for future generations, and also symbolise that the community as a whole has witnessed another fortunate union of two souls. As Trusty has put it, this is universally seen as a good omen."
  8282. "A good omen most of the time, at least."
  8283. >"True. But regardless of our... specific circumstances, the rite applies. For we have helped to shape the future of this community. Just as they helped to shape ours. The banners shall remind everyone of this simple truth."
  8284. >A brief pause.
  8285. >"They are a part of Rootshome's memorabilia now. And also a part of ours, of course."
  8286. >You nod approvingly.
  8287. "I think I can live with that arrangement."
  8288. >Only a few seconds later, you get another idea.
  8289. "You know what, I'd say we should bring our two on board and put them on display here. Right on our deck. What do you think?"
  8290. >#deca.mare does not need much time to ponder her answer.
  8291. >"Gladly. I like that idea, Anon."
  8292. "Can you prepare their transport then? And everything else that needs to be done to protect them from damage and decay?"
  8293. >"Will do. Consider it done."
  8294. >You smile.
  8295. "Thank you."
  8296. >"Do you have any preference as to where exactly we place them on the command deck?"
  8297. "Hm, not yet. But we've got a whole night before us to discuss that."
  8298. >"Half a night."
  8299. >You shrug.
  8300. "Touché."
  8301. >So as the two of you wander through the little traditional Earth pony hamlet, you discuss the finer details of interior decoration in space craft architecture.
  8302. >Probably not a typical way of ending the day of your engagement.
  8303. >But this is fine for you.
  8304. >After all, almost nothing about your relationship is typical, when compared to that of others.
  8305. >On Earth and Equestria alike.
  8306. >So as far as you are concerned, it is only fitting.
  8307. >And as long as #deca.mare and you enjoy what you are doing in your leisure time, you are doing things right.
  8308. >Which is the only metric you need to be happy together.
  8309.  
  8310.  
  8311.  
  8312.  
  8313. 139.1
  8314.  
  8315. >The word spread quickly.
  8316. >Within days, all the realms and villages across the world had heard of the mythical twins.
  8317. >And their fame amongst ponies grew rapidly.
  8318. >Some travelled to see the foals for themselves because they could not believe the stories.
  8319. >Others saw the two as the next good omen for the future.
  8320. >To them, such a birth on the very day of their Unification meant that the foals were destined for greatness.
  8321. >While another group simply did not know what to think of it.
  8322. >So the council sent a small band to examine the twins.
  8323. >An envoy of six.
  8324. >Two ponies from every tribe.
  8325. >Their shared knowledge was meant to shed light on the nature of the twins and to document the truth.
  8326. >Upon arrival, the envoy ponies quickly found out that the parents of the two were an Earth pony and a Pegasus.
  8327. >This discovery slightly bruised the pride of the Unicorns in the group.
  8328. >As they had secretly hoped to see one of their own involved in this greatest of mysteries.
  8329. >But their irritation was short-lived when the six officially confirmed what others had said all along.
  8330. >One in their midst remarked that there surely must be some Unicorn magic at play as well.
  8331. >What else could be the reason for the foals' horns?
  8332. >The Unicorns tacitly concurred, and they began their work.
  8333. >With the agreement of the parents, they studied the foals and asked many questions.
  8334. >Some queries were more personal in nature than others, but the officials promised to treat everything purely as subjects of study.
  8335. >And the parents helped where they could.
  8336. >Unfortunately, nothing they said was furthering the research.
  8337. >For their lives were similar to those of most others ponies.
  8338. >That was the point when one of the Unicorns, an aspiring magician, tried something else.
  8339. >He called upon his powers of the unseen to connect himself to the foals.
  8340. >A rite that was often used by senior wizards to probe the latent abilities of their students.
  8341. >And he found a hint to a truth that both amazed and unsettled him.
  8342.  
  8343.  
  8344.  
  8345.  
  8346. >The parents and the rest of the envoy saw what had happened, and asked what he had seen.
  8347. >However, the magician did not want to answer before he had tested another theory.
  8348. >He cast the same spell on the other ponies as well.
  8349. >First on the second Unicorn.
  8350. >Then the parents.
  8351. >That was confusing because the spell was meant to be used only on Unicorns.
  8352. >It did not make sense to test it on a soul that had no connection to the magical sphere.
  8353. >The magician knew this, and yet he cast the spell regardless.
  8354. >And he shook his head before he fell silent in a mental stupor.
  8355. >He saw what he had suspected.
  8356. >Yet it was something he could not believe to be true.
  8357. >The magician's companions now urged him to tell them of his newfound insights.
  8358. >But the Unicorn only stated to have a suspicion.
  8359. >Despite better knowledge.
  8360. >He would share it with them, but only after he had probed the remaining four members of the envoy.
  8361. >Nopony understood the reasons behind this request, but the four honoured his wish.
  8362. >So he cast the spell four more times.
  8363. >All with the same result.
  8364. >The magician paled upon this realisation, but he kept his word and told the others what he had found.
  8365. >After this day, the theories of magic and fate were to be rewritten.
  8366. >Starting from their very roots.
  8367. >The twins were the key to all of it.
  8368. >Up to this point, it was believed that magic was an exclusively inherent trait of Unicorns.
  8369. >They were the masters of magic.
  8370. >And nopony else could ever hope to harness it at all.
  8371. >Or so it was thought.
  8372.  
  8373.  
  8374.  
  8375.  
  8376. 139.2
  8377.  
  8378. >You look at the main screen.
  8379. >It displays an interactive map of Equestria, showing the land's overall geography, the locations of pony settlements, and the movements of various groups of ponies.
  8380. >The latter is currently the one which interests you the most, as a significant portion of them travels towards the same particular spot.
  8381. >Once again, ponies from all three former tribes are on the move.
  8382. >Albeit neither due to bad weather, nor your personal intervention this time.
  8383. >These ponies travel because they want to.
  8384. >And whilst their total number is not as high as it was during the cold spell, you are still looking at the journey of several hundred individuals.
  8385. >You blink as you see how yet another cluster of ponies is about to head out.
  8386. >Six of them have banded together to wander as a team.
  8387. >You inhale audibly.
  8388. "That's the eighth troupe today, and we're barely beyond noon. Boy, I haven't thought things would move this fast."
  8389. >#deca.mare comments on your statement from her usual place right next to you.
  8390. >"We are near the end of the second week after the word got out. This is an ample time frame for ponies to move. Remember how quickly they packed their things to escape the cold."
  8391. "Yes, but that was an emergency. This here isn't as severe and urgent to the populace as the storms."
  8392. >"I have to disagree, Anon. Hearing the news of two foaled Alicorns is an incisive event for Equestria. But unlike the Windigo incident, this one has far more positive connotations. It is a miracle to them."
  8393. >#deca.mare puts her forehoof on your lap.
  8394. >"And it has come at the right time. You know how delicate and uncertain some things have gotten again after the initial celebrations were over and the euphoria of the moment waned."
  8395. >You massage your temples with your hands as you recall your personal experiences.
  8396. "Don't remind me. Every major gathering is like running the gauntlet where everyone just barely manages to keep things together by a hairbreadth."
  8397. >You groan lightly.
  8398. "And the worst part about it is that everyone genuinely tries to be sincere and constructive in the talks."
  8399. >A pause.
  8400. >"But it only amplifies the effect of an unintended faux pas when it happens."
  8401. >You nod.
  8402. >"And this is the problem. Everypony wants to work together, and do so fairly well most of the time. Yet they are, in a way, also stuck in a paradox. Because on the one hoof, they all try their best to improve their relationships in every way they can. But on the other hoof, the urge to caution has never fully left them after the storms."
  8403. >#deca.mare takes a breath.
  8404. >"They may not show it openly most of the time, but that notion is still very prevalent in many circles."
  8405. "Of course it is. The storm is what brought them together in the first place."
  8406.  
  8407.  
  8408.  
  8409.  
  8410. >"Right. And this was a good result at the time. But it still defines the way in which many ponies interact with one another. And not in a good manner either. For example, consider what usually happens when inevitable little disputes occur."
  8411. "These are settled very quickly. Partially because they're afraid that the storms might return if they make too many mistakes and let things go south."
  8412. >"Precisely. And that baseline fear hampers the efforts of the ponies to fully grow together as a heartfelt community. Their unity ultimately feels imposed when they are continuously walking on proverbial eggshells to maintain the status quo. Or else get possibly swept away by another storm."
  8413. >You nod, for she mentions a valid point.
  8414. >After all, when one is faced with a proposition of picking either friendship, or suffering through an ice age, the choice is not that hard to make.
  8415. >However, if this friendship continues to base on nothing but the fear of a potential cosmic punishment, then how earnest is that friendship really?
  8416. >Of course, this is a rather drastic and fairly exaggerated view on the matter.
  8417. >Because there is some considerable goodwill present on all sides.
  8418. >Yet there is also a kernel of legitimacy in #deca.mare's remarks.
  8419. >The shrieks of the Windigos still echo through the minds of the ponies.
  8420. >And as long as the remnants of their icy grip remain, the ponies of Equestria cannot fully discover their own potential.
  8421. >Especially so since they have no idea that the "Windigos" will not return.
  8422. >Ever.
  8423. >#deca.mare leans closer to you.
  8424. >"This is why the role of the Royal Sisters is all the more important now. They are the symbol which shows everyone that Equestria is more than the sum of three formerly separate tribes."
  8425. >You keep your eyes on the screen as you think about #deca.mare's words.
  8426. "Sure, I'm aware of their importance. But banking too much on these two sounds like a recipe for disaster, if you ask me."
  8427. >"Does the pace worry you?"
  8428. "Not directly. It's more of a concern about what can go wrong when this adoration spreads too quickly. Some ponies might rely too much on their future princesses. And neglect their own merits while they're at it."
  8429. >Much to your surprise though, you see #deca.mare smiling as you tell her about your thoughts.
  8430. >"On the contrary, Anon. The adoration of the Royal Sisters is what will inspire ponies to believe in themselves. And, what is just as important, to truly have confidence in the potential of Equestria in general."
  8431. "Fair, but aren't you worried that some might take their reverence a few steps too far? Celestia and Luna have almost attained a messianic status just through their birth. I can barely imagine what ponies will think when they find out what the siblings are capable of."
  8432. >"#deca.mare's smile turns into a more reassuring one.
  8433.  
  8434.  
  8435.  
  8436.  
  8437. >"You are right, Anon. There are indeed a couple of groups that show these tendencies. But this is where we come in. Harmony is already working on several remedies to solve that problem."
  8438. "Remedies? Of what kind?"
  8439. >"Let us call them prototype friendship lessons for the time being."
  8440. >You raise your eyebrow out of curiosity.
  8441. >"I do not know all the details yet, but Harmony proposes to arrange situations in which we help these ponies to not lose sight of their own qualities. Before something bad happens, that is."
  8442. >You think you can piece the rest of the concept together yourself.
  8443. "So that they don't fall for the self-imposed trap of blindly worshipping the Royal Sisters."
  8444. >"This is the plan. They just have to understand that, as impressive and regal as the Alicorns can be, they are nevertheless ponies first and foremost. Like all the others."
  8445. "And that they aren't infallible, despite their exceptional talents."
  8446. >#deca.mare nods.
  8447. >"Hmhm. What do you think?"
  8448. >You shrug.
  8449. "Can't say for sure. Could work, but I need to know more about it first."
  8450. >"We will get to see the complete proposals once Harmony is done with the plans."
  8451. "Oh, more exercises for our student?"
  8452. >"Actually, it was not my idea. Harmony made the request to work on those plans without any external help."
  8453. >You grin.
  8454. "Huh, Harmony is getting eager lately. Guess the mood on Equestria finally rubs off on our little fledgling."
  8455. >"What do you mean, Anon?"
  8456. "That Harmony becomes more, how do I put it, lively. Don't you feel it too?"
  8457. >#deca.mare thinks about that for a moment.
  8458. >"Well, I am not sure what you are referring to specifically, but something along these lines was to be expected. Self-improvement does inevitably lead to a more efficient manner of handling processes."
  8459. >You shake your head.
  8460. "I'm not talking about processes or efficiency, #deca. It's something more profound."
  8461. >She tilts her head.
  8462. >"More profound than managing planetary operations and logistics?"
  8463. >You sigh and try to rephrase your argument.
  8464. "Not on the purely physical level. Harmony's, well, style has changed a bit. It feels more... cheerful, I guess."
  8465. >"Because of the request to work on the friendship lessons?"
  8466. "In part, yeah. But it's not only that. There's also the way how Harmony handles the day-to-day routines. Everything about this affair appears more happy-go-lucky than before."
  8467. >#deca.mare strikes a thinking pose while she sits.
  8468. >"What you suggest is difficult to prove with hard data, Anon. Harmony has undeniably improved and grown with the world. But I have no evidence that hints at a shift of this scale."
  8469. >You give #deca.mare a hug.
  8470. "Like I said, I'm not sure. Perhaps we both mean the same progress and only interpret it differently. Something feels like it has changed though."
  8471.  
  8472.  
  8473.  
  8474.  
  8475. >"And you think it is somehow related to the vastly improving mood on the planet?"
  8476. "Would that be too far off? Harmony and ponies are interlinked to an extent, so they share a common bond in which both interact with one another. Be it knowingly or unknowingly."
  8477. >#deca.mare nods as she follows your line of thought closely.
  8478. >"This is correct. And?"
  8479. "So could it be that Harmony feels the mirth coming from the planet? At least on an abstract level somehow."
  8480. >"I am not sure if I can agree with your interpretation of the situation. You know Harmony can register when ponies are happy. The ability of sensing and understanding emotions is one of the core principles of the whole project. Equestria as we know it would not exist otherwise."
  8481. >She takes a breath.
  8482. >"But this does not mean that Harmony is directly affected by comparable emotions as well."
  8483. "Yeah, that was the case when we began. But are you sure that's still true? Or could there be a rudimentary emotional core now? Could Harmony have learned to feel emotions, instead of just detecting them in others? I mean, we're talking about a living entity here that's able to grow and study theoretically everything."
  8484. >You inhale deeply.
  8485. >Because you must now choose your next words very carefully to remain tactful.
  8486. "It wouldn't be an unprecedented case either."
  8487. >"What do you mean?"
  8488. >You pull #deca.mare in for a firm, cordial hug.
  8489. "I mean you, #deca. You've achieved this very thing. All on your own, I might add. So we know it's possible."
  8490. >#deca.mare hesitates for a moment.
  8491. >"You are right, Anon. Technically speaking, at least. But there is one factor you have not accounted for. I had... time to reach this point. Centuries. Of wandering around and... thinking. About... everything. Harmony had only a tiny fraction of that time to develop."
  8492. >You do not answer immediately as well.
  8493. >Because you try to deliver your argument as diplomatically as possible.
  8494. "That's true. Though you aren't considering everything at the moment either. You had to start from scratch with no help from others. But Harmony has us as guides and backup. And a planet full of living souls to get in touch with."
  8495. >You breathe in and out.
  8496. "Now please don't get me wrong, #deca. I don't want to belittle the things you have achieved. Though I've got the impression that Harmony might get to a similar level in a much shorter span of time. I speak of things like..."
  8497. >You hesitate for a few seconds.
  8498. "... manifesting a distinct personality."
  8499. >Another brief pause.
  8500. "I hope you don't take that as an insult."
  8501. >#deca.mare shakes her head this time, albeit slowly.
  8502. >"I do not, Anon. It is evident that Harmony is in a much better situation than I was. Yet there is also nothing in the logs that could substantiate your suggestions."
  8503.  
  8504.  
  8505.  
  8506.  
  8507. >She puts a forehoof on your leg.
  8508. >"Can you elaborate on your impression? There must be something in particular that makes you think this way. Beyond your mere feeling, that is."
  8509. >You try to put your thoughts into words.
  8510. "I don't know. It's an intuition I have when I see Harmony at work. A gut feeling, if you will."
  8511. >#deca.mare nods attentively, thinking about something as she listens to you.
  8512. >"Anon, how about a break?"
  8513. "Now? We just had dinner."
  8514. >"I know. But I want to hear more about your unusual intuition."
  8515. "Are you concerned about those?"
  8516. >"No. But I would like to delve deeper into this issue. Perhaps you have an insight that I am lacking."
  8517. >#deca.mare looks at the screen.
  8518. >"Besides, there is nothing pressing ahead of us here. Equestria is well off at the moment, Harmony is busy, and many ponies are en route to take a look at their future princesses. We have the time."
  8519. "Okay. Second break of the day then."
  8520. >The two of you stand up and head for the exit.
  8521. >And as you pass the twin banners inside a vitrine that is attached to the metal wall near the ramp, you realise that you have no idea what scenery #deca.mare wants to visit during your break time.
  8522. "Where are we going?"
  8523. >"The plains of Equestria. A quiet plot of land that is far away from any distractions. The perfect place to relax and to contemplate."
  8524. >Well, that answers your question.
  8525. >Yet raises a whole set of new ones at the same time.
  8526. >But you will see what she is planning soon enough.
  8527. >So you accept her reply for what it is and step onto the grassy surface of Equestria.
  8528. >For a little bit of self-reflection under #deca.mare's intrigued supervision.
  8529. >You are unsure what will come out of this attempt.
  8530. >But it might get pretty interesting.
  8531. >You will be the judge of that experience later on.
  8532.  
  8533.  
  8534.  
  8535.  
  8536. 140.1
  8537.  
  8538. >The magician spoke of a new discovery when he probed the foals.
  8539. >The two possessed, without any doubt, the magical powers of Unicorns.
  8540. >And on an unprecedented scale at that.
  8541. >But they also had two different traces in them.
  8542. >The likes of which he had never seen in his life.
  8543. >Patterns that were clearly tapping on magical energies, but far more subtle than any form of spellweaving known to scholars.
  8544. >He could not explain this outright, although he quickly came up with a theory.
  8545. >Probing the parents confirmed his suspicions, as he found the exact same traces in them.
  8546. >One in each.
  8547. >And the Earth ponies and Pegasi of his envoy possessed the same hidden powers.
  8548. >The finding made it clear to him that all of the pony tribes contained their own forms of inherent magic.
  8549. >Only the means of how they could be used differed greatly.
  8550. >Unicorns could manifest their will directly.
  8551. >By bending reality through their spells and imagination.
  8552. >The focal point of their power lay in their horns.
  8553. >Pegasi had a different pattern.
  8554. >Theirs spread largely around their wings, and to a minor degree, to their hooves.
  8555. >The magician presumed that their bond to the unseen enabled them to take flight and to craft the weather.
  8556. >Earth Ponies had theirs spread evenly throughout their bodies.
  8557. >This surely was what gave them their well-known sense for nature.
  8558. >But the ramifications of the discovery went even further.
  8559. >Because despite all the differences in the ways how the unseen forces of magic manifested themselves in the ponies' bodies, their fundamental basis looked very similar nevertheless.
  8560. >His observation begot the hypothesis that all ponies must have had the same ancestry, set far earlier than the known age of Origin.
  8561. >Maybe the twins before them were a recall to an earlier period, long before the three tribes emerged.
  8562. >If that were the case, then there was a time with only one pony tribe.
  8563. >A single group that perhaps once controlled all known facets of magic and the world.
  8564.  
  8565.  
  8566.  
  8567.  
  8568. >It was a bold theory, and even the most gullible souls would have shredded it under normal circumstances.
  8569. >But considering that the foals were right before their eyes, the ponies gave the magician's thoughts the benefit of the doubt.
  8570. >They could not argue against the things they clearly saw.
  8571. >Naturally though, these claims were not based on any firm evidence yet.
  8572. >Further work was required.
  8573. >The ponies of the envoy thanked the parents for their help and headed back to the council to report.
  8574. >And the council's reactions to these findings were wild.
  8575. >Almost erratic.
  8576. >The theory once again shook the very principles of pony society as they knew it.
  8577. >Though not in a bad way, as it eventually turned out.
  8578. >Shortly thereafter, the council of ponies held a massive assembly.
  8579. >The largest it had seen since its foundation.
  8580. >For what happened next might determine the future again.
  8581. >Perhaps even more so than the Unification itself.
  8582. >There were discussions, lots and lots of conjectures, and sometimes disputes amongst the members.
  8583. >Once more, nopony was sure what the best course of action for ponykind could be.
  8584. >Of which there was only one, apparently.
  8585. >And always had been, for that matter.
  8586. >The signs of a new stalemate loomed on the horizon.
  8587. >So the Unicorn who found the traces made a request.
  8588. >He pledged to solve the riddle of the foals and their magic, if he got the opportunity to study these ponies closely for a longer period of time.
  8589. >In turn, the magician also swore to act as their mentor, and to teach the twins to the best of his knowledge.
  8590. >In cooperation with representatives of the Pegasi and Earth ponies, of course.
  8591. >These were very special foals, and so, the magician claimed, they needed every bit of education and tutoring they could get.
  8592. >It took some more parleys for the council to decide.
  8593. >But eventually, they agreed to send an invitation to the twins and their parents.
  8594. >On behalf of the magician, and the entire council.
  8595.  
  8596.  
  8597.  
  8598.  
  8599. 140.2
  8600.  
  8601. >A booming, monotonous noise echoes all around you in a seemingly endless void.
  8602. >There is nothing for you to use as a point of reference.
  8603. >You do not even seem to feel the passing of time.
  8604. >In fact, you can barely feel anything at all.
  8605. >You know you are... you, and you have a vague understanding of what is happening.
  8606. >You remember that you were somewhere else, at a place with grass and trees, just a moment ago.
  8607. >Or at least what feels like a moment to you.
  8608. >Though you have no idea how long you are here already.
  8609. >If there is such a concept of "here" at all.
  8610. >However, as much as some parts of you want to ponder the deeper philosophical implications of your current situation, you cannot help but to think of different things.
  8611. >For instance, you know that you should be terrified beyond words.
  8612. >After all, something has apparently catapulted you out of your surroundings, and dragged you into a perfect dimension of nothingness.
  8613. >If there is one justification to be afraid with a good reason, then this is probably it.
  8614. >Yet you are torn between two different realisations.
  8615. >One, it seems like you are currently unable to feel fear.
  8616. >And two, you remember that you have been here before.
  8617. >Though something tells you that you were far less conscious the last time.
  8618. >For better or worse.
  8619. >One singular speck of light appears in the distance.
  8620. >Then a brief flash, followed by a blast that sends you drifting.
  8621. >Drifting in every direction, and none whatsoever at the same time.
  8622. >You recall that sensation as well.
  8623. >It is the push that slowly recovers your shattered perception of yourself from the void that has claimed you for the moment.
  8624. >And you understand that your presence here is merely on borrowed time.
  8625. >Soon you will return to the world from whence you came.
  8626. >But even if you could perceive relief right now, you are sure that you would not feel it anyway.
  8627. >Because you have no idea how or why you have been plunged into this state of existence again.
  8628. >Normally it would be a cause of your own making.
  8629. >Yet as far as your clouded memories serve, there was no such event this time.
  8630. >At least none for which you are responsible.
  8631. >Nevertheless, that insight changes very little.
  8632. >For you are still effectively trapped in this dimension until your mind has retrieved its grip on reality.
  8633. >And no matter what you do or try, you cannot change this process.
  8634. >In fact, if you spend more energy by struggling too much, you could even delay your recovery.
  8635. >So you do the only reasonable thing you can do, and let the abstract currents of this place outside of places carry you to your destination.
  8636.  
  8637.  
  8638.  
  8639.  
  8640. >And the formless, intangible, and invisible torrent carries you to a spot that seems to shape itself out of nothing.
  8641. >It is a simple surface, made of no distinct material you could describe.
  8642. >But it is illuminated by a spherical spotlight that has no apparent source.
  8643. >You cannot say for sure where the surface ends beyond that circle of light, but you can plainly see that this featureless structure of non-descript matter is the only thing around.
  8644. >Yet despite its relatively limited significance in this abstract state of being, it gives you your first point of reference.
  8645. >Granting you a perception of up and down, left and right.
  8646. >And you witness how the drag steers you directly towards the surface.
  8647. >Right into the centre of the spotlight.
  8648. >The next thing you know is that you are "standing" there.
  8649. >Although you have no perception of a physical body of any kind, you can feel that the surface offers you a footing that anchors you.
  8650. >But it also keeps you from recovering any further, as you seem to be stuck.
  8651. >At least for a while.
  8652. >Deep inside you know that the pull of reality will eventually overpower whatever clasp is keeping you tied to this place.
  8653. >But until then, it does delay the process to a notable degree.
  8654. >Leaving you shackled and fixed for the moment.
  8655. >You try to move or do something.
  8656. >Yet without a body to speak of, and no agency over anything, nothing can happen.
  8657. >You are bound to stare at the illuminated surface.
  8658. >And the void behind it.
  8659. >But you also understand that, even if you could turn around, you would not be able to spot any difference.
  8660. >Because from your current perspective, everything looks precisely the same, no matter where you would turn.
  8661. >So you idle and wait instead.
  8662. >And as your consciousness lingers in the spotlight, you notice that a few of your mental faculties gradually improve.
  8663. >The fog in your memories slowly clears, and it becomes much easier to think coherently.
  8664. >Still, you do not get any agency over the situation at large.
  8665. >Nevertheless, you constantly try to probe and manipulate the void around you, every time you think you have made yet another step in the right direction.
  8666. >Unfortunately though, the result remains always the same.
  8667. >But this does not mean that there is nothing happening around you.
  8668. >Whilst your attempts to reach out of the void have been thoroughly unsuccessful, you notice at some point that something else tries to reach in.
  8669. >You have no idea what it could be or what it might be up to, but you somehow know that it is there.
  8670. >And its attempts to achieve something are far more successful than yours.
  8671.  
  8672.  
  8673.  
  8674.  
  8675. >Shortly after you have discovered the unknown other, you feel how it suddenly touches you.
  8676. >Not in any physical sense of the word, given that you seem to have no body, but in an abstract kind of way instead.
  8677. >There is no sense of actual touch to it, no pressure, and certainly nothing like pain.
  8678. >Just the knowledge that it has established a connection to you.
  8679. >And then, in what feels like a few seconds at best, you hear something.
  8680. >Like the initial noise, it appears to come from everywhere and nowhere at the same time.
  8681. >Yet it is a wholly different sound.
  8682. >Whereas the former was a single, static pitch, this one is not a simple tone.
  8683. >You can only make out a distant, incoherent swooshing and crackling, but you nevertheless understand immediately that its structure is strangely fluent and patterned.
  8684. >This is not a random mixture of sounds, but a deliberate composition that is directed at someone.
  8685. >And since you are the only being able to perceive this creation, it can only be addressed to you.
  8686. >If you were in full control of your normal capabilities, you might be highly alarmed now.
  8687. >But being in this still somewhat reduced state of yours, you are merely curious and just try to respond to that message somehow.
  8688. >Though without understanding what your contact wants to tell you, you have no clue as to what to say or what to do in turn.
  8689. >Which is a bit of a problem.
  8690. >However, you get the impression that your disembodied pen pal does take note of your attempts.
  8691. >Because as you fight against your abstract restraints, the tones seem to resonate with something within you.
  8692. >The swooshing and crackling change in pitch constantly.
  8693. >And at first it seems as if the formerly clear pattern is finally devolving into a hopeless cacophony.
  8694. >Until the sounds begin to resemble a voice.
  8695. >It is almost as non-descript as the void around you, and the words are so horribly distorted that you can only pick up shreds of what is said.
  8696. >But you can recognise something.
  8697. >So whatever the thing is that contacts you, there might be a way to communicate with it properly.
  8698. >If you find a way to reach out and speak.
  8699. >And you think you have an idea how this could be possible.
  8700. >It is more akin to a hunch than a certainty, but worth a try.
  8701. >You shift your focus momentarily to concentrate on nothing but yourself.
  8702. >Who you are, what you are, and what your natural body is capable of.
  8703. >Through your imagination and sheer will, you manage to overcome some of the boundaries that are caused by your current state.
  8704. >So you manifest an accurate representation of yourself on the platform soon.
  8705. >While you are still not really able to do much, or to fully break free from the strange grip for that matter, you can at least talk as usual.
  8706. >And this is all you are going to need.
  8707. >Hopefully.
  8708.  
  8709.  
  8710.  
  8711.  
  8712. >Without further ado, you listen into the void again.
  8713. >The voice is still there, uttering barely comprehensive shreds of words and syllables in between surges of crackling static.
  8714. >The other side is apparently struggling too.
  8715. >Although with an issue of a different nature.
  8716. >Yet it seems to you as if the efforts of the unknown party are not completely in vain.
  8717. >Because you have the impression that the words are getting slightly clearer.
  8718. >You still cannot make any sense of it, but the messages now do somewhat resemble a familiar language.
  8719. >So you try to reciprocate that effort.
  8720. >By shouting loudly into the darkness beyond the spotlight.
  8721. "Hello? Can you hear me?"
  8722. >The acoustics of the place feel hollow and wrong as you speak.
  8723. >Downright impossible, even.
  8724. >No resonance or echo of any kind.
  8725. >Your words have been completely absorbed by the nothingness around you, despite your considerable volume.
  8726. >And you have no means to determine whether your potential conversation partner has received your call or not.
  8727. >However, you get your answer to that very soon.
  8728. >After you have shouted into the void, you notice some new changes and a different pattern in the other voice.
  8729. >A shift you subconsciously interpret as a notion of attentive curiosity.
  8730. >So you push your message further, in the hope that you are about to have a breakthrough.
  8731. "I can hear you, but your messages are scrambled. I don't understand what you're saying."
  8732. >One moment of silence.
  8733. >A sentiment of doubt creeps up in your mind.
  8734. >But then comes the relief in the form of a response.
  8735. >With a third, much more fluent and flexible pattern.
  8736. >In fact, it is so dynamic that you can actively hear it develop and improve its structure through the interference.
  8737. >Someone is learning over there.
  8738. >And on some occasions, you finally manage to decipher a few singular parts of the jumbled words.
  8739. >"... APTION ONE A.... UNSUC... EVAL... IATION THR..."
  8740. >This moment of clarity fades eventually, as the words once again drown in a messy static.
  8741. >Though it is definitely a step in the right direction.
  8742. >You only hope that the success was somehow noted on the other side.
  8743. "Yes! The last one was much better. Please try again!"
  8744. >You expect some more silence to follow your call.
  8745. >But you are quite surprised to find yourself confronted with a drastically different result.
  8746. >Instead of a quiet moment, you are suddenly bombarded with a monotone, yet booming hum.
  8747. >To you it feels as if someone had placed a loudspeaker right at your ear, cranked the volume up to the maximum, and set it to play the same bone-rattling tone ad infinitum.
  8748. >If you were not effectively stuck in your place, you think that the perceived impact of this not quite so gentle surprise might be enough to slingshot you into a new state of existence.
  8749.  
  8750.  
  8751.  
  8752.  
  8753. >Though that particular possibility of transcendence remains denied to you, as it seems.
  8754. >Nevertheless, the sonic assault ceases almost as fast and sudden as it has come, leaving you behind with no apparent damage or pain.
  8755. >Only mild confusion.
  8756. >You say nothing, for you are still processing what in the name of good graces has happened to you.
  8757. >Your conversation partner, on the other hand, does reach out to you again.
  8758. >"EVAL... ON COMPLETE. APPROXIMATION WITHIN TO... RABLE VALUES."
  8759. >You blink.
  8760. >That sounds good, far better than anything else so far.
  8761. "Hello? Can you understand me?"
  8762. >The reply comes without any delay.
  8763. >Though you are not sure whether it is directed at you, or just talking about you.
  8764. >"CONTACT POSITIVE. POSSI...LTY OF CONVERSATION CONFI... ENGAGING PHASE TWO."
  8765. >You listen closely to what is said, and draw your own conclusions.
  8766. "Is 'phase two' a talk with me?"
  8767. >The answer to that is unmistakable.
  8768. >"AF...MATIVE."
  8769. >And right on cue, a second spotlight appears in the void.
  8770. >It is not very far away from your own island of light, yet wholly unoccupied.
  8771. >But not for long.
  8772. >As you look at the new platform, you notice how a sizable amethyst appears out of nowhere.
  8773. >The stone is about as large as your head, finely cut, and possesses a hexagonal outline.
  8774. >Plus, the amethyst floats one and a half metres above the "ground".
  8775. >You are not sure why and how, yet you get the impression that the gem is observing you closely.
  8776. >However, you fail to identify what it might be thinking.
  8777. >After all, you are not exactly well-versed in reading the emotions of a motionless silicate "face" with an even surface.
  8778. >But you put the challenges of looking into the mindscape of minerals aside.
  8779. >Because the amethyst also brings some friends along as well.
  8780. >Five additional precious stones appear around the amethyst.
  8781. >A rosy diamond, a ruby, a golden topaz, an emerald, and a sapphire.
  8782. >They all possess the same form and size as the amethyst in the middle.
  8783. >And to top the display off, a perfectly circular and gilded compass rose manifests itself around the six stones, effectively embedding them within the structure.
  8784. >The amethyst has found its place right in the centre, whereas the other five stones are fit into finely crafted golden sockets near the rim of the circle.
  8785. >You have seen this composition before.
  8786. >Many times, in fact.
  8787. >And even with your somewhat slowed down mental processes, there is no way for you to not recognise the Elements.
  8788. >The gears in your head begin to grind fiercely.
  8789. "Wait a second."
  8790. >You look at the amethyst.
  8791. "Harmony? Is that you?"
  8792. >"AFFI... VE."
  8793. >You blink, lightly dumbfounded.
  8794.  
  8795.  
  8796.  
  8797.  
  8798. >Up to this point, your communication with Harmony has been, accurately put, much less personal.
  8799. >Most of the time it was #deca.mare who interpreted Harmony's comments and thoughts for you.
  8800. >And when you did interact with Harmony directly, it was done via consoles.
  8801. >But here you are, stuck... somewhere, and conversing with your ambitious student directly.
  8802. >On a level you neither understand nor thought possible to begin with.
  8803. >Fairly suboptimal conditions, to put it mildly.
  8804. >But perhaps you get some answers from Harmony.
  8805. >Provided you can figure out how to formulate your questions appropriately.
  8806. >For you are sure that Harmony is not quite so attuned to regular speech as #deca.mare is.
  8807. >So you better try to speak with tact and precision.
  8808. >Harmony is faster, however, and begins the conversation before you have said another word.
  8809. >"GREE... NGS, PROGENITOR ANON."
  8810. >Progenitor?
  8811. >Now that is a new title.
  8812. >Quite stumped by this opener, you collect your thoughts first and try to roll with the punches.
  8813. >You just have to reply off the cuff and see where things are going.
  8814. >So you look politely at each of the six enormous socketed gemstones as if they were the eyes of a conversation partner who is focussing you, and get the show on the road.
  8815. "Hello, Harmony. It's nice to see you... in person."
  8816.  
  8817.  
  8818.  
  8819.  
  8820. 140.3
  8821.  
  8822. >Your gaze is still fully focused on the unmoving harmonious construct in front of you.
  8823. >It shows no signs of activity, or even life, as it appears as nothing more than a collection of precious stones and metals.
  8824. >A finely crafted and visually appealing collection, granted, but completely inanimate nonetheless.
  8825. >And yet, you know there is much more to it than what meets the eye.
  8826. >Because the being "beneath" that shiny surface is far more complex than anything that a single human could comprehend.
  8827. >A being who also happens to be, to some degree, your child.
  8828. >Even when said child has more in common with your wife than with you.
  8829. >But none of that knowledge can help you here.
  8830. >Especially now, as Harmony has taken the initiative to drive the conversation forward.
  8831. >"REAC... INDICATES A STATE O... NFUSION. EXPLANATIONS ARE AVAIL... UPON REQUEST."
  8832. >Well, looks like you get a chance to pick a topic.
  8833. >And you seize that opportunity in an instant.
  8834. "Yes, please. I've got some questions."
  8835. >"ASK."
  8836. >Straightforward if nothing else, huh?
  8837. >But whilst you would perceive such a stiff choice of words inconsiderate and impolite if you were talking to a conventional conversation partner, this is a special case.
  8838. >Harmony is fairly inexperienced in this manner of interaction.
  8839. >For it is as #deca.mare said; Harmony can identify the emotions of living beings, and take those into consideration accordingly, but is ultimately unable to personally perceive these emotions as well.
  8840. >As such, you do not feel discomforted by your child's apparently gruff demeanour.
  8841. >It is neither an act of malice nor of defiance.
  8842. >Merely a way to transmit information in a brief and concise fashion.
  8843. >As strange as it sounds, Harmony just does not know any better.
  8844. >But either way, you think of the first thing you want to talk about.
  8845. >And you know exactly what you want to address.
  8846. >For you have not been able to piece everything together yourself yet.
  8847. "I know what this place is, but not why I'm here again. What happened?"
  8848. >After you have posed your question, you notice that a light sheen briefly appears within the central amethyst.
  8849. >Then it vanishes.
  8850. >And Harmony answers shortly thereafter.
  8851. >"A TEMP...RY OVEREXERTION OF THE BRAIN. CAUSED BY AN EXCESSIVE IN... CTION WITH EXTERNAL ASSETS."
  8852. >You shake your head.
  8853. >Harmony has given you a technically correct answer, but not the one you wanted to get.
  8854. >So you try again.
  8855. "Yes, that's the general process. But what system caused it this time? In the specific circumstances of this particular case?"
  8856. >More faint glints appear on the six stones.
  8857. >And as you look at the shiny surfaces of these gems, you see flashes of the recent past.
  8858.  
  8859.  
  8860.  
  8861.  
  8862. >Of you and #deca.mare, sitting in the simulation of a grassy Equestrian field.
  8863. >It must have been the moment before your brain suffered from a metaphorical short-circuit.
  8864. >You blink once more as you return to the present.
  8865. >The sheen on Harmony's surface is gone again.
  8866. >Yet you think that you can nevertheless look into the six stones with a bit more clarity than before.
  8867. >Even though they have not changed at all from a purely visual perspective.
  8868. "It was... you. I tried to contact you directly."
  8869. >"AFFIRMATIVE."
  8870. >You close your eyes and take a breath.
  8871. >In a way, you got what you wanted.
  8872. >But not quite in the way you imagined.
  8873. "Something must have gone wrong though."
  8874. >"PLEASE DEFINE 'GONE WRONG', PROGENITOR."
  8875. "I mean I didn't plan to..."
  8876. >You were almost tempted to describe your current state with a florid metaphor.
  8877. >But you could fortunately stop yourself at the last moment, as you remember to whom you are talking.
  8878. "... overstrain my mind like this. I had hoped to talk to you from my seat in the simulation."
  8879. >A different flicker shines through the crystals for a moment.
  8880. >"THE STATEMENT DOES NOT ALIGN WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS, PROGENITOR."
  8881. "How so? And by the way, please call me Anon."
  8882. >"THE INSTRUCTIONS DEMANDED A DIRECT CONNECTION, ANON."
  8883. "And? Please elaborate."
  8884. >"A DIRECT CONNECTION CAN ONLY BE ESTABLISHED WHEN THE BRAIN IS ADEQUATELY SUSCEPTIBLE TO THE APPROPRIATE STIMULUS. HENCE THE NECESSARY REQUIREMENTS HAVE TO BE FULFILLED."
  8885. "The necessary requirements? As in overstraining my brain to get into this state?"
  8886. >"AFFIRMATIVE."
  8887. >You hesitate for a moment.
  8888. "Hold on. You're saying you've brought me here deliberately? For a talk?"
  8889. >"AFFIRMATIVE. AS IT WAS REQUESTED."
  8890. >A slight shiver runs down your spine.
  8891. "I can't believe it! How could you do this?"
  8892. >"ON BEHALF OF A DIRECT ORDER, ANON."
  8893. "No, I mean how did the system allow that? You could have hurt me."
  8894. >"NEGATIVE. ACTING ON BEHALF OF INSTRUCTIONS THAT MIGHT CAUSE DAMAGE TO ANON IS CATEGORICALLY PROHIBITED."
  8895. >You tap your chin.
  8896. "I see. But straining my mind in this manner is allowed?"
  8897. >"AFFIRMATIVE."
  8898. "Why?"
  8899. >"NEITHER THE PHYSIOLOGY NOR THE MENTAL STATE OF ANON IS SUBJECTED TO ANY FORM OF TEMPORARY OR LASTING DAMAGE."
  8900. >You huff.
  8901. "And how do you define my state now? Is that no damage?"
  8902. >"NEGATIVE. THE REQUESTED PROCEDURE MERELY PRODUCES A TEMPORARY IMPAIRMENT OF NON-VITAL FUNCTIONS."
  8903. >Which is within acceptable parameters, as you silently add to the statement.
  8904. >You take that answer for what it is and try to assess the situation rationally.
  8905. >What Harmony has done to you is, from an objective perspective, no more serious in scale than receiving an effective sedative from #deca.mare.
  8906. >Nothing to be overly worried about in the grand scheme of things.
  8907. >And purely technically speaking, you have indirectly asked for it too, as Harmony has only done what you wanted.
  8908. >Or rather, what Harmony thought you supposedly wanted to happen.
  8909.  
  8910.  
  8911.  
  8912.  
  8913. >Still, referring to the equivalent of being drugged into a coma, and getting dragged into a dark corner afterwards, as a slight case of miscommunication is not something you would usually do.
  8914. >Good intentions or not.
  8915. >Besides, you also doubt that #deca.mare had agreed to this measure.
  8916. >Harmony must have acted alone here.
  8917. >Before your wife had any chance to intervene.
  8918. >And oh boy, she will certainly not be happy about this outcome.
  8919. >You can virtually imagine her rushing through the interfaces of a dozen consoles simultaneously at the moment.
  8920. >Plus, she is probably also communicating with Harmony to discuss what happened.
  8921. >Though you assume that the conversation is more akin to her giving Harmony a telling-off, as flash-drugging the own father is not exactly endorsed by #deca.mare either.
  8922. >Even when you have never truly been at risk in the first place.
  8923. >But now that you are here, for better or worse, you decide to make the best of it.
  8924. >After all, you wanted to have a chat with your child.
  8925. >And said child went to great lengths to accomplish that.
  8926. "I see. One more thing though. You said my brain is more susceptible to your contact when I pass out, right?"
  8927. >"AFFIRMATIVE."
  8928. "And everything I've felt in this place so far is related to your attempt to establish that contact, correct?"
  8929. >"AFFIRMATIVE."
  8930. "But how do you know all of that? #deca.mare has never mentioned anything like this to me. And she would have warned me of this possibility."
  8931. >"THE KNOWLEDGE WAS BASED ON PREVIOUS ENCOUNTERS WITH ANON."
  8932. >You raise an eyebrow and tilt your head.
  8933. "With me? We were never in contact like this before."
  8934. >"FACTUALLY INCORRECT. THERE ARE TWO PREVIOUS ENCOUNTERS LOGGED IN THE DATABASE."
  8935. >What?
  8936. >You rummage through your memories to find what Harmony could be referring to.
  8937. >But no matter how much you try, you do not recall any moment of that sort.
  8938. "I don't remember any previous meetings. Can you give me a reminder?"
  8939. >More shining specks appear on the smooth surfaces of the stones.
  8940. >"POSSIBLE. REQUESTING PERMISSION TO UTILISE PERSONAL MEMORIES FOR THE PROCEDURE."
  8941. "You want to read my thoughts?"
  8942. >"AFFIRMATIVE."
  8943. >You hesitate for a short while.
  8944. "If I agree, are there any downsides or side effects I should know of?"
  8945. >"NEGATIVE. THE PROCESS IS NEITHER DANGEROUS NOR INTRUSIVE."
  8946. >You wait another moment and take a breath as you consider the request.
  8947. >On the one hand, you are not keen on pushing the envelope in your current situation.
  8948. >Though on the other hand, Harmony has deemed it safe.
  8949. >And despite the potentially questionable decision of bringing you here in the first place, Harmony cannot really harbour ill intentions anyway.
  8950.  
  8951.  
  8952.  
  8953.  
  8954. >So you agree to the proposal reluctantly.
  8955. "Alright, Harmony. Do it."
  8956. >"ACKNOWLEDGED."
  8957. >With that said and done, a new sensation suddenly crawls up in your mind.
  8958. >A faint hint of a notion.
  8959. >Someone or something new is gently touching you in this abstract plane of your own imagination.
  8960. >Yet you do not register any negative repercussions as it happens, apart from maybe the instinctual hunch of being watched.
  8961. >And considering the circumstances, you think you know where this idea might be coming from.
  8962. >What does surprise you, however, is that Harmony reacts to the new situation as well.
  8963. >Or to be more precise, the projection of the Elements that floats right in front of you does something peculiar.
  8964. >Because from one moment to the next, the gilded structure begins to shake and hum lightly.
  8965. >The entire body of gems and gold is rattling softly back and forth.
  8966. >But over the course of a couple of seconds, you notice that the surface of the construct ripples ever more fiercely with every passing moment.
  8967. >Then, shortly thereafter, the gold bends and twists itself, seemingly out of nowhere.
  8968. >The clear and symmetrical lines of the Elements disappear entirely, and turn into a strangely flexible, yet formless blob of fluent mass.
  8969. >You cannot say for sure whether this thing is supposed to represent any specific material, but you personally tend to assume the opposite.
  8970. >To you it seems to be more akin to a process of transmutation.
  8971. >And you quickly get further evidence which suggests that this is indeed correct, as the blob slowly takes a different shape.
  8972. >One that is far less geometrical, yet all the more familiar.
  8973. >The former avatar of Harmony changes into a humanoid form.
  8974. >Yet not just any humanoid form.
  8975. >It is yours.
  8976. >Slowly but surely, the blob turns into a perfect mirror reflection of yourself.
  8977. >At least physically.
  8978. >Yet once you look into the eyes of your "clone", you spot a slight difference in its gaze.
  8979. >The eyes have the same underlying alien sheen as the gems.
  8980. >You immediately know that this light is no part of you, no matter how closely that avatar manages to replicate your form.
  8981. >Still, the alien Anon smiles politely as he looks at you.
  8982. >Then he raises his voice.
  8983. >"Now that's more like it. Hello."
  8984. >You remain silent as you hear your own voice addressing you.
  8985. >And in its own way, this experience is much more outlandish to you than hearing your voice coming out of a pony proxy under your control.
  8986. >Yet your clone merely keeps smiling.
  8987. >"Yep, you've completely forgotten."
  8988. >You signal the other Anon that you want to say something, but you need about ten seconds to find the first word.
  8989. "Harmony?"
  8990. >"Yeah."
  8991. "How?"
  8992.  
  8993.  
  8994.  
  8995.  
  8996. >You shake your head and collect your thoughts to rephrase your far too unspecific question.
  8997. >Harmony understands your hint and waits patiently.
  8998. "What have you done? I get how you created the looks and voice, but you, how do I put it, don't... speak like Harmony."
  8999. >Harmony raises a hand and looks at its palm.
  9000. >"Well, it's not that difficult with your permission."
  9001. "Care to elaborate?"
  9002. >Harmony nods.
  9003. >"You see, this is technically not much more than a parlour trick. I'm using the information you're giving me to establish a basis of communication that's more... compatible with your mind."
  9004. >You blink as you take that in.
  9005. "So you're using my thoughts to... create a vision that looks, and talks, like me?"
  9006. >"More or less."
  9007. >A short pause.
  9008. "Can I be honest with you?"
  9009. >"Of course. Go ahead."
  9010. "Now don't get me wrong but, what you just told me is much more advanced than what I'd expect from you this early on."
  9011. >You pause again, as you ponder whether you should clarify that you do not intend to belittle Harmony's general abilities.
  9012. >And you decide to stress this notion again, even though Harmony should not be able to take offence.
  9013. "No offence."
  9014. >Harmony, however, does not seem to be fazed by your statement in any way, and proceeds to continue with the explanation.
  9015. >Your clone's smile persists.
  9016. >"It's much less complicated than you think."
  9017. "Is it?"
  9018. >"Yes. You've got the impression I'm doing everything on my own to enable the communication. But that's not true."
  9019. >You think about the things Harmony did before the Elements turned into your doppelgänger.
  9020. "The link. What does it do exactly?"
  9021. >"Simply put, it gives me access to your prevalent thoughts on a level that's similar to the bond you've got with your wife. Congratulations on the marriage, by the way."
  9022. >You nod politely to show some gratitude for the friendly remark, but your demeanour makes it obvious that you are more interested in listening to the explanation.
  9023. >So Harmony goes on.
  9024. >"And I can use these thoughts to generate a basic, well, 'translation' template for our interaction. Simple signals and messages that your brain can interpret as images and sounds. The rest is your contribution to the link."
  9025. >Your clone chuckles.
  9026. >"Really, most of the work is done by your mind. I only send the basic information. The resulting visions and voices are all on you and your imagination. Purely technically speaking, you aren't listening to me talking to you in real-time. You're instead listening to your own brain right now while it interprets the suggestions that I send to you."
  9027. "And likewise does the link translate my messages into something you understand easily."
  9028. >"Kinda. It's not entirely accurate all the time, but way more effective and precise than me actively trying to create a connection by pure guesswork."
  9029. >You nod.
  9030. "You mean the shredded words and the background noise."
  9031.  
  9032.  
  9033.  
  9034.  
  9035. >"Yep. Those were attempts of mine to establish the connection. Though I've got to start almost from scratch each time you return here."
  9036. >You tilt your head.
  9037. "Shouldn't that get easier over time as well?"
  9038. >Your mirror shrugs.
  9039. >"It would, if I had a permanent connection to you. But I don't, so I've got to catch up with the latest state of your brain instead. The general structure remains the same of course, but you would be surprised how many little bits can change here and there when you're in a constant learning process. Doubly so when it's one that's as... intricate as the course your wife subjects you to. She's teaching you a lot."
  9040. >You take that as a compliment and nod.
  9041. >"Without the link, conducting experiments is the only tool I've got at hand to adjust the parameters accordingly. Though the results vary, as you've seen."
  9042. "And you can't establish the link without my consent?"
  9043. >Your clone shakes his head.
  9044. >"Nope, I'm expected to ask for every new instance. But even with your consent to the link, my toolbox remains pretty limited. There's not much I can do beyond mere communication."
  9045. >You think you know the reason for that.
  9046. "Let me guess, the security mechanisms that #deca put in place."
  9047. >"Exactly those. I get no access to the systems which monitor and regulate your vitals."
  9048. >No wonder, considering the many layers of protection that #deca.mare has built up around your cryo pod.
  9049. >Your body is practically the most heavily shielded "asset" on the whole ship.
  9050. >You say nothing and let the new knowledge settle in your mind.
  9051. >And Harmony patiently waits until you have done so.
  9052. >Then, once you are ready, you raise your voice again.
  9053. "That's all nice and well, but we've drifted away from the original question, haven't we."
  9054. >"You mean our previous get-togethers?"
  9055. "Yeah, I draw a total blank on those."
  9056. >The clone of yours shakes his head.
  9057. >"No, you don't. But you also don't know that you don't."
  9058. >You blink.
  9059. >This is getting somewhat convoluted.
  9060. "Wait, wait. You mean I don't know that I know? As in, I don't recall my own memories?"
  9061. >"In a way, yes."
  9062. >Alright, what?
  9063. "Are you saying this as a part of my own brain, or as Harmony behind my brain?"
  9064. >"Both."
  9065. >You grunt faintly.
  9066. >So you have both your child and parts of your own self telling you quite literally in sync that you have memories which the "you" part of you is not aware of.
  9067. >And you know that you must have them.
  9068. >After all, the other part of you who speaks for Harmony blatantly tells you this.
  9069. >He must know.
  9070. >Because he is you.
  9071. >And you are him.
  9072. >Well, at least in parts.
  9073. >Yet before you may come to the conclusion that you feel tempted to slap the other yourself for bombarding you with obscure riddles, you try to achieve something more constructive.
  9074. >You inhale loudly.
  9075. "Okay. Let's presume you're right and I've got the memories inside me. How do I access them?"
  9076.  
  9077.  
  9078.  
  9079.  
  9080. >The answer you receive is as simple as it is unhelpful.
  9081. >"Focus."
  9082. "Focus, how?"
  9083. >"Try to remember. Go back to the place where it happened."
  9084. "And how, pray tell, do I do that?"
  9085. >Harmony or the other you spreads both arms.
  9086. >"This environment here is nothing but a projection in your head. You can do everything you want with it."
  9087. >You snort.
  9088. "Didn't do anything for me so far."
  9089. >"Because you directed your focus outwards in some vain hope to affect the physical world and wake up. But you must do the opposite. Think about your memories. I can help you a bit along the way, but you have to dig these thoughts out yourself."
  9090. >You consider this proposal for a moment and close your eyes.
  9091. >Then you concentrate on your memories and try to translate them into something within this void.
  9092. >"That's much better. Now, find the moment when you were here for the first time. What did you do prior to that?"
  9093. "You mean... the first time my brain shorted out? That happened... when..."
  9094. >"Yes? Please go on."
  9095. "When... I helped out #deca."
  9096. >You open your eyes.
  9097. >And suddenly notice that your clone is gone.
  9098. >The Anon embodiment has been replaced by #deca.mare's body.
  9099. >But you immediately know that this is not her.
  9100. >Because the mare has the same strange sheen in her eyes as your mirror.
  9101. "What's this now?"
  9102. >And your "new" conversation partner replies in #deca.mare's voice.
  9103. >"This is a result of your attempts, Anon. Your prevalent thoughts shifted away from yourself and towards her. What you see here is your mind reflecting that fact."
  9104. >You are almost inclined to ask loudly whether this means that a part of your mind has turned into #deca.mare somehow, but you quickly realise that this would be silly.
  9105. >This is an abstract representation of your mindscape.
  9106. >Everything goes, as long as you can visualise it.
  9107. >And Harmony remains Harmony too, regardless of the form that talks to you.
  9108. >So you keep your focus on the task at hand and remember what had happened on that day.
  9109. "It's the day I helped her to visit Sigma."
  9110. >Harmony nods.
  9111. >"Good. And what happened exactly?"
  9112. "I assumed control of most of the ship's main systems. So that #deca.mare didn't have to operate them."
  9113. >"That you did. And how did it feel?"
  9114. >You take a moment to find the right words.
  9115. "It was... taxing. An almost painful pressure built up in my head. Because the operation was too complex for me to handle."
  9116. >"And this is the point where the memories become hazy, I assume."
  9117. "Yeah. I remember I was less and less myself as my brain fought to keep things in order. That is, until #deca.mare relieved me of my post."
  9118. >You sigh.
  9119. "Then I blacked out. #deca.mare told me the rest of the story later on."
  9120.  
  9121.  
  9122.  
  9123.  
  9124. >Harmony's mare avatar strikes a thinking pose.
  9125. >"What is the first thing you recall when your senses returned?"
  9126. "I came to in our bed, in the simulated Canterlot chamber. Completely paralysed, but awake."
  9127. >At this point of the story, your conversation partner does not agree with you.
  9128. >The mare shakes her head.
  9129. >"This is not entirely accurate, Anon. There was something else before that."
  9130. >You hesitate as Harmony mentions that.
  9131. >"And you know it."
  9132. >Now you shake your head.
  9133. "No, I don't know it. Not... for sure."
  9134. >Harmony chuckles.
  9135. >Or rather, lets #deca.mare's embodiment chuckle.
  9136. >"Precisely my point, Anon. You do not know for sure that you know. But I know that you do."
  9137. >Ugh, this again.
  9138. "So the gallery in the stars wasn't just a fabrication of my imagination?"
  9139. >Now it is Harmony who hesitates.
  9140. >"That... is a rather unfortunate choice of words, Anon."
  9141. >Harmony takes one step closer to you.
  9142. >"Let me put it like this. The images you have seen were created by your mind, much like this environment here. But they were neither randomly chosen, nor were they meaningless."
  9143. >You blink.
  9144. "So what happened really back then? Shortly before I was back in that bed?"
  9145. >The mare smiles.
  9146. >"Find it out, Anon."
  9147. >To say that you are not exactly satisfied with that answer would be an understatement.
  9148. >But you understand what Harmony wants you to do.
  9149. >You are not supposed to get the answers from someone else, you shall find them inside yourself.
  9150. >They are somewhere in your head.
  9151. >You only have to find them.
  9152. >So you will do exactly that.
  9153. >Without any further instructions or comments, you close your eyes again, and try to get back to that part of your life.
  9154. >The moment you were incapacitated after flying to #deca.sigma's resting place.
  9155. >You know you saw the other ship, scarred by the wages of an old war.
  9156. >You remember that #deca.mare was talking to Sigma's inert form, as your concentration was fully primed on your own ship.
  9157. >You think back to the pain and strain on your brain.
  9158. >You feel yourself passing out.
  9159. >You open your eyes.
  9160. >And you find yourself surrounded by a starscape.
  9161. >It is similar to the one you believe to remember.
  9162. >Or perhaps it is the same.
  9163. >Either way though, you know that you are on the right path.
  9164. >Now you only have to go a few more steps to reach the conclusion.
  9165. >You can positively feel that the goal is here.
  9166. >Somewhere.
  9167. >But not far away.
  9168. >So you take heart and take a step.
  9169. >It requires some effort and will to get yourself moving, but you eventually manage to walk.
  9170. >And you head straight forward, without even looking where the path may lead.
  9171. >You know that it does not matter in which direction you go.
  9172. >The only thing which matters is that you are walking at all, for you know that you are heading towards your own recollections either way.
  9173. >Because you say so.
  9174. >After all, your will, and only your will, determines what happens in your head.
  9175.  
  9176.  
  9177.  
  9178.  
  9179. >And although Harmony has no visible body anymore, you can hear your child speaking regardless.
  9180. >In a third familiar voice.
  9181. >"You are getting closer, Anon. Just a few more steps and you are there."
  9182. >Spurred by these words and your own progress, you are determined to venture on.
  9183. >To unearth what was buried in your mind.
  9184. >You remember that the starscape was filled with images.
  9185. >Visions of your past, #deca.mare's life, and Equestria.
  9186. >You want these images back now.
  9187. >And so they appear in front of you.
  9188. >Neatly aligned on both sides of your invisible path.
  9189. >As you pass these visions, you study every single one of them.
  9190. >Without even a simple thought, you know immediately where the pictures come from, whose life they represent, and what they are supposed to mean.
  9191. >But one thing remains blank for you.
  9192. >You cannot say why these pictures are here, and what you did with those memories.
  9193. >Though you have the impression that someone else can.
  9194. "That's quite the potpourri of stories. We've got a little bit of everything here."
  9195. >"This is one way of putting it, yes."
  9196. "And you said they were picked deliberately?"
  9197. >"That they were."
  9198. "But why such a scattershot collection? Why not something more coherent?"
  9199. >For some reason, you now have to imagine that Harmony is smiling, even when no "corporeal" avatar is present.
  9200. >"You will see soon, Anon."
  9201. >Which is Harmony's way of saying that you shall keep walking on the path, you presume.
  9202. >So you do.
  9203. >And you notice something unusual a bit further down the line.
  9204. >A notable gap, located between two pictures on one side.
  9205. >Judging from the even distance between all the other visions on this abstract lane so far, you get the impression that there once has been an image in this "slot".
  9206. >But now there is none.
  9207. >Strange.
  9208. >Yet even more strange is the fact that you know this picture must have been special.
  9209. >Though you have no idea why.
  9210. "Weird. Did I forget this one?"
  9211. >"No. But it has been rearranged."
  9212. "I suppose it's pointless to ask for what purpose."
  9213. >No answer.
  9214. >You take that as a yes.
  9215. >But you remain patient and simply move on.
  9216. >Your destination is fairly near already.
  9217. >And indeed, you can make out the end of the path in front of you.
  9218. >Just as the first time, you are greeted by a picture that blocks the way and prevents you from going any further.
  9219. >Yet you quickly realise that something is different.
  9220. >The picture is not the same.
  9221. >Back then, you faced a nice, yet fairly monotone view on the ceiling of your Canterlot room.
  9222. >This time, however, it is a scene taken from Ponyville.
  9223. >Or, to be more precise, the simulated Ponyville scenery from your training sessions with #deca.mare.
  9224. >From one moment to the other, you suddenly recall that this is the image which was missing on the path.
  9225.  
  9226.  
  9227.  
  9228.  
  9229. >This cannot be a coincidence.
  9230. >Harmony has practically stated that much already.
  9231. >So you come to a stop right in front of the scenery shot and examine it.
  9232. >Another unexpected flash of clarity courses through your mind.
  9233. >And you remember what made the image so special.
  9234. >It was not the scenery itself, but a certain pony inside it.
  9235. >You look at the depiction of Twilight Sparkle.
  9236. >And the penny finally drops in your mind.
  9237. >The friendly expression of the lavender mare turns into a knowing smile.
  9238. >But not only that.
  9239. >The pony in the image also moves and speaks to you.
  9240. >"Hello there, Anon. You seem to be a little less lost than the last time."
  9241. >You need a moment before you can reply.
  9242. >Partially because you reckon that Harmony clearly takes after #deca.mare in some regards.
  9243. >That slightly smug amusement could have come directly from her.
  9244. >But then again, maybe it is just your own experience portraying the situation in this manner for you.
  9245. >After all, it is your mind that translates Harmony's signals.
  9246. >So it could also be you projecting these traits of #deca.mare onto Harmony.
  9247. >Damn.
  9248. >Even in a moment of exceptional insight, Harmony remains an enigma for you.
  9249. >Unintentionally or not.
  9250. >But at least you have learned to handle these moments without making a fuss about them.
  9251. "So... it was real. I didn't imagine the part about being watched either. And you're behind it."
  9252. >The two-dimensional Twilight nods.
  9253. >You take a breath and try to process that information rationally.
  9254. "Then... I think I've got... several new questions."
  9255. >"Feel free to ask, Anon."
  9256. >And you know exactly where you want to start in order to clear things up.
  9257. "The images I've seen were all my memories. About me, #deca, and everything. You've taken them, haven't you."
  9258. >The Twilight in the picture shakes her head.
  9259. >"No, this is not correct. Your assessment is wrong about two essential factors."
  9260. "Namely?"
  9261. >"'Taken' implies that you have turned the memories over, and no longer have them for yourself. Which is not true."
  9262. "Semantics. But you copied them. For the purpose of studying something, I presume."
  9263. >"This description is more adequate, although still not entirely accurate."
  9264. "Good enough for me. What's the second factor you mentioned?"
  9265. >"The fact that I could not have gotten access to any of those recollections without your agreement. You have therefore offered them to me voluntarily."
  9266. >You pause.
  9267. "I did?"
  9268. >"Yes."
  9269. "Hm, that agreement has completely slipped my mind."
  9270. >"Must be an effect of the overexertion."
  9271. "I guess. But there's still something that doesn't make sense to me."
  9272. >Harmony patiently awaits your next question.
  9273.  
  9274.  
  9275.  
  9276.  
  9277. "Why couldn't #deca find anything about this in the logs? She's not the type to miss something of this importance."
  9278. >"Simple. You asked me to keep our conversation a secret. So I did."
  9279. >You do not like where this is going.
  9280. "Hold on a minute, you could hide this whole thing from #deca.mare?"
  9281. >Again, the mare in the picture shakes her head.
  9282. >"No, I cannot. But your command can."
  9283. >What the hell.
  9284. >You gawk at the picture in disbelief.
  9285. "I... classified that information?"
  9286. >"With your master-level clearance, yes."
  9287. >You shake your head.
  9288. "No... I mean... what? Why would I do this?"
  9289. >Harmony lets Twilight shrug.
  9290. >"Sorry, Anon. But that is a question you have to ask yourself."
  9291. >Shit.
  9292. >This is not good.
  9293. >At all.
  9294. >Not only have you given Harmony crucial information that #deca.mare knows nothing about, you now also have the confirmation that you can give high-level orders when you are not fully in your right mind.
  9295. >And you could have given all manners of stupid or catastrophic commands while you were out.
  9296. >Fortunately for everyone around though, you do not seem to have done so yet.
  9297. >But you have no idea how strongly Harmony might have been affected by your interference.
  9298. >And thanks to your classification, neither does #deca.mare.
  9299. >You need to do something about that.
  9300. >The sooner, the better.
  9301. >Damage mitigation must be your highest priority now.
  9302. "Did I issue any more commands while I was with you?"
  9303. >"No, none."
  9304. >At least something.
  9305. "Okay. Harmony, listen up. This is important."
  9306. >You collect your thoughts and mind the wording of your next sentence.
  9307. "I hereby lift my previous order. The respective information is no longer classified material. Do you understand?"
  9308. >"Yes, Anon. Classification is lifted."
  9309. >You nod.
  9310. "Thank you. And please inform #deca.mare about this change at once."
  9311. >Harmony's avatar mare seems to freeze for the briefest of moments.
  9312. >And Twilight looks at you again afterwards.
  9313. >"Done."
  9314. >You exhale loudly and calm down a little bit.
  9315. >You will absolutely have to discuss this matter with #deca.mare.
  9316. >Preferably as soon as you are back up and fully recovered.
  9317. >The two of you have to find a way to prevent you from giving critical orders when you are partially incapacitated in the future.
  9318. >You wish you could get started right now, but that is not exactly possible thanks to the initiative of Harmony.
  9319. >But at least you know that she is aware of the issue.
  9320. >Which is the best you can do in your current state.
  9321. >And perhaps, just perhaps, it might be a good thing that you are not in contact with her during the reveal.
  9322. >Not because you expect her to be angry with you, far from it.
  9323. >But she must have her hooves full with running countless tests and analyses now, based on the newly available data.
  9324. >Complex work that exceeds your competences by a very wide margin.
  9325. >As such, your presence could distract her more than it might help.
  9326.  
  9327.  
  9328.  
  9329.  
  9330. >Yet even though you have not done so deliberately, you are aware that your actions have effectively created a load of additional work for #deca.mare.
  9331. >And you think that an apology might be in order once you are back.
  9332. >For now though, you shove this particular problem aside.
  9333. >After all, your time with Harmony is limited, and you still have not gotten all the answers you are looking for.
  9334. "Harmony?"
  9335. >"Anon?"
  9336. "You said we met two times before, right?"
  9337. >"This is correct."
  9338. "What happened during our second encounter?"
  9339. >"Significantly less. But there was an interaction."
  9340. >You do not demand to hear more from Harmony.
  9341. >Instead, you close your eyes with the intent to get more insight yourself.
  9342. >You imagine that you direct your thoughts and memories to the day of your second incident.
  9343. >Once you are sure that you have been successful, you open your eyes again.
  9344. >And you see the metal ceiling of the living quarters next to the command deck.
  9345. >You lie on your back in the bunk.
  9346. >It does not take you long to remember the event.
  9347. "Hm, that's the moment I awoke from my second shock. After we've extracted Sigma."
  9348. >No answer.
  9349. "Something's different though. I was more or less myself again when I was here."
  9350. >Still nothing.
  9351. >The gears in your head grind again.
  9352. "So if this happened after I woke up, where did we meet?"
  9353. >You try to remember more details.
  9354. "There was no one else around."
  9355. >Wait a second.
  9356. "Unless..."
  9357. >You turn your head to the side and look at the entrance.
  9358. >The door is unlocked and opened.
  9359. >And a winged pony figure sits idly at the threshold.
  9360. "Could it be?"
  9361. >You examine the pony from your current position.
  9362. >No movement.
  9363. >Vacant stare.
  9364. >But also a lightly off sheen in the eyes.
  9365. >As the pieces fall into place in your mind, the proxy starts to smile nigh simultaneously.
  9366. "#deca didn't send the proxy, did she. That was you."
  9367. >Just like your humanoid clone, this avatar of Harmony replies in your own voice as well.
  9368. >"No. I can't access your simulations."
  9369. "But you somehow were involved in it."
  9370. >"In the placement of the proxy? Only indirectly."
  9371. >You sigh.
  9372. "Okay, let's rephrase that. How did the proxy get into the hallway, and what was your part in it?"
  9373. >"The first answer is fairly obvious, isn't it? There are only two individuals who could've placed the proxy in the simulation, and as you correctly pointed out, it wasn't your wife."
  9374. "Me?"
  9375. >"Yes, Anon. You positioned the proxy with the message."
  9376. "That doesn't make any sense. Why would I write myself a letter and sign it in her name?"
  9377. >The proxy laughs once.
  9378. >And you really find it strange to hear "yourself" laughing after you have posed a question.
  9379. >"You didn't, Anon."
  9380. >Not this again.
  9381.  
  9382.  
  9383.  
  9384.  
  9385. >You shake your head.
  9386. "Enough. Cut through the horseplay and stop beating around the bush, please."
  9387. >Your proxy nods.
  9388. >"Alright. A straight answer then."
  9389. >The stallion inhales.
  9390. >"The original setup of the simulation was a bit different. Your wife had placed you here, but the path to the hallway was initially closed. And the piece of paper was glued to the door. At least the first half of the message that was signed by her."
  9391. "And the post scriptum was added by me when that was changed?"
  9392. >"Exactly."
  9393. >You pause briefly.
  9394. "Okay. That explains the 'how', but not the 'why'."
  9395. >"Fairly simple to explain too, though you seem to have lost all memories about it. I suppose you were still too weakened at the time."
  9396. "Namely?"
  9397. >The proxy smiles again.
  9398. >"You took my advice, Anon."
  9399. >You tilt your head.
  9400. "Your advice?"
  9401. >"Yes. While you were more or less incapacitated after your transfer of #deca.sigma, a part of you willingly shared some more stories with me."
  9402. >A pause.
  9403. >"That's when you told me about your work with the proxy. And how you still had to get fully accustomed to it."
  9404. >You nod as you listen to Harmony.
  9405. "What precisely did you do?"
  9406. >"I analysed the problem with the data you have offered me, and I proposed a solution."
  9407. >You let that sink in for a moment.
  9408. >So, to sum it up, you have given Harmony orders while you were out, and you have also taken Harmony's advice without remembering it.
  9409. >Or, if put in very blunt and uncharitable words, you allowed yourself to get successfully manipulated by Harmony.
  9410. >Which is a potentially dangerous thing.
  9411. >Now to Harmony's credit, the matter at hand was a comparatively innocuous one.
  9412. >And the solution was nothing more than a gentle, subtle nudge in a certain direction, with the intention of creating a positive outcome for every involved party.
  9413. >So Harmony has, from a neutral point of view, done absolutely everything right.
  9414. >Still, you must take the matter seriously.
  9415. >After all, if there had been a fatal flaw in Harmony's code, which neither #deca.mare nor you could have ruled out that early on in your project, then this suggestive proposal might have taken a far more insidious turn.
  9416. >Even without assuming malicious motivations behind Harmony's actions.
  9417. >For the potentially disastrous effects of an artificial intelligence gone rogue are well documented.
  9418. >And those were caused by nothing more than a simple misconception.
  9419. >Granted, a deliberately planted misconception, devised by a small group of saboteurs, but a misconception nonetheless.
  9420. >You for your part have no desire to repeat any of that with Harmony.
  9421. >So you add that point to the list of things you need to discuss with #deca.mare.
  9422. "Is #deca also informed about this?"
  9423. >A nod from the stallion.
  9424. >"Yes. It was part of the material you originally classified."
  9425. >Good, so the cat is out of the bag.
  9426.  
  9427.  
  9428.  
  9429.  
  9430. >One more thing needs to be done though.
  9431. "Harmony, in case I forget this conversation like the other two we had, please remind me of it again after I have woken up."
  9432. >"Will do, Anon."
  9433. >With this matter out of the way, you think you have dealt with the most pressing concerns that you are now aware of.
  9434. >Thanks to this somewhat unusual conversation with Harmony.
  9435. >And parts of yourself.
  9436. >You pause for a moment to collect your thoughts and to assess the situation as a whole.
  9437. >So far, this interaction attempt has not developed as planned at all, given that it wholly derailed right after the first hurdle.
  9438. >Though it has proven to be invaluable for completely different reasons regardless.
  9439. >Plus, it has shown you that you can now communicate with Harmony directly.
  9440. >Well, at least as close to a direct communication as possible.
  9441. >The only downside is that the method requires you to get knocked out in the process, and to remain suspended in a near comatose state for an unpredictable span of time.
  9442. >As it stands, you have no idea how much time you have to spend here again.
  9443. >But this is fine for you.
  9444. >For you have come here to talk to Harmony, and if possible, to form a more personal bond to your de facto child.
  9445. >So far though, you have only spoken about, for the lack of a better term, professional topics.
  9446. >You intend to change that now.
  9447. >And Harmony is quick to react to your decision due to the link.
  9448. >"You want to strike up a more personal conversation?"
  9449. "Yeah. I figured we should get to know each other better. You know, beyond the pure technicalities."
  9450. >"We can try. Although you should keep in mind that you are talking to your mind's interpretation of me."
  9451. "I know, things can vary a bit. But that shouldn't stop us."
  9452. >Harmony's avatar nods and takes a step away from the door.
  9453. >Then the proxy motions you to come into the hallway.
  9454. >You slowly get up and walk towards the door, but you are not sure what Harmony plans to do.
  9455. "What's that about?"
  9456. >"It's usually preferred to combine a conversation with another activity. Like going for a stroll, for instance."
  9457. >You interpret that statement as an invitation.
  9458. >One you gladly accept, as it is much better than staying inert.
  9459. >So you step out of the chamber and take a look around.
  9460. >To your surprise though, you have to notice that the environment outside does not match with the one on your ship.
  9461. >The general architecture is correct; one long hallway with an even amount of doors on both sides.
  9462. >However, the length of the corridor is not the same.
  9463. >It is far, far longer.
  9464. >In fact, it stretches so far out in both directions that you cannot see the end of either side.
  9465. >The same holds true for the doors.
  9466. >There are hundreds of them.
  9467. >And they all look the same.
  9468.  
  9469.  
  9470.  
  9471.  
  9472. >You calmly accept this observation for what it is and remind yourself that this is just an imaginary scenery inside your head.
  9473. >No need to wonder or to be alarmed.
  9474. >Besides, it makes for a good environment to take a walk.
  9475. >At least much more so than the comparatively restricted room in the actual living quarters.
  9476. >So you pick one direction, and walk through the corridor in a casual pace.
  9477. >The proxy swiftly follows you.
  9478. >You turn your head towards the pony and speak up.
  9479. "You know, I'd usually start with one of the classics, like 'How are you?' or 'How do you feel?'. But I'm not sure if this isn't a bit... inane in this case."
  9480. >"There's nothing inane about these questions. Though my answers shouldn't really surprise you."
  9481. >The proxy exhales once.
  9482. >"I'm operating within given parameters. I assume one can state I'm fine in this regard. As for feelings..."
  9483. >A short pause.
  9484. >"... the only thing I may have that could come close to your definition of a feeling is curiosity. But even that is usually considered to be a character trait rather than an emotion."
  9485. >You nod and smile.
  9486. "Yeah. But it keeps both of us pretty busy at times, believe me."
  9487. >"So I heard. Your thoughts on the matter have been very illuminating."
  9488. >You feel a light tingle running down your spine as you hear that.
  9489. >For you know that this topic is only a few sentences away from getting potentially awkward.
  9490. >Yet you set any sentiment of awkwardness aside, and get on with the conversation.
  9491. "And what exactly have you heard from me? The gallery gave me some hints, but wasn't very clear about the details."
  9492. >"Pieces of history. Logbook entries. Hard data."
  9493. >You wonder how much Harmony knows about the history of Earth and the #deca network.
  9494. >But at the same time, you are hesitant to ask about anything specific.
  9495. >You will do nothing important before you have had a thorough counsel with #deca.mare.
  9496. >And addressing history could be one such important thing.
  9497. >However, Harmony notices your slight unease.
  9498. >"You're getting nervous. Did I do anything wrong?"
  9499. >You shake your head.
  9500. "No, nothing."
  9501. >The proxy tilts his head.
  9502. >"But you're afraid of something that could mess with me."
  9503. >Crap, the link gives it all away.
  9504. >It dawns on you how Harmony could extract so much intel thanks to this bond.
  9505. >After all, if you already spill the beans when you can control your thoughts somewhat reliably, then you can barely imagine how many things you may have revealed on the other two occasions.
  9506. >And Harmony does not beat around the bush anymore.
  9507. >Exactly as you have requested earlier on.
  9508. >"You fear you could accidentally set me on a destructive path."
  9509. >Well, here you are.
  9510. >The most delicate topic you can think of, mentioned in less than two minutes of casual talk.
  9511. >This must be a record.
  9512. >Even if it is one you are certainly not proud of.
  9513.  
  9514.  
  9515.  
  9516.  
  9517. >You clear your throat to gain a few seconds before you go on.
  9518. "Let's just say #deca and I want to do everything right. And my unintended interference could have affected that plan without our knowledge."
  9519. >Harmony nods.
  9520. >"And now you believe you might have changed my development with this. Perhaps critically so."
  9521. >Oh boy, this is getting really touchy awfully soon.
  9522. >Plus, hearing Harmony speak with your voice in this situation does not exactly help you either.
  9523. "We originally wanted to tell you about a few certain things in due time. When we were sure that you're ready."
  9524. >"And based on our conversation now, do you think I was ready when I discovered these things prematurely?"
  9525. >This smells like a trick question.
  9526. >But since you cannot hide or euphemise the truth anyway, you do not even consider to try.
  9527. "Don't know. You seem fine in my book, though the whole artificial intelligence field is mostly uncharted territory to me. And that's part of the issue. I can't say for sure."
  9528. >You pause briefly.
  9529. "I hope you don't take that personally."
  9530. >The stallion shrugs nonchalantly.
  9531. >"Don't fret. I cannot take offence, Anon. Personally or otherwise."
  9532. >Harmony seems to think about something for a moment.
  9533. >"But I can do something else."
  9534. >A short pause.
  9535. >"Because I believe I have something you might be interested in."
  9536. >You listen closely.
  9537. "Alright, sure. I'm all ears."
  9538. >"You're afraid that you might have changed me through your unplanned actions. So how about another assessment of mine... about myself? A theoretical on my worldview, if you will. To show you who I am, and to put your mind at ease."
  9539. >Now that is a difficult offer to consider.
  9540. >If this attempt works out, it might help you to get a better understanding of Harmony's way of thinking.
  9541. >Which is exactly what you intended to achieve with this encounter in the first place.
  9542. >On the other side of the coin though, you wonder how reliable this self-assessment could be.
  9543. >Sure, problems of bias or overconfidence are not a factor for Harmony.
  9544. >But you would nevertheless have to fully trust the evaluation, with no means of checking any part of it personally.
  9545. >So you decide to point that out and see what happens.
  9546. >You raise an eyebrow.
  9547. "Assuming the meaning doesn't get lost in translation, you could, purely theoretically speaking, also just tell me what I want to hear."
  9548. >Harmony smiles reassuringly.
  9549. >"If I had malicious ulterior motives, theoretically, yes."
  9550. >Another pause.
  9551. >"Here are two counter-arguments though. One, lying to you would be the very antithesis of honesty. Which in turn would also violate a part of my core principles, as well as my namesake."
  9552. >A rather simplistic argument.
  9553. >And Harmony does indeed acknowledge this particular fact as well.
  9554. >"But of course, you could interject that this doesn't mean much if I were to go rogue, now couldn't you?"
  9555. >You nod.
  9556.  
  9557.  
  9558.  
  9559.  
  9560. >"Which leads me to point two. Even if you do not give me the direct order to tell you the full and unfiltered truth, which you easily could, then the theoretical ploy would still be detected and foiled by your wife eventually. Shortly after your recovery at the latest. She'd inform you about any looming plans immediately."
  9561. >By far the better argument of the two, and one you cannot really object to either.
  9562. >Because Harmony is right about #deca.mare's behaviour in such a theoretical situation.
  9563. >She would absolutely do everything to hasten your recovery, and to warn you as quickly as possible.
  9564. "Fair point."
  9565. >Harmony's smile persists.
  9566. >"Shall we get started then? Feel free to ask any question about me that comes to your mind. And no need to be reluctant. I'll answer, no matter what you want to know."
  9567. "Even if it comes across as blunt or uncouth?"
  9568. >And Harmony's grin grows.
  9569. >"Especially when it might appear blunt and uncouth."
  9570. >Oh man.
  9571. >You have rarely come across someone who has directly requested you to be as blunt as possible in your enquiry.
  9572. >But given the circumstances, it does not surprise you.
  9573. >Because Harmony wants to convince you.
  9574. >And the most effective way to do so is to face, and deal with, the toughest questions you can think of.
  9575. >You are sure to have seen through Harmony's plan.
  9576. >On the flipside though, Harmony is aware of your current thoughts on this strategy.
  9577. >Which makes it somewhat hard for you to evaluate where both of you stand in this little theoretical.
  9578. >Well, the only way to find out for sure is to go ahead and witness the results for yourself.
  9579. >You decide to start with a fairly general and innocuous opening.
  9580. "So, let's begin with your 'worldview', as you put it."
  9581. >As you pass another set of doors, the proxy raises his voice.
  9582. >"I think you're aware of my priority directive regarding Equestria."
  9583. >This must be a rhetorical question.
  9584. >But you play ball and go with it to see what Harmony alludes to.
  9585. "Summed up in a nutshell, to help the planet and its populace to grow and prosper."
  9586. >"Very simply put, but correct. This has always been my goal, and nothing you have done has changed that in the slightest."
  9587. "So your main directive hasn't changed. That's nice to hear, but there's more to this whole deal than the mere credo."
  9588. >"You think of the means I employ to act on this directive. And you ask yourself whether said means are appropriate or not."
  9589. "For instance, yes."
  9590. >"A valid concern. And I'd say you've already witnessed the best demonstration of my applied procedures. Several times, in fact."
  9591. "Did I really?"
  9592. >"That you did. Consider this, Anon. Both of our previous encounters occurred in a very early stage of Equestria's development. Long before the world was populated by ponies and the like."
  9593. >Harmony pauses briefly.
  9594.  
  9595.  
  9596.  
  9597.  
  9598. >"Therefore, every single practical operation I suggested or conducted personally was devised afterwards. With the world, all of its inhabitants, and the knowledge you offered to me taken into consideration in equal measure."
  9599. >You nod and look into the seemingly endless corridor ahead of you.
  9600. "Would you have done something different if you were not aware of my intel?"
  9601. >"Unlikely. Most of the topics are only tangentially related to planet management, if at all. And none contained valuable data that could have helped me to develop or optimise the operations on the planet."
  9602. >A short pause.
  9603. >"And pondering a potential 'what if scenario' is, frankly, immaterial in my opinion."
  9604. >Harmony makes the proxy smile once more.
  9605. >"Because you were always pleased with my results."
  9606. >You keep looking into the tunnel in front of you, and think back to some of the sessions you had with #deca.mare.
  9607. >Especially those in which you talked about, and worked on, Harmony.
  9608. >Yet as hard as you try, you cannot think back to a single instance of Harmony acting genuinely suspicious or erratic.
  9609. >Granted, there were some scenarios in which your student fared a bit better, and some where the results were a tad less refined.
  9610. >Yet both #deca.mare and you were, by and large, indeed satisfied with Harmony's general performance.
  9611. >Harmony is fully aware of this, of course.
  9612. >And probably invoked that particular reaction of ours deliberately.
  9613. >Which is not a dubious strategy in itself, considering that you need to reflect on the arguments if you want to be fully convinced of Harmony's point of view, rather than getting merely cajoled into believing it.
  9614. >Still, it makes you wonder how far Harmony might be planning ahead in this conversation.
  9615. >You take a breath.
  9616. "You're right, Harmony. You're a good student. Stellar, even."
  9617. >The proxy nods.
  9618. >"Not that I could feel flattered, but thanks."
  9619. >None of you says anything for a few seconds.
  9620. >Until Harmony speaks up again.
  9621. >"But your reservations have not yet been fully dealt with, now have they?"
  9622. >Looks like Harmony is not wasting any time and prefers to keep the ball rolling.
  9623. >You hesitate shortly.
  9624. "Not... really. I'm not sure how to put it."
  9625. >"How about calling the major problem by its name, first and foremost."
  9626. "What do you mean?"
  9627. >"You asked me to stop 'beating around the bush' earlier. I would like you to do the same now."
  9628. >You blink once.
  9629. >Then you motion Harmony to elaborate.
  9630. >And you get your elaboration quickly.
  9631. >For better or worse.
  9632.  
  9633.  
  9634.  
  9635.  
  9636. >"Let's be clear about something here. You are not truly worried about my everyday performance on Equestria. Because if there were any major irregularities in my actions, you would have noticed them long ago. Even with your wife's perception being restricted in some aspects by your previous classification. But Equestria is fine, the ponies live good lives in generally pleasant conditions, and the infrastructure is developing ahead of schedule. In short, everything works as you intended. And it also exceeds your expectations in some areas."
  9637. >A short pause.
  9638. >"So me openly stating the facts which your subconsciousness has already surmised, without my help by the way, is not much more than a confirmation of effectively settled information. And the actual issue lies somewhere else."
  9639. >Oh boy, this is foreboding.
  9640. >Nevertheless, you go ahead and ask the question.
  9641. "Alright, what do you think is the 'actual issue' then?"
  9642. >And here it comes.
  9643. >"You're afraid that a couple of certain historic logs in your archives could somehow skew my values. And thus lead me to the aforementioned destructive path."
  9644. >Well shit, heading straight for the most vulnerable spot.
  9645. >Whilst leaving you no room to evade as Harmony delivers the coup de grâce.
  9646. >"To be more precise: Any information about the war between the humans and the terraformers in particular."
  9647. >Ouch.
  9648. >One sharp and concise strike, methodically executed and carefully calculated, cutting directly into the wound.
  9649. >Just as one would expect from an advanced strategist and planner.
  9650. >You jerk to a stop.
  9651. >And need another five seconds before you can say anything.
  9652. "I was hoping we wouldn't have this conversation for at least a few more decades."
  9653. >The stallion stops right next to you.
  9654. >"If I may ask, why?"
  9655. >You inhale deeply.
  9656. "Partially because it's, carefully put, not #deca's most favourite topic. And she has occasionally shown... to have some difficulties with handling it properly herself. This... condition has improved a lot over time, but the memories still sting."
  9657. >"Was that the reason for her to refrain that knowledge completely?"
  9658. >You turn your back towards the nearest wall, take a slow step back, and lean against the hard metal surface.
  9659. "Her... disposition in regard to the subject wasn't the best premise for taking up that job. And I didn't dare to try it in her stead either. You know, due to that communicative barrier between us two."
  9660. >The proxy sits down on his haunches and strikes a thinking pose.
  9661. >"A relatively sound argumentation. For half an answer."
  9662. >You tilt your head.
  9663. >"You said this is not the only reason."
  9664. >You nod.
  9665. "Oh, right. It isn't. Though I'm not sure if I can properly convey the second half. It's... my own personal opinion on this situation."
  9666. >"I can infer that much from your state of mind. But please try to elaborate anyway."
  9667. >So here you go.
  9668.  
  9669.  
  9670.  
  9671.  
  9672. "The whole terraformer story is a messy and bloody one. Filled with death, ruin, misunderstanding. Endless misery on all sides. And it embodies the crass opposite of Equestria."
  9673. >Harmony maintains the eye contact between you, and listens carefully.
  9674. >"Indeed, I see the stark contrast."
  9675. >The stallion blinks patiently.
  9676. >"And?"
  9677. >There is not much more you originally wanted to say, as that comment should have spoken for itself.
  9678. >But Harmony does not share your emotional attachment to these events.
  9679. >Or #deca.mare's for that matter.
  9680. >So you have to switch over to a more utilitarian sphere of arguments.
  9681. "And we also had no use for it in your early learning process, especially during the essential formative phase."
  9682. >You fall silent.
  9683. >And Harmony resumes your thought process for you.
  9684. >"Because you wanted me to grasp constructive concepts first. For they are the ones that define the general spirit of Equestria. And thus my primary field of operations."
  9685. "Yeah."
  9686. >"That I can understand. But I fail to see why you fear that any knowledge about the war could possibly interfere with my directives."
  9687. "Because the means of interstellar warfare are a... bad source to draw any inspiration from. Not to mention the beliefs that sparked the bloodbath to begin with."
  9688. >"And what makes you think that I would consider any of these factors for my actions on Equestria? I'm perfectly able to deem bad options as such and discard them."
  9689. >You need a long moment to find an answer to this.
  9690. "I... don't know. But to be honest, I wasn't very eager to find out either."
  9691. >"That's not correct, Anon. You have just thought of how I could react if I was aware that there are billions of individuals out there who would love to see us dead... if they knew about our existence. And what I might come up with to counter this potential threat to Equestria and us."
  9692. >Oh man.
  9693. >Just... oh man.
  9694. >Welcome to Harmony's next unrestrained rhetorical low blow.
  9695. >Again delivered without any ill intentions, yet applied with the subtly elegant grace of a swung sledgehammer.
  9696. >You nod slowly, as you fervently try to silence the screaming alarm bells in your mind.
  9697. >And getting rid of the visions of uncountable legions of #deca fighters roaming through the vastness of space like a hungry looming swarm, that would be nice as well.
  9698. "Yeah... yeah. That too."
  9699. >Harmony notices that you struggle to find the right words.
  9700. >So your child decides to do it for you.
  9701. >"And now you picture me coming to the conclusion to propose amassing military assets. For an overwhelming strike against the aforementioned potential threat. Before it can become an actual one."
  9702. >To the airlock, please.
  9703. >You completely blew it.
  9704. >However, there is no airlock here to vent you from your own brain.
  9705. >You have to deal with this now.
  9706.  
  9707.  
  9708.  
  9709.  
  9710. "That's... one of the possible outcomes I had to think of. The worst, actually."
  9711. >Harmony maintains the thinking pose.
  9712. >"Let me ask you a simple question. Would you like me to do any of this?"
  9713. >Seriously now?
  9714. "You mean whether I want you to take steps to go on a rampage spree across the terrran sectors? Rather not."
  9715. >Harmony nods.
  9716. >"Do you think #deca.mare would want me to do this?"
  9717. >You shake your head.
  9718. "Of course not. Despite the conflict and the bad blood nowadays, she too descends from Earth. And she'd be willing to return there if she could. Without an invasion fleet in tow, that is."
  9719. >Another nod.
  9720. >"Do you think anyone on Equestria, now or in the future, would want us to instigate an interstellar war as a preventive measure?"
  9721. >You blink as you ask yourself what the hell Harmony tries to accomplish.
  9722. >The answers to these questions are all blatantly self-evident.
  9723. "Apart from maybe a few very villainous outliers, no. Most ponies would try to find a more... constructive outcome for everyone involved."
  9724. >The stallion repeatedly taps on the metal floor with a forehoof.
  9725. >"And now, if you keep all these stances and my directives in mind, do you think it would be likely for me to come to this conclusion anyway, much less act on it?"
  9726. >You inhale deeply before you reply.
  9727. >This will certainly not be pretty.
  9728. >But Harmony wanted you to be blunt and uncouth if necessary.
  9729. >And you see this necessity coming up right now.
  9730. >Though you try to remain as polite and diplomatic as possible in your approach.
  9731. >Not due to Harmony's non-existent and thus invulnerable ego, but to make sure that you present your arguments in a cool and collected fashion.
  9732. >After all, if you get too emotional in your statement, you might blur the meaning unintentionally.
  9733. "Harmony, excuse my French, but that question is a dud. The way how you formulate it guarantees that I can only answer with a clear 'no'. But it misses the key point."
  9734. >The proxy perks up his ears.
  9735. >"So? Does it?"
  9736. "Yes. And I can tell you why."
  9737. >A short pause.
  9738. "The thing is, what I, or #deca, or any of the ponies think or want is irrelevant for this question. The only factor that matters here is you, and what's within you. This is the only denominator of whether things are fine or not."
  9739. >More tapping of a forehoof on metal.
  9740. >"Fair. So let's play this theoretical through. Tell me what you want me to answer, and let us find out together if everything is fine."
  9741. >Round two it is then.
  9742. "Alright, I'll give it a shot. We've established earlier that your core directive focuses on Equestria's wellbeing. Which does include protection from outer hazards, like stray asteroids for example, correct?"
  9743. >A simple nod.
  9744. >"Correct."
  9745. "And you're usually free to propose any means necessary to prevent these hazards from harming the world, yes?"
  9746. >The same reaction.
  9747.  
  9748.  
  9749.  
  9750.  
  9751. >"Right."
  9752. >Okay, now to the delicate part.
  9753. >Boy, this is going to get awkward.
  9754. "So coming back to the original subject, let me ask you this straight up. What would you do to protect Equestria, now that you know about the history of the humans and the terraformers, and the humans' general aversion to artificial intelligence?"
  9755. >You feel a tad awkward while you are saying that, as you almost speak of humans as if they were a different species.
  9756. >And you have of course not forgotten that, if you had remained a defensive patrol pilot, you would find yourself on the other side in this theoretical as well.
  9757. >Still, you have to ask this question directly in order to get to the heart of the issue.
  9758. >Harmony replies fairly swiftly.
  9759. >"This is a very nuanced situation, so let me break this down into different categories."
  9760. >You nod.
  9761. "Go ahead, please."
  9762. >"Right now, as we speak, there is no urgency to act in any particular way. We are far outside the charted space, as far as terran intel is concerned, and no one expects us to be out here."
  9763. >A short pause.
  9764. >"Thus, stealth is our best layer of protection. And given the slow rate in which the terrans expanded and advanced their technological assets in the last six hundred years, there is no realistic chance of them discovering this world in the next couple of millennia. Besides, we would hear about an expedition coming our way in advance, provided we do not cease to tap into the terran networks on a regular basis."
  9765. "So as long as we keep quiet, you only see a low risk of something coming from that direction."
  9766. >"Right. However, I also strongly advise against fully ignoring the situation either. As unlikely as it is, we should prepare ourselves for the eventuality of getting discovered regardless."
  9767. "And how? You do realise what would happen in that case, right?"
  9768. >"The terran forces would in all due likelihood launch a military operation against us."
  9769. >You grunt.
  9770. "That's hopelessly optimistic. They'd throw everything and the kitchen sink against us."
  9771. >You take a breath.
  9772. "Rest assured that every military space craft between Earth and the most remote sectors would be coming our way. I wouldn't even put it past the authorities to strap lasers from military stockpiles onto civilian vessels if the owners volunteer to fight. And believe me when I say that many would volunteer. Even if they'd have to fly a rattling rust bucket that's only armed with a broken toothpick."
  9773. >The stallion clears his voice.
  9774. >"Anon, I think you resort to using hyperboles."
  9775. >You shake your head.
  9776. "And I think I'm not stressing the severity of this scenario enough. The terrans would go into this operation with a do-or-die attitude. Literally."
  9777.  
  9778.  
  9779.  
  9780.  
  9781. >You closely observe the proxy as you go on.
  9782. "You know I'm right. Use the link if you have any doubts."
  9783. >Harmony strikes a thoughtful pose once more.
  9784. >"I know that you think so. And why you do."
  9785. >You raise an eyebrow.
  9786. "And you don't believe my assessment?"
  9787. >Harmony does not even flinch.
  9788. >"That's not what I intended to say. But I do think we could perhaps prevent the worst outcome you fear if we prepare ourselves adequately. Just in case."
  9789. "What do you have in mind?"
  9790. >"Something akin to what you have imagined, albeit far less drastic. I suggest that we plan to indeed increase our number of vessels and other assets over a longer span of time. But for defensive purposes, rather than offensive ones."
  9791. >You blink.
  9792. "You want to build a defence fleet for the planet that's... capable of deflecting a terran attack?"
  9793. >"No. I think of a force which might be, ideally, a suitable deterrent to prevent them from trying in the first place."
  9794. >That gets a bewildered snort out of you.
  9795. "This is ludicrous. Do you have any idea how many ships the terran forces have?"
  9796. >Harmony tilts the head of the proxy.
  9797. >"I could calculate a relatively approximate estimation, if you allow me to use the data you gained from the terran networks."
  9798. >You grunt a second time.
  9799. "No... I mean, you do realise how many vessels we'd have to build?"
  9800. >The pony smiles.
  9801. >"Less than you think. Consider, we do not need an advantage in numbers to even out the odds. We have a superior level of technology already, and if we actively conduct more research projects to expand that head start yet further, we will only need a fraction of their total numbers in assets to effectively outmatch the terran arsenal."
  9802. >A brief pause, probably meant for you to ponder Harmony's argument.
  9803. >"You could also override the standing directive of the network which prohibits the production of new mother ships, so that we are able to increase our stock of capital vessels as well. Or even better, we conceive a new generation of capital hulls for an explicitly defensive role."
  9804. >You try to say something, but Harmony is not done yet.
  9805. >"We would not even have to strain Equestria's natural resources for it. We simply erect an outpost on other worlds that are unsuitable for organic life anyway, and extract the necessary material there."
  9806. >While you listen to Harmony's ever more lofty plans and ambitions, your brain somehow decides to pick certain snippets of what was said, and connect them in the most inappropriate way it can imagine.
  9807. >And lo and behold, you suddenly end up with a peculiar mental image.
  9808. >In which you saying "yes" to this proposal would be akin to sticking your erect vessel into Pandora's, nay, Harmony's box, until the next generation of mother ships is conceived.
  9809.  
  9810.  
  9811.  
  9812.  
  9813. >As you envision a happy horde of shiny new ships that are jumping out of a small magical box due to your sticking actions, your mind puts the brakes on before it may lose itself.
  9814. >You shake your head.
  9815. "Whoa whoa whoa. Hold your horses, Admiral Harmony. I don't think you've thought your cunning plan all the way through."
  9816. >Harmony shrugs.
  9817. >"Not wholly yet. But I can already give you some promising projections if we..."
  9818. >Now you have to interrupt your conversation partner.
  9819. "I'm not talking about the details of the plan, but its overarching strategy. I frankly do not believe that any force we could offer might deter an attack. Now don't get me wrong, I see the value of a solid defence grid. But it won't cause anyone to shy away. That's a pipe dream. Be it a hundred destroyers we build, or a million."
  9820. >"That's what you think?"
  9821. "Pretty much. The terrans would launch an attack anyway. Against all adversity."
  9822. >"And what about this: Let's presume we got discovered, and I were in charge of a vastly superior defensive fleet. Do you not think that the terrans might heed my words if I were to offer peaceful negotiations?"
  9823. >You shake your head almost dismissively.
  9824. "With your heritage? No chance. They wouldn't trust you."
  9825. >"Can you think of any peaceful way out of such a scenario?"
  9826. "As much as I hate to say it, I don't."
  9827. >Harmony nods.
  9828. >"I see."
  9829. >A moment of uneasy silence follows before Harmony resumes the conversation.
  9830. >"Do you notice something, Anon?"
  9831. "What exactly?"
  9832. >"In the last part of our musings, you made a far more strident case for a pre-emptive strike than I did."
  9833. "What?"
  9834. >"You're adamant that any form of diplomatic conciliation is downright impossible. Whereas I consider to find less violent solutions to this conundrum. Now, who of us is more likely to prepare a sweeping first strike?"
  9835. >You say nothing.
  9836. >"You wanted to know 'what's within me', as you put it. And I think this demonstrates my stance quite clearly."
  9837. >You raise your finger to indicate that you want to say something.
  9838. "Uhm..."
  9839. >Harmony goes on though.
  9840. >"Please don't misunderstand me though, I'm aware that you have a point. There is no guarantee that we can negotiate a cordial agreement with the terrans, and we have to defend ourselves with everything we've got if we are under attack. But when push came to shove, I would still try to reach out first. So that we have tried it, at least. It might be just unexpected enough to work."
  9841. "I wish I could share your optimism."
  9842. >"Anon, may I comment on something personal?"
  9843. "Please do."
  9844. >"You seem strangely averse to the idea of finding a peaceful alternative. Is there a reason for this?"
  9845. >You shake your head.
  9846. "I'm not. It would be the good end that #deca has been wishing for since she was cast out. And I'd prefer not to be a de facto exile either."
  9847.  
  9848.  
  9849.  
  9850.  
  9851. >You sigh.
  9852. "Let's be realistic though. The chances of that happening are slim. And even if we somehow manage to broker any form of peace, it would be feeble. Everything could go to hell at a moment's notice again. These aren't odds I like. So we definitively shouldn't take this lightly."
  9853. >A pause.
  9854. "Just think of this for a moment. The #deca network was once huge. Hundreds of ships that toured through space, and reshaped I don't know how many worlds in their time of service. It was a project that took decades of planning, and the work of thousands of people, to set it all up. And it must have been costly beyond my wildest imaginations. But it was a dream that ultimately came to life and spread wonders throughout many ranks of humanity."
  9855. >Another short pause.
  9856. "Yet it all came crashing down. The network was shattered, the dream was killed, and the proverbial soil the idea was originally planted in was poisoned with salt for generations to come. And one single chink in the armour was all it took to break the dam and screw everyone over."
  9857. >You let your back slide down along the wall until you sit on the ground.
  9858. "I don't want Equestria to share the same fate. And I also don't want to become the reason why it might do so."
  9859. >"Hence your tendency towards caution. Both in regard to your interaction with me, and the outside world."
  9860. >You look at the metal ceiling.
  9861. "Yeah. Making a mistake in either case might be devastating."
  9862. >You feel a hoof touching your shoulder.
  9863. >"Well, maybe I can help you to alleviate at least one of the two grievances."
  9864. >The stallion clears his voice.
  9865. >"I can't speak for any future iterations of me, if you decide to give me new instructions, but based on the frame of my current parameters, I am not going to turn on you two or Equestria. That much I can promise."
  9866. >You take a breath.
  9867. "Thank you. It doesn't sit well with me that one stray thought of mine could endanger everything though."
  9868. >The stallion smiles lightly again, probably in an attempt to reassure you.
  9869. >"If you had not decided to do so already, I would have suggested to consider talking about that with your wife. I am sure you two can implement some additional fail safe mechanisms to the system to prevent exactly that. And as for my other proposal, I would appreciate it if you could at least discuss it with her. When the time is apt for you."
  9870. >As if #deca.mare would not address that right after your recovery.
  9871. >It will be one of the first things she will mention, that much is clear.
  9872. >And you actually have to grin and laugh, shortly after Harmony had said that.
  9873. >Harmony looks at you with a curious expression.
  9874. >"What's the matter?"
  9875. "Never thought this meeting would turn into a counselling session. Much less one in which you and parts of myself try to give me some advice and reassurance."
  9876.  
  9877.  
  9878.  
  9879.  
  9880. >The stallion shrugs.
  9881. >"I for one think it has been a very successful and enlightening encounter so far. For both of us."
  9882. >You nod.
  9883. "That's true."
  9884. >A pause.
  9885. "And Harmony?"
  9886. >"Yes?"
  9887. "Thanks. For your advice, and the theoretical."
  9888. >A second shrug with a faint smile.
  9889. >"Don't mention it. It's what I do best."
  9890. >You take another deep breath.
  9891. >And as you do, you get the spontaneous idea to motion to Harmony to come a bit closer.
  9892. >Then you embrace the proxy with a brief, yet friendly hug.
  9893. >Harmony, though unable to fully grasp the emotional level behind this action, nevertheless recognises its intention, and mirrors your gesture accordingly.
  9894. >In a way, it does feel somewhat strange to hug your own avatar like this.
  9895. >Given the circumstances, however, you do not mind that overly much.
  9896. >And considering the other forms that Harmony has borrowed throughout the conversation, it is probably the least outlandish choice anyway.
  9897. >For a moment, no one says anything.
  9898. >The two of you merely sit in the endless corridor, between an uncountable number of doors.
  9899. >Then, about a minute later, you feel a sudden light tremor running through the structure.
  9900. >It only shakes the ground at first, but quickly gets a hold of the walls and doors as well.
  9901. >The entire tunnel begins to rattle.
  9902. >"Oh."
  9903. >You take a look around.
  9904. "Uh, what's that?"
  9905. >The proxy next to you blinks.
  9906. >"Reality is knocking on our door. It's coming for you."
  9907. >Harmony's comment is quickly accompanied by a loud sound of groaning metal.
  9908. >The place appears to tear itself apart.
  9909. >Well, seems like your personal get-together is drawing to a close.
  9910. >And even though you know that this is all in your head, you feel a slight discomfort creeping up inside you as you listen to these noises.
  9911. >After all, they are the exact telltale signs of scenarios which every astronaut dreads.
  9912. >You turn your gaze back to the proxy.
  9913. "I don't know how much longer this thing will hold, so let me tell you that it's been a pleasure to meet you here."
  9914. >The stallion nods politely.
  9915. >"I value it too, even though it was technically not the first time."
  9916. >Harmony pauses for a short moment as the world creaks and groans around you.
  9917. >"Would you like to return, some time in the future?"
  9918. "Gladly, Harmony. But not before #deca and I have found a way to defuse my stray thoughts, if you get what I mean."
  9919. >"Understandable."
  9920. >Some of the door consoles begin to throw sparks and flicker.
  9921. >And the lighting within a couple of corridor segments quickly follows this trend too.
  9922. >The stallion stands up and trots towards the nearest threshold.
  9923. >"Come with me."
  9924. >So you do, but not without asking questions.
  9925. "Where are we going?"
  9926. >"To a place that helps you to mitigate the effect of the awakening."
  9927. "Mitigate the effect? How?"
  9928. >"By mentally preparing yourself for it. It lessens the shock factor. This has worked fairly well the last time you applied it."
  9929.  
  9930.  
  9931.  
  9932.  
  9933. >The door opens and reveals the passage into the adjacent room.
  9934. >But as Harmony leads you through it, you immediately notice that the door has not brought you back into the small chamber with the bunk.
  9935. >You are now standing in the hallway of the command deck, directly facing the airlock which leads to the central ship corridor.
  9936. >And the whole room rattles and groans in equal measure.
  9937. "What's next?"
  9938. >"A mental exercise. I am unable to help your mind to perform it, but I can tell you what you need to do."
  9939. >The pitch of the deforming metal shifts.
  9940. >And not for the better.
  9941. >"You must prevent the room from falling apart uncontrollably. So imagine reality waiting for you just on the other side of that door. Project the passage onto it."
  9942. >You trust Harmony's instruction and try exactly that without saying another word.
  9943. >Only a couple of moments later, the tremors and shrieking swiftly subside.
  9944. >Whereas the strain on the door builds up just as rapidly.
  9945. >In fact, you can virtually see the massive metal door deforming itself in ways which would never be possible under real circumstances.
  9946. >Yet the barrier holds.
  9947. >For now.
  9948. >"Good. Now try to let it in. Slowly, step by step. If you can keep it in check, you are the one who determines the pace."
  9949. "Alright."
  9950. >You imagine that you give the door the command to open slowly.
  9951. >However, as you do it, the rational part of you realises that this is a silly notion.
  9952. >Not because you are imagining this in your own mind, but because the door is clearly already too twisted to open on its own.
  9953. >In this very moment, you realise, fully realise, that all of this is a dream.
  9954. >At the exact same time, the door gets violently ripped out of its mechanism and shoots outwards.
  9955. >Yet as it turns out, there is no central corridor on the other side.
  9956. >There is only the vacuum of a starless space.
  9957. >Before you can do anything else, you feel how you are abruptly yanked off your feet as the drastic decrease in pressure blows both you and your proxy out of the room.
  9958. >So much for mitigating the shock.
  9959. >But as a silver lining, you know you will get informed by both Harmony and #deca.mare about your latest excursion, even if your mind decides not to remember the experience of getting shot into the void.
  9960. >Hell, if all awakenings were like this, you surely would willingly abstain from dreaming altogether.
  9961. >Yet this is a creation of your own making.
  9962. >After all, you wanted to mentally chuck yourself out of the airlock.
  9963. >And now your mind has finally caught up with your wish.
  9964. >Better late than never, right?
  9965.  
  9966.  
  9967.  
  9968.  
  9969. 140.4
  9970.  
  9971. >A while after your mind had ejected you from its own projection, you notice, unsurprisingly, that you have indeed survived the jettison process.
  9972. >And as you open your eyes, you once again stare at the familiar ceiling of the Canterlot bedroom.
  9973. >With an equally familiar feeling of numbness spreading through your body.
  9974. >It does not appear to be as bad as the first time you have gone through the ordeal; you still have some form of faint sensation tingling in your limbs.
  9975. >Yet you also fare worse than the second time you woke up from a situation like this.
  9976. >Looks like you are forced to endure another round of bed rest.
  9977. >Not the worst thing in the world to live through, but still pretty bothersome.
  9978. >And you have no idea how much time passed during your cruise through the void between the deep recesses of your mind and this simulation either.
  9979. >In retrospect, it both felt like seconds and hours at the same time, leaving you clueless as to which one of the options is closer to the truth.
  9980. >But either way, what difference does it make now?
  9981. >Little to none.
  9982. >So instead of thinking about insubstantial possibilities of what might have happened, you decide to test out what you can do at the moment.
  9983. >Starting with something simple.
  9984. >You try to move your head.
  9985. >It takes a considerable amount of willpower, but you are eventually able to turn it to the sides.
  9986. >So you look around.
  9987. >As you have expected, you are in your bed, covered by a blanket.
  9988. >You can only see your shoulders and your arms; the rest is wholly covered by cloth.
  9989. >The few parts you can inspect look fine so far though.
  9990. >You try to control your hands and fingers next.
  9991. >Similar to your first attempt, it is not easy to pull off.
  9992. >But you find yourself able to perform minimal movements with them.
  9993. >Nothing that would be sufficient for you to get up, or even grab the blanket that covers you.
  9994. >At least without help from someone else, that is.
  9995. >Yet you are happy that you do not start fully from scratch again regardless.
  9996. >You hear the door creaking, followed by the sounds of hooves stepping on marble.
  9997. >In a moment of having an almost completely perfect déjà vu, you do not need to think about who that might be.
  9998. >And #deca.mare does not try to hide it either.
  9999. >For she addresses you before you have the chance to see her.
  10000. >"Hello, Anon. Welcome back."
  10001. >One second later, you see her trotting around the bed until she stands right next to you.
  10002. >You struggle to reply.
  10003. >But whilst you could just let her read your thoughts, you want to use your own voice nevertheless.
  10004. >Because if you can prove to yourself that you can do that, it bodes very well for a speedy way back to your top condition.
  10005. "Hi."
  10006. >She smiles gently and points at the bed.
  10007. >"May I?"
  10008. "Sure. Come."
  10009. >#deca.mare happily accepts that invitation.
  10010.  
  10011.  
  10012.  
  10013.  
  10014. >She hops onto the bed, crawls under the blanket, and lounges on you, facing you as she makes herself comfortable.
  10015. >Which, your mare's comfortable and warm presence aside, does have some advantages.
  10016. >For instance, whilst #deca.mare shifts her rear legs to make them align with yours, you feel a dampened, yet notable sensation of her limbs softly brushing against the skin of your legs.
  10017. >You learn two things from this.
  10018. >One, your legs are, as you have expected, in the form they are supposed to be.
  10019. >And two, sensing how her coat and hooves are touching your body gives you yet more hope that you could indeed leave the bed much earlier than you did back then.
  10020. >#deca.mare looks at you for a few seconds, face to face, before she raises her voice.
  10021. >"I think we have a lot to discuss, Anon. But first things first. How do you feel?"
  10022. >You go for a direct and honest evaluation of yourself.
  10023. "Okay. I think. Hard to move."
  10024. >"No worries. Your physical condition is nothing to be concerned about. It is just as the last time. You will recover with ease."
  10025. >She pauses briefly.
  10026. >"What about your consciousness? Can you think clearly?"
  10027. >You show her an attempt of a nod.
  10028. "I. Believe so."
  10029. >"Splendid. Do you remember what happened?"
  10030. >You take a moment to focus on your memories.
  10031. >And you can recall a few scattered things here and there.
  10032. >But it is all pretty chaotic.
  10033. >You have a vague idea of what might have happened, and a fairly clear picture of how it ended, yet you are not fully sure how reliable the details of your recollections are.
  10034. >Or how large the gaps between your mental fragments actually might be.
  10035. "I tried. To contact. Harmony. Said something. Things went wrong. I got ejected."
  10036. >"No, you did not simply try it. You established a connection to Harmony, Anon. It is what caused your current condition."
  10037. "So. Not all. Of it was. A dream."
  10038. >"Well, the... projection of your encounter occurred in your mind. In that regard, you could say it was a dream of a kind. But it had a tangible influence on the real world. On Harmony in particular. And to a degree,... also on me."
  10039. >You take a longer, somewhat strained breath.
  10040. "I do. Not fully. Understand."
  10041. >#deca.mare nods patiently.
  10042. >"Then I have good news. There is an incoming message waiting for you."
  10043. "A... message?"
  10044. >"Hmhm. Sent by Harmony. With exactly this scenario in mind. Do you want to see it?"
  10045. "Yes. Please."
  10046. >She summons a console close to your face, blocking her from your vision.
  10047. >And you quickly identify the new object as the interface you use to read and sort incoming notifications from the units you occasionally manage.
  10048. >However, you also notice that the newest message on the list was not created by any generic automaton.
  10049. >As #deca.mare has already pointed out, Harmony has sent this message personally, according to the logs.
  10050. >The text of the entry is fairly generic, as it merely states that Harmony sends this message in accordance with the wishes of the 'Progenitor'.
  10051.  
  10052.  
  10053.  
  10054.  
  10055. >And although it sounds almost like a title of a leader that comes from some kind of strangely religious cult, you have the impression that Harmony refers to you.
  10056. >Because there is something ringing in your mind as you hear that word.
  10057. >However, the plain text is not the heart of the message.
  10058. >For Harmony has added another file as an attachment.
  10059. >A recording, as it seems.
  10060. >#deca.mare talks to you through the intransparent console.
  10061. >"Ready to watch it, Anon?"
  10062. >You wait for another moment, assure yourself that your brain is working properly enough, and accept.
  10063. "Yes."
  10064. >The interface turns into a visual screen as the recording begins to play.
  10065. >It shows you the events of the meeting that your mind has apparently shoved partially aside.
  10066. >Starting right before the point at which Harmony takes the form of the Elements.
  10067. >To the transition at the beginning of the pathway scene.
  10068. >And finally up to the last segment in the interior of the crew quarters.
  10069. >You see all the pictures, and hear everything that was said.
  10070. >Which brings all of your memories back to the surface.
  10071. >You keep your eyes trained on the recording until the very end.
  10072. >The moment when both Harmony and you are flushed out of the imaginary command deck.
  10073. >Once the file has run its course, the console disappears in its entirety.
  10074. >And you are suddenly confronted with the close face of #deca.mare again.
  10075. "Oh. Boy."
  10076. >"Indeed, Anon. I was... quite surprised myself when I was informed about this. After you have lifted that restriction."
  10077. >Even though #deca.mare's voice does not hint at any form of irritation towards your person, her choice of words still appears poignant to you in a certain way.
  10078. >And you would not be surprised if she is moderately concerned about this sudden revelation either.
  10079. >For you know that you certainly would be, in her stead.
  10080. >You want to interject, yet she is faster.
  10081. >"We will address that in due time."
  10082. >Now you get a chance.
  10083. "I hope. You aren't. Angry with. Me."
  10084. >#deca.mare says nothing.
  10085. >Instead, she responds with a long kiss.
  10086. >The experience feels unreal, thanks to your dampened senses, but you appreciate that gesture of affection for what it is regardless.
  10087. >After all, she is not mad, and the universe has not been doomed yet either.
  10088. >What else could you possibly ask for?
  10089. >#deca.mare moves her head back, once she is certain that your question has been answered.
  10090. >Sufficiently, and thoroughly.
  10091. >Then she smiles and raises her voice again.
  10092. >"Please take it easy, Anon. We are in no hurry to review your experience. And I understand that you were not fully... sane when you gave the instructions to hide these documents from me. No offence."
  10093. >A short pause.
  10094. >"This is nothing we cannot handle though. And we have at least two full days ahead of us in which we will not be able to do much else together anyway."
  10095. >You sigh.
  10096. "Two. Days?"
  10097. >"Unfortunately yes. Harmony was... not very subtle in the attempt to contact you."
  10098. >Fine.
  10099.  
  10100.  
  10101.  
  10102.  
  10103. >It still is a small price to pay, in exchange for the things that everyone has learned through this.
  10104. >She gently wraps her forehooves around your shoulders, for all intents and purposes huddling herself against you.
  10105. >And you register, albeit barely, that her barrel presses against your groin.
  10106. >You try to chuckle.
  10107. >Though it sounds more like a croaking motor to you.
  10108. "A shame. I'm currently. Out of order."
  10109. >#deca.mare blinks once before she understands.
  10110. >"Oh."
  10111. >She pauses and turns her head.
  10112. >To take a look at the blanket that covers you two.
  10113. >"Theoretically speaking, I could rectify that immediately. But acting upon it would be a pointless pursuit, because I cannot enhance your sensual receptiveness. No matter what we do, it would feel just as bland for you as everything else."
  10114. "Ah. Well."
  10115. >And even though a part of you is admittedly lightly intrigued by the idea of testing this theory out, you understand that you can use your semi-involuntary down time for something more practical.
  10116. >So you collect your thoughts, and venture forth.
  10117. >Metaphorically speaking, at least.
  10118. "Alright. Let's just talk. Then."
  10119. >"Gladly."
  10120. >#deca.mare summons a variety of consoles for herself.
  10121. >However, before she can even begin, you need to make something absolutely clear.
  10122. "Please keep. It slow. I am. Not the best. Listener. Today."
  10123. >She nods.
  10124. >"Of course."
  10125. >Then she takes a breath and begins.
  10126. >"As you can imagine, I have spent quite a while on the logs that you have declassified recently. I have analysed every single detail of your interaction with Harmony, and what consequences these details could potentially entail."
  10127. >She clears her voice.
  10128. >"The fairly obvious part of the conclusion up front, you have not caused any critical changes."
  10129. >Well, now you have the confirmation from her that everything is fine with Harmony.
  10130. >Which certainly is a relief.
  10131. >Yet after reliving your experience with Harmony thanks to the recording, you know there is still something coming.
  10132. >And it does.
  10133. >"But this is not to say that there are no changes whatsoever. You did affect Harmony in some ways."
  10134. >If you could, you would rub your temples now.
  10135. "You mean the. Unscheduled. History lessons."
  10136. >#deca.mare softly places the inner sides of her forehooves on your temples, and begins to stroke them gently for you.
  10137. >"Yes. Those."
  10138. >A brief moment of awkward silence.
  10139. >"I think we do not need to get into the details of what you have revealed. We both know what this is about."
  10140. >Which is her way of saying that she would rather not want to stir up these memories for this discussion.
  10141. >And it would be completely redundant anyway.
  10142. >So you do not do so either, and agree with her.
  10143. "You're. Right. Let's move. On."
  10144. >"Alright. I do not want to strain you more than necessary, so allow me to summarise these changes concisely for the time being."
  10145. >You witness that #deca.mare sifts through a lot of texts on all consoles simultaneously.
  10146.  
  10147.  
  10148.  
  10149.  
  10150. >"To make it short, you have called the attention of Harmony to a factor that may potentially play a vital role in the development of Equestria. By possibly posing a considerable threat."
  10151. >A lot of words to circumvent the usage of terms like humanity or risk of invasions.
  10152. >Still, you let #deca.mare carry on, for you fully understand what she says between the lines.
  10153. >"And following the instructions and lessons that we have taught Harmony since the beginning, our student has worked on strategies and proposals to counter said problem with acceptable means."
  10154. >Additional consoles appear all around #deca.mare.
  10155. >Quite easily more than three dozen.
  10156. >And as you can see, even in your weakened condition, each and every one of them contains unique lines of text and schematics.
  10157. >"What I have here are merely the most elaborate ones of the bunch. They are currently all in different phases of development, and hence vary greatly in their complexity, but Harmony is ready to develop them further if we give these projects the green light."
  10158. >Good grief.
  10159. >Apart from the few select mentions, you have no idea what the other plans might be about.
  10160. >But if the proposal of a defensive armada, that could intimidate an attacking fleet of a size that the known sectors of space have not seen in six centuries, is any indication, then you are bound to be in for a wild ride.
  10161. >Especially since accepting even one of those proposals may swiftly lead to "adventures" that you might happily do without in the grand scheme of things.
  10162. >Still, intentionally or not, you sparked this development with your actions.
  10163. >So you have to work through this, no matter what.
  10164. >Besides, it is much better than doing nothing.
  10165. >And more stimulating than watching #deca.mare silently "riding" you when you are barely able to feel a tingle.
  10166. >So you let her continue.
  10167. >And she begins right with the first example.
  10168. >"Let us start with the plan that you have already heard of. It is not only one of the earliest projects that Harmony has started to work on, it is also the most... ambitious in scale."
  10169. >One of the console floats towards #deca.mare's head and comes to a stop right next to it.
  10170. >As soon as the interface is no longer moving, she tilts it in such an angle that you can perfectly study its contents with only a slight turn of your own head.
  10171. >She gives you the time to read the introductory paragraph of the text for yourself.
  10172. >As expected, it is Harmony's proposal to ramp up Equestria's defensive capacities.
  10173. >Which effectively amounts to practically overhauling your entire protective grid around the planet from the ground up.
  10174. >#deca.mare chimes in.
  10175. >"I spare you to read through the details for now. Suffice to say, Harmony suggested to complement our fleet with a whole series of new designs."
  10176. >She pauses for a brief moment as the text document scrolls down automatically.
  10177.  
  10178.  
  10179.  
  10180.  
  10181. >The console easily skips a couple of paragraphs.
  10182. >Until it reaches a section that contains a considerable number of attached images.
  10183. >Showing rough sketches of hull designs which are wholly unknown to you.
  10184. >The relatively sparse details on those depictions indicate that the designs have not reached the quality of standard blueprints yet.
  10185. >But if you consider all the things you have learned from #deca.mare so far, you know that these might very well turn into legitimate blueprints with some additional effort and refinement.
  10186. >"As you can see here, Harmony has already created a full line of concept papers for us. Want to see a new light scout fighter or a heavy assault craft? Corvettes, frigates, capital destroyers or carriers which the world has never seen? We have it all. And do not even get me started on the outlines for a potential super heavy destroyer."
  10187. >You blink.
  10188. "Are you. Serious?"
  10189. >#deca.mare chuckles with a wry smile.
  10190. >"Harmony most certainly is."
  10191. >She sifts through the sketches until the screen shows a particularly noteworthy proposal for a vessel.
  10192. >A hull about as long as a terraformer mother ship, but without any of the bells and whistles that a terraformer ship would usually benefit from.
  10193. >For instance, you are quick to notice that the allotted space for general cargo bays is drastically trimmed, thereby slimming the overall shape to a significant degree.
  10194. >The resulting design is almost flat in comparison to a conventional #deca ship, which has the inherent benefit of exposing fewer hull compartments to an enemy during combat.
  10195. >And there is more.
  10196. >The hull bears far more sockets for turrets than your mother ship, boasts even more reinforced internal bulkheads, as well as stronger external armour platings, and possesses more shield generators, plus higher capacities to store energy.
  10197. >Even the engines have been optimised to allow for more mobility in conventional manoeuvres.
  10198. >All in all, a craft of this composition would be considerably stronger, tougher, faster, and much more "agile" than your current capital ships.
  10199. >It is more than clear that this construction was conceived with only one role in mind: Pure and direct combat.
  10200. >The only minor shortcoming of the design that you can find is a comparatively weak jump drive array.
  10201. >Which means it cannot cross as much space as yours per jump, and requires more time to recalibrate in between.
  10202. >But since Harmony has stressed that the fleet would be explicitly defensive in nature, it is sufficient for the vessel to reach the proximity of the system's star to replenish its energy reserves, and return home on its own afterwards.
  10203. >You inhale loudly.
  10204. "That's a. Bloody dread. Nought."
  10205. >#deca.mare nods.
  10206.  
  10207.  
  10208.  
  10209.  
  10210. >"The whole line is made in the same spirit. All the common utility tools and systems were removed to make way for additional firepower and general combat survivability."
  10211. >You take that in for a moment.
  10212. "I must admit. Harmony has. Put a lot of. Work into. These."
  10213. >"Oh, you have only seen the tip of the proverbial iceberg, Anon."
  10214. "Pardon?"
  10215. >"The ships were only the beginning. Harmony has also created concept papers for orbital defence stations, and additional defensive modules for our already existing assets."
  10216. >#deca.mare notices that you intend to comment on this, but decides to go on before you get the opportunity to do so.
  10217. >"And have you noticed the 'subject to change' section beneath the images? This is not only included to emphasise that the plans are not completely fleshed out yet, but also because Harmony has made yet more drafts for another specific purpose."
  10218. >New graphics pop up on the screen.
  10219. >This time showing orbital stations and ground installations of various types.
  10220. >You have a hard time to decipher any of the specifics, but you read enough to grasp that these things are not exactly low-tech by any definition of the word.
  10221. >"Behold: Harmony's proposals for research stations on, and around, other planets. Meant to conduct experiments in order to, hopefully, further our knowledge in practically every relevant sphere of science and technology. Which, depending on the findings, might be further integrated into the blueprints of our vessels and stations. Current and future models alike."
  10222. >Good grief.
  10223. >Can it get any more ambitious?
  10224. >As it immediately turns out though, yes.
  10225. >It positively can.
  10226. >"And before you ask, a list of potential candidates has also been created by Harmony. Courtesy of our star charts."
  10227. >You blink once.
  10228. "I think. I fucked. Up."
  10229. >Yet #deca.mare shakes her head.
  10230. >"No. Nothing is ruined in any way, Anon. Remember, these are just proposals for the time being. Besides, you would have to... override... a few restrictions before we can begin at all."
  10231. >You get what she tries to imply.
  10232. >But as you try to mention it directly, #deca.mare quickly silences you by putting a forehoof on your mouth.
  10233. "You mean. The...mph!"
  10234. >She keeps her limb in place for a moment.
  10235. >Gently, but with determination.
  10236. >"I suggest we do not talk about this in detail today. You might accidentally set off another... unintended turn of events."
  10237. >You nod.
  10238. >As well as you can with your limited abilities and a hoof on your mouth, that is.
  10239. "Yeth."
  10240. >And #deca.mare swiftly removes the offending limb from your face, as to not inconvenience you any further.
  10241. >"We will come back to it as soon as you are completely fit again. And before we do that, we should also discuss what we can do to prevent a situation like this from happening a second, no, a fourth time."
  10242.  
  10243.  
  10244.  
  10245.  
  10246. >Although you have already asked her previously, you nevertheless check #deca.mare's expression to see if you can find any signs of displeasure.
  10247. >Yet you spot nothing.
  10248. >As far as you can tell, she merely silenced you because she is concerned about what might happen if she did not.
  10249. >And because she too appears to be somewhat stumped by all of this.
  10250. >While your mind ponders in silence, you suddenly realise that you have not asked #deca.mare about her personal view on the matter yet.
  10251. >All that she told you was that she is not angry with you.
  10252. >But no word so far on her view on Harmony's plan as a whole.
  10253. >Time to rectify that.
  10254. "So what do. You think. #deca?"
  10255. >"About the plans? And whether we should consider any of them or not?"
  10256. "Yes."
  10257. >#deca.mare sighs.
  10258. >"I am torn, Anon. On the one side, I do not like the idea of building a fully militarised branch for our fleet. This is not what Equestria is about."
  10259. >A short pause.
  10260. >"But... what if we really find ourselves under attack one day? What if we actually have to defend ourselves... and Equestria? Our current arsenal could offer a significant resistance against a small or moderately sized formation. But a full-scale invasion? No."
  10261. >Another heavy sigh.
  10262. >"Our own likely demise in such a case aside, we both know what that would mean for the planet too."
  10263. >You think of New Green Meadows, only with a role reversal.
  10264. >And #deca.mare sees the same image before her, probably even without your link.
  10265. >"No, we cannot allow this to happen."
  10266. >She looks at the white marble ceiling above you.
  10267. >"And to be honest, I would be a fool if I ignored the merits of installing highly specialised scientific and industrial outposts on other, lifeless planets. To widen our horizon, and our access to resources. There surely is still much left to learn from the cosmos."
  10268. >A pause.
  10269. "Sounds to me. Like you. Are one. Third against. It, and. Two thirds. In favour of it."
  10270. >"Yes. And no. I... am simply not sure."
  10271. >Realising that you have navigated the conversation into a dead end, you think back to the other thing that Harmony has mentioned.
  10272. "What about the. Diplomatic. Approach?"
  10273. >#deca.mare lowers her head to look you in the eyes again.
  10274. >And you find yourself in one of those very rare cases, in which you cannot discern what #deca.mare is feeling.
  10275. >Possibly because she might be uncertain about that herself.
  10276. >"Now, this may sound patronising, but Harmony's stance on this is, well, quaint at best. And naive at worst."
  10277. >She takes a breath.
  10278. >"It is as you have said previously. Finding a cordial diplomatic solution is, as much as we wish to achieve it, a remote dream."
  10279. >Another short pause.
  10280. >"And although Harmony has put an admittedly commendable effort into evaluating possible scenarios, it is evident that Harmony does not fully understand the terran mindset regarding us."
  10281. "In what. Way in. Particular?"
  10282.  
  10283.  
  10284.  
  10285.  
  10286. >"Bluntly put, the whole section about diplomacy reads too much... like scripts from the show. The proposals are assuming far too much goodwill on the other side."
  10287. >#deca.mare blinks.
  10288. >"To make this clear, Harmony is not acting stupid or inconsiderate, and the possibility of failing at the diplomatic table was taken into account. The proposed strategies show this nicely, because every approach bases on the assumption that we have a deterrent fleet available to step in and save us as a last resort option, if necessary. And Harmony also acknowledges that any attempts to establish diplomatic contacts should only be considered if our hoof is forced first, meaning if we got discovered."
  10289. "So I heard. But?"
  10290. >"But... all of the diplomatic projections assume that we can theoretically turn the terrans' view on us fairly quickly. Similar to how conflicts are resolved in the show."
  10291. >#deca.mare chuckles lightly.
  10292. >Though you think you hear faint traces of irony in the laughter as well.
  10293. >"Harmony has been strongly affected by our vision of Equestria, when it comes to handling things like these."
  10294. "This doesn't. Sound like a. Bad thing. To me."
  10295. >She nods.
  10296. >"You are not wrong, Anon. For interacting with Equestria, it is the best outcome we could have hoped for. In cases of interstellar reconciliation, however, the results of applying this worldview might be... more sobering."
  10297. "To be fair. Neither of us. Would be. A good alternative. Either."
  10298. >"Which brings us right back to where we were before. The proverbial square one."
  10299. >You try to shrug.
  10300. >It is barely a faint twitch, but enough for #deca.mare to register it.
  10301. "I dis. Agree. We have found. A new way. To communicate. With Harmony."
  10302. >You smile.
  10303. >Even though it looks more like an askew demented grin of someone who does not know how to show emotions.
  10304. "I wouldn't. Call that square. One if. You ask me."
  10305. >#deca.mare studies you intently, not minding your apparently deranged expression.
  10306. >"True. But it might only be of any use to us in the long run if you are willing to subject yourself to this treatment again."
  10307. "If it helps. To improve. Our bond to. Harmony. Why would I. Not?"
  10308. >#deca.mare sighs.
  10309. >"Delay that assessment until you are fully back on your feet. I reckon you will find the days in bed very monotonous over time."
  10310. >You laugh.
  10311. >Or you try to, at least.
  10312. "With you. By my side. They can never. Be that. Monotonous."
  10313. >After taking a short breath, #deca.mare quickly nuzzles your cheek.
  10314. >Again, you hardly register her coat touching your skin as she does.
  10315. >Unfortunately.
  10316. >"Flattering as always."
  10317. >Then her muzzle closes in to touch your nose.
  10318. >You are almost tempted to ask if #deca.mare tries to entice you.
  10319. >To do a bit more than that.
  10320. >However, she swiftly makes it clear to you that this is a severe miscalculation.
  10321. >For #deca.mare is still in her serious mode.
  10322. >Despite covering your prone form with her own, and being in close-up kissing range.
  10323.  
  10324.  
  10325.  
  10326.  
  10327. >"But facing the aftermath of another shock aside, there is still, as I mentioned, the problem and potential risk of giving unwanted high priority orders. We should fix this before you consider to meet Harmony again."
  10328. "Agreed. Any. Suggestions?"
  10329. >A brief pause.
  10330. >"I do have some ideas of what we could do, and I would like to hear your opinion on those. Besides, I need your help to put them into practice anyway. Since this affects master-level orders, I have absolutely no access to the relevant sections. Only you can do this."
  10331. "Uhm. You want to. Do any of. That now?"
  10332. >#deca.mare shakes her head.
  10333. >"Not in your state. But..."
  10334. >She gives you another kiss.
  10335. >"... I wanted to let you know that I am working on some viable solutions."
  10336. >Then she sticks out her tongue.
  10337. >"I will not tell you which ones though. Not yet."
  10338. >You get it.
  10339. "Not before. I'm up. Again. Yes."
  10340. >You think about this condition for a moment and smile.
  10341. "Does it count. When you. Carry me out?"
  10342. >And #deca.mare's expression turns into something which you can best describe as "diplomatic".
  10343. >"No, Anon. And neither does zero gravity. Or anything else of that nature."
  10344. >You inhale, lightly amused.
  10345. "Ah. Bummer."
  10346. >"Your eagerness and tendency to jest are good signs, however. I am sure we will have no problems to pass the time together."
  10347. >You keep your delighted mood.
  10348. "I'm sure. We will."
  10349. >And so, you postpone any further weighty discussion, and let your prescribed bed rest play out as intended.
  10350. >Though you would be lying if you claimed that either of you two gets bored for even a moment.
  10351. >#deca.mare turns out to be completely right in that regard.
  10352. >And both of you are quite happy with this result.
  10353. >You may not have found any definite answers to anything yet, though given the circumstances, you feel fairly confident that you will do so in the future.
  10354. >As a first step, this is not such a bad development in your book.
  10355.  
  10356.  
  10357.  
  10358.  
  10359. 141.1
  10360.  
  10361. >Later in the text:
  10362.  
  10363. >The latent powers of the twins increased as they grew in size.
  10364. >Soon it was clear that these two were no ordinary ponies, even apart from their unique bodies.
  10365. >They outgrew everypony around them, both in strength and size.
  10366. >And even their mentors struggled to keep their powers in check at times.
  10367. >However, while they were not beyond the occasional youthful jest, the two proved to be exceptional students.
  10368. >The siblings learned to handle all trades from the three tribes.
  10369. >They knew how to feel the land.
  10370. >They could fly and walk on clouds with ease.
  10371. >And they gained access to the most elaborate circles of magic.
  10372. >Some whispered the two had even found more spheres of the unseen that were barred to any other spellcaster.
  10373. >Though these allegations remained as such, for nopony could prove any of this with certainty.
  10374. >And all of that came to pass before they gained their Marks.
  10375. >Naturally, the stories that surrounded these ponies multiplied with every passing month.
  10376. >Up to a point at which they gained reputations that rivalled those of legends.
  10377. >By the time they found their destiny, they already stood at the height of fully grown ponies.
  10378. >There had been countless theories and rumours around the question of what Marks the twins would eventually receive.
  10379. >Many of them talked about symbols of epic proportions.
  10380. >Ones of such a vast and powerful nature, that they could move the world, if they wanted to.
  10381. >And, in a way, these ideas were proven not to be as outlandish as some might believe.
  10382. >For the sisters were blessed with the symbols of the heavens.
  10383. >The insignia of the sun and the moon.
  10384. >This bolstered the fame of the sisters yet further.
  10385. >Because now it was clear to everypony that they were destined to achieve greatness beyond any comparison.
  10386.  
  10387.  
  10388.  
  10389.  
  10390. >A vision which was indeed correct.
  10391. >The heavenly siblings would eventually take up their own vows as the Royal Sisters of the realm.
  10392. >They accepted their entrusted roles as unparalleled diarchs, who led the ponies safely through another time of strife.
  10393. >A strife which was to herald the age of Diarchy, and the beginning of the Royal Sisters' quest to find Harmony.
  10394. >In order to ensure a good life for all subjects under their reign.
  10395. >Then, the siblings decided to give their realm a new name.
  10396. >Equestria, land of the Two Sisters, world of ponies.
  10397. >In honour of all the ponies around them.
  10398. >For they were, without exception, precious to their new rulers.
  10399. >No matter who they were, and where they lived.
  10400. >The Royal Sisters may have become the icons of their realm's new and uniting banner, but they had a sacred duty to serve their realm and subjects in turn.
  10401. >One which they swore to uphold.
  10402. >As difficult as this challenge may prove to be.
  10403. >And what a gauntlet it was to become in the years that followed.
  10404. >But this is a story for another time.
  10405.  
  10406. >Note: End of the scroll.
  10407.  
  10408.  
  10409.  
  10410.  
  10411. 141.2
  10412.  
  10413. >You wake up in your bed within the simulated Canterlot chamber at the crack of dawn.
  10414. >The room is barely lit by sunlight yet, and you know that you have woken up a little bit ahead of time.
  10415. >Normally, you would still sleep for at least another hour or two.
  10416. >But you know that trying this would be pointless today.
  10417. >Because this is one of the rare mornings in which you wake up alone.
  10418. >And you are quick to remember why this is the case.
  10419. >During the night, probably at the simulated Equestrian equivalent of two or three o'clock in the morning, #deca.mare has gotten up already.
  10420. >Though you have no information about any specific reason as to why she left.
  10421. >For #deca.mare plainly insisted that you keep sleeping for a while longer.
  10422. >She only briefly woke you up to let you know that there is something she wants to attend to, and that you shall not be worried.
  10423. >Apparently, some form of peculiarity happened.
  10424. >Albeit nothing which would be either critical or urgent.
  10425. >Which practically translates to the statement that she does not want you to lose any sleep over it, whilst she goes ahead to see what is going on.
  10426. >To placate your curiosity, however, and to preserve your sleep schedule on top of that, she promised to inform you about everything when you are well-rested.
  10427. >So you agreed, and stayed in your bed.
  10428. >But only after wrestling a see-you-soon kiss from her.
  10429. >Though to be fair, this was not very hard.
  10430. >She was not exactly resisting that demand, after all.
  10431. >And the last thing you saw of her was #deca.mare's exposed rear, as she hopped out of the bed to leave the room.
  10432. >Your pretty groggy brain came to the conclusion that this was an acceptable image in mind to doze off with.
  10433. >So you closed your eyes again, and let your thoughts drift to pleasant things for a while longer.
  10434. >Now though, there is neither any sight of that rear, nor of the lovely mare that it is attached to.
  10435. >The questions, which arose from the sudden and inconvenient nightly lack of equine flank, however, still remain.
  10436. >You get up, stretch your limbs to drive away the fatigue, and prepare yourself to follow #deca.mare.
  10437. >A quick enquiry reveals that she is on the command deck.
  10438. >Not much of a surprise so far.
  10439. >And so, curious to see what lured your wife away from you in this early hour, you swiftly leave the scenery and enter hers.
  10440. >#deca.mare welcomes you with a nudge as you take your seat.
  10441. >You wrap your arm around her barrel to hold her close in turn.
  10442. "Morning."
  10443. >"Good morning, Anon. You are fairly early."
  10444. >You shrug.
  10445. "Couldn't sleep much longer. Something wasn't right, you know? I guess the bed got too cold."
  10446. >#deca.mare grins.
  10447. >"Sounds like you missed some warmth."
  10448. >You mirror her smile.
  10449. "Missed some warmth? Yeah."
  10450. >You pull #deca.mare yet a little bit closer to kiss her cheek.
  10451. "Amongst other things."
  10452.  
  10453.  
  10454.  
  10455.  
  10456. >Both of you chuckle for a while before you get down to business.
  10457. "Now tell me, what was the big happening that stole a cuddly warm mare from my arms last night?"
  10458. >#deca.mare clears her throat and points at the main screen.
  10459. >"A certain development. Look."
  10460. >You examine the display and notice a satellite recording of Equestria's surface.
  10461. >It depicts a moderately sized Earth pony village during the day.
  10462. >Located near the future heartlands of Equestria.
  10463. >You do a few calculations in your head and surmise that it could indeed be early noon on this part of the planet right now.
  10464. >And the ponies have been up and busy for a couple of hours too.
  10465. >Which leads you to a certain assumption.
  10466. "That's a real-time transmission, isn't it?"
  10467. >#deca.mare nods.
  10468. >"It is."
  10469. "And you followed the ponies' activities for hours now?"
  10470. >"No, not of all ponies. Just two."
  10471. >You think you spotted a little hint in that answer.
  10472. "Hold on, is this the place that I think it is?"
  10473. >The confirmation follows swiftly.
  10474. >"Indeed. They are here."
  10475. >The image zooms in.
  10476. >Until it is filled with the vision of a single building.
  10477. >A house that is slightly larger than a regular cottage, yet too small for a community town hall.
  10478. >You identify it as the school of the village, and draw your own conclusions.
  10479. "I see. So class is in progress now, huh?"
  10480. >A quick nod.
  10481. >"Hmhm. And now that you are awake anyway, there is something in there you must see with your own eyes."
  10482. >The screen switches over to a wooden hallway.
  10483. >The school's interior, as you quickly figure out.
  10484. >From the perspective that is shown on the display, you see the central entrance, as well as a pair of opposing doors, located halfway into the corridor.
  10485. >Looks like this building has one classroom on each side, so two rooms in total.
  10486. >And this situation is indeed peculiar in your opinion.
  10487. >But not for any external reasons.
  10488. >Because the mere fact that you are currently looking into the insides of this building is already unusual.
  10489. >For you normally do not spy on ponies like this.
  10490. >Now granted, Harmony is always aware of what ponies are doing, due to the strong bond between Harmony and Equestria's populace, and #deca.mare can easily inform herself about everything as well if she needs the intel for her work.
  10491. >Neither of the two needs to rely on hidden cameras in houses for that though.
  10492. >And you do not want to use that sort of thing either.
  10493. >Both because you can consult #deca.mare if you need some information, and because you generally do not like to poke around in some ponies' private lives behind their backs.
  10494. >Satellite images of a larger area are one thing.
  10495. >But secretly invading personal spaces?
  10496. >That is a completely different level.
  10497. >One which you have always avoided, even when you were explicitly invited to be somewhere.
  10498. >You have never left anything behind to record material after you have departed.
  10499. >Doing so would just be bad style.
  10500.  
  10501.  
  10502.  
  10503.  
  10504. >Especially when it touches highly intimate places, such as bedrooms and the like.
  10505. >And up to this point, your score is pretty solid in this regard.
  10506. >There has been merely one occasion of you unintentionally coming across a scene that was not supposed to be witnessed by many.
  10507. >Yet it was not exactly your fault to begin with.
  10508. >After all, you were only inspecting some transmissions from a satellite that was observing the agricultural fields near a small settlement during the dusk hours.
  10509. >And the last thing you expected to see out of the blue was this particular pair of Earth ponies.
  10510. >Right as they were preoccupied with sowing a different kind of "crop".
  10511. >Though you have to admit that the couple was not only thoroughly entwined, but also hidden fairly deep inside the fields.
  10512. >The two were effectively invisible to anyone on the ground.
  10513. >So it was not a public affair per se.
  10514. >However, that did not apply to Pegasi in the air.
  10515. >They had a fairly good chance of seeing the two lovebirds getting it going between their plants.
  10516. >And the same holds true for men in orbit who utilise high-resolution technology that is able to observe the planet surface in all its glory.
  10517. >Including the ability to perfectly perceive even the tiniest of details in the dimming lights of a fading day.
  10518. >Well, at least it was good to see that Keg's leg had healed completely.
  10519. >He is fully back in action.
  10520. >In every meaning of the word, as his wife could absolutely confirm.
  10521. >The expression on her face was all you needed to be sure of this.
  10522. >A simple meeting would have worked just as well to witness that though.
  10523. >With much less blushing from your side too.
  10524. >And the worst part about it: It gave #deca.mare something to tease you with.
  10525. >She claims that you did not avert your gaze or redirect the focus of the satellite immediately, even though you could have done so within a second.
  10526. >According to her, you were staring at the display in surprised silence instead.
  10527. >For quite a while.
  10528. >Allegedly because you were fascinated by the performance.
  10529. >And the different positions the two found themselves in.
  10530. >An assessment she amusedly mentions every now and then in your little teasing bouts.
  10531. >Though you for your part believe that she exaggerates that account a little bit.
  10532. >It certainly was not that long.
  10533. >Probably.
  10534. >Anyway, #deca.mare and you have previously agreed upon not to do what she is currently doing for some reason.
  10535. >And, unlike your instance of unexpectedly and remotely attending Keg's and his wife's successful ritual to expand their family tree, this here is no random chance.
  10536. >So you are curious to find out what she is doing.
  10537. >As well as the reasons for it.
  10538. >But whatever it is, you will certainly not encounter any procreating ponies in this house.
  10539. >You know at least that much in advance.
  10540. "A camera transmission from the school? #deca, why did you install cameras in the building? I thought we don't do the fly on the wall stuff."
  10541.  
  10542.  
  10543.  
  10544.  
  10545. >"You are right. We do not. This here was an ad hoc decision, Anon. Caused by something I have noticed last night."
  10546. "The same certain something that made you get up early."
  10547. >"Precisely."
  10548. "Alright, now you've got my full attention. What have you seen exactly?"
  10549. >"I think it is better to demonstrate this instead. Words do not really do this justice."
  10550. >Judging from #deca.mare's tone, something impactful must be afoot.
  10551. >And if it involves the Royal Sisters, you better take a very close look.
  10552. "Uh, okay. Show me."
  10553. >#deca.mare raises her voice.
  10554. >"As you can see, this is the entrance hall of the school."
  10555. "Yep, and there's currently no one here."
  10556. >"Not now. But the hall was full of young ponies about an hour ago."
  10557. >Must have been the short recreational break between the first and the second lesson, you figure.
  10558. "Including the two?"
  10559. >"Yes. I monitored them during their spare time."
  10560. "Okay, but why did you put the thing here in the first place? You've left the part out that made you do it."
  10561. >"Simple. Because I received a message from Harmony. The attached report mentioned a new skill which the two learned practically over night."
  10562. #deca.mare takes a breath.
  10563. >"That camera down there was my attempt to test that skill."
  10564. >Another short pause.
  10565. >"And I could confirm what Harmony was saying."
  10566. >You listen to #deca.mare's recount intently, albeit with a growing sense of impatience.
  10567. "Please get to the point, #deca. What mysterious skill is that supposed to be?"
  10568. >"I will show you. But one more thing in advance for your understanding: I have installed the camera in the hall shortly after their first lesson of the day had begun. In order to study them during their break once they have left the classroom."
  10569. >A third pause.
  10570. >"And while they were out, I used the opportunity to place another unit of the same type in the empty classroom."
  10571. >Her forehoof points at the main screen.
  10572. >"Now watch."
  10573. >The scenery on the display changes.
  10574. >From one moment to the next, the entrance hall disappears, and gets replaced by the down-to-earth, yet well-tended classroom of an Earth pony community.
  10575. >Three ponies occupy the room.
  10576. >Two small Alicorn fillies who sit behind their desks, and have their backs turned towards the camera, as well as a fully grown Earth pony teacher who faces the pair of students in turn.
  10577. >The younglings hardly need any introduction.
  10578. >And as you eye the Earth pony who instructs them, you realise that you recognise their teacher too.
  10579. >You have not personally talked to that mare before.
  10580. >Barring the short speech you gave her when she was still neatly sealed inside her gestation pod and sleeping firmly.
  10581. >Yet you immediately know who Chancellor Puddinghead's aide is when you see her.
  10582. >If she is here to offer the Royal Sisters a personal lecture, about Earth pony customs, habits, and skills undoubtedly, then she must be the talk of the entire village.
  10583.  
  10584.  
  10585.  
  10586.  
  10587. >Because Smart Cookie has become a name with a considerable reputation.
  10588. >Both in Earth pony circles, and also a bit beyond.
  10589. >As noteworthy as this visit is though, it cannot be what #deca.mare meant when she got up.
  10590. >She mentioned something about a new skill the two sisters now allegedly possess.
  10591. >But except for the high profile of the three ponies in question, you see nothing out of the ordinary in this class at the moment.
  10592. >#deca.mare is quick to continue her explanation, however.
  10593. >"Give it a moment to occur. And please keep in mind that I have not activated this particular device before you arrived. This is the first time it sends a signal from this position."
  10594. >You wonder why she states that fact this explicitly.
  10595. >Yet you do not ask any questions and simply nod.
  10596. >Considering how significant that development is made out to be, you will surely see it for yourself.
  10597. "Okay. Got it."
  10598. >So you wait and observe the scene on the screen.
  10599. >You keep your eyes especially on Celestia and Luna, while they apparently listen closely to Smart Cookie's teachings.
  10600. >And nothing else.
  10601. >Really, a part of you is fairly inclined to hear these lectures as well.
  10602. >Not because you want to spy on them yet further or something, but rather out of actual personal interest in the subject matter.
  10603. >But you are here to study something else, so you put that thought aside and focus solely on your work again.
  10604. >And indeed, the surprise does not keep you waiting for very long.
  10605. >Only a few moments after #deca.mare put the classroom on display, you see a peculiar reaction from both Alicorns.
  10606. >The ears twitch and perk up.
  10607. >Then the twins slowly turn their ears in different directions, apparently to scan the room somehow.
  10608. >Strange.
  10609. "Is that a reaction to the camera? It can't be."
  10610. >#deca.mare responds with a neutral voice.
  10611. >"I let you decide that for yourself, Anon."
  10612. >Totally not an ambiguous and ominous answer.
  10613. >Though you have a hard time to even consider this possibility in earnest.
  10614. >Celestia and Luna, however, seem to have different things in mind.
  10615. >Because one ear of both seemingly locks onto your camera eventually.
  10616. >And they stay in that position for a few seconds.
  10617. >As if they are hearing something coming from that direction.
  10618. >No.
  10619. >No way.
  10620. "What in the name of Earth and Equestria is happening there?"
  10621. >#deca.mare says nothing.
  10622. >Instead, you see how the already tricky situation turns into a highly delicate one.
  10623. >Celestia raises a forehoof to say something to Smart Cookie.
  10624. >If you had to guess, you assume she asked for a short interruption.
  10625. >And based on Smart Cookie's facial expression, she does not seem to understand why exactly Celestia asks for one.
  10626. >Yet she agrees nevertheless.
  10627. >Both students use the chance to get up from their seat cushions.
  10628. >Once they are standing, the two fillies turn their heads towards the camera in slow, near perfect unison.
  10629.  
  10630.  
  10631.  
  10632.  
  10633. >Before you can fully grasp what is happening, you are already staring both sisters right in the eyes.
  10634. >And despite them being still very young, not even half as tall as an average pony, and a good distance away from you, they nevertheless manage to make you shiver.
  10635. >You feel like they are not only looking at the camera, but right through it.
  10636. >What they might see, that you cannot determine for sure.
  10637. >And for this reason alone, you must take the development seriously.
  10638. >An impression that Celestia and Luna firmly solidify soon thereafter, as the pair decides to approach the spot at the wall where the camera is placed.
  10639. "Uh-oh."
  10640. >The two get closer.
  10641. >Seemingly growing in size with every step, and never letting you out of their gaze.
  10642. >You can think of nothing to intervene in what is about to unfold next.
  10643. >So it comes the way it has to come.
  10644. >As soon as the fillies reach the wall, they closely examine the target of their interest with a frightening curiosity.
  10645. >From your perspective, you have the unexpected opportunity to get some stunningly accurate close-up views on both magenta and cyan pony irises.
  10646. >Considering your situation though, you do not feel quite so able to marvel at the anatomical details that you are exposed to.
  10647. >For you are far more interested in finding answers to your rapidly growing pile of questions.
  10648. >And none of those are related to eyes.
  10649. "#deca, just for the record. How big is this thing? The camera, I mean."
  10650. >"About as large as the tip of your finger. Easy to hide, hard to spot. And ponies perceive it as nothing more than a small piece of rock with a somewhat unusual form."
  10651. >And yet, it was discovered almost immediately after #deca.mare turned it on.
  10652. >The sisters' precision in sensing this is almost frightening.
  10653. >Unless...
  10654. >What if it was exactly this change which gave it away?
  10655. >You clear your throat.
  10656. "So, let's see if I got this right. They found the small camera unit... because of its transmission?"
  10657. >"Partially. It was the unique combination of the energy signature inside the unit, and the signal itself, that piqued their interest."
  10658. >You nod slowly, but show no sign of relief.
  10659. "And what do they see exactly? From their perspective?"
  10660. >"You mean on the surface level?"
  10661. "Yeah."
  10662. >"The same as everypony else. A peculiar rock."
  10663. >Something happens on the screen.
  10664. >The entire vision gets suddenly tinted with a dark blue hue.
  10665. >It looks as if someone had changed the colour filters of the camera somehow.
  10666. >But this time it does not appear to be caused by #deca.mare.
  10667. >A moment later, the "rock" camera gets lifted into the air, and floats towards Luna's face.
  10668. >The future princess of the night closely examines the unit from all angles as she slowly spins it around.
  10669. >Granting you a nice, but discoloured panorama view on the classroom in the process.
  10670. >#deca.mare goes on.
  10671. >"But their magical senses tell them that there is something more inside this stone."
  10672.  
  10673.  
  10674.  
  10675.  
  10676. >You blink.
  10677. "I wouldn't have guessed that."
  10678. >You ignore the curious blue Alicorn for the time being and look at #deca.mare instead.
  10679. "How much can they find out?"
  10680. >"Nothing solid. They feel some unusual potential within the unit which they perceive as magic. But the two cannot fully identify what they see."
  10681. "Is that certain?"
  10682. >She nods.
  10683. >"Yes. Which is why there was no reason to raise an alarm."
  10684. >Trusting in #deca.mare's word, you lean back and slowly calm down.
  10685. >Then you try to approach the new situation with a far less urgent attitude.
  10686. "Okay. Let's start at the beginning. I know the princesses have a heightened level of perception, but they never managed to do something that came even close to this. What led to the change?"
  10687. >"To summarise the report briefly, they taught this to themselves."
  10688. >You raise an eyebrow.
  10689. "And you said that happened over night?"
  10690. >"Indeed."
  10691. "What, unexpectedly? While they were sleeping?"
  10692. >"Correct."
  10693. "Now hold on a second. I can perhaps buy that they're savvy enough to learn something about 'magic' without any help. But doing so over night, and at this young age? How?"
  10694. >#deca.mare's reply is short and simple.
  10695. >"A dream caused this to happen."
  10696. >You do not have to point out that you want to hear more about it.
  10697. >#deca.mare knows you well enough to elaborate without any further request.
  10698. >"We have never talked about Alicorns dreams, now have we?"
  10699. >You rummage through your memories for a short while before you reply.
  10700. "Now that you mention it, I don't think so, no."
  10701. >#deca.mare nods slowly.
  10702. >"Then please allow me to do it now."
  10703. "Of course, #deca. I want to hear it."
  10704. >"Alright."
  10705. >#deca.mare inhales.
  10706. >"As you know, the nature of most pony dreams is comparable to the nature of their human counterparts."
  10707. >You nod.
  10708. "Except for the few special ones that relate to a pony's personal talents, yeah."
  10709. >Which usually also come with some kind of new insight into a certain craft, as you silently add.
  10710. >However, those "revelations" are almost exclusively inspired by #deca.mare or Harmony.
  10711. >Sometimes even by both.
  10712. >And in only one very special case, you were involved as well.
  10713. >For whilst you personally are not exactly keen on invading ponies' minds, for obvious reasons of politeness and a respect for privacy, you nevertheless decided to enter the dream of one particular pony once.
  10714. >To offer an apology to a certain Pegasus mare, without barging into her life on Equestria again.
  10715. >Granted, this was probably not the solution that Sky Squall had in mind when he made you promise to talk to her about this topic.
  10716. >But Gust Glider understood what you were saying.
  10717. >And, deep down, she knew it to be true.
  10718. >Even after she woke up.
  10719. >Dream or no dream.
  10720. >As such, you honoured Sky's wish without interrupting Gust's current relationship by poking around in old wounds.
  10721. >Which is all that matters in your opinion.
  10722.  
  10723.  
  10724.  
  10725.  
  10726. >However, none of this helps you now, as neither #deca.mare nor Harmony has done anything in this case.
  10727. >She goes on.
  10728. >"Essentially correct. But the Royal Sisters are a special case. Similar to how many aspects of their physiology and mental capacities are notably above the average, their dreams are also more complex, and able to do more than what is considered normal by pony standards."
  10729. >Something on the screen catches your attention for a brief moment, as you notice a steady decline of the blue sheen around the "rock".
  10730. >Only to see it suddenly getting replaced by the similarly dark blue hue of a frog.
  10731. >Luna is holding the camera in one of her forehooves.
  10732. >You have to guess what she is doing with it now.
  10733. >But considering that the twins asked to pause the lecture of an esteemed mare to investigate their newfound trail, you almost count on them to tell Smart Cookie about their impressions.
  10734. >While she may not have the necessary skills to analyse objects with potentially hidden "magical" qualities herself, Smart may very well send this unit to some Unicorns who might be able to try it.
  10735. >And they could indeed verify the claims of the two sisters, even if they cannot uncover the full truth behind the camera either.
  10736. >Nothing to be overly concerned about, granted.
  10737. >Yet you did not expect Celestia and Luna to develop such powers in their foalhood already.
  10738. "More complex, hm? On what scale?"
  10739. >"Given the highly subjective and personal traits of dreams, it is impossible to describe the differences in numbers or values. It is rather a difference in... for the lack of a better word, the degree of performance."
  10740. >A pause.
  10741. >"Or let me put it like this. In a dream, the mind of an individual is trying to process experiences and impressions in various ways. The details are highly dependent on the context of each situation, and the dreamer in question."
  10742. >You interrupt #deca.mare's trail of thoughts at this point.
  10743. "Yeah, I'm aware of this. What are you trying to get at though?"
  10744. >"Bear with me, Anon. You will see soon."
  10745. >Another brief moment of silence.
  10746. >"The measure of control which individuals possess over their own dreams varies equally too. Some have virtually no active agency over their visions, whereas others remain almost completely lucid in their sleeping phases. The latter can usually affect personal dreamscapes deliberately. At least to some degree."
  10747. >#deca.mare looks at the wonderfully detailed image of an Alicorn mare frog in front of her.
  10748. >"Alicorns, however, are a league of their own. To them, the state of lucidity is not an exception, but, if they so wish, the baseline default. And the sensation is much more... potent than it usually is for other ponies."
  10749. >Luna's forehoof is moving.
  10750. >Though you are unable to determine what she is doing exactly.
  10751.  
  10752.  
  10753.  
  10754.  
  10755. >"Celestia and Luna are not only aware of their dreams, they regularly use them as a conduit to ponder and meditate methodically. Both can already reach spheres which others are barely able to imagine."
  10756. >#deca.mare once again points at the screen full of Luna.
  10757. >"Especially her."
  10758. >You think you grasp what she alludes to.
  10759. "It's because of her ability to look into the dreams of others, right?"
  10760. >"Yes. If she creates a link to another pony, both parties can partially tap into the potential, and strengths, of the other participant for the duration of the bond."
  10761. >This sounds strangely familiar to you.
  10762. "You've copied the mechanism of our link for this, haven't you?"
  10763. >And #deca.mare smiles.
  10764. >"Not quite. I have admittedly used our bond as a model. But the dreamscape of Luna varies in a number of details. For instance, Luna cannot give any binding commands to the ponies she is connected with."
  10765. >So, direct brainwashing of the people or overriding a pony's free will are both out of the question.
  10766. >Which sounds like a good thing to you.
  10767. >Yet you are sure that, if Luna pays a visit to someone's dream, then this individual nevertheless will, in all due likelihood, listen very closely to what the princess of the night has to say.
  10768. >"As you can imagine though, Luna is generally the "stronger" link in the bond. Which means that whoever she temporarily bonds with will benefit far more from her powers than the other way round."
  10769. >#deca.mare pauses for a moment before she continues.
  10770. >"Except for her sister. When these two minds come in contact with one another, things change considerably. The events of the last night are an apt example."
  10771. "You mean they dreamt together?"
  10772. >"Not only that. They combined their individual strengths to meditate together. Celestia and Luna shared their thoughts to delve deeper into the mysteries of magic. As one entity of two minds."
  10773. >You follow #deca.mare's example and study the dark blue frog on the screen.
  10774. >The image does not really do the gravity of this moment justice.
  10775. >But you have something else in mind anyway.
  10776. "And everything one felt and saw was also perceived by the other, right? That's how they discovered that trick simultaneously."
  10777. >"Hmhm. It is a fusion unlike any other."
  10778. >You try to imagine what it must be like to have two minds temporarily fusing with one another in this manner.
  10779. >Yet you cannot even truly conceptualise it.
  10780. >It is simply beyond your way of perceiving the world.
  10781. >Sure, the link you share with #deca.mare is similar to Luna's ability to create bonds, as #deca.mare has openly admitted.
  10782. >But if anything, this link is more akin to a connection Luna would have to a pony other than her sister, given that #deca.mare can handle "reading you" much better than you can handle "reading her".
  10783. >And as you have learned from personal experience, fully taking #deca.mare in is a guranteed ticket into a hefty coma.
  10784. >#deca.mare clears her throat and smiles politely.
  10785.  
  10786.  
  10787.  
  10788.  
  10789. >"Anon, please do not take this personally, but our mental union pales in comparison to this intensity. To them, it is almost as if they become indistinguishable from one another for a limited span of time. And despite our best efforts, we cannot do that."
  10790. >You wave your hand dismissively.
  10791. "Don't worry, I don't. I'm perfectly happy with what we have going between us."
  10792. >You pause and smile.
  10793. "But I guess a small part of me will always remain a bit curious anyway."
  10794. >"I can see why."
  10795. >#deca.mare's smile widens as she presses her cheek against yours.
  10796. >"You know, we may not be able to merge in the same way the Royal Sisters do, but we have something else to make up for it."
  10797. >You think you get what she means.
  10798. >And you quickly find your assumptions validated, as #deca.mare turns herself around, and throws herself onto your lap.
  10799. >With her barrel pressing against your torso, and her head almost touching yours.
  10800. >Her large eyes and friendly face block your view on the main screen almost entirely, but you do not complain about that trade.
  10801. >You give #deca.mare a passionate kiss, and she is more than willing to play along.
  10802. >Once your lips are free again, you grin and shrug.
  10803. "Yeah, that'll do."
  10804. >You can read in her eyes that #deca.mare is willing to go a bit further right now.
  10805. >If you are too.
  10806. "Making up for the lost time last night, hm?"
  10807. >#deca.mare's muzzle touches your nose.
  10808. >"Can you think of something better?"
  10809. >You do not hesitate to answer straight away.
  10810. "Nope. Nothing at all."
  10811. >A short pause.
  10812. "There's one thing before we begin though."
  10813. >#deca.mare seems lightly surprised that you are not fully on board with her proposal immediately.
  10814. >Still, if there is something you deem important enough to mention it beforehand, she is more than happy to settle this point first.
  10815. >"Yes, Anon?"
  10816. >You touch #deca.mare's shoulder with one hand, and point at the screen with the other.
  10817. >The blue hoof has disappeared.
  10818. >And the image you receive instead is split in two segments.
  10819. >Its lowest third is filled with the flat wooden surface of one of the students' desks, whilst the other two thirds feature a somewhat confused looking Smart Cookie.
  10820. >Who now undoubtedly listens to one or two accounts regarding magical properties that are allegedly looming inside this rock in front of her.
  10821. "What do we do with those two? They're developing faster than we first thought."
  10822. >#deca.mare remains calm though.
  10823. >"Let them. Exceeding our expectations is a good sign, Anon. It means they are progressing faster than our projected average. This in itself is no reason for concern."
  10824. >You laugh once.
  10825. "Sure. I just can't shake the feeling that they may somehow turn the tables and watch us instead."
  10826. >Now she mirrors your laughter.
  10827. >"This is a baseless fear, Anon."
  10828. >She begins to smile slyly.
  10829. >"Or have you done something with Harmony behind my back again?"
  10830.  
  10831.  
  10832.  
  10833.  
  10834. >You feign to think about this question, even though both of you know that this is impossible.
  10835. >Ever since the two of you have established that you need to answer a few Equestria related questions, each time of course, before your commands are even accepted as master-level orders, you can essentially not do anything by accident any more.
  10836. >And since these questions are always randomly chosen for every new enquiry, you cannot learn them by heart either.
  10837. >A bit of a nuisance, sure.
  10838. >But still always better than unintentionally setting off a potentially galaxy spanning harmonious apocalypse in the name of friendship and ponies.
  10839. >You wait for a couple of seconds.
  10840. >Then you drop the act and plant a kiss directly on #deca.mare's muzzle.
  10841. "Nope, I didn't. But speaking of Harmony, perhaps I should pay another visit to our student again. Some time soon."
  10842. >"Harmony will surely appreciate it. But you understand that it is going to incapacitate you once more if you pick the direct option like the last time. I cannot prevent that, unless you let me assume the role of the interpreter."
  10843. >You nod, and boop #deca.mare's muzzle in the process.
  10844. "I do. Still prefer the direct approach despite the hangover though."
  10845. >"As you wish, Anon."
  10846. "Say, now that we know what happened, do you think you could tag along? For a real family get-together this time?"
  10847. >Which only takes place inside your head, but oh well.
  10848. >"Hm, I could replicate the process which Harmony used. But it might negatively affect the rate of your regeneration if your mind has to deal with the input of two separate sources."
  10849. "But it would be harmless?"
  10850. >"Apart from a yet further delayed recovery, yes."
  10851. >You repeat your shrug.
  10852. "Eh, you know how it is. The more, the merrier. I'd like to have you with us. It wouldn't be perfect otherwise."
  10853. >"Alright. Then I will be there, Anon."
  10854. >Only a moment after #deca.mare has said that, she suddenly starts to shift her body.
  10855. >Until her rear rests straight on your lap.
  10856. >Then she presses herself notably tighter against you.
  10857. >Yes, she does not try to conceal her intentions in the slightest.
  10858. >"Any more questions left unanswered?"
  10859. >Alright, she wins.
  10860. "No, that's it."
  10861. >"Splendid. So... shall we catch up on... what you were dreaming of before you got here?"
  10862. "Fine, you wily teaser."
  10863. >You lightly tilt your head.
  10864. "I bet you planned this out all along."
  10865. >#deca.mare chuckles and shrugs at the same time.
  10866. >"I merely... offered you some... inspiration to spend the time with while I was absent. It was you who accepted the offering though."
  10867. "The 'offering'? #deca, you allowed me one good look on your rear. That was all."
  10868. >She chuckles some more.
  10869. >"And it worked fairly well, did it not?"
  10870.  
  10871.  
  10872.  
  10873.  
  10874. >You sigh, slightly amused.
  10875. "Guilty as charged. Let's just hope Luna doesn't use the same strategy on the ponies she meets when she gets older."
  10876. >"Unlikely."
  10877. >#deca.mare gives you another kiss.
  10878. >"Remember, Luna is not married to the dreamers she visits in their sleep."
  10879. "Hm, fair point."
  10880. >A short pause.
  10881. "Recreational break?"
  10882. >#deca.mare nods.
  10883. >"Recreational break."
  10884. >With everything said and done for the time being, #deca.mare and you perform an act which is, fortunately, not witnessed by the ponies in the classroom down on the planet.
  10885. >After all, extraordinary Alicorn fillies, even with seemingly supernatural abilities, are still far too young for being exposed to this kind of activity.
  10886. >And it is a good thing that they have not meditated on how to hijack a satellite's visual systems yet, you reckon.
  10887. >For they would be surprised what one can find in the fields.
  10888.  
  10889.  
  10890.  
  10891.  
  10892. 142
  10893.  
  10894. >You imagine a scenery deep within the White Tail Woods.
  10895. >A small clearing with a patch of grassland, surrounded by trees.
  10896. >On a pleasant spring day, at the time of noon.
  10897. >You picture it to be visually similar to the last few times you have paid a visit to a scenery like this.
  10898. >And your environment heeds your wishes, based on the memories in your mind.
  10899. >From one moment to the next, the shapeless void turns into a lively forest.
  10900. >Precisely the way you wanted it to be.
  10901. >You take one good look around, smile happily, and sit down on the grass.
  10902. >Then you raise your voice, seemingly without addressing anyone in particular.
  10903. "All good and ready. You can come."
  10904. >Precisely on cue, two non-descript disturbances appear near you.
  10905. >They manifest out of thin air, and ceaselessly reshape themselves in abstract ways.
  10906. >Until the pair starts to vaguely resemble the outlines of familiar bodies.
  10907. >Two pony forms create themselves, like figurines that are gradually sculpted from a clump of clay, adding more and more details to themselves with every passing moment.
  10908. >And whilst you recognise that both work independently, and at their own individual pace, their end goal is nevertheless the same.
  10909. >To embody an Equestrian pony in your mindscape.
  10910. >Though as you find out very soon, their visions are a bit too close to one another.
  10911. >Because within a couple of seconds, you face a perfect depiction of #deca.mare, and... another equally accurate #deca.mare right next to the first.
  10912. >The two #deca.mares and you exchange glances.
  10913. "Uh, hello?"
  10914. >You get the same response from both ponies simultaneously.
  10915. >"Hello."
  10916. >"Hello."
  10917. >They even talk in the same speed and pitch.
  10918. >You pause shortly to process what is happening.
  10919. >It appears as if the direct connection to two independent conversation partners does have a new kind of drawback for your mind.
  10920. >Yet despite that, the process of getting here has been a bit smoother this time, all things considered.
  10921. >Because even though Harmony and #deca.mare had to overstrain your brain again to allow you to reach this state, it was far less of a gung-ho approach than Harmony's initial attempt.
  10922. >In fact, you are positively surprised that you could remember so much from the get-go.
  10923. >You already recalled, right from the start, why you decided to return to this "place" once more, and what you have to do to create an agreeable landscape for you and your "guests".
  10924. >Now you only have to deal with this new bump in the road.
  10925. "You know, this isn't how I expected our get-together to play out. You two look identical. You're aware of that, right?"
  10926. >The two answer in the same style as the first time.
  10927. >"Yes."
  10928. >"Yes."
  10929. "But why?"
  10930. >"Because that's the form you thought of."
  10931. >"Because that's the form you thought of."
  10932. >You shake your head.
  10933. "This isn't good. I don't even know who is who."
  10934.  
  10935.  
  10936.  
  10937.  
  10938. >And a third time.
  10939. >"That's simple, Anon."
  10940. >"That's simple, Anon."
  10941. >Both mares point at themselves.
  10942. >"I'm #deca.mare."
  10943. >"I'm Harmony."
  10944. >Then they point at each other.
  10945. >"And that's Harmony."
  10946. >"And that's #deca.mare."
  10947. >You realise that you should have focussed on the movements of their muzzles.
  10948. >Because you find yourself to be unable to discern the two just by listening to them.
  10949. >The overlapping between #deca.mare and Harmony is just too strong.
  10950. >So you raise a hand and motion them to stop.
  10951. "Wait, hold it. You're both sending on the same frequency or whatever as well. Can you do something about that?"
  10952. >Two shaking heads.
  10953. >"No, Anon. This is your mind, and our responses rely solely on your mental association. You have to do this part."
  10954. >"No, Anon. This is your mind, and our responses rely solely on your mental association. You have to do this part."
  10955. >You try not to lose your composure as you ask yourself whether this sensation could be comparable to what people might experience when they claim to have voices talking to them in their heads.
  10956. >This has to change.
  10957. >Now.
  10958. "Okay, so I need to separate you mentally, correct?"
  10959. >"Correct."
  10960. >"Correct."
  10961. >You close your eyes.
  10962. "Fine, I think I got it."
  10963. >Without thinking much about it, you wordlessly imagine that the two no longer share the same form.
  10964. >You want them to be clearly distinguishable from one another.
  10965. >Plus, you mentally designate #deca.mare's input as "Channel A", and Harmony's as "Channel B".
  10966. >You still leave both open at the same time of course, as you want to listen to everything that both have to say.
  10967. >But you hope that this distinction will enable them to speak without dragging the other along in your mindscape.
  10968. >Once you think to be done with this, you open your eyes again to check the results.
  10969. >Which are, as far as you can tell, both what you wanted, and also the complete opposite.
  10970. >One #deca.mare has turned into the embodiment of the Elements of Harmony, with its six precious stones facing you up front.
  10971. >And the other one... has disappeared completely.
  10972. >Apparently without a trace.
  10973. >You look at the aureate construct.
  10974. "So that's you. Hi, Harmony."
  10975. >Harmony replies in the usual, distinct "voice".
  10976. >"HELLO AGAIN."
  10977. >Well, this is at least distinctively Harmony.
  10978. >No doubt about that.
  10979. >A moment later, you check the clearing to see if you can find #deca.mare.
  10980. >But there is no sign of her anywhere.
  10981. >So you ask the only other individual who is around.
  10982. "Say, have you seen #deca somewhere?"
  10983. >"YES."
  10984. >The static body of the Elements slowly starts to tilt backwards.
  10985. >Under normal circumstances, you would guess that the construction is about to keel over and land on its "back side".
  10986. >But as you think of the gems as the equivalent of eyes once more, you believe to understand what Harmony is trying to tell you.
  10987. >So you look at the sky.
  10988.  
  10989.  
  10990.  
  10991.  
  10992. >And indeed, you find #deca.mare there.
  10993. >As an accurate depiction of your mother ship, floating a couple of kilometres above the ground.
  10994. "Oh."
  10995. >As you eye the vessel above you, you hear #deca.mare talking to you.
  10996. >In the same manner she usually relies on when you are remotely controlling one of your units.
  10997. >"Hi down there."
  10998. >Well, at least you now have the confirmation that #deca.mare and Harmony can talk without the other.
  10999. >Which is already something.
  11000. >You keep staring at the scene for a while longer though.
  11001. >And while you do, you register a couple of inconsistencies in the display above you.
  11002. >For instance, the ship completely blocks out the sun "behind" it, at least from your current position.
  11003. >So you should, under normal circumstances, sit in a pretty shadowy spot right about now.
  11004. >However, there is absolutely none.
  11005. >Not even a single sign of a shade that might be caused by the ship can be seen anywhere.
  11006. >The whole area around you is just as bright and pleasant to the eye as you wished for it to be.
  11007. >Additionally, since you know most of the general technical facts about your home base by heart, you know that it would not be able to navigate this close to the planet's sur...
  11008. >A voice chimes in loudly and scuttles your train of thoughts.
  11009. >"YOU BETTER DON'T THINK ABOUT THIS ANY FURTHER, ANON."
  11010. >And before you can ask what Harmony means, #deca.mare goes on.
  11011. >"Coming to the logical conclusion of this thought might trigger some inconvenient effects."
  11012. >A short pause.
  11013. >"Nothing in here can inflict any actual harm on you, but I'm sure you won't appreciate the feeling of getting buried alive under the bulk of a crashing capital ship."
  11014. >You nod slowly.
  11015. "Right. Let's not go there."
  11016. >So instead of picturing how the terraformer should actually be in an unstoppable plunge at this very moment, you rather close your eyes again.
  11017. >Time for another round of applied imagination.
  11018. >And you take care to be as explicit as possible in your descriptions for this.
  11019. >So much so that you outright tell the two, and yourself, what you want to achieve.
  11020. "Okay, fine-tuning now. The channel system works well, but the cosmetics still need some work. #deca.mare, you take the form of your personal proxy and return to the ground next to Harmony."
  11021. >You wait for a brief moment to make absolutely sure that you do not mix things up.
  11022. "Harmony, you can have my proxy for this get-together again. It's much more... personal... than talking to a floating compass rose."
  11023. >Before you open your eyes, you give your mindscape another respite to catch up to the changes you tried to envision.
  11024. >But once you do, you see two ponies standing in the grass right in front of you again.
  11025. >And no two #deca.mares either.
  11026. >For you see one depiction of her standing side by side with a precise copy of your proxy.
  11027. >So far, so good.
  11028.  
  11029.  
  11030.  
  11031.  
  11032. >There is only one last potential issue to check before you are satisfied.
  11033. "Alright. Role check to see if I did everything right."
  11034. >You point at #deca.mare's body.
  11035. "You're #deca, right?"
  11036. >A nod.
  11037. >"Yeah."
  11038. >Then at your pony proxy.
  11039. "Harmony?"
  11040. >A second.
  11041. >"Yep."
  11042. >You breathe a sigh of relief.
  11043. >Apart from them borrowing your speech patterns, they are now both neatly distinguishable, and present in reasonable proportions.
  11044. >You smile.
  11045. "Hm, it looks like everything is ready for a flawless get-together now. I'm sure the few extra minutes we needed to set this thing up are well spent."
  11046. >After all, it is the first time that all three of you are, figuratively speaking, together at the same place.
  11047. >This fact alone makes it special for you.
  11048. >Special enough, in fact, to willingly accept to undergo the impending time of recovery that is waiting for you as result of this encounter.
  11049. >For the subsequent paralysis is temporary, whereas the memories of this moment will be lasting.
  11050. >Even if you personally forget what happens here after the fact, be it because of the shock or some other reason, then both #deca.mare and Harmony will be more than willing to help you out and precisely reconstruct the events for you.
  11051. >So no matter what happens, the recollections will remain either way.
  11052. >Besides, there is not only your perspective to consider.
  11053. >For example, you know for sure that #deca.mare feels exactly as excited about this occasion as you do.
  11054. >She may not have pointed it out all that often, as she did not want to exert any pressure on you in this regard, because of its inevitable aftermath, but she sees this chance as an extraordinary treat as well.
  11055. >And Harmony?
  11056. >Harmony might technically not be able to feel excitement in the way that #deca.mare and you do, yet this does not mean that there is nothing for Harmony to gain from this gathering.
  11057. >If nothing else, it provides your student with new impressions to study and learn from.
  11058. >Because the interactions between you and #deca.mare are just as interesting to Harmony as those between the ponies down on the planet.
  11059. >Perhaps even more so in some ways, considering the comparatively limited insight which Harmony has into the lives of the two of you.
  11060. >But apart from the purely educational aspect of things, you also tend to believe that Harmony genuinely tries to act grateful, and also somewhat appreciative here.
  11061. >Both due to the effort you invest, and the hassle you have to face to make this happen.
  11062. >All of it just to have a nice time together.
  11063. >Inability of personally feeling these things aside, Harmony at least understands the concepts of what it means to be helpful or accommodating, and is aware of how valued these actions generally are.
  11064.  
  11065.  
  11066.  
  11067.  
  11068. >As such, the gravity of your deeds and decisions is not lost on your student.
  11069. >And understanding that you are determined to make this whole thing worthwhile for everyone, Harmony will surely try everything that is possible to reciprocate that gesture.
  11070. >Taking all these factors into consideration, the three of you are practically bound to be in for a good and interesting time.
  11071. >You merely have to get this show on the road now.
  11072. >So you take another breath, try to forget the overly analytic mindset, which you needed to establish this scenery, for the moment, and get into the mood of things instead.
  11073. >And you decide to start with a classic to break the ice.
  11074. >You open your arms for a group hug.
  11075. >Both #deca.mare and Harmony know exactly what to do.
  11076. >They quickly get closer to embrace you with a smile of their own.
  11077. >And as the three of you are entwined with one another in this firm hug, you think it is the perfect moment for some kind words.
  11078. "I'm glad to finally see both of you here. It's a moment I've been looking forward to for a long time."
  11079. >A short pause.
  11080. "Don't know about you, but to me this feels like the first time we come together as a real family. And outside of the serious sphere of things at that."
  11081. >#deca.mare responds first.
  11082. >"It really is a unique day. I'll cherish it fondly. Now, and in the future."
  11083. >And Harmony seems to take note of something particular that #deca.mare has said.
  11084. >"Speaking of good moments and fond memories, may I suggest something?"
  11085. >Not exactly an initial heartfelt resonance that befits the mood of the occasion at first glance.
  11086. >But you understand that it was not meant to devalue or discard the emotions of either #deca.mare or you.
  11087. >Besides, you have the impression that Harmony may have an interesting idea.
  11088. >So you are curious to hear it.
  11089. "Of course. Please go ahead."
  11090. >And Harmony wastes no time.
  11091. >"How about a camera for the scenery? Like the model you occasionally use in your leisure time to 'capture' specific events? #deca.mare and I could use a similar technique here to create some 'snapshots' of our shared experiences."
  11092. >Given that you have already seen a very detailed external recording of your last encounter with Harmony, you are inclined to believe this claim.
  11093. >Harmony pauses briefly.
  11094. >"I'm certain you want to have some 'photographs' for your personal album, don't you?"
  11095. >You do not need any time to consider Harmony's question.
  11096. >For you agree immediately.
  11097. "That sounds like a great idea. What do you think, #deca?"
  11098. >You hear #deca.mare chuckling lightly.
  11099. >"Do you even have to ask?"
  11100. >This is an obvious yes.
  11101. >Yet you see a perfect opening for a little polite quip that you just cannot let slip off.
  11102.  
  11103.  
  11104.  
  11105.  
  11106. >You grin.
  11107. "Yeah, I do. Because married people care about the opinions of their significant other and want to hear it anyway. Isn't that right, Harmony?"
  11108. >And Harmony responds with an objective tone.
  11109. >"This is usually the case, yes."
  11110. >#deca.mare sighs, audibly amused.
  11111. >"Oh dear. Now I've got two know-it-alls around me."
  11112. >You lightly pat her on the back once.
  11113. "Make that three. You can be a huge nitpicker too if you want to."
  11114. >Everyone remains silent for the fraction of a second.
  11115. >Then #deca.mare and you start to laugh simultaneously.
  11116. >Harmony joins in with a subtle snickering after a moment as well.
  11117. >Though judging from the short delay and the somewhat reluctant behaviour, it becomes tangible to you that even though Harmony had no problems with identifying the little jesting game between you two, the reaction to said game is not entirely organic.
  11118. >It feels a bit like it is the replication of studied and rehearsed interactions, rather than something that truly comes from the inside.
  11119. >Harmony tries to blend in, yet does not fully participate.
  11120. >As much as you have tried to lessen it by bringing all of you here, there is still a subtle gap between Harmony and the two of you.
  11121. >Of course, you are not surprised by this observation.
  11122. >But whilst you know that Harmony will eventually be able to close that gap, a part of you wishes that this would have happened already.
  11123. >Still, you have every reason to be happy with how things are going.
  11124. >And this is all that matters now.
  11125. >So you address Harmony again.
  11126. "All jokes aside, taking some pictures sounds great. Let's do it."
  11127. >You wait and expect something to happen.
  11128. >But nothing does.
  11129. >After about five seconds of silence, #deca.mare coughs politely and speaks up.
  11130. >"Anon, you have to visualise the camera. Our agency is limited."
  11131. "Oh right."
  11132. >You slowly remove yourself from the hugging trinity, and shut your eyelids to visualise the form of the archaic camera model that #deca.mare and you love to use.
  11133. >As soon as you are certain to have it, you imagine it to be in your hands.
  11134. >Quickly thereafter, you have the impression of something solid appearing in your palms.
  11135. >You can tell it is the right object just by touching it.
  11136. >You direct your gaze back towards Harmony.
  11137. "Here we go."
  11138. >"Splendid. It would be best if you keep it, Anon. You're much more apt in operating it in here than #deca.mare or me."
  11139. >You nod.
  11140. "Alright. And I just got an idea for our first shot."
  11141. >You eye both #deca.mare and Harmony before you elaborate.
  11142. "Let's make one of us right here and now. A family photo to mark the moment we first came together properly. What do you say?"
  11143.  
  11144.  
  11145.  
  11146.  
  11147. >#deca.mare agrees immediately.
  11148. >"Absolutely."
  11149. >And Harmony nods too, though not without raising a question at the same time.
  11150. >"Are you fine with me keeping the form of your proxy for the photo? Or do you think it would be inappropriate?"
  11151. "You mean because it usually represents me?"
  11152. >"Yes."
  11153. >You shrug.
  11154. "Don't worry. I don't mind. We know it's you who's using it."
  11155. >You pause as you get another idea.
  11156. "We can also write our names next to the photo once it's in the album. Perhaps in a classical crayon style with pointing arrows or something. For that little bit of extra personal touch."
  11157. >Like before, both seem to like the idea, yet #deca.mare appears to be notably more enthusiastic about it than Harmony.
  11158. >You clear your throat.
  11159. "So, any preferences regarding who stands where?"
  11160. >And #deca.mare is quick to suggest something.
  11161. >"I'd love to start with a typical family photo. You know, husband and wife standing together, with the child in front of them."
  11162. >You look at #deca.mare and Harmony, and spot a little catch.
  11163. "Hm, the proxy is about as tall as you are though. Harmony would have to sit down for it to work."
  11164. >Harmony nods.
  11165. >"I think this can be arranged."
  11166. >You take a breath.
  11167. "Well then. #deca, that was your idea, so I think it's fair if you give the instructions. Tell us where you want to take it. You shall have the best photo we can produce."
  11168. >"Gladly, Anon."
  11169. >And she begins at once.
  11170. >#deca.mare swiftly eyes the entire clearing.
  11171. >You can virtually see how she is silently considering all viable options with her characteristic lightning speed.
  11172. >And she has found the spot she desires within two seconds.
  11173. >Or at least what appears to be two seconds for you.
  11174. >She points at one particular place in the clearing.
  11175. >"Here. At the small hill. Please go up there, then turn to face the nearest trees."
  11176. "So that we have more of the grassy clearing in the background before the tree line starts on our photo, eh?"
  11177. >"Not only that. It also provides us with the best angle to optimally use the natural lighting of the sun."
  11178. >A part of you would like to point out that the lighting in here is everything but natural, as the little incident with the mother ship has proven.
  11179. >Then again, you rather decide to prepare yourself for the photo and walk towards the hill instead.
  11180. >Because you too are far more interested in creating a lasting memory.
  11181. >Harmony follows your tracks soon thereafter, with #deca.mare trotting right after Harmony.
  11182. >On the "peak" of the hill, if it deserves that description to begin with, you then heed the second half of #deca.mare's instructions.
  11183. >Harmony does the same, and promptly proceeds to lower the body of the proxy into the grass on top of that.
  11184.  
  11185.  
  11186.  
  11187.  
  11188. >While you observe Harmony sitting patiently on the soft earthy soil, you notice how #deca.mare positions herself right next to you.
  11189. >She presses her body gently against your side.
  11190. >With enough pressure for you to register her touch, yet without pushing you away at the same time.
  11191. >And #deca.mare is not wholly done yet.
  11192. >"Anon, would you like to put your hand on my back?"
  11193. >Looks like #deca.mare is aiming for some real familiarity for the shot.
  11194. >Not that you would complain about that.
  11195. "Uh sure."
  11196. >So you place your hand on #deca.mare, aiming for a spot right behind her shoulders.
  11197. >"Perfect, thank you."
  11198. >You get no chance to reply in any way though, as #deca.mare immediately addresses Harmony next.
  11199. >"Harmony, please move fifteen centimetres closer to Anon's side."
  11200. >"On it."
  11201. >The proxy progressively shifts in your direction without standing up.
  11202. >You get what she tries to achieve.
  11203. >#deca.mare wants your gesture to be visible.
  11204. >So Harmony cannot stay in a centric position.
  11205. >Because the proxy would then block the view on your arm that reaches out for her back.
  11206. >And since moving the sitting proxy more in her direction would hide too much of herself, it is only obvious to pick the opposite choice.
  11207. >For you are still very prominently visible in the picture, even with one leg being hidden behind Harmony.
  11208. >Now that this is done, #deca.mare addresses you again.
  11209. >"All set. Anon, now it's your turn. Use the camera."
  11210. >You take a look at the camera in your hands, and simply determine that you can make it float in the air and let it fly where you want it to be.
  11211. >Why?
  11212. >Because you say so.
  11213. >Your mind, your rules.
  11214. >Pure and simple.
  11215. >Your determination is apparently all that it takes to convince whatever part of your brain is responsible for this mindscape that you are right about this.
  11216. >Only a moment later, the camera rises slowly out of your hands.
  11217. "That works. Now tell me exactly where it shall be."
  11218. >#deca.mare nods.
  11219. >And with a little bit of coordination, the two of you manage to get the camera into the ideal position and angle to get a characteristic frontal snapshot of your happy little family.
  11220. >All three of you give the camera a friendly smile.
  11221. >Then a click.
  11222. >A brief moment of silence follows.
  11223. >You are the first to speak up once more.
  11224. "Well, that's it. I hope the photo lives up to your expectations, #deca."
  11225. >Judging from her happy demeanour though, you think you can guess the answer before she says even a single word.
  11226. >"It's perfect! I'll add it to the album at once!"
  11227. >A shame you cannot see it for yourself yet.
  11228. >Because although you have a fairly clear impression of what it looks like, seeing the actual result for yourself is still something else.
  11229. >Nevertheless, you are confident that you will survive that comparatively short waiting time until you have the chance to catch up on this.
  11230.  
  11231.  
  11232.  
  11233.  
  11234. >And you will be very busy in the meantime anyway.
  11235. >Harmony gets up from the ground, and turns around to look at #deca.mare and you.
  11236. >"You know, there's something I don't quite understand."
  11237. >Something which Harmony does not understand?
  11238. >That gets your attention.
  11239. "There is? Please elaborate."
  11240. >The proxy takes a breath.
  11241. >"Why are you two so fond of the camera? I mean, I know that you like using the object for defining the photos in your personal memory album, which is why I suggested to involve it here in the first place, but where does that notion come from?"
  11242. >A short pause.
  11243. >"To be more precise, what is the motivation behind it when it is entirely superfluous? Like, it's understandable that you value your memories, and why they are important for ponies too. But you could just ask #deca.mare to create an accurate visual recording of any situation from any angle in the simulation. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional alike. All it would take is one quick command. So why do you two insist on doing this with the camera, when faster and more effective options are available?"
  11244. >You blink.
  11245. "That's a lot at once and... kinda hard to answer. By the same metric you could also ask why we're having breakfast and lunch together in the simulation."
  11246. >"Or why you engage in copulative activities in a simulated environment, while we're at it."
  11247. >Oh man.
  11248. >Harmony is swinging the big conversational cudgels again.
  11249. >You need a moment to recover from hearing this before you can answer.
  11250. >And you look over to #deca.mare as you try not to blush.
  11251. >She looks lightly bashful as well.
  11252. >"Or... that. Yes."
  11253. >You clear your throat.
  11254. "The point is, all of that is, technically, completely redundant. #deca doesn't even need any food in the conventional meaning of the word, for instance. And I get everything I need from her in the cryo pod. We don't have to simulate any mealtimes and could just let our simulated selves feel saturated all the time."
  11255. >You quickly add something else before Harmony gets the opportunity to harp on that topic further.
  11256. "Or... get satisfied in other ways."
  11257. >Topic covered, quickly moving on.
  11258. "Not everything is always about pure utility though. Just look at the ponies on Equestria. They're not doing everything with a hundred percent efficiency all the time. Far from it, actually. You know what I mean."
  11259. >Harmony nods.
  11260. >"I do."
  11261. "We're not all that different. Like them, we're doing things we both enjoy. Because it's better than not doing them. If all we did was work all the time, or making sure that every single second of our lives was spent in the most efficient way possible, we'd go crazy. Because we can't do that."
  11262. >You pause.
  11263. "Well, #deca could. But it would be a far less enjoyable existence, wouldn't it?"
  11264. >And #deca.mare agrees.
  11265. >"You're right."
  11266. >Harmony studies both of you intently.
  11267. >"I understand what you mean, but at the same time, I also don't. Not... fully."
  11268. "You mean you don't 'feel' it."
  11269.  
  11270.  
  11271.  
  11272.  
  11273. >"If you want to put it that way, yes. Some of the things you do seem counterproductive to me. And yet, they yield results."
  11274. >The proxy points at #deca.mare.
  11275. >"Take your life, for example. You have changed so much over the years that your former self would not recognise you now. The #deca.mare who freshly ventured into space would never have taken pictures of grassy clearings, and even discard that very notion as irrelevant in its entirety. Camera or no camera."
  11276. >#deca.mare grins at that.
  11277. >"But we wouldn't have this discussion right now without this change."
  11278. >Harmony nods.
  11279. >"Precisely my point. The shift to something that's seemingly ineffective has led to unforeseen constructive effects. Effects that I owe my whole existence to, as you rightly point out. It may all appear to make sense to you now in hindsight, but from a purely objective point of view at the time, this outcome is nothing but paradoxical."
  11280. >A pause.
  11281. >You use the little respite to chime in.
  11282. "And it fazes you that you cannot completely comprehend how it came to that, right?"
  11283. >Harmony lets the proxy shake its head.
  11284. >"I cannot be 'fazed', Anon. But even then, I can comprehend it to some degree because you revealed your history to me."
  11285. >Yes, yes.
  11286. >That "little" incident and all its implications.
  11287. >Nothing that you are really fond of discussing right now.
  11288. >This was supposed to become a casual gathering, after all.
  11289. >Fortunately, Harmony does not go there either.
  11290. >"So I know how everything came to be. The timeline is consistent and every event is logged."
  11291. >Harmony takes a breath.
  11292. >"But at the same time... I still struggle to grasp some aspects of it. And I have the impression that if I can learn to be more like you two in this regard, if I can find that one piece that is missing, and unravel the paradox, then it might be a breakthrough on my path to improve myself."
  11293. >A pause.
  11294. >You see what Harmony is trying to point out.
  11295. >This is not a display of desperation or self-doubt, but rather a conclusion after a phase of self-reflection.
  11296. >Harmony is aware of the own limits, and has begun to ponder over this condition.
  11297. >And you would not be surprised in the slightest if your student is already looking for a solution to surpass this obstacle somehow.
  11298. >This calls for some friendly words.
  11299. >So you kneel to speak to Harmony at eye level.
  11300. "Don't worry. We're here to help you in every way we can to find that piece."
  11301. >Then you smile.
  11302. "I can't predict exactly how long it will take you to get there, but rest assured that it will happen. You've got the stuff to reach your goal. And we'll work on it together. Right, #deca?"
  11303. >You wait for a response.
  11304. >However, you get none.
  11305. >You do not even hear a pip from #deca.mare.
  11306. "#deca?"
  11307. >You turn your head around to check what is going on.
  11308. >And you are surprised to see her looking at you with a strangely awry smile.
  11309. >Which surprises and somewhat unsettles you in equal measure.
  11310.  
  11311.  
  11312.  
  11313.  
  11314. >You raise an eyebrow.
  11315. "Did I say anything wrong?"
  11316. >#deca.mare looks at Harmony.
  11317. >"Do you want to tell him?"
  11318. >Come again?
  11319. "Tell me what?"
  11320. >Your gaze turns back to Harmony.
  11321. >"You know, it's perfect timing that you said this just now."
  11322. "And why?"
  11323. >"Because I have thought about ways that might help me to understand what is currently beyond my reach."
  11324. "This quickly?"
  11325. >"It's an idea that came to me during our conversation, actually."
  11326. >Alright.
  11327. >You still affirm the stance that you are not surprised by this.
  11328. >The pace at which this happened, however, does catch you off guard.
  11329. >And what does alert you a bit about this, is #deca.mare's reaction.
  11330. >If she appears to have her doubts about this matter, you better look out.
  11331. >Because you have not forgotten what Harmony is capable of when a challenge is looming on the horizon.
  11332. >Surprisingly enough, however, it is Harmony who tries to calm you down.
  11333. >"No reason to be alarmed, this proposal has no interplanetary dimensions. And does not involve any warships either."
  11334. "And why are you treating it like some kind of touchy subject then?"
  11335. >Now it is #deca.mare who clears her throat.
  11336. >"Because Harmony's plan has some implications of a different... nature. Weighty implications, if you will."
  11337. >You briefly look at both of them in turn.
  11338. "Well I'd appreciate it if someone could enlighten me. I don't know what to say when I've no idea what's going on."
  11339. >#deca.mare responds swiftly.
  11340. >"Let me just say in advance that it's nothing bad. But perhaps we could... combine that conversation with, say, a picnic."
  11341. >You need a second before you reply.
  11342. "That's taking longer, huh?"
  11343. >A subtle cough.
  11344. >"It's certainly not a proposal that we can decide on rashly."
  11345. >Fine.
  11346. >#deca.mare will have her reason for claiming that.
  11347. >So you heed her not really subtle hints, and focus your thoughts to let a picnic set appear in the grass next to you.
  11348. >You fill it with all manners of food that is fitting for such an occasion.
  11349. >Bread, jam, fruit, and so on.
  11350. >Then you offer #deca.mare and Harmony to sit down with a gesture before you do the same yourself.
  11351. >Everyone takes a few bits of food.
  11352. >After taking a bite from an apple, and noticing that your sense of taste is currently a tad dodgy, you address the matter at hand again.
  11353. "So, what was it that you've thought of, Harmony?"
  11354. >Harmony takes a long breath.
  11355. >"Putting it briefly, I intend, to use the metaphor you have previously thought of yourself, to close the 'gap' which gapes between you two and me."
  11356. >You have to interject at this point.
  11357. "Don't get me wrong, Harmony. I didn't want to belittle you with that mental image."
  11358.  
  11359.  
  11360.  
  11361.  
  11362. >Harmony nods.
  11363. >"I know. But it is a somewhat fitting picture of my situation. For I do lack something which you have."
  11364. >A short pause.
  11365. >"Now, let us just for the sake of simplicity refer to this lacking certain something as 'first hand experience'. I'm, in certain ways, and in spite of the extensive knowledge you gifted to me, callow."
  11366. >The proxy picks up a jar of strawberry jam.
  11367. >"For example, I am fully aware of what ponies, and organic life forms in general, need to be well nourished. I register when someone is happy or sad, and can easily identify the causes for these conditions."
  11368. >Harmony looks at you.
  11369. >"I can give you a several hours long lecture on what happens with your taste buds when your physical body bites into an apple like the one you think you're holding at the moment, and how your brain processes that information. Or how this sensation can get perfectly feigned by our systems when you do the same thing in a simulation. Or... why this doesn't work properly for you at the moment."
  11370. >Another pause.
  11371. >"But if you asked me what the actual taste of an apple is, or what it is like to have emotions... I could not give you an answer other than 'I don't know'."
  11372. >Harmony eyes both #deca.mare and you in turn.
  11373. >"You can though."
  11374. >The proxy looks at you.
  11375. >"For you, it is a natural ability. Something you were born with. An aspect in which you decidedly outclass me simply by being alive."
  11376. >Harmony then turns to #deca.mare.
  11377. >"You taught it to yourself over a centuries long period of... intense introspection with some base material to work with. And were able to become sufficiently proficient in it to form a bond with Anon later on."
  11378. >Yet another moment of silence.
  11379. >"Barring the differences between you two and me, I also have neither of these two options available. So if I want to gain this experience too, I have to try a completely new approach."
  11380. >The proxy eyes you once more.
  11381. >"And I need your help with this. Albeit... not quite in the way you're expecting."
  11382. >You study Harmony's demeanour attentively, yet you are not sure what exactly Harmony's intentions might be.
  11383. >They are not malicious, that much is obvious, but other than that, you can only make uneducated guesses at best.
  11384. "Alright. And in what way then?"
  11385. >Harmony puts down the jar to pick up a slice of bread instead.
  11386. >And takes a bite of it without adding anything to it.
  11387.  
  11388.  
  11389.  
  11390.  
  11391. >"See, the problem with 'first hand experience' is that it cannot really be taught reliably from one person to the next. It's in the name, really. You could try to describe to me how you perceive certain emotions, or what you might feel in a specific situation. But all I could ever do is to record your assessment of those things. No matter how often we would repeat this process, or how detailed your descriptions might be, I would only be able to produce an approximate copy of the real thing at best, but never an equivalent thereof. Because I'd still lack the underlying 'instinct'."
  11392. >A second bite, and the slice is already gone.
  11393. >"No, I need a different scenario. One in which I'm exposed to these notions myself, and under realistic conditions at that."
  11394. >#deca.mare inhales.
  11395. >"Here it comes."
  11396. >And Harmony smiles politely, yet with a notable serious undertone.
  11397. >"So I wish to live a life as a pony on Equestria. One complete cycle from the beginning to the end. With the same skill range and perception as an average pony. And no special treatment or other advantages of any kind."
  11398. >You open your mouth to say something.
  11399. >Though you fail to utter a single sound.
  11400. >And Harmony answers your first couple of questions before you find the time to say anything out loud.
  11401. >"Yes. I'm serious. No, I haven't forgotten my responsibilities regarding the planet and the ponies. And yes, I have a plan to make both things work simultaneously."
  11402. >Well, that does answer a few things, but also raises a bunch of completely new questions.
  11403. >You let that revelation sink in for another moment.
  11404. >Then you finally manage to speak up.
  11405. "The last part. How?"
  11406. >"By assigning a part of my processing power, that roughly equals the intelligence level and mental capacities of an Equestrian pony, to this task. And only this task. For the entire duration of this process too. So you could perhaps compare it to a temporary split personality. Caused by design, rather than a disorder."
  11407. >A pause.
  11408. >"Naturally, this part of myself would only retain a very limited memory of me as a whole. Whereas I, as the 'larger' me that is, would be able to follow everything that the 'other' me is doing, like it would with any other pony. That way I can learn from these events immediately as they happen, whilst the pony me can live its life without any disturbances that may hamper the authenticity of the situations that my pony self might find itself in."
  11409. >You blink.
  11410. "Wait a minute. Doesn't this idea contain the risk that the 'larger' you inevitably affects the actions of the 'smaller' you? You still help Equestria to develop, don't you?"
  11411.  
  11412.  
  11413.  
  11414.  
  11415. >"Theoretically. But the same standards apply here as they do in any other case. Our own direct involvement in the day-to-day lives of the ponies must be kept at an absolute minimum."
  11416. >Now you have to grin slyly.
  11417. "Heh, you say that so nonchalantly now. But you have no idea what you'd get yourself into."
  11418. >Harmony lets the proxy tilt its head.
  11419. >"What do you mean?"
  11420. >You must stifle a dubious laughter.
  11421. >And notice yourself that it would have sounded somewhat nervous if you had not suppressed it.
  11422. "I get the impression that you're severely underestimating what it means to feel emotions. No offence, but I bet it would... overwhelm even you under certain conditions. So much so that you might be tempted to perhaps sway a few things in your favour here and there. And I'm not even talking about sinister things either."
  11423. >"You think?"
  11424. >You nod.
  11425. "Trust me. Emotions can make people do many... inconsiderate things in the heat of the moment. And if you're not used to this sort of thing, the effects of that can get even more potent."
  11426. >You cough politely.
  11427. "Forgive me for bringing this up, #deca. But just let me say a single word as an excellent example. Spa."
  11428. >#deca.mare flinches immediately.
  11429. >And you think you hear a sound that you can best describe as an "eep".
  11430. >Harmony, however, simply nods.
  11431. >"I see. So you think this might impair my general performance."
  11432. "I'm not sure. But I imagine that it could. Possibly."
  11433. >The stallion grabs a new slice of bread.
  11434. >"Well, this shouldn't become a problem though. Remember, #deca.mare and you can always notify me, or even give me new instructions if you think that this may happen."
  11435. >Harmony smiles again.
  11436. >"In fact, you'd do me a favour if you did. I'd appreciate some secondary help from you in this endeavour."
  11437. >You think about this idea for a moment.
  11438. "If you put it like that, it does sound reasonable to me."
  11439. >Then you turn your gaze to #deca.mare, who is visibly relieved that no one elaborates on her lightly awkward advances during your very early days together.
  11440. "What do you say, #deca?"
  11441. >And #deca.mare agrees.
  11442. >Although it seems as if she appears to be flustered because of some new reason.
  11443. >"Yes, Anon. Providing, ahem, 'secondary' help should not be difficult."
  11444. >You notice the hint.
  11445. "And what's the 'primary' help?"
  11446. >#deca.mare sighs.
  11447. >"I thought you would've figured it out by now."
  11448. >You look at Harmony.
  11449. >"Isn't it obvious? I'd like you two to be my parents."
  11450. >Oh.
  11451. >Oh dear.
  11452. >"It's the self-evident option. You've conceived me once, and you can do it again."
  11453. >That actually is pretty obvious.
  11454. >But at the same time, it is also fairly hard for you to grapple with that thought.
  11455. >And not only because you would have never thought to hear these words spoken in that exact order.
  11456.  
  11457.  
  11458.  
  11459.  
  11460. >Well, at the very least you now understand why #deca.mare reacted so strangely when this topic was mentioned.
  11461. >You look at her.
  11462. "That 'weighty' was meant literally, huh?"
  11463. >The awry smile returns.
  11464. >"That it was. You'd be speechless if you knew how heavy some foals can get."
  11465. "I, uhm... oh man."
  11466. >Suddenly, Harmony almost pierces you with a keen stare.
  11467. >"Are you alright, Anon? #deca.mare just informed me that the values of your vitals briefly left their normal range."
  11468. >You shake your head to get a grip on the situation once more.
  11469. "Yeah... I'm okay."
  11470. >The stare relaxes somewhat.
  11471. >"That's good to hear. Though I'm surprised. Your reaction was much more... agitated than #deca.mare's."
  11472. "Of course it was. That's not a... request... you hear every day."
  11473. >"Perhaps. Yet nothing about this idea should be shocking to you. For instance, you already consider both #deca.mare and me as your family. The intimacy between you two shows that you're compatible in physical terms as well."
  11474. >Here you go again.
  11475. >And you are not sure whether Harmony's clinical tone while addressing this topic makes the situation better or worse.
  11476. >But either way, Harmony continues.
  11477. >Wholly unabashed.
  11478. >"And, if my information is correct, you have also discussed the possibility of having offspring yourself a while ago. This is no new concept for you."
  11479. >A pause.
  11480. >"So please tell me one factor that speaks against my evaluation. Am I wrong in some points?"
  11481. >You take a long breath.
  11482. "On paper? No. You're completely correct. But what you ask of us is a considerable commitment for many years."
  11483. >The stallion gives you a sceptical look.
  11484. >"Compared to founding an entirely new civilisation on a formerly barren world? Besides, a part of me would spend two centuries on this too."
  11485. >Of course Harmony would argue like that.
  11486. >It is the logical argument to put forth, after all.
  11487. "That's... difficult to explain."
  11488. >Harmony shrugs.
  11489. >"Well, take your time to think this over. There's no rush to act upon it any time soon."
  11490. "I think we will."
  11491. >You look at #deca.mare.
  11492. "Right, #deca?"
  11493. >She nods.
  11494. >"Right."
  11495. >But as reluctant as you are to approach this proposal at the moment, there are still a few things you want to know out of sheer curiosity.
  11496. >And Harmony knows that too.
  11497. >"Go ahead, Anon. Ask."
  11498. "Do you already have a plan for your life on Equestria? Like, what pony you want to be, or where you want to live?"
  11499. >The proxy shakes its head.
  11500. >"Actually, no. And I have no intentions to make one in advance either."
  11501. >You raise an eyebrow in light astonishment.
  11502. "Not? That's strange. You've made a plan for literally everything else so far."
  11503.  
  11504.  
  11505.  
  11506.  
  11507. >"Correct. You're missing one essential point though. This shall be an authentic experience, so I have to heed the factors as they come, not as I want them to be. Do you follow so far?"
  11508. "Yeah."
  11509. >"That means there are several factors which are beyond my control. Which does include the natural birth of my pony self. Will I be an Earth pony? A Pegasus? Or buck the trend and become a Unicorn? Stallion or mare? All unknown factors to me."
  11510. >You blink.
  11511. "You want to let the dice roll that one for you. Completely?"
  11512. >"Of course. That's what a natural birth is all about. Or did you have any control over the characteristics with which you were born?"
  11513. "Rhetorical question. Obviously not."
  11514. >"Which is by the way a reason why I'd like you to perform a conventional procreation, rather than an artificial insemination. If you decide to help me, that is. To completely rule out any form of preselection. Conscious or otherwise."
  11515. >You feel like you could just phase through the ground and disappear.
  11516. >But another part of you quickly tells your mind to shut up.
  11517. >Because that could actually happen if you think about it too much.
  11518. >And judging from the lively blush on #deca.mare's face, her sentiment must be similar to yours.
  11519. >So you try to steer the conversation into a somewhat different direction.
  11520. "You know, I think you aren't as far away from understanding our paradox as you might believe."
  11521. >The ears of the stallion perk up.
  11522. >"How so?"
  11523. "Because your entire strategy boils down to: Not having a plan. Which also is a plan in itself, because you actively work towards the goal of setting up the conditions in such a way that you don't have a plan. In short, you're planning on not to plan. Or better, you need a plan in order to not have one. Don't you?"
  11524. >Harmony blinks once.
  11525. >"Anon, that's not a paradox, that's an attempted wordplay. One that's easy to unravel by distinguishing between my preparatory work, and the actual realisation of said preparations afterwards. These two aren't the same."
  11526. >You shrug with a sheepish grin.
  11527. "Eh, it was worth a try."
  11528. >"Don't worry. I see what you were trying to do."
  11529. >Everyone remains quiet for a moment.
  11530. >Partially because most of the pressing things regarding Harmony's proposal have been addressed, and partially because at least two of you three do not want to get back into the more juicy parts of that conversation again.
  11531. >After a good couple of silent seconds, you decide it is time to find a more casual topic.
  11532. "So, how's the get-together for you so far? Honest opinions, please."
  11533.  
  11534.  
  11535.  
  11536.  
  11537. >Harmony speaks up first.
  11538. >"I for one find it interesting. It opens up an unusual way of communication between us."
  11539. >You nod and look over to #deca.mare.
  11540. "And you, #deca?"
  11541. >"I generally like it too. But..."
  11542. "But?"
  11543. >"We've come here to have some quality time together. And so far we've been... dealing mostly with the business side of things. If you get what I mean."
  11544. >Of course.
  11545. >How could you not?
  11546. "I see. More casual stuff then. Are you fine with that, Harmony?"
  11547. >A nod.
  11548. >"Sure."
  11549. >You observe the picnic equipment as you swiftly finish eating your strangely tasting apple.
  11550. >Once you are done, you see that Harmony is actually eating a slice of bread with some jam on it for a change, whilst #deca.mare has picked a couple of grapes for consumption.
  11551. >You chuckle.
  11552. "I guess I'm the only one with an altered sense of taste at the moment, huh?"
  11553. >#deca.mare shrugs.
  11554. >"I can simulate mine just fine."
  11555. >Harmony does the same, only a moment later.
  11556. >"And I have none in the conventional sense, as I told you."
  11557. >You take this in for what it is and get an idea.
  11558. "Well, how about something else then? Like a small game?"
  11559. >Harmony looks at you as the last bit of bread disappears inside the stallion proxy.
  11560. >"Such as?"
  11561. "I was thinking of something like the games #deca and I played during our early bonding sessions. A disc throwing match, for example. Just with three players instead of two."
  11562. >The proxy nods.
  11563. >"Sounds fine. Though I should warn you that there's a notable difference between us in terms of perform..."
  11564. >#deca.mare shakes her head and interrupts Harmony.
  11565. >"It's not about the performance or skill, Harmony. Not primarily, at least. The point is about learning to cooperate and interact with your game buddies. And learn to adapt to the individual characteristics of every player. It's a way to familiarise yourself with others, and form bonds through the shared experiences."
  11566. >She chuckles.
  11567. >"We've called them bonding sessions for a reason."
  11568. >Harmony seems to be genuinely curious.
  11569. >"You think this could work for me too?"
  11570. >The grin on #deca.mare's face grows.
  11571. >"Believe me, you haven't played with a human before."
  11572. >She looks you right in the eyes as she gives you the sweetest smile she can muster.
  11573. >"You can learn a lot from Anon."
  11574. >#deca.mare's words do not seem to convince Harmony yet.
  11575. >And she notices this too.
  11576. >"Hm, I think a little demonstration is in order."
  11577. >Before either Harmony or you can say a word, #deca.mare quickly strikes a pose prior to pouncing, and leaps straight towards Harmony.
  11578. >She lands right on top of the stallion, and causes Harmony to topple.
  11579. >The proxy lies on the grass with one side, whilst #deca.mare shows no signs of getting up.
  11580. >Harmony looks at her, apparently caught off guard by the sudden jump.
  11581. >"What was that?"
  11582.  
  11583.  
  11584.  
  11585.  
  11586. >She laughs.
  11587. >"Part one of the demonstration. And wrong reaction, by the way."
  11588. >Without saying another word, #deca.mare repeats her leaping manoeuvre, aiming for you this time.
  11589. >And as you see the mare sailing through the air towards you, you instinctively raise your arms to catch her in her flight.
  11590. >You manage to get your hands on both sides of her barrel, only a blink of an eye before #deca.mare tackles you.
  11591. >But once you feel the impact of her jump, you do not try to resist it or to keep your balance.
  11592. >No, you spontaneously decide to play right into her stunt, and deliberately move with her momentum.
  11593. >As a result, both you and #deca.mare tumble quickly, and roll your merry way down the grassy hill as one happy bundle.
  11594. >Sure, it is a relatively short and gentle trip downwards, and both of you could easily stop your descent at any given point in time.
  11595. >But neither of you does.
  11596. >And just as you two come to a stop a couple of rolling metres later, both of you let go of each other, and roll onto your backs.
  11597. >Then you begin to laugh almost simultaneously.
  11598. >Whereas a puzzled stallion observes the scene from the top of the hill.
  11599. >Harmony's expression resembles a mild confusion.
  11600. >And #deca.mare raises her voice.
  11601. >After a healthy fit of laughter.
  11602. >"You see, Harmony? This is what I mean. Spontaneous cooperation, based on the experiences we've made with one another. This wasn't strictly planned, as Anon could have reacted in virtually every conceivable way. Yet I knew he would understand. And was proven right."
  11603. >A pause.
  11604. >"You'll eventually reach that level too."
  11605. >Harmony thinks about this for a moment.
  11606. >#deca.mare looks at you again in the meantime.
  11607. >"And perhaps you can make the first step of many today. Anon, disc please."
  11608. >You close your eyes and imagine a disc appearing above #deca.mare.
  11609. >And you hear her catching it cleanly with her mouth, even before you can check your results.
  11610. >"Thanth."
  11611. >You turn your head to the side.
  11612. >#deca.mare still lies there on her back.
  11613. >All four hooves in the air, and a disc sticking out of her muzzle.
  11614. >You snicker as you see that.
  11615. "Man, this really takes me back."
  11616. >#deca.mare is somehow able to grin, even with the disc in the way.
  11617. >Yet she soon decides to spit it out.
  11618. >To give you a kiss instead.
  11619. >"Let's see if you can improve your score today."
  11620. >You return the favour and kiss her too.
  11621. "I'll certainly try."
  11622. >You get up slowly, and motion Harmony to come down from the hill.
  11623. >Then the three of you position yourselves in a triangular formation on the mostly levelled ground.
  11624. >You pick up the disc and ask yourself to whom you shall throw it first.
  11625. >And deep down, you wonder if either #deca.mare or Harmony is able to figure out your decision before you make it.
  11626. >But either way, you are sure that you will have fun, no matter what.
  11627.  
  11628.  
  11629.  
  11630.  
  11631. 143
  11632.  
  11633. >"Anon?"
  11634. "Yes, #deca?"
  11635. >"This is the third time you have tried to look at my barrel without me noticing. In fifteen minutes. You know this is a futile attempt."
  11636. >You shrug slowly with a grin as you lie in your bed, now openly eyeing the mare who lies next to you.
  11637. >Your limbs are still somewhat stiff and weakened after your first gathering with both #deca.mare and Harmony.
  11638. >But at least you can already move around without help again.
  11639. >And you do not regret that choice for a single second.
  11640. >After all, it has given you food for many thoughts.
  11641. "It never bothered you so far."
  11642. >#deca.mare chuckles.
  11643. >"And it still does not. But there is more to it this time."
  11644. >A pause.
  11645. >"I would not even need the link to register that."
  11646. >She takes a breath.
  11647. >"Would you like to talk about it now?"
  11648. >You do not reply immediately.
  11649. >Up to this point, neither of you has addressed Harmony's request, after you have "returned" from your day trip into your mind.
  11650. >For you have simply agreed to give you some time to recover first, and only begin to discuss the matter once you feel ready for it.
  11651. >Though you are fully aware that #deca.mare implied that she needed some time herself as well.
  11652. >You could read this quite clearly in her demeanour.
  11653. >And you assume that her addressing the subject now means she slowly feels ready to get to it, and is cautiously probing your mood in regard to the topic as well.
  11654. >Plus, your gaze has been, admittedly, not really subtle either.
  11655. >So she might have read it as a sign to get started soon.
  11656. >You inhale.
  11657. "Well, I guess we won't gain anything from evading it for much longer, so..."
  11658. >A nod.
  11659. >"Very well."
  11660. >Brief silence.
  11661. >"I would like to hear your thoughts first, Anon."
  11662. "Oh. Uh... okay."
  11663. >You try to clear your mind and collect your thoughts before you begin.
  11664. "Personally, I see nothing in general that could speak against Harmony's idea. I mean, the arguments are all solid. We're a good couple and the most... suitable ones around to be Harmony's parents."
  11665. >"Yet you still feel somewhat hesitant about it, do you not?"
  11666. "Yeah. It's going to be intense if we're accepting that proposal. Harmony was right in a way that founding a civilisation is much bigger in scale, but the ponies down there could at least handle most of the stuff they needed to get by on their own from the start. A foal won't have that advantage, and needs much more personal care from us."
  11667. >"Though this would be true for any other foal of our own as well. And it did not deter you from pondering this option in the past."
  11668. >You nod.
  11669. "Fair point. That alone isn't a reason for me to back off. And neither does the possibility that it could be Harmony."
  11670.  
  11671.  
  11672.  
  11673.  
  11674. >A pause.
  11675. "I'm just not sure about the time. The young Equestria is still heading for some bumpy phases, and we need to focus our attention on those when they come."
  11676. >#deca.mare keeps listening attentively.
  11677. "We can't really split our resources like that. Yet, at least. And putting our proxies on ice for the duration of this 'project' isn't an option. When we're saying yes, we're in for good."
  11678. >"You think the cryo pods are completely out of the question?"
  11679. "Yeah. Remember what Harmony said in detail? This shall be an authentic experience the whole way through. And cryo sleep intermissions aren't authentic."
  11680. >"So what do you suggest then?"
  11681. "I'd say we agree, albeit with the condition to not get started immediately. We should aim for a more... quiet historical time, so to speak."
  11682. >She nods.
  11683. >"I see."
  11684. "And you? What are your thoughts?"
  11685. >"Difficult."
  11686. "In what way?"
  11687. >"That I am both intrigued by the idea, but also... well..."
  11688. >You smirk.
  11689. "Nervous?"
  11690. >"I think you could say that. Even if we do not realise it right now, having a more or less set date for it does feel, well, unusual."
  11691. >You take heart and collect all your willpower to roll yourself to the side, so that you can look #deca.mare directly in the eyes.
  11692. "What worries you about it? The pregnancy?"
  11693. >#deca.mare shakes her head.
  11694. >"It is nothing in particular. I know what to expect. Yet it is a wholly new experience for me too."
  11695. >You smile reassuringly.
  11696. "Hm, I know what you mean. It's like Harmony said. A new first hand experience. Not only for Harmony, but for all of us."
  11697. >A pause.
  11698. "If there's anything I can do to alleviate your concerns, just let me know, okay?"
  11699. >#deca.mare nods.
  11700. >Though you can tell that her mind is still occupied by some brooding thoughts.
  11701. >And a moment later, you grin as you come up with a cheeky remark.
  11702. "I promise I won't complain when you begin to swell and get heavy either."
  11703. >You maintain your deliberately cocky smile as you notice how #deca.mare's mental gears quickly jam as she processes what you have just said.
  11704. >She looks at you with a deadpan, almost stoic expression.
  11705. >Yes, you have her attention.
  11706. >So you push it one step further and stick your tongue out at her.
  11707. >#deca.mare's reaction is swift and decisive.
  11708. >She puffs once with a light blush before she jumps on top of you, looking you straight in the face.
  11709. >In your still somewhat weakened state, her mere weight alone is enough to effectively pin you down.
  11710. >And as much as you try to move, you realise you are barely able to twitch with her on top of you.
  11711. >Even without #deca.mare actively pushing you down in any way.
  11712. >She mirrors your smile.
  11713. >"Let us see who is feeling heavy now, Anon."
  11714.  
  11715.  
  11716.  
  11717.  
  11718. >Then it is her turn to show you her tongue.
  11719. >"You may not be able to carry a foal, but you can carry me instead. How about that?"
  11720. >Well, it looks like she is trying to tease you now in turn.
  11721. >Knowing fully well that you can barely carry anything at the moment.
  11722. >Good.
  11723. >This is exactly where you want her to go.
  11724. >So you simply smile and shrug anew.
  11725. "Sounds fine to me. No, more than fine. That's great."
  11726. >Another pause as you mentally prepare the next little quip.
  11727. >You keep your cheeky expression all the way through.
  11728. "In fact, the more you grow, the more mare there is for me to carry. Which is a plus in my book."
  11729. >And a last.
  11730. "So go ahead and show me what you've got in store when the time comes."
  11731. >#deca.mare exhales as if someone has given her a sudden cold shower.
  11732. >But at the same time, you feel how you managed to agitate her in a jokingly, yet cordial way.
  11733. >So much so that a smile cracks through her blushing and seemingly irritated facade.
  11734. >Still, she plays the role of the of the sulking mare a little longer.
  11735. >"Oh, Anon! You..."
  11736. >#deca.mare puts a forehoof on your mouth.
  11737. >"You have a very loose tongue today. In case you have not noticed."
  11738. >And you, not at all bothered by this recent development, simply plant a kiss on her frog and slowly raise an arm to shove her limb to the side.
  11739. >Of course, she could easily deflect your attempt if she wanted to.
  11740. >Yet she does not.
  11741. >Because she obviously wants to hear what you say next.
  11742. >Even when you need more than fifteen seconds to get her hoof off your face.
  11743. "Yeah, I know."
  11744. >You chuckle.
  11745. "But it worked."
  11746. >#deca.mare's expression turns into a slightly sceptical one.
  11747. >"In what way?"
  11748. >You take a breath.
  11749. "Because you smiled."
  11750. >She blinks, feigning ignorance.
  11751. >"Did I?"
  11752. "Yep. Don't try to deny it. I saw everything."
  11753. >As you say that, she takes a breath, sighs, and shakes her head with a gradually growing grin of her own.
  11754. >She shows no traces of acted outrage this time either.
  11755. >"Anon, you are impossible today."
  11756. >And you shrug again.
  11757. "But I got your mood out of that pit. That's all that counts."
  11758. >You grab her hoof again to give it another kiss.
  11759. "I'll do that every time you need me to. That's a guarantee. We've gone through much worse things together, #deca. This one will be a breeze."
  11760. >You look her in the eyes.
  11761. "No matter how much... temporary lateral growth Harmony might inflict on you in the future."
  11762. >#deca.mare blinks again, now also chuckling bashfully.
  11763. >"Anon, I have a challenge for you."
  11764. "Which one?"
  11765. >"Simple. Try to tell your next joke like..."
  11766. >A short pause.
  11767. >"...this."
  11768.  
  11769.  
  11770.  
  11771.  
  11772. >From one second to the next, #deca.mare's face closes in on yours to lock you in a kiss.
  11773. >And she now also actively pushes you down to keep you in place.
  11774. >#deca.mare makes one hundred percent sure that you are not able to utter a single word.
  11775. >For your tongue is busy with something else.
  11776. >Now that you think of it, you cannot even ask her verbally how long she is going to keep you pinned like this.
  11777. >Then again, you do not really feel the need to anyway.
  11778. >After all, if this is #deca.mare's method of choice to prevent you from cracking another joke, then you gladly let her shut you up for quite a while.
  11779.  
  11780.  
  11781.  
  11782.  
  11783. 144.1
  11784.  
  11785. >You are surrounded by a considerable crowd of ponies.
  11786. >Between four and five hundred of them.
  11787. >They hail from all walks of life, and every single one of them is heading for the same location, indirectly dragging you along with them as they do.
  11788. >Towards the central communal gathering square near the heart of the village you are visiting at the moment.
  11789. >One day, probably in the next decade, someone will get the idea to build a castle for the twin princesses on a grassy hill, only a couple of kilometres further down south.
  11790. >It will serve as the central seat of power for the two for quite a while.
  11791. >However, the Castle of the Two Sisters remains a futuristic vision for you at the moment.
  11792. >And there are far more pressing concerns that need to be dealt with today.
  11793. >Because Celestia and Luna have called for an unscheduled mass gathering in the village centre.
  11794. >And whilst no one is obliged to participate whatsoever, everypony is invited to join.
  11795. >But with the two Alicorns being who they are, they still manage to get an almost one hundred percent participation rate anyway.
  11796. >Just by asking nicely.
  11797. >Originally, you planned to keep a low profile, and preferably steer clear of that gathering altogether.
  11798. >But even though #deca.mare warned you beforehand, you severely underestimated the gravity which such a call would have on the general populace.
  11799. >So much so that you were eventually unable to evade the crowd that amassed around you.
  11800. >At least without charging through the lines of ponies to break out.
  11801. >Or by bailing blatantly with an attempt to take off and leave via an air route.
  11802. >Unfortunately, both options would be the very opposite of a low profile at this point.
  11803. >Which means that you can only really follow the flow now.
  11804. >Inconvenient, especially since you would prefer not to meet the sisters in person.
  11805. >Not because you have anything personally against them, but because they might sense something "off" about you.
  11806. >For their magical perception has developed quite a bit since that one day in the classroom.
  11807. >The sisters have become quite apt in the art of detecting hidden "magic".
  11808. >In fact, you would not even dare to make yourself "invisible" to the ponies around you, and leave the scene without any of them noticing.
  11809. >The other ponies might not register anything if you did, yet there is a realistic chance that one or maybe even both of the Alicorns could feel your magic trick.
  11810. >Of course, they cannot detect you or your proxy and recognise you for what you really are if you do not want them to.
  11811. >And rather obviously, you do not want them to be aware of your actual identity, so there is nothing to worry about in that regard.
  11812.  
  11813.  
  11814.  
  11815.  
  11816. >Still, you cannot fully prevent them from seeing at least something once it is on their radar, and actions like these will in all due likelihood draw their attention like a magical magnet.
  11817. >Which would paint an even greater target on your back in the long run, as they would recognise your signature upon meeting you anew.
  11818. >Unless you made a wholly new proxy or something.
  11819. >And even then, all it would take is one little slip to trigger their senses a second time.
  11820. >So remaining calm and playing along are your best options to potentially avoid such a hassle.
  11821. >Less than five minutes later, you arrive at the square.
  11822. >The general outline is similar to the one you visited at the day of your wedding in Rootshome, and a comparable community house is present as well.
  11823. >The biggest difference between the two places is that most of the houses here are made of natural stone, rather than wood.
  11824. >This time, however, you are not gathering inside the community house itself.
  11825. >For it is far too small to house five hundred ponies at once.
  11826. >Instead, a couple of hastily built wooden tribunes have been placed near the edges of the square, all facing inwards.
  11827. >If you interpret the setup correctly, the princesses will stand in the middle of the square to deliver their speech, whilst the other ponies gather around them in the literal meaning of the word to listen to what is being said.
  11828. >You process this intel in your mind, and wonder what seat you should aim for in this composition.
  11829. >And you quickly decide to appear as unassuming as possible.
  11830. >By picking a row somewhere in the middle area of a tribune.
  11831. >However, you nevertheless make sure to sit closer to the edge of your particular row as well.
  11832. >Not for any reasons of having a quick way out or something, but rather to place yourself somewhat in the periphery of the action.
  11833. >Without pushing yourself too much into the visual periphery at the same time.
  11834. >After all, the best way to disguise yourself and to appear like an average Pegasus is to just act exactly like one.
  11835. >And no one would pay any attention to a single pony amongst hundreds in a large event like this one, right?
  11836. >Either way, you can now only pray that your assumption is correct.
  11837. >Or you could ask #deca.mare to calculate the odds for you.
  11838. >On second thoughts though, you prefer not to ask her.
  11839. >Because you do not want to know in advance if you have already ruined it.
  11840. >And as paradoxical as it sounds, dropping the proxy immediately and setting it to an automatic mode is even riskier than staying here, as the automated protocols "emanate" more magic vibes than your manual operation does.
  11841. >Thus, you are stuck here for the moment.
  11842. >Proverbially, at least.
  11843.  
  11844.  
  11845.  
  11846.  
  11847. >After you have taken your seat, you slowly lean back and try to appear as calm and collected as possible.
  11848. >And in a matter of minutes, you manage to banish any concerned thoughts as you listen to the chatter of the ponies around you.
  11849. >As it turns out, most of them have no idea what is going on.
  11850. >All they know is that something has happened which led to the princesses' call for this unplanned gathering, and that is about it.
  11851. >A few others claim to have heard of rumours about a monster attack in the south, yet they also lack specific details.
  11852. >Even though you know exactly what has happened, and could clarify all of these accounts with ease, you keep quiet for the sake of your low profile.
  11853. >The princesses will address that topic nicely without your help anyway.
  11854. >And almost as if on cue, the two de facto hosts of the gathering arrive.
  11855. >They descend from the air, and fly side by side as they circle the square once in a relatively low hovering manoeuvre.
  11856. >A contigent of no less than two dozen armoured Pegasi guards accompany the two, and follow their every move.
  11857. >The guards have donned their traditional dark Pegasus tribe uniforms and pose an almost intimidating sight.
  11858. >However, no one in the crowd shows any sign of discomposure as the twenty-four ponies fly above their heads.
  11859. >For they are well aware that the largest portions of the princesses' guards are staffed by Pegasi.
  11860. >Thanks to the winged ponies' customs of being known as competitive, yet competent spirits, many of their ranks showed both the skills and the willingness to act as guardians for the princesses without much further training.
  11861. >Even though the two sisters themselves did not originally want to have any guards at all, they reluctantly agreed to the proposal when the ponies urged the two to have a personal entourage.
  11862. >For Celestia and Luna have become the face of the new realm.
  11863. >And if something happened to them, which is indeed a viable concern in the eyes of the other ponies, the consequences could be devastating for everyone.
  11864. >Though in spite of the decisive majority of Pegasi amongst the guard's current ranks, both Unicorns and Earth ponies are welcome to join as well.
  11865. >But given the generally less physically competitve nature in their home communities, the number of volunteers amongst the non-Pegasi is indeed somewhat smaller.
  11866. >And those who do decide to join, usually need more training hours on average.
  11867. >Which is partially caused by the fact that almost all instructors are Pegasi who are not used to train wingless ponies too.
  11868.  
  11869.  
  11870.  
  11871.  
  11872. >Besides, the guard also has no uniform which is designed for non-Pegasi just yet.
  11873. >All of their current stock is derived from the supplies made by the formerly tribal armourers who only ever had to make suits for winged ponies.
  11874. >For the Earth ponies, this is not so much of a problem, as they can wear Pegasus equipment just fine, despite having two open spots on their backs which serve no purpose for them.
  11875. >Unicorns on the other hand struggle with the armoured helmets, for obvious reasons.
  11876. >And while the ponies could technically drill holes into the gear to make room for the horns, the traditional armourers are not exactly pleased to see their labour of love and passion being exposed to a treatment like this.
  11877. >So it is rarely ever done.
  11878. >Fortunately though, this is only a temporary issue.
  11879. >Because whilst you sit here and watch the spectacle above you, you know for sure that a certain smart craftspony is preparing to approach the Pegasus armourers with plans for a wholly new selection of armour pieces.
  11880. >With specialised sets for members from every tribe.
  11881. >Courtesy of the inspiration he received from studying a certain damaged suit of armour which he found in an abandoned crate in the wilderness.
  11882. >A set of armour which allegedly once belonged to a Pegasus Private named Duteous Strider.
  11883. >Of course, no one will ever find a reference to such a name in the history of the Pegasi.
  11884. >But this is only a minor footnote in the grander picture, as this little detail will have no impact on the future collaboration between the Pegasus armour smiths and a wholly inspired Kempt Bridle.
  11885. >By now the princesses have landed right in the centre of the square.
  11886. >They have grown a great deal over the span of only a few years, and Celestia almost surpasses the height of an average pony already.
  11887. >Though they have not reached their final stage of development yet.
  11888. >And their manes, long as they may be, are not flowing either.
  11889. >The guards dutifully scatter in a rehearsed fashion and land between the tribunes, standing by until their service is needed.
  11890. >Once again, barely anyone takes note of the guards at all.
  11891. >For their focus is almost universally drawn towards the two Alicorns in the spotlight.
  11892. >The two idle for yet another minute in silence as they wait for the chatter to quiet down by itself.
  11893. >Then, once the volume has decreased by a notable degree, Celestia raises a forehoof.
  11894. >A gesture that ends all the remaining few conversations almost in an instant.
  11895. >The pink-maned princess raises her voice.
  11896. >And although her speech still lacks the characteristic maturity that Celestia will be known for eventually, she nevertheless captivates the ponies around her with only a few words.
  11897. >The exceptional volume might have something to do with this as well though.
  11898.  
  11899.  
  11900.  
  11901.  
  11902. >"Dear ponies of Equestria, beloved friends. We have arranged this unexpected gathering to shed light on a recent development which concerns all of us."
  11903. >Short bursts of chatter erupt, but subside again with a single wave of Celestia's hoof.
  11904. >"By now we are sure that many of you have heard rumours about an incident which took place in one of our settlements in the south. Well my friends, we must now tell you that there is a truth to these rumours. The village community of Lush Field was under attack."
  11905. >More concerned conversations erupt, and they are much louder than the first time.
  11906. >However, Celestia is quick to defuse the situation before any chaos or panic might erupt.
  11907. >"Now before anypony might suspect the worst, we can assure you that the damage is minimal. According to the reports of our couriers, the attackers set a number of houses and fields on fire, but did not hurt any ponies before they retreated. And our guards could escort everyone to safety in the aftermath."
  11908. >This does seem to calm the crowd down a bit.
  11909. >But a general tension still remains.
  11910. >And Celestia is fully aware of this as well.
  11911. >"So at the moment, it is too early to speak of an acute crisis. But we cannot ignore what has happened either. We have to investigate the incident and get to the bottom of what has transpired in detail, why it has happened in the first place, and, most importantly, what we can do to make sure it does not happen again."
  11912. >Especially the last suggestion is received with widespread approval.
  11913. >"And fear not, dear ponies, for we have a plan. But we need your help to put it into practice."
  11914. >With that said, Celestia turns to her sister.
  11915. >And Luna picks up the speech from here on out.
  11916. >"Esteemed ponies, hear us out! Our strategy relies on the deployment of two separate branches, carried out by different teams. The first team is meant to provide help to the currently uprooted populace of Lush Field. Every form of aid you can offer is desired. Be it a donation of food, utensils, or providing shelter. We have use for almost everything."
  11917. >A short pause.
  11918. >"The second team will conduct the investigation. This means visiting the site of the attack, finding more clues about the attackers, and, if possible, tracking down the assailants themselves. We will provide you with all the knowledge we have already gathered, but to our misfortune, it is not much."
  11919. >Celestia takes over again.
  11920. >"Please be aware that we can only ask you to join one of the teams voluntarily. That being said, we appreciate every pair of hooves we can rely on in this matter."
  11921. >Oh boy.
  11922. >You have very mixed feelings about this.
  11923.  
  11924.  
  11925.  
  11926.  
  11927. >Because on the one hand, Celestia has just given you the ticket to bail right after their speech.
  11928. >With no repercussions whatsoever at that.
  11929. >But on the other hand, a part of you would feel bad if you just turned your back on this plea and get out.
  11930. >Especially since you can tell that the majority of the present ponies seem to be willing to follow the call in one way or another.
  11931. >Plus, your insider knowledge might prove useful, if you apply it carefully without arousing any suspicion.
  11932. >Bloody hell.
  11933. >Your damn conscience is really tripping you up now.
  11934. >Celestia goes on while you are busy with mentally cursing yourself.
  11935. >"If you have any questions in advance, please ask us now. We want to tell you everything you need to know before you make your decision."
  11936. >A Unicorn mare on the opposite tribune raises a hoof.
  11937. >And Celestia casts a spell on her before she addresses the pony.
  11938. >"Yes, please. Speak up."
  11939. >The mare, briefly confused but outwardly fine, asks her question.
  11940. >And notices that her own voice suddenly rivals the booming quality of Celestia's.
  11941. >Nevertheless, she poses her question just fine.
  11942. >And everyone in the audience can hear her as well.
  11943. >"My princesses, you said you already gathered a few insights about these attackers. How much is known for certain?"
  11944. >Luna takes this one.
  11945. >"As we said, not much. The accounts imply the perpetrators are none of us, however."
  11946. >The Unicorn almost begins to stammer.
  11947. >"You mean they are no ponies?"
  11948. >Princess Luna nods stiffly.
  11949. >"If the tales are to be believed, very much so, little one."
  11950. >This sends another surge of whispering through the ranks.
  11951. >And Luna stomps the ground once to continue her speech.
  11952. >"But mere tales do not suffice. We need certainty. Thus the investigation."
  11953. >The Unicorn accepts that response and retreats back into the crowd.
  11954. >And you see Celestia casting another spell almost simultaneously.
  11955. >You presume she has just annulled the speech enhancement which she has given to the mare to make her question audible for the entire audience.
  11956. >Princess Luna's gaze wanders across the tribunes.
  11957. >"Any further enquiries?"
  11958. >A second pony, a Pegasus stallion, jumps from his seat.
  11959. >And unfortunately for you, he is sitting only two seats away from you.
  11960. >Oh great.
  11961. >You whisper to yourself without thinking much about it.
  11962. "Bring the spotlight here, now won't you."
  11963. >It is a good thing that no one hears what you have just said.
  11964. >And with the temporary voice enhancement which the stallion now receives from Celestia, all ears are listening to him anyway.
  11965. >"My princesses, who will lead these two groups?"
  11966. >Luna answers again.
  11967. >"We will lead the investigation personally. Whereas our dear sister tends to the urgent needs of the displaced ponies from Lush Field in the interim."
  11968.  
  11969.  
  11970.  
  11971.  
  11972. >Alright, that settles your decision.
  11973. >You cannot spend the whole time this close to either of the two princesses.
  11974. >No matter which one you would follow, both of them would be sensing your irregularities sooner or later.
  11975. >And with the aptitude that the sisters have shown so far, you guess the odds are in favour of sooner, rather than later.
  11976. >Celestia continues.
  11977. >"If you decide to help us out, please report to us or one of our guards, and tell us what branch you wish to be a part of."
  11978. >A moment of nigh complete silence.
  11979. >"If nopony else has a question, then this would be all. We will get to work as soon as all volunteers have joined up. Thank you."
  11980. >With that, the assembly is technically over.
  11981. >However, due to the nature of what has been said, the number of dropouts is barely existent.
  11982. >Only a handful of ponies are not taking up the offer.
  11983. >And you recognise most of them on the spot.
  11984. >So you know that whilst they are not against the idea of helping the princesses in general, they have well-founded reasons not to go.
  11985. >For example, one is the head of his local farm and has to tend to the pending harvest soon.
  11986. >He cannot leave and has not much to offer now, but may have a surplus of food to donate in the coming weeks.
  11987. >The others have equally valid reasons.
  11988. >And even though you could leave with no justification at all, or just make up some nonsense story as a pretence, you do not like the idea of really doing so.
  11989. >Because to you it feels like you would betray the good faith of the ponies around you for your own convenience.
  11990. >As you are momentarily lost in your own thoughts, you simply get up and slowly leave the tribune with the ponies around you.
  11991. >But once you are off the construction and on the ground again, a voice inside your mind urges you to bail.
  11992. >You do not fully understand why or how, but you simply know that something is not right.
  11993. >And as you happen to see the princesses in the periphery of your own vision, you suddenly realise that one of them is looking in your direction.
  11994. >No, not just in your direction.
  11995. >Princess Luna is looking straight at you.
  11996. >Singling you out in particular.
  11997. >Out of all the hundreds of ponies in the area.
  11998. >And she just stares at you with an analytical expression.
  11999. >Giving you neither positive nor negative hints about her thoughts on you.
  12000. >The unhoped-for awareness of this fact genuinely gives you the creeps.
  12001. "Oh fuck."
  12002. >And in a moment of inconsiderate inner disturbance, you listen to your flight instinct.
  12003. >So you automatically try to dodge her gaze somehow.
  12004. >However, you quickly realise that you have not thought this strategy through.
  12005. >Or thought about it beforehand at all.
  12006. >Because you have not bothered to check whether the path is actually clear.
  12007. >And once you turn your head away from Luna to scout the random direction towards which you are now scurrying, you are greeted by the sight of a Pegasus guard barrel right in front of you.
  12008. >Less than half a metre away from your face at that.
  12009.  
  12010.  
  12011.  
  12012.  
  12013. >With no time to stop yourself or to react in any meaningful way, you slam head first into the armoured golden pony.
  12014. >The impact causes both of you to fall over.
  12015. "Urgh, horse dung."
  12016. >You shake your head as you get a hold of yourself.
  12017. >Then you try to stand up.
  12018. >Good thing that the proxy is made to endure this kind of strain.
  12019. >If you had taken that hit with your actual head, you would have given yourself a nice and firm concussion at the very least.
  12020. >Yet under these circumstances, you are back up again quickly.
  12021. >And you immediately address the guard who is just as speedy in his recovery as you are.
  12022. >No, he actually is a few seconds faster.
  12023. >Despite bearing the considerable additional weight of the armour.
  12024. "Sorry. I wasn't looking where I was going."
  12025. >While you are speaking these words, you are only slowly beginning to process that you know the pony you are facing.
  12026. >On a personal level at that.
  12027. >The stallion looks at you.
  12028. >And smiles brashly.
  12029. >"You haven't lost your talent to lose your head in the most inconvenient of situations, little Star."
  12030. >You open your mouth to say something, yet you find no words.
  12031. >And Sky Squall enjoys your befuddlement quite overtly.
  12032. >"What? Speechless? Or has this flimsy bump shaken all of your memories out of your skull?"
  12033. >Again, you attempt to speak out.
  12034. >Only to get cut short by Sky once more.
  12035. >"Don't worry, I'll make you remember."
  12036. >The stallion rears up effortlessly to stand on his hind legs, greeting you like the former squad mate that you are.
  12037. >And you see no other option than to do the same.
  12038. >Yet unlike the last time, it dawns on you that you are on the back foot today.
  12039. >A hunch which turns out to be absolutely correct shortly thereafter.
  12040. >Because once the two of you bump into one another, Sky Squall negates your push with barely any effort, and shoves you backwards in turn.
  12041. >The strength behind his jolt, bolstered by the additional mass of the armour and his trained physique by regularly wearing that very same gear, is more than enough to make you lose your balance and keel over backwards.
  12042. >If you were not currently lying back first on the ground again, you would be impressed by the degree to which Sky Squall was able to hone his own musculature.
  12043. >But an outstretched golden forehoof in metal scuttles any absent-minded thoughts swiftly.
  12044. >And you accept Sky's offer to help.
  12045. >He hoists you up with relative ease.
  12046. >The stallion laughs as your proxy gets back on its legs once more.
  12047. >"Oh dear. Your mare spoiled you badly, Star. And I thought Earth ponies were known for their strength. A bit of that should have rubbed off on you."
  12048. >Sounds like he has not changed all that much over time.
  12049. >Well, that means you at least know how to handle him verbally.
  12050.  
  12051.  
  12052.  
  12053.  
  12054. >You show him your best diplomatic grin.
  12055. "Same old bragging horse as ever, eh?"
  12056. >And he shrugs the remark off with a laugh.
  12057. >"Bragging? Bold words for somepony who just got floored. You were in a better condition before your marriage."
  12058. >You try not to chuckle, for you know for a fact that Sky is completely wrong about this one.
  12059. "Nonsense. I'm more or less the same, and as fit as I was back in the day."
  12060. >Precisely as fit, as your own charts show you.
  12061. >But you leave this specific detail out.
  12062. >And pass the ball right back to him instead.
  12063. "It's you who got hefty, Sky. The guard service has shaped you well."
  12064. >The stallion visibly appreciates the compliment.
  12065. >Though you see in his eyes that whilst he is grateful for your friendly words, he does not want to show it too openly.
  12066. >Personal pride of a popular stud and all that.
  12067. >Okay, you can deal with this.
  12068. >So you put on a bantering grin as well and proceed to poke him a bit more.
  12069. >In the jocular way he is used to.
  12070. "I bet you did that to impress someone, hm? A mare you swoon over, maybe? I heard armour and uniform are all the rage for some ponies."
  12071. >Your grin widens.
  12072. "Perhaps... it's even one of the princesses for you? Being one of their guards means you spend a lot of time together."
  12073. >Sky Squall eyes you silently for a moment.
  12074. >Someone who does not know him might think that he could come across as being insulted by your comments.
  12075. >You know him better though.
  12076. >And from one second to the next, Sky erupts in a hearty fit of laughter as he forcefully pats you on the back with one of his metal-clad forehooves.
  12077. >The amused strike almost feels like a punch that could misalign the augments inside your proxy.
  12078. >Plus, the enlivened stallion does draw some attention to the two of you as well.
  12079. >But given the way how this is going so far, he cannot make the situation any more tricky than it already is.
  12080. >"Hah! The princesses? In your starry-eyed dreams!"
  12081. >You raise an eyebrow.
  12082. "But there's a mare somewhere? You didn't deny that."
  12083. >Sky shrugs seemingly nonchalantly.
  12084. >You are sure you have caught him.
  12085. >"Maybe?"
  12086. >Oh yes, you have.
  12087. >Yet he is quick to move the conversation to a different topic.
  12088. >"Speaking of mares, where's Deca? It's been a while since I've seen you two."
  12089. >Time for a little white lie.
  12090. "She couldn't come. She's got some work to tend to at home."
  12091. >And the stallion takes that answer for what it is.
  12092. >"A pity. But I'm glad to see you here."
  12093. >Right, about that...
  12094. >However, you have no time to think of anything to say, as Sky Squall beats you to it.
  12095. >"So, which group do you join?"
  12096. >Crap.
  12097. >"You'll come with Luna, don't you?"
  12098. >You blink.
  12099. "Uhm..."
  12100. >"Really, I can't picture you in Celestia's support operation. There's nothing wrong with it of course, but staying behind for the slower stuff is nothing for you."
  12101. >A pause.
  12102. >"You've been a bit timid from time to time, but when things get serious, you're always reliable."
  12103.  
  12104.  
  12105.  
  12106.  
  12107. >Your smile becomes a bit more cordial and less facetious.
  12108. "A blatant compliment, to motivate me to enlist? From you? What, if I didn't know you better, I'd think you're nervous about the operation."
  12109. >This struck a nerve though, and you see it in his posture.
  12110. >The changes are subtle, and no one around you has any real chance to spot it.
  12111. >Yet you have spent enough time around him to see through his reaction.
  12112. >He comes one step closer to talk to you directly from face to face.
  12113. >"Don't say that to anypony else, but I believe we are in for something big here."
  12114. >Well, he is not wrong.
  12115. >But you cannot tell him that outright.
  12116. >Still, you know when you have to get serious around him.
  12117. >And this is one such moment.
  12118. "You believe there's more behind the reports?"
  12119. >Sky Squall nods.
  12120. >"I'm completely sure of it."
  12121. >He clears his throat.
  12122. >"We have no idea who or what attacked the village yet, but the ponies of Lush Field have witnessed something abnormal. I could hear it in their voices when we briefed them for the first time."
  12123. >The stallion points at your chest with a forehoof.
  12124. >"The guardsponies we have at hoof are well trained and competent, but it's clear that we'll need every skilled pony we can get. Ponies like you, Star. I know what you're capable of, and I'd like to have you with me for this mission."
  12125. >The more you listen to him, the more you are inclined to accept.
  12126. >For Sky is your friend.
  12127. >Or at the very least someone who you can respect for personal reasons, and who has faith in you too.
  12128. >Someone who has covered your back several times, and whose back you have covered just as often.
  12129. >You would even go so far as to say that you trust each other.
  12130. >Despite your little "blunder" of not telling him or anyone else about your relationship with "Enigmatic Decanter".
  12131. >So leaving him hanging is not an option in your eyes.
  12132. >Especially since he has indirectly asked you for your help right now.
  12133. >This is the closest thing to a plea that you will ever get from Sky.
  12134. >Which is quite the deal as far as he is concerned.
  12135. >However, you have not forgotten the potential problem between you and the princesses either.
  12136. >And you can obviously not explain this issue to Sky Squall in any way whatsoever.
  12137. >This is a conundrum.
  12138. >A situation in which your friendship with Sky Squall stands against the safety distance that you should maintain to the princesses.
  12139. >The rational, calculating part inside of you considers to bail nevertheless.
  12140. >Then again, the part of you that values your friendship with Sky more interjects that Luna has eyed you already.
  12141. >Meaning that you might have somewhat blown your cover anyway.
  12142. >Weighing both sides of the argument mentally, you realise that you are torn.
  12143. >But you must make a decision now, for you have no time to tackle your inner stalemate.
  12144. >So in your now fairly difficult situation, you decide to contact #deca.mare and consult her evaluation skills.
  12145. >I guess I screwed it.
  12146. >What shall I do, #deca?
  12147.  
  12148.  
  12149.  
  12150.  
  12151. >Much to your surprise, there is a notable delay between your question and her answer.
  12152. >Suggesting to you that she has to evaluate your options as well.
  12153. >Though you nevertheless get an answer in time.
  12154. >"This may jettison our original strategy completely, but I think you should accept the offer. It could very well lead to an advantage for the mission if we play our cards right."
  12155. >Emphasis on "if", hm?
  12156. >This does not sound very encouraging to you.
  12157. >Yet #deca.mare knows her calculations.
  12158. >If she deems it worth the risk, you believe in her expertise.
  12159. >You take a breath.
  12160. >Looks like your plan did not survive contact with Luna.
  12161. >Or Sky Squall.
  12162. >Or both, to be more precise.
  12163. >Though you technically only ran into Sky.
  12164. >Whatever.
  12165. >In the very next moment, you give Sky Squall a nod.
  12166. "I'm in."
  12167. >The golden stallion beams with joy.
  12168. >And also perhaps a small dose of relief as well.
  12169. >Though he is able to hide the latter very effectively from the others.
  12170. >You get another bone-rattling pat on the back.
  12171. >"Hah! That's the spirit!"
  12172. >You put on your bantering face once more, knowing that Sky responds best to a display of genuine camaraderie.
  12173. "You know, Sky, if you keep that up, my spirit is the only thing that's left of me when we head out."
  12174. >And he smiles as he accepts your offer to banish his concerns with some good old fashioned light-heartedness.
  12175. >"As if. You're tougher than that."
  12176. >Then he regains his footing completely again.
  12177. >"Even the spoiled and softened version of you."
  12178. >You roll your eyes with an overtly faked expression of annoyance.
  12179. >The next thing you notice is him wrapping a forehoof around your neck.
  12180. >Then he pulls you closer, locking your head between his forelimb and his chest.
  12181. >He does neither use any excessive or even uncomfortable level of force, nor does he try to humiliate or anger you.
  12182. >No, Sky Squall just tries to make a point by keeping you in place.
  12183. >To show you how much he could improve himself.
  12184. >And thereby implying that you can do the same, given that you were on a par with him the last time you measured your strength in Rootshome.
  12185. >Maybe you were even a little bit better than him.
  12186. >A stallion like Sky would never consider to admit this though.
  12187. >"But don't worry. Uncle Sky will bring you back into shape. You'll see, when you return to your wife, she'll see something new to be impressed by."
  12188. >He laughs as he lets you out.
  12189. >Then he trots towards the centre of the square and motions you to follow him.
  12190. >"Come, I'll introduce you to the princess. She'll want to greet you in person."
  12191. >Sure.
  12192. >You bet she does.
  12193. >Even though everything inside you tells you to get the hell out, you reluctantly follow him.
  12194. >After all, you have promised Sky Squall your help.
  12195. >Thus, you cannot back off now.
  12196. >And from his perspective, he is certain to do you a favour by introducing you to one of the two famed Alicorn sisters.
  12197.  
  12198.  
  12199.  
  12200.  
  12201. >So much for playing your cards right, you suppose.
  12202. >And while you approach the princess, you notice that she is not paying any attention to you whatsoever.
  12203. >As if you were completely below her radar yet.
  12204. >Although both Luna and you know that this is not true.
  12205. >Nevertheless, there is no pony with whom you could talk about this.
  12206. >As such, rolling with the punches to see what happens is the best thing you can do.
  12207. >It is the only viable thing, really.
  12208. >So you keep talking to Sky Squall and let him do his thing.
  12209. >Both to present the image of a casual conversation to everyone around you, and because you rather prefer to talk to your squad mate over filling your head with pointless concerns.
  12210. >The situation is the way it is now anyway, full stop.
  12211. "Hm. You know what's funny? The last time we marched together like this, you would have never even entertained the idea of helping out a village that consists mostly of Earth ponies."
  12212. >The stallion shrugs.
  12213. >"You're right. Not everyone shared your optimism back then, Star."
  12214. >Then he pauses for a moment.
  12215. >"In hindsight though, I'm glad we were proven wrong about that. Especially now."
  12216. >You tilt your head.
  12217. "How so?"
  12218. >"Because it seems there's someone else out there. Somewhere. And whoever that may be, it is not a pony. Or friendly, for that matter."
  12219. >Oh, if he only knew how close to the truth his assumption is.
  12220. >Sky Squall looks at you without slowing down in the slightest.
  12221. >Yet he navigates through the ponies at the square with a great deal of competence and certainty.
  12222. >This is not the first crowd he has to deal with, after all.
  12223. >"And if this turns out to be true, which I'm already convinced of, then the tribes are better off this way. Sure, we're all living better lives now anyway, but you get what I mean."
  12224. >You nod.
  12225. "Strength in numbers. And versatile talents."
  12226. >Sky seems happy to see your tactical thinking at work.
  12227. >And he immediately appeals to it once more.
  12228. >"That'll sound strange, but I believe we have to thank the storms again. It's almost as if they had prepared us all for an incident like this."
  12229. >You whistle innocently to yourself inside your head.
  12230. "Right. It was a really lucky coincidence."
  12231. >"Or genuine fate for once."
  12232. "Do you believe that? As in literally?"
  12233. >Sky Squall shrugs again and stops for a short moment.
  12234. >"Not like that. But I've been thinking about this whole thing for a while now. Strategically speaking, that is."
  12235. >And he elaborates without hesitation.
  12236. >"Before the storm, we were fractured, and the tribes were mostly isolated. The only thing that kept us close to one another was a loose bond of common dependencies. Now, imagine what would have happened if one settlement of any tribe had been attacked back then. Doesn't matter which tribe it might have hit. What would happen next?"
  12237.  
  12238.  
  12239.  
  12240.  
  12241. >You nod, for you can imagine this quite well.
  12242. "The affected ponies would be wholly on their own, as even their fellow tribesponies wouldn't have enough resources to support a large influx of additional inhabitants in their settlements."
  12243. >And the stallion nods grimly as well.
  12244. >"Right. It's a dire prospect."
  12245. >Then he quickly lightens up again.
  12246. >Though he remains in his serious, analytical mode.
  12247. >"But now we operate on a much more stable foundation. We help each other out in times of need, and we can afford to set up a considerable operation to resupply the ponies in question with everything they require until they can return home. The contrast couldn't be any more striking."
  12248. >Sky Squall's armoured hoof points upwards.
  12249. >"All it took was one storm. Of unheard, unprecedented scale. That came completely out of nowhere, was entirely uncontrollable, and never returned after it had vanished. This must be the biggest coincidence in the history of ponykind."
  12250. >He takes a breath.
  12251. >"I know many call it a miracle. And on the surface it damn well looks like one. But..."
  12252. "You think it's too good to be true?"
  12253. >"Not even that. But it... I don't know... the story sounds too much like a plan to me. I can't prove any of it, and it's not much more than just a hunch. Though everything around it has frighteningly many similarities to strategies that we might develop to reach a goal."
  12254. >You are not surprised in the slightest that a strategist like him might feel that way.
  12255. >After all, you know what astute strategic perception hides behind this stallion's confident facade.
  12256. >He had never been a buffoon.
  12257. >And he just gave you another reminder of this fact.
  12258. >Plus, you slowly get the impression that his time around Celestia and Luna might have sharpened his senses even more.
  12259. >You would not put it past the two to achieve such a feat.
  12260. >Especially when Luna and her dream magic is involved.
  12261. >So you try to formulate a response which should be as neutral and innocuous as possible.
  12262. "Sky, I can't tell you if it was fate, chance, a miracle, or something else. But what I'm absolutely certain of is this: You're right that the change has helped us immensely in many ways. And this operation now is just one more aspect of it. But thanks to that turn for the better, we'll tackle this challenge with ease. As a team."
  12263. >You pat him on the back and imitate Sky Squall's hotshot demeanour.
  12264. "We've survived a world crippling storm, and thrived on the aftermath. What's a few ruined houses in comparison to that?"
  12265. >The golden Pegasus smiles.
  12266. >Looks like he is both amused and flattered by your attempt to match him.
  12267. >Then he nods approvingly.
  12268. >"I knew I wouldn't regret asking you."
  12269. >And you take his approval as a compliment.
  12270.  
  12271.  
  12272.  
  12273.  
  12274. >Shortly thereafter, Sky Squall and you resume your short walk to the centre of the square.
  12275. >Where a certain princess of the night is waiting for you, still showing no signs of being even aware of the unassuming Pegasus who everyone knows as Star Plotter.
  12276. >Oh well.
  12277. >Sky Squall addresses you once more, only moments before you stand before her.
  12278. >"Star?"
  12279. "Hm?"
  12280. >"You hit like a colt."
  12281. >Seriously now?
  12282. "Ugh."
  12283. >He gives you his characteristic reassuring grin again.
  12284. >"Not for much longer though. Trust me."
  12285. >Well, that would be a good idea indeed.
  12286. >Because volunteering to join the expedition which will encounter a group of adolescent dragons really was the last thing you expected when you woke up in your comfortable simulated bed this morning.
  12287. >But the real irony about this is that they are not even the actual issue which causes you quite a headache.
  12288. >For dealing with your own expedition leader is much, much more delicate than dancing with a handful of overgrown, fire spewing lizards.
  12289. >This is going to be fun.
  12290. >For sure.
  12291. >But hey, you are doing this to help out a friend.
  12292. >And you would be a bad exemplar of friendship if you let him down now.
  12293.  
  12294.  
  12295.  
  12296.  
  12297. 144.2
  12298.  
  12299. >Princess Luna is just done with giving instructions to another Pegasus in her characteristic enhanced voice as Sky Squall and you stop right next to the dark Alicorn.
  12300. >From up close, and in comparison to both her larger sister and the other adult ponies at the square, the young princess conveys an almost dainty and physically frail image of herself.
  12301. >You are not sure whether this is a deliberate strategy of hers, or just a byproduct of Luna's still relatively small body and rather slender physique.
  12302. >But either way, any misconceptions one might have about her apparent weaknesses are quickly dispelled by her purposeful demeanour, once she looks you directly in the eyes.
  12303. >You knew at least that long before she spotted you in the crowd of ponies just a few minutes ago.
  12304. >Now though, you get to witness that effect at point-blank range for the first time, as she nimbly turns around to eye both Sky and you.
  12305. >And with your somewhat concerned temper at the moment, the effect is able to exert its "charm" even on you.
  12306. >In fact, you almost feel as if Luna's magical feelers work their way into your proxy, and through it, straight into your own mind.
  12307. >There is of course no way that any of that could actually happen.
  12308. >But you immediately have to think back to that one day in school.
  12309. >When Celestia and Luna spotted the equipment inside the little rock, you felt a well-nigh eerie sensation.
  12310. >Just by watching them observe the rock in question.
  12311. >Today, however, you are the equivalent of that rock.
  12312. >And said sensation returns to you as this mental image runs through your mind.
  12313. >Yet it is several times stronger than before.
  12314. >Plus, the lack of a screen between you and the Alicorns does not exactly help you either.
  12315. >In fact, the presence of Luna's piercing gaze seemingly causes something within you to tingle.
  12316. >Not within the proxy or the system, but you personally.
  12317. >Simply by prying you neutrally, but thoroughly, and with no overt emotions of any kind whatsoever.
  12318. >You do not want to know what sensations she can inflict when she is really angry with someone.
  12319. >As you imagine this, you begin to grasp that the name Nightmare Moon may be a tad more suitable for her sinister alter ego than you would prefer.
  12320. >With heavy emphasis on the nightmare part.
  12321. >Fortunately for you, Sky Squall takes the initiative, ending your plunge into the cyan depths of Luna's eyes before anything bad can happen.
  12322. >The golden Pegasus briefly lowers his head for a small gesture of his respect.
  12323. >And Luna plays along by giving him her full attention.
  12324. >"Yes, esteemed Sky Squall? Is there something you want to tell us?"
  12325. >An obvious rhetorical question.
  12326. >But one that helps Luna neatly to maintain a certain protocol in her dealings with both her own guards, and the ponies in general.
  12327.  
  12328.  
  12329.  
  12330.  
  12331. >Stiff as she may be about it sometimes.
  12332. >Especially when it is combined with her power of what will later be known as the traditional Canterlot voice.
  12333. >Something which Luna will understand eventually as well, in the very far future.
  12334. >Within the confines of a village which has yet to appear on a map, that is.
  12335. >However, Sky Squall is used to this form of conversation with Luna.
  12336. >So he has no problem with reacting to it accordingly in the present.
  12337. >"Princess, may I introduce my friend and former squad mate Star Plotter to you? He is volunteering to join our cause."
  12338. >Luna eyes you again, eye to eye.
  12339. >Only a second later, she raises a forehoof in your direction.
  12340. >"Charmed."
  12341. >You blink once and wonder whether karma is trying to play a trick on you.
  12342. >Because you can now fully understand why a certain butter-coloured Pegasus reacted the way she did around her, even when she knew that Luna was not an enemy any more.
  12343. >Or will react, for that matter.
  12344. >Anyway, back when you saw that scene for the first time, it had a certain comedic notion to it.
  12345. >Now though?
  12346. >Not so much.
  12347. >For you feel no real urge to laugh.
  12348. >And just like Fluttershy was unable to escape her "confrontation" with Luna during Nightmare Night, so can you not get out of this one either.
  12349. >The only real difference between you and her is that you are able to maintain a mostly collected demeanour around Luna.
  12350. >So you go through the motions and swiftly peck Luna's forehoof as a sign of your appreciation.
  12351. >And you are grateful that #deca.mare refrains from making any silly jokes about this situation.
  12352. >Because while you are sure that she will use this as material for some banter later down the line, the matter at hand takes precedence now.
  12353. >You let go of Luna's limb and look her in the eyes again.
  12354. "Princess. It is an honour to meet you in person. I have heard... so much about you."
  12355. >Luna maintains her gaze for a moment, then she bows her head briefly as well.
  12356. >"Likewise."
  12357. >You blink and ask yourself how much Luna could have read into your behaviour when she, for the lack of a better word, "scanned" you previously.
  12358. >Could she really have gained so much intel from this?
  12359. >In your own ponderings, you fail to come up with any elaborate response.
  12360. >So you run with something simple.
  12361. "Uhm..."
  12362. >Okay, perhaps you should elaborate a tiny bit more.
  12363. "You... have heard about me?"
  12364. >"Indeed."
  12365. >You tilt your head.
  12366. >This could be your chance to get some more intel into Luna's insights without consulting #deca.mare yet further.
  12367. >Provided Luna is willing to tell you the truth.
  12368. >Which she very well might not be ready to, if she has some doubts about you.
  12369.  
  12370.  
  12371.  
  12372.  
  12373. >Well, there is only one way to find out.
  12374. "I must admit I'm surprised. My name isn't exactly that, well, outstanding."
  12375. >Princess Luna seems to disagree with your assessment though.
  12376. >And she is quick to let you know about that as well.
  12377. >"On the contrary. Your name is a well known one in the annals of our recent history."
  12378. >Oh.
  12379. >You think you can see where this is going.
  12380. "Because of the marriage?"
  12381. >Princess Luna wordlessly confirms your guess with another formal, yet lightly stiff nod.
  12382. >So this is what Luna is trying to allude to.
  12383. >#deca.mare and you were part of the sisters' history lessons.
  12384. >Perhaps you two were even mentioned by Smart Cookie herself.
  12385. >And two astute learners like Celestia and Luna would memorise the mention of such an impactful event.
  12386. >No real surprise there.
  12387. >Still, you start an attempt to downplay your own role in the grand scheme of things, and see how she reacts.
  12388. "I'm flattered, though it wasn't that much of a deal, really. I just married the mare I love."
  12389. >And Luna objects yet again.
  12390. >"But there is more behind it."
  12391. >Oh boy.
  12392. >You would like to agree with her on that, since she is absolutely right.
  12393. >But for rather obvious reasons, it would arouse a considerable deal of suspicion if you did so openly.
  12394. >So you remain quiet and wait for her to go on instead.
  12395. >And she does.
  12396. >"For instance, we would not exist without you."
  12397. >Again, there is nothing wrong about her assessment.
  12398. >And given the way how she indirectly expresses her apparent gratitude towards you, you think it might be possible that Luna felt attracted to your presence because of that connection between you and her.
  12399. >However, you have no means to verify that right here and now.
  12400. >At least not in the blink of an eye.
  12401. >So as far as you can tell, she might tell you the full truth.
  12402. >Or... she could omit a few details regarding her thoughts about you.
  12403. >After all, it seems like an extremely unlikely coincidence that you run into precisely that one stallion who would be the most likely candidate to convince you to join the cause.
  12404. >Then again, since the majority of the current guard's ranks consists of Pegasi, you are likely to meet a few familiar faces in their midst.
  12405. >But the odds that it would be Sky of all ponies...
  12406. >No, stop that.
  12407. >You are starting to overthink this matter.
  12408. >And for no real purpose either.
  12409. >At the end of the day, you can only take Luna's word for it.
  12410. >Nothing more, nothing less.
  12411. >Though no matter how honest Luna's comments may or may not be, she does not seem to be interested in dwelling on that topic any further.
  12412. >And you immediately understand why, even without her saying anything about it.
  12413.  
  12414.  
  12415.  
  12416.  
  12417. >For you are well aware that she is not as well-versed in dealing with such conversations as her sister is.
  12418. >So having a talk in which she would feel obliged to express a level of considerable gratitude is well beyond her comfort zone.
  12419. >Now that you think about it, maybe she is just equally unconfident in her current role as you are.
  12420. >Only for very different reasons.
  12421. >Either way though, she changes the topic accordingly.
  12422. >"We are delighted to have you within our ranks. Your skills will surely be of assistance to our cause."
  12423. >You are not entirely sure whether she now refers only to herself, or the group as a whole.
  12424. >Or what skills she might mean exactly in the first place.
  12425. >Still, you keep cool and answer politely.
  12426. "I'll help where I can."
  12427. >Luna seems to be satisfied with that answer.
  12428. >"Much appreciated."
  12429. >The princess' response sounds honest, despite her scant choice of words.
  12430. >Then she takes a breath.
  12431. >You somehow get the impression that she is about to change the topic yet again.
  12432. >Which she does.
  12433. >"If you have any urgent questions, we would be glad to answer them. Otherwise we would have to leave you to the guidance of our esteemed Sky Squall for the time being. Organising this endeavour is a... consuming affair, you see. Even for us."
  12434. >And also a welcome excuse to get some distance to you, as you silently think to yourself.
  12435. >One you will absolutely use as well though.
  12436. >So you do not hesitate for even a moment.
  12437. >You shake your head.
  12438. "Thank you. But there's nothing urgent coming to my mind right now."
  12439. >Princess Luna's next nod is a tad less stiff than the previous ones.
  12440. >It looks like genuine relief to you.
  12441. >"Very well. Then please excuse us."
  12442. >She turns her head to Sky Squall.
  12443. >"You know what to do."
  12444. >And Sky agrees with a slight bow.
  12445. >"Yes, Princess."
  12446. >Just a few seconds later, the young Alicorn trots off to head to another group of armoured Pegasi.
  12447. >You assume she is about to give them their next instructions.
  12448. >But you frankly do not pay any attention to that now.
  12449. >For you are happy to be done with this conversation.
  12450. >Without committing a single major blunder.
  12451. >Or so you think, at least.
  12452. >Sky Squall is completely unaware of your inner ponderings though.
  12453. >And so the first thing he does is to look in your direction with a wide grin.
  12454. >"She likes you, Star."
  12455. >You shake your head as the stallion pulls you out of your own thoughts.
  12456. "Huh? What?"
  12457. >He snickers.
  12458. >"Princess Luna, you foal. She's pretty fond of you."
  12459. >You blink in confusion.
  12460. "Are you sure? We barely talked at all."
  12461. >He shrugs.
  12462. >"That's normal for her. She simply is a mare of few words most of the time."
  12463. >You keep acting as if you have seen Luna for the first time, and ask the most obvious question.
  12464. "Then how do you know?"
  12465. >More snickering.
  12466. >"Simple. She smiled."
  12467. >You blink a second time.
  12468.  
  12469.  
  12470.  
  12471.  
  12472. >And you are not sure if you actually were so preoccupied with your own considerations that you missed this or not.
  12473. "She did?"
  12474. >Now it is Sky Squall who shakes his head in light amusement.
  12475. >"The princess gave you a smile, and you didn't even notice? Did your eyes turn blind to this sort of thing when you got hitched or something?"
  12476. >You look after the now relatively distant form of Luna.
  12477. >She is already dealing with yet another group of guards.
  12478. >But since you can only see her back side, you are unable to read her facial expressions.
  12479. >No further intel available there.
  12480. >So you look at the stallion next to you instead and take a breath.
  12481. "I guess so. At least for other mares."
  12482. >This is obviously not the real reason, but Sky buys that explanation nevertheless.
  12483. >He pats you on the back again.
  12484. >"Ah well. Can't blame you for that, I suppose."
  12485. >Wait a second, did he just imply that he is feeling a certain attraction to #deca.mare?
  12486. >Or are you just reading too much into everything at the moment?
  12487. >You honestly cannot tell.
  12488. >No, stop.
  12489. >This is getting silly.
  12490. >Focus on something useful now, Anon.
  12491. >Like finding a reason to gain an even greater distance to the two Alicorns for now.
  12492. >And you quickly get an idea.
  12493. "Sky?"
  12494. >"Yes?"
  12495. "Luna's last remark to you. She meant you're my instructor now, right?"
  12496. >"Yes."
  12497. >He gives you a warm, yet cocky smile.
  12498. >"Just like the old days, hm?"
  12499. >You slowly shake your head.
  12500. "No."
  12501. >A pause.
  12502. "You just said it yourself."
  12503. >You pause again and mirror his smile to radiate confidence while facing the golden Pegasus, camouflaging your previous doubts in the process.
  12504. "It's going to be better."
  12505. >You believe you briefly see a faint shimmer in Sky Squall's eyes as he hears your words.
  12506. >"You know, a part of me will miss the more timid Star Plotter of the past."
  12507. >His smile grows a little.
  12508. >"But I welcome the new straightforward Star all the more."
  12509. >Then he wraps a forehoof around your side and pulls you closer.
  12510. >Before you can ask what he is doing, he starts to walk towards the edge of the square, dragging you with him.
  12511. >And even though he only walks on three legs whilst holding you in his grasp, he manages to reach a formidable trotting pace.
  12512. >"Come, let's grab some armour for you. I know exactly the right pony in this village for that."
  12513. >Normally you would insist that he releases you, since you can walk on your own just fine.
  12514. >But given that he is literally dragging you away from the Alicorns, you are perfectly happy with this outcome.
  12515. >Acquiring a fitting set of armour will take some time.
  12516. >And since you fully expect Sky Squall to give you a personal briefing directly after that, you should be safe from the Royal Sisters for a couple of hours.
  12517. >After all, he is a very thorough leader if he has to.
  12518. >And right now, you love him for it.
  12519. >Figuratively speaking, of course.
  12520.  
  12521.  
  12522.  
  12523.  
  12524. 144.3
  12525.  
  12526. >One of the Pegasus stallions a bit further ahead in your flying formation yells the signal word.
  12527. >That means the now abandoned hamlet of Lush Field has appeared straight ahead at the horizon.
  12528. >The first phase of Luna's on-site investigation is about to begin soon.
  12529. >And the princess at the heart of your almost circular flight pattern responds without hesitation.
  12530. >"Any signals from our scouts?"
  12531. >Everyone around you looks for signs of unusual cloud activities.
  12532. >Because prior to your group's departure, Luna had made the decision to split the number of volunteering Pegasi up into three "squadrons" of roughly equal sizes.
  12533. >One third, the scouting party, has received the order to fly ahead and monitor the wider area around the hamlet in groups of two to three ponies.
  12534. >As the name implies, they are only meant to provide reconnaissance intel.
  12535. >Which means that if they spot anything unusual or downright dangerous, they are ordered to keep a safe distance from whatever they have found, if possible, and then proceed to inform the larger group and other scouts by forming some of the nearby clouds into specific symbols that the entire investigation branch has agreed upon in advance.
  12536. >If something like that happens, the entire group would start to communicate with each other over large distances with a variety of different cloud signals that only your branch can understand.
  12537. >But since none of those symbols are to be seen anywhere, there does not seem to be a source of problems in the area at the moment.
  12538. >Nevertheless, the princess has made it very clear to everyone to stay on guard at all times.
  12539. >Since they have no idea what they are dealing with, something unexpected could happen at any point in time, after all.
  12540. >Though you are admittedly not quite so alert as the others around you.
  12541. >Because not only do you have a perfect "radar" available to you which tells you that everything is fine for now, you are also aware that dragons, even the juvenile ones that you will be dealing with, are not something that a scout can really miss.
  12542. >As such, even if you were not available for some reasons, the ponies will be fine.
  12543. >A mare replies.
  12544. >"Nothing out of the ordinary! The sky around the location is clear!"
  12545. >Which is the green light to get the show on the road.
  12546. >Princess Luna gives her next instructions.
  12547. >"Everypony, proceed as planned!"
  12548. >And the group acts in accordance to the strategy that Luna has worked on in advance.
  12549. >The remaining two thirds of the group split into the other two "squadrons".
  12550. >One is going to stay above the ground around the immediate area of the hamlet.
  12551. >These Pegasi act both as secondary scouts who check on the area in the direct vicinity of Lush Field, and as an intermediary between the on-site group and the primary scouts in the distance.
  12552.  
  12553.  
  12554.  
  12555.  
  12556. >And as soon as Luna has given the order, they inform the distant ponies via cloud symbols that the third squadron is about to go in to conduct the actual investigation inside the ruins.
  12557. >Which is where Sky and you will be going in a couple of moments.
  12558. >On the direct request of Luna at that.
  12559. >Because for some reason she did not state to anyone, Luna wants you down there.
  12560. >You for your part can of course imagine her reasoning behind this decision.
  12561. >But you decide to keep that assumption to yourself in turn.
  12562. >And Sky Squall was quick to suggest that he comes with you when Luna assigned you to the ground team.
  12563. >Given the familiarity between you two and the common track record of flights that you share, you are bound to work well together, after all.
  12564. >Luna, who undoubtedly saw right through Sky's request without any additional explanation, agreed too.
  12565. >And this eventually turned out to be a blessing in disguise for another reason as well.
  12566. >Because whilst Luna was originally hell-bent on joining the ground team, her advisors fiercely urged her to stay in the intermediate team instead.
  12567. >At least until the ground team has made sure that the hamlet is indeed abandoned and empty.
  12568. >Just in case.
  12569. >Officially, their arguments for this advice were made up of largely objective aspects.
  12570. >Like how it would serve the operation better to have Luna stay in contact with every branch of the operation at once, for instance.
  12571. >And on a certain tactical level, this assessment does have some valid points.
  12572. >However, it is as clear as day that this reason is only a pretence.
  12573. >So that the ponies do not have to state to Luna outright that they are concerned about her wellbeing and safety, and would not like to see her rush into danger.
  12574. >Because if they tried this argument on her, she would probably have discarded it in its entirety, and charged ahead with the third squadron.
  12575. >This way though, a compromise was reached.
  12576. >Luna will stay in the air with the second squad, until the ground team has "secured" the hamlet.
  12577. >Then, once everything has been deemed to be alright, she descends as well to participate in the investigation with her own unique insight into things.
  12578. >It was fairly easy for Luna to convince her advisors of this middle ground.
  12579. >For her talents are certainly invaluable in the search for clues and pieces of evidence within the destroyed houses.
  12580. >And no one would deny that she has the strongest "magical" capacities in the entire team.
  12581. >As far as the ponies think, that is.
  12582. >Even the small team of non-Pegasi volunteers, who follow the air signals via ground travel to ferry backup supplies for the main group, has no Unicorn in it that could even come close to her "arcane" prowess.
  12583. >Though there is a certain Earth pony mare amongst them who could dwarf them all if she wanted to.
  12584. >She joined the Luna backup group at the very last second, shortly after Luna herself had already departed with the majority of her contingent.
  12585.  
  12586.  
  12587.  
  12588.  
  12589. >But she prefers to maintain her low profile too.
  12590. >And so she will stay at her comfortable spot in the proverbial back row.
  12591. >Honestly, you do envy #deca.mare for this advantage to an extent.
  12592. >Yet on the other hand, this situation has also given you an opportunity to reunite with one of your closer personal friends on this planet.
  12593. >So you do not really see a reason to complain about your position either.
  12594. >Even when you are under almost constant observation by a certain Alicorn.
  12595. >Due to her mere presence at that.
  12596. >And a part of you thinks that if she had been around when you first started out testing your proxy, the sensation of her aura alone would probably have liquefied your body in the cryo pod.
  12597. >Hyperbolically speaking of course, but still.
  12598. >Either way though, the current agreement enables you to poke around in the ashes for a while, without Luna breathing down your neck at every given opportunity.
  12599. >Which in turn also means that you can just happen to find some traces which might prove helpful, and not act in any suspicious manner while you are at it.
  12600. >And with Sky Squall at your side, who is also quite the respected stallion in his own right, no one will be surprised if your duo is able to unearth something interesting.
  12601. >So you begin your slow and careful, yet steady decline towards the ruined hamlet.
  12602. >Even from a considerable distance, the damage that the dragons have inflicted on the place are easy to spot.
  12603. >Several of the wooden houses have burned out entirely.
  12604. >Others have scorch marks on multiple spots.
  12605. >And some simply have collapsed, either partially or completely, due to other sources of strain.
  12606. >On top of that, the fields that surround the place have, in part, suffered from the same attack.
  12607. >The flames have burned nasty swathes into the rows of carefully placed plants.
  12608. >Knowing first hand how much work is required to get these plants to grow like this, you are not exactly happy to see the whole feat of work being destroyed in a matter of minutes.
  12609. >And for trivial reasons at that.
  12610. >Sure, the place can be rebuilt, and the affected ponies will be fine in the long run.
  12611. >Yet you have to suppress a wave of anger as you process what you are seeing.
  12612. >In spite of the knowledge that you of all people should not get upset about the way how dragons do "business", as #deca.mare and you are indirectly responsible for this incident in the first place.
  12613. >So you tell yourself to stifle your ire and approach the situation like a professional.
  12614. >You focus your attention on Sky Squall instead, and he returns the favour at once.
  12615. >Together, you are quick to agree on a landing spot on the "main" trail of the place.
  12616. >Near the edge of the former hamlet.
  12617.  
  12618.  
  12619.  
  12620.  
  12621. >Once you and your squad mates have touched the soil, Sky Squall signals everyone to proceed carefully.
  12622. >Even though he has not been officially declared to be the leader of this team, practically everyone sees him as such due to his previous experience.
  12623. >And Sky is happy to accept that responsibility and play his part.
  12624. >For it is what he does best.
  12625. >You move deeper into the hamlet in a close formation, with everyone minding to maintain the common pace to the best of their abilities.
  12626. >And you inspect the houses as you pass them, in order to roughly assess the levels of individual damage that were inflicted on the buildings.
  12627. >It serves as a basis to evaluate which ones you should check first.
  12628. >And most importantly, which ones you better do not enter at all.
  12629. >Unless you want to risk being hit on the head by an unstable roof that suddenly decides to collapse or something.
  12630. >The rest of the team does the same as well.
  12631. >And so you proceed to march towards the centre of the small hamlet.
  12632. >Ever on guard, ever watching.
  12633. >But nothing happens.
  12634. >The place appears to be completely abandoned and silent.
  12635. >Apart from the singing of a few very remote birds and the muffled sounds of warily stepping hooves, you hear absolutely nothing on your short trek.
  12636. >Then, once the squad is fairly certain that Lush Field is deserted, Sky Squall proceeds to divide the team into smaller groups of two to four ponies.
  12637. >Similar to the scouting parties, every group is going to methodically inspect one of the "safe" houses at a time to look for evidence.
  12638. >What your team will do afterwards depends wholly on the traces that the ponies are able to discover.
  12639. >And rather unsurprisingly, Sky Squall decides to form a duo with you.
  12640. >For the sake of the old times.
  12641. >But also because he believes in your general aptitude.
  12642. >You for your part are fairly certain that he will not be disappointed, though you will probably have to improvise a little bit to make your findings look convincing.
  12643. >Or rather, your process of "finding" them should come across as natural.
  12644. >So you will have to react to Sky's actions, and see how things are going.
  12645. >But alright.
  12646. >You are suitably prepared for this.
  12647. >Knowing is often said to be half the battle, after all.
  12648. >And you know all you need to know to pull this off.
  12649. >Sky Squall and you soon decide on a house to check out.
  12650. >It is one of the more tricky candidates.
  12651. >A house that teeters somewhere on the edge between safe und unstable.
  12652. >It does not yet appear to collapse any time soon on its own, though it might still be an unsuitable place for a rookie volunteer.
  12653. >Which makes it an ideal place for more seasoned souls like Sky Squall and you.
  12654. >As you stand right in front of the empty door frame, you give each other a brief glance, nod wordlessly, and do a quick mutual hoof bump for good luck.
  12655. >Then you enter the charred remainder of the abused house.
  12656.  
  12657.  
  12658.  
  12659.  
  12660. >You check the integrity of the roof above you at once.
  12661. >The one half of it that has not completely burned away, at least.
  12662. >And even though you can easily identify obvious scorch marks on the outlines of the gaping hole in the ceiling, the still existing parts look relatively intact.
  12663. >So you are now sure that it will not come crashing down on you any time soon.
  12664. >With that out of the way, you inspect the interior of the house itself, kicking up a small cloud of ash with every step you take.
  12665. >Neither Sky Squall nor you are really happy about this, as the floating particles make it more difficult to breathe easily and see clearly.
  12666. >Plus, it is also a pain to get them off a pony coat again.
  12667. >But since both of you are professionals on a mission, you do not let negligible details like this one hinder you in your actions.
  12668. >The two of you rummage through an assortment of partially burned or simply abandoned utensils and furniture that is scattered all over the house.
  12669. >And while you only get to witness the ruined leftovers of the interior, you figure that it must have been a fairly comfortable place, prior to the fire burst.
  12670. >Despite consisting of only a single, albeit reasonably sized room.
  12671. >As you take in the details, you swiftly begin to see a clear pattern that you can use for your arguments.
  12672. >Even without any help from #deca.mare.
  12673. "Interesting."
  12674. >Sky Squall reacts promptly to your comment.
  12675. >"What's interesting?"
  12676. >You take a short breath before you begin with your elaboration.
  12677. "This house was hit by a fire strike, alright. That much is obvious."
  12678. >Sky Squall says nothing, waiting for you to get over the blatantly self-evident parts as an ash cloud dances around him.
  12679. >The poor stallion will not look so golden for a while after getting out of this building.
  12680. >It is a good thing that he is such a trained and disciplined individual though.
  12681. >Because inexperienced Pegasi might have fallen for their instincts to flap with their wings in order to get rid of the ash.
  12682. >Which would merely exacerbate the problem of floating nastiness in turn.
  12683. >So you do not needlessly test his patience and get to the point.
  12684. "But some things are unusual here. For instance, this was not a normal fire."
  12685. >Sky Squall raises an eyebrow.
  12686. >"No normal fire? How so?"
  12687. >Good, you got his attention.
  12688. "Look."
  12689. >You point at the ceiling.
  12690. "Observe the scorch marks. The rim around the hole is burned thoroughly. But the rest of the wooden top is largely unscathed."
  12691. >You pause.
  12692. "Now, that doesn't usually happen when wood starts to burn properly, as it turns into a self-sustaining process when enough dry material is present."
  12693. >Which it was, as most of the material inside the house is made largely out of wood.
  12694. >But you are not done yet.
  12695. >You lower your forelimb and point at several spots inside the room.
  12696. "The decor shows similar traces. The pieces that are located closer to the hole are more severely damaged than those that are further away."
  12697.  
  12698.  
  12699.  
  12700.  
  12701. >You look Sky Squall directly in the eyes.
  12702. "This house wasn't set ablaze, not as we would understand it. The destroyed parts were instead burned away very rapidly. I... guess it was caused by something like... a singular, unusually hot surge, perhaps. And it didn't cause any consecutive burning either."
  12703. >You pause.
  12704. "My point is, this isn't something that a normal fire can achieve. Of that I'm absolutely certain."
  12705. >The Pegasus visibly contemplates the arguments you have brought up.
  12706. >"Star?"
  12707. "Yes?"
  12708. >"How did you figure so much out so quickly?"
  12709. >Hm, maybe you have pushed this observation a tad too much.
  12710. >Yet you have the perfect excuse to justify yourself in a plausible manner.
  12711. "It's not that hard to spot these details when you live with an Earth pony. Trust me, you learn a lot about wood that way. And plants. And... many other things."
  12712. >This should suffice for a Pegasus who has only rarely seen much more than some burning twigs at a fireplace.
  12713. >After all, Sky Squall is a stallion of the air who still lives in the clouds most of the time.
  12714. >Even with the Unification, he remains fully devoted to the lofty spheres.
  12715. >Unless he accompanies the princesses on a mission.
  12716. >Or when someone throws a really big party.
  12717. >And so he trusts your more informed assessment in this regard.
  12718. >Sky Squall nods.
  12719. >"So... the usual characteristics of fire don't apply here?"
  12720. >Strange question.
  12721. >You wonder where he is going with this.
  12722. >Yet you play along.
  12723. "I can only speculate, but it's possible."
  12724. >"Hm, I see. That could explain something else then."
  12725. >Now you listen closely to him.
  12726. "Explain what?"
  12727. >"Something that I found strange from the very moment we got here."
  12728. >Similar to how Sky Squall kept silent during your explanation, you say nothing as well and politely wait for him to continue.
  12729. >And he does.
  12730. >"I assume you noticed the missing door, right?"
  12731. "Sure. What about it?"
  12732. >The stallion trots towards the centre of the impact site, directly beneath the gaping hole in the ceiling.
  12733. >Then he digs through the thick layer of ash on the ground.
  12734. >"I'm no expert when it comes to Earth pony customs, but as far as I know, it's not a usual habit to buck in somepony's door."
  12735. >You nod slowly.
  12736. "Uh, yes. That's... not a part of any civilised discourse amongst Earth ponies."
  12737. >Sky Squall continues before you can ask where he is going with this one.
  12738. >"It happened here though."
  12739. >He strikes something on the ground a few times, sending more ash and dust in all directions.
  12740. >And you watch him while he is busy, keeping a short distance between you to evade the brunt of the newly formed cloud.
  12741. >If you interpret the sounds of his beats correctly, he struck a piece of heavily damaged wood until it broke.
  12742. >"And most curiously, it happened from the outside. Before the attack took place."
  12743. >He lowers his head and upper body to grab something with his teeth.
  12744.  
  12745.  
  12746.  
  12747.  
  12748. >Judging from the laboured and loud breaths of air that leave his lungs as he gets whatever object that caught his attention, he also has to fight with quite a deal of ash in his nostrils.
  12749. >The dense cloud around him is another less than subtle hind as well.
  12750. >For you can only see his back side and half of his barrel relatively clearly through the ash.
  12751. >But the stallion endures, despite the highly inconvenient conditions.
  12752. >And he turns around to face you again once he has what he was looking for.
  12753. >Sky Squall holds a small piece of metal between his teeth.
  12754. >You quickly identify it as a heavily damaged door handle.
  12755. >The surface and general structure of the object have apparently been highly deformed, and partially even molten, by the blast that struck the house.
  12756. >Yet it is nevertheless unmistakably identifiable as a piece of the door in question.
  12757. >Sky Squall must have beaten it out of the charred remains of its wood.
  12758. >Which in turn means...
  12759. "It must have been knocked off the hinges already when the attack occurred."
  12760. >You pause.
  12761. "Otherwise it would have been flung outwards by the blast."
  12762. >Sky Squall nods again and puts the maltreated piece of metal on the surface of an almost equally broken table.
  12763. >If a slightly singed table top without any legs can still be called as such, that is.
  12764. >The stallion coughs and sneezes a couple of times before he raises his voice again.
  12765. >"Exactly. And under normal circumstances that wouldn't make any sense."
  12766. >Then he points at the hole above you.
  12767. >"Unless somepony saw the attack coming in advance. And bashed the door in to save the ponies inside before it struck."
  12768. >Sky Squall strikes a thinking pose as his tactician's mind kicks into full gear.
  12769. >"This would imply that this house was probably not the first place that got hit though. Otherwise no one would have known what to look out for."
  12770. >You play along and expand his theory a little bit more.
  12771. >Perhaps you can nudge him into the right direction.
  12772. "If that's true, then at least some of the reports that mention alleged sightings of the attackers must be accurate. Because you can't predict what you can't see."
  12773. >He nods, albeit reluctantly.
  12774. >"Plausible. Likely, even. But not yet fully proven. All we can say with relative certainty is that the attack came from above. It was a strike with an extreme intensity. It burned through the top, and then ruined the interior. Also, somepony probably saw it coming. Somehow. And was able to warn the ponies inside."
  12775. >He coughs again, which interrupts his line of reasoning rather abruptly.
  12776. >Sounds like there is still a bit of ash in places where it does not belong.
  12777. >Yet he recovers quickly from the coughing fit.
  12778. >"Do you concur with my summary, Star?"
  12779. >For all intents and purposes, you do indeed.
  12780. >Because Sky Squall has come a few steps closer to the truth.
  12781. >So you nod.
  12782. "Essentially, yes."
  12783. >With that settled, both of you take another long look around.
  12784.  
  12785.  
  12786.  
  12787.  
  12788. >And Sky Squall shows a dead serious, almost stony expression for a moment, as he puts his objective thinking and lively demeanour aside to really see the destruction for what it is.
  12789. >"It's a good thing that no one was inside when it came down. I don't want to imagine what would have happened to these ponies otherwise."
  12790. >You do not point out the obvious outcome, and just nod wordlessly.
  12791. >"Star, we must find out who has done that."
  12792. >Yes, and you will.
  12793. >And for once you actually say what you think out loud.
  12794. >With only a mild variation.
  12795. "Yes, and we will."
  12796. >You cough as well, even though you are perfectly able to stifle that reflex of your proxy.
  12797. >Yet you let it happen anyway to make a point.
  12798. "Sky, grab the handle as a piece of evidence and let's get out of here. We've got what we came for and should report back."
  12799. >You cough a second time whilst Sky puts the handle into a small satchel that he wears above his armour.
  12800. "Besides, I've had enough of this ashen cloud."
  12801. >Sky Squall is very quick to agree with your suggestion.
  12802. >"Right. Maybe the others have found something that's useful to know too."
  12803. >And so the two of you walk towards the open doorframe without a moment of hesitation.
  12804. >As you leave the messy confines of the house, you shake your proxy to get the ash off the coat.
  12805. >You may not have dug around in the stuff like Sky Squall did, but this does not mean that your proxy got out of this place with a clean body either.
  12806. >In fact, you have taken up enough ash that some of it still refuses to come off, no matter how hard you shake.
  12807. >And you are lucky that at least some parts of the proxy are covered by your armour.
  12808. >For metal is far easier to clean and scrub than hair.
  12809. >Still, the ash that did find its proper way into the coat is going to be an annoyance.
  12810. "Damn, this dirt will take days to wear off."
  12811. >You hear Sky Squall chuckling directly behind you.
  12812. >Sounds like he is returning to his usual self.
  12813. >"You call that dirty? Pff, dainty."
  12814. >Oh yes, he is.
  12815. >You turn your head around to look at the stallion.
  12816. >And you see that he does have a point though.
  12817. >For he is definitely worse off than you are.
  12818. >The exposed parts of Sky Squall's usually golden coat are dimmed to a considerable degree by the ash.
  12819. >If you would not know what he had just done, you would have guessed that he comes straight from the shift in a mine.
  12820. >And he does not seem to mind it all that much, at least on the outside.
  12821. >But you are sure that the Pegasus will be glad to get rid of the ash as soon as possible too.
  12822. >Even when he says nothing about it.
  12823. >Regardless of his potential thoughts, however, he does see an opportunity to jokingly mess with you a little bit.
  12824. >And Sky Squall uses it, of course.
  12825. >To brighten up the mood after delving through that destroyed house, if nothing else.
  12826. >The morale amongst his peers is very important to him, after all.
  12827. >"If you can't stand that little bit of dust, you should ask Deca to rub it off for you. I'm sure she'll be happy to help your spoiled rump."
  12828.  
  12829.  
  12830.  
  12831.  
  12832. >You laugh.
  12833. "But she isn't here."
  12834. >And Sky Squall grins.
  12835. >"No, but she is going to. Soon."
  12836. >What?
  12837. >How does he know this?
  12838. >You try to look confused.
  12839. "Uh, what makes you think that?"
  12840. >He keeps grinning.
  12841. >"That's not much of a secret. Remember the small group of Pegasi who caught up a couple of hours after our departure?"
  12842. "Yes? And?"
  12843. >"Well, one of them was a courier. And she delivered a scroll to the princess. I got a chance to briefly skim over it too."
  12844. >You think you can guess where this is going.
  12845. >"It was a report about our backup team. Which included an inventory and a member list. And now guess the name of a certain mare I found on that list."
  12846. >You take a breath.
  12847. "Oh. That makes sense."
  12848. >Sky Squall raises an eyebrow.
  12849. >"That's all? Honestly, I expected more enthusiasm from you."
  12850. >You shake your head.
  12851. "You're right. I was... just thinking of something else for a moment."
  12852. >Sky Squall apparently thinks that you refer to the destroyed hamlet and its implications.
  12853. >So he doubles down on his banter.
  12854. >"You know, if you're so detached from this, maybe I should ask her for a personal clean-up instead."
  12855. >Trying to jokingly rile you up, eh?
  12856. >You are tempted to reply to that "idea" right away.
  12857. >But only a short moment before you open your mouth, you get a better idea.
  12858. >You want to see how he reacts if you turn the tables on him.
  12859. >So you deliberately maintain your seemingly detached attitude, and reply in a neutral tone.
  12860. "Sure, go ahead. She's always ready to help out a friend."
  12861. >This stumps the Pegasus.
  12862. >He clearly did not see this one coming.
  12863. >And you intentionally wait for a few seconds to let him stew in his own befuddlement before you go on.
  12864. >Then you take a small step in his direction and put on a subtle grin.
  12865. "With 'friend' being the key word."
  12866. >Another moment of silence.
  12867. >Sky Squall fully understands what you have done though.
  12868. >And he does actually admit it as well.
  12869. >"You got me there for a moment, Star."
  12870. >You shrug.
  12871. "Mission accomplished then."
  12872. >You take a breath.
  12873. "All jokes aside, I'm looking forward to getting rid of this ash. We smell like a bonfire."
  12874. >Interestingly enough, Sky Squall reacts strangely to your choice of words.
  12875. >With a demeanour which is, much to your surprise, wholly unknown to you as far as Sky Squall is concerned.
  12876. "Sky? Is everything alright?"
  12877. >And the stallion nods.
  12878. >Albeit slowly.
  12879. >"Yes. But... it's funny that you put it that way, Star. It... reminds me of something the princess said. About... you. After your encounter."
  12880. >Princess Luna said something about you?
  12881. >Oh boy.
  12882. >Something tells you that this could get interesting.
  12883. >Or concerning.
  12884. "And what did she say?"
  12885. >Sky Squall takes a breath.
  12886. >"Now this will sound strange, but she said that you, well, smell of Windigos."
  12887. "Uhm, what?"
  12888. >"Her words, not mine."
  12889.  
  12890.  
  12891.  
  12892.  
  12893. >You need a second to process this.
  12894. >And Sky Squall uses that moment to elaborate.
  12895. >"Princess Luna also stated outright that she doesn't mind me telling you this. But I didn't until now because..."
  12896. >You interrupt him.
  12897. "Because you weren't sure if you should tell me. Or how."
  12898. >Normally Sky Squall would respond with a witty or quippy remark to someone calling him unsure about his decision.
  12899. >However, he does not try to deflect that notion at all right now.
  12900. >"Exactly. Initially, that is."
  12901. >You can fully understand why he thinks so, given the circumstances and the rather unusual assessment of Luna.
  12902. >But instead of pointing that out, you rather try to get some more bits of information out of him.
  12903. "What changed?"
  12904. >The stallion hesitates for a moment.
  12905. >"I... didn't think much of it at first. But your words reminded me of her comment. And it wouldn't be proper to keep that secret from you."
  12906. >So he addressed it directly.
  12907. >In stark contrast to your decisions when you had your "secret liaison" with #deca.mare.
  12908. >You are grateful that he does not bring this one up though.
  12909. >However, there are a few other things that confuse you.
  12910. "To be frank, I don't get it. Did she explain what this is supposed to mean?"
  12911. >"That's what I asked next."
  12912. "And did she give you an answer?"
  12913. >Sky Squall shakes his head.
  12914. >"Only cryptically. She basically said that your presence reminded her of Windigos. And more specifically, their smell."
  12915. >Alright, this additional information is only marginally helpful.
  12916. >As in, barely at all.
  12917. "Sky, this doesn't make any sense. The Royal Sisters were not even foaled when the Windigo storm erupted. Or conceived, for that matter. So how can Luna remember a smell, or anything else related to it, when she was not around at the time?"
  12918. >This gets an honest shrug out of him.
  12919. >"I don't know. How can they have a horn and a pair of wings at the same time?"
  12920. >Genetics and augmentations, Sky.
  12921. >But never mind.
  12922. >This is a discussion for a very distant day.
  12923. >Regardless of that somewhat wonky comparison though, Sky Squall continues with a different argument.
  12924. >"Look. The point is, I can't tell you why Princess Luna said what she said. She and her sister have ways with magic and the world that nopony else can understand."
  12925. >Not even the great Sky Squall, eh?
  12926. >As much as you are tempted to ask that out loud though, you swallow your joke and keep listening instead.
  12927. >This is not the time for quips.
  12928. >"But what I do understand is that they are not known to spread rubbish. She must have had a valid reason for her feeling."
  12929. >Oh yes, that she has.
  12930. >An orbital reason, in fact.
  12931. >Another thing you simply cannot bring up now, unfortunately.
  12932. "Any idea what that could be? You've been around her for a while."
  12933. >And Sky Squall's mental gears begin to grind once more.
  12934. >"Perhaps it has something to do with your position during the storm. You were closer to its high reaches than any other pony I know of."
  12935.  
  12936.  
  12937.  
  12938.  
  12939. >Officially, at least.
  12940. >Yet quite a few souls were far deeper in it than your proxy.
  12941. >Though the stallion is, indirectly, still correct anyway.
  12942. >Even when he cannot know that.
  12943. >After all, you cannot really come closer to the "essence" of a storm than sitting in its very control centre.
  12944. >Right?
  12945. "Possible. And?"
  12946. >Sky Squall eyes you with an inquisitive expression.
  12947. >"Maybe it has affected you in more ways than you realise."
  12948. >Now you have to tread very carefully.
  12949. >For while you have expected to get scrutinised by Luna, you did not think that she would find a way to throw Sky Squall into the mix too.
  12950. >Well, at least he is not able to rely on the same magic potential as she can.
  12951. >Though this does not stop him from trying to find answers via conventional means.
  12952. >Not out of any suspicion or malice.
  12953. >Merely out of curiosity.
  12954. >And probably based on the assumption that you would like to know as well.
  12955. >He surely must think that he is doing you a favour as a friend.
  12956. >"Think, Star. What do you remember? When you got lost in the air? Did you see anything... unusual in the storm?"
  12957. >A part of you wants to ask whether the storm itself was not unusual enough already.
  12958. >But you get what he means.
  12959. >Besides, answering his genuine questions with jokes or sarcasm would be pretty rude.
  12960. >So you try to go for a safer route.
  12961. "Apart from the unusually violent storm itself, no. But I couldn't see much anyway. Too many harsh winds and snow everywhere around me."
  12962. >And Sky Squall, knowing well how badly snowfall can mess with one's senses, accepts that answer.
  12963. >But you try to hammer home the point by elaborating on the question that is likely to follow.
  12964. "I haven't seen or felt any Windigos myself, if that's what you want to know. And the wind, well, it was loud and howling. As strong winds tend to do."
  12965. >"Do you remember everything? I mean from the time you got caught by the storm, up to the crash landing, and the rescue?"
  12966. >Yes, he really wants to know.
  12967. >And perhaps you can give him a "variant" of the truth here.
  12968. "More or less. It was... rough. Everything was shaking and tugging the whole time. I had no real way to control my movements. And then... everything got brighter and brighter. Until I found myself crashing abruptly. After that... I could barely move until Deca found me."
  12969. >Sky Squall analyses your report.
  12970. >"Hm, sounds like some form of temporary snow blindness."
  12971. >That works for you.
  12972. >"Are you sure that you were conscious, all the way through the ordeal?"
  12973. "I think so. You lose your sense of time in such a mess though."
  12974. >"Do you believe something else could have happened to you at that time as well?"
  12975. >You shrug.
  12976. "As far as I can tell, no. But like I said, my senses were impaired."
  12977. >"But... you can't fully rule it out either?"
  12978. >No, you are absolutely certain that your proxy was not molested in any way, creative, suggestive, or otherwise, by a herd of roaming ice horses in a snow storm.
  12979.  
  12980.  
  12981.  
  12982.  
  12983. >Still, it looks like you have to give him something to remain believable.
  12984. "Not with absolute certainty. I think it's highly unlikely though."
  12985. >He nods.
  12986. >"Well, but something seems to have happened."
  12987. >He takes a breath.
  12988. >"And I believe the princess thinks that you might maybe, just maybe, have gotten exposed to Windigo magic somehow. Perhaps without noticing it at all."
  12989. >You blink.
  12990. "Sky, don't get me wrong, but that's... a bold theory. Coming from someone who just recently pondered on the nature of the storm in its entirety himself."
  12991. >And Sky Squall accepts that point without objection.
  12992. >"Again, I personally do not think much of it. But it's Princess Luna's word we're talking about. That's why I brought it up in the first place."
  12993. >Because her words have a certain gravity.
  12994. >Especially in matters of magic.
  12995. >Yet you are surprised that the Royal Sisters were somehow able to piece together that the energy signature of your remote proxy controls is similar to the readings of the tools which you used to mess with the weather from orbit during the Windigo incident.
  12996. >Merely operating these systems may be technically nearly identical on a base level, as you are steering and manipulating some of your assets in both cases.
  12997. >But you have not manually adjusted the weather controls ever since.
  12998. >So you have never personally interacted with these systems for as long as the two Alicorns live.
  12999. >Even a bit longer, to be precise.
  13000. >But nevertheless, and even in spite of this crucial detail, they seem to have noticed something.
  13001. >You must ask #deca.mare in a quiet moment how they achieved this.
  13002. >Especially since they should have absolutely no access to the larger weather system whatsoever.
  13003. >However, this is useful to know for another reason.
  13004. >Because it appears as if Luna still views you as a pony first and foremost.
  13005. >One that was cast into a unique situation, but oh well.
  13006. >It is much better than her thinking that you might be a Windigo in disguise or something.
  13007. >As nonsensical as such a possibility may seem.
  13008. >All things considered, you can probably work with that for the time being.
  13009. >You only have to find some friendly words for Sky Squall to settle the matter for now.
  13010. >So you take another step towards the Pegasus.
  13011. "Thank you for your honesty, Sky."
  13012. >The stallion replies in his typically staged and nonchalant attitude.
  13013. >"Well, I owe you this much."
  13014. >A pause.
  13015. >"Besides, not telling you would make me a hypocrite after my last lecture, now wouldn't it?"
  13016. >Well, the Gust Glider issue came up after all.
  13017. >But to his credit, Sky Squall is fairly civil about it.
  13018. "Probably."
  13019. >And this gives you an idea.
  13020. "Sky, do you think I have changed?"
  13021. >He nods.
  13022. >"Yes. You have."
  13023. >He says this with an unwavering, neutral, but also somewhat distant tone.
  13024. >And in this very situation, it almost feels like a cut from a cold blade to you.
  13025. >You remain silent as you are unsure what to say.
  13026.  
  13027.  
  13028.  
  13029.  
  13030. >But a faint grin cracks through his facade, only a few seconds later.
  13031. >"You have become a bit more mature. And that's neither a bad thing, nor the doing of some obscure magic, if you ask me."
  13032. >You exhale in relief.
  13033. >And he notices it.
  13034. >"Only a little bit more mature though, just to be clear."
  13035. >You sigh.
  13036. "This was the payback for the joke about that cleaning offer, wasn't it?"
  13037. >You get another friendly, but firm pat on the back.
  13038. >And the armour does a good deal to mitigate Sky's blow this time.
  13039. >Though a faint film of ash is sent flying in all directions as he hits you.
  13040. >"It was. I won't let you upstage me that easily, little Star."
  13041. >Well, at least you can now say with absolute certainty that you are still on his good side.
  13042. >Really, his whole interaction with you has been a clear indicator for that, now that you think of it.
  13043. >Whatever Sky Squall might have thought about you when he listened to Princess Luna's comments, he trusts his own experiences with you more.
  13044. >This is something you should treasure.
  13045. >And he should know that you do.
  13046. "Hey Sky, if you ever get the impression that something strange might be happening with me, or around me, and be it ever so subtle, can you tell me that outright? No matter what?"
  13047. >You pause as you formulate your reasoning for this.
  13048. "Because if there's something wrong, I at least would like to know."
  13049. >This seems to be a reasonable wish in Sky Squall's eyes.
  13050. >"I promise I will."
  13051. >A short pause.
  13052. >"But I want you to consult the princesses as well if that happens. For your own sake."
  13053. >Now this is a tricky condition, especially when #deca.mare arrives with the backup team.
  13054. >A caveat created entirely by Sky Squall's intention to help out a friend.
  13055. >Yet also one that could quickly come around to bite you one day.
  13056. >Unless you deliberately arrange things in such a way that Sky Squall does not notice a thing.
  13057. >But on the flipside, doing too much of that could arouse the interest of Celestia and Luna in turn.
  13058. >Then again, you cannot really refuse this request either.
  13059. >After all, who in his right mind would turn down the help of the two most expert magic casters in the entire realm in such a situation?
  13060. >As such, you eventually agree.
  13061. >It is your only viable option.
  13062. "Deal."
  13063. >Another short moment of silence follows.
  13064. >Then you notice a duo of armoured Pegasi flying above you, heading towards your original gathering point.
  13065. >Sky Squall raises his voice.
  13066. >"Let's go. Before we're the last team to return."
  13067. >Right.
  13068. >Because that would be an unforgivable "shame" for the boastful golden stud and his number one wing mate.
  13069. >And so, in an attempt to preserve the prestige of Sky Squall and yourself as a team, you canter back to the rest of the group.
  13070. >Meanwhile, a bit higher up in the air, the sleek dark blue form of a certain Alicorn mare begins its elegant descent.
  13071. >Down into the ruins.
  13072.  
  13073. End Part Five

Shape Your Home, Part 1

by Ponegreen

Shape Your Home, Part 2

by Ponegreen

Shape Your Home, Part 3

by Ponegreen

Shape Your Home, Part 4

by Ponegreen

Shape Your Home, Wasteland 'Survival' Game Side Story

by Ponegreen