UFO SIGHTINGS CAUSE PANIC OVER LONDON, ALL AIR TRAFFIC OVER UK HALTED OR DIVERTED AS RAF SCRAMBLES FIGHTERS. NO CASUALTIES OR LANDINGS REPORTED, INQUIRIES TO GOV’T OFFICIALS ON UFOS REMAIN UNANSWERED.
POLICE REPORT AT LEAST SEVEN DEAD IN SHOOTOUT WITH MILITIA GROUP IN TEXAS AFTER HIGH SPEED CHASE AND WEEK-LONG SIEGE. CAPTURED MILITIA MEMBERS STATED THE REASON FOR RESISTANCE WAS THE BELIEF THAT THE GOV’T WAS UNDER CONTROL OF INVADERS.
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WARNING: Access to this file is RESTRICTED to personnel with TOP SECRET clearance or above. Attempts to access this file without authorization will be reviewed and be grounds for TERMINATION AND/OR PROSECUTION. Distribution of this file may only be done with authorization from Cmdr. David Bradford, failure to provide authorization will result in TERMINATION AND/OR PROSECUTION.
PROJECTID: Stardust
PROJECTDIV: Xenobiology
DIVLEAD: Dr. Joel Mills
Attached files: Transcript of interview with ‘Twilight’, images provided by ‘Twilight’, Personal notes by DIVLEAD.
Personal Notes follow:
NEW RECORD: 13:00, 04/03/2015
Today marked the first official day for Stardust, and the study of the curious specimen captured during an attack by the invaders. So many surprises today, not to mention the project nearly meeting a tragic end before the subject even got to the labs.
The subject calls herself ‘Twilight Sparkle’, and is most definitely the most unique creature I’ve ever had the pleasure of speaking with to date. I’ll leave the behavioral and cultural analysis to the esteemed Dr. Ngo, since my questions more revolved around the extreme biodiversity that Charles Shen hinted at during their first conversations.
Twilight’s species, rather humorously translated as ‘ponies’ is divided into three primary races, with a fourth type that is so exceedingly rare that I wouldn’t bother mentioning them if not for the fascinating traits Twilight described. Apparently her entire species can perform what Twilight calls ‘magic’, though they differ radically.
The first of the three races is titled ‘Earth Pony.’ I questioned Twilight about the name, her answers can be found in the transcript, and aren’t relevant to these notes. This race is apparently the closest to native equine analogs and is well known for its robust stature and connection to nature. Twilight describes this physical trait and connection as their ‘magic’ as it allows them to successfully work and farm more than the other races. I’ll have to ask Kim to clarify if this makes ‘earth ponies’ akin to medieval serfs or the equivalent.
The second of the three races are aptly named ‘Pegasus’. They sport wings and the capacity for flight. Twilight described their ‘magic’ as connected to the sky and apparently the weather, which they control. When I questioned the process, Twilight went into an extremely detailed and thorough explanation of the process. I did the best I could to document every word, but Twilight talks rather quickly and is extremely long-winded when she has a subject to talk about. I’ll warn Kim and Moira about that.
The third of the races is the ‘Unicorn’, of which Twilight is a member. Key distinguishing feature is the ‘horn’ protruding from the forehead, and allows for far more direct uses of ‘magic’ than the other two races. The other two races have passive abilities related to their physiology, such as strength, and speed, or manipulating their immediate surroundings. Unicorns are able to use their ‘magic’ at will for various effects that no doubt have several prominent physicists rolling in their graves. Telekinetics, light generation, even teleportation through solid surfaces. The discovery of THAT little ability caused quite a stir back in Containment. Even my interview with Twilight was possible only because of her apparent ability to translate through ‘magic.’
Moira will likely have a more systematic way of documenting each of these applications, as she is rather keen on finding out just how it’s done.
The last of the pony races are what Twilight called ‘Alicorns’. Only three exist as far as Twilight is aware, and they share physical characteristics of both pegasi and unicorns, with both wings and horn. They also have significantly longer lifespans, the eldest of the three being well over a thousand years old. Their ‘magic’ capabilities sound flat-out impossible. The elder apparently uses her powers to force the system’s sun to orbit the planet. Yes, I know how that sounds. Then I remember that I’m talking to a unicorn about magic. I was about to take it down as hyperbolic exaggeration or perhaps even a religious belief, but apparently Twilight is a close friend to the elder, having studied under her for years as well as writing letters weekly to her. I’ll forward my notes and transcript to Kim on the subject, cultural studies are more her department than mine.
Twilight brought up dozens of other species, some sapient and others not. Quite frankly I’m shocked by the degree of bio-diversity on her world, not to mention its apparent similarity to existing Earth species as well as myths and legends. Flora also shows significant similarities. Case in point, the urban center that Twilight resides in is next to an apple farm. Yes, apples. As perplexing as that is, what really held my interest was a species that Twilight only touched upon briefly. The name she provided for them was apt: Changelings.
Twilight describes Changelings as something akin to a predator with a unique method of hunting and feeding on its prey. They are apparently capable of flawless physical impersonation of other life forms of similar size, and they feed upon their prey’s emotions. The mechanics of such a creature are simply fascinating to consider. Until the secrets of ‘magic’ are further explained it seems their method of camouflage will have to remain a mystery, but I’ve already devised several working theories on their method of feeding. That the race is empathic (if not completely telepathic) is almost a prerequisite, but why feed on emotions? I suspect that it isn’t their primary food source but an energy source or even to make up a deficiency of their own. Perhaps a brain defect prevents them from having emotions that other races possess, and the only way to experience them is to leech them from another. Following that train of thought, emotions might be considered something like a narcotic; a highly addictive one at that.
I attempted to ask further questions on the nature of Changelings and Twilight became extremely uncomfortable with the subject. Perhaps she was the victim of one? Regardless, I moved away from the topic by asking her to provide illustrations for what we discussed so far. She was thrilled with the opportunity and set off immediately to start. She is nothing if not enthusiastic.
UPDATE: 08:45, 04/04/2015
I may have underestimated Twilight’s dedication. Kim and I entered the lab expecting Twilight to be asleep or snacking on some of the fruits we left in her quarters, but she was still at her desk. A quick review of the observation footage confirmed she had been sitting at her desk since our interview, and had been churning out hand-drawn (hoof-drawn? Magic-drawn?) illustrations of every species we discussed, as well as two or three examples for the major ones. I attempted conversation and Twilight promised to be finished soon. I tried to impress upon her the need for sleep and was soundly rebuked for my suggestion.
Her exact words were, “Sleep is for B-minus ponies. I’m an A-plus pony.”
Thankfully Charles arrived and performed some rather impressive parental jujitsu and got Twilight to sleep. Kim, Charles and I gathered up the drawings, which I’m now scanning into the Stardust database. I also pitched the idea of having Dr. Frank McKendric in medical read into the project to evaluate Twilight. After this little episode, Charles shared his own suspicions about potential mental health issues with our newest colleague. Charles speculated (after stating several times that he wasn’t an expert) that she might also benefit from having some friends that aren’t strictly related to the Stardust program. I find myself agreeing just a bit.
Charles also shared a somewhat disturbing thought; that Twilight’s appearance as we perceive it is not natural. He posited the theory that Twilight’s species may be engineered either deliberately or through natural selection to engender comfort and friendliness to whomever she meets. The other, and to be honest far more disturbing theory is that she passively or actively generates a telepathic effect to encourage these feelings around her. I nearly turned down that theory without even hearing Shen through but stopped myself. Maybe there is a telepathic element here that’s wearing down my guard around this alien. I think I might need to see Frank after this; maybe I’m just being paranoid.
Also, I recommended Shen and Kim keep this little theory to themselves until other evidence appears. If Moira suspects anything of the sort she’ll probably grill Shen into building her a little remote control robot so she can participate in the experiments while being safely ensconced in a lead-lined bunker on the other end of the facility. Perhaps she should see Frank, too; her cold hatred of the aliens is quite pathological.
And on a related note, Bradford was able to acquire a pair of volunteers from the ranks to help alleviate some of the translation duties for Charles and I. On a more pragmatic note, having more people under the effects of the ‘translation’ spell can better determine if there are any negative side effects. Charles came back clean from his initial check-up and so did I, but a single day with the spell upon us isn’t significant. Doubling the sample size will increase the likelihood of catching any sort of long-term side effects. I’ll discreetly ask them to take records of their perceptions of Twilight, to see if those change over time through mental manipulation or not.
UPDATE: 13:10, 04/04/2015
The initial theory on the translation spell has been debunked. I first thought it was two-way communication between Twilight and the person she casts it on. I can now confirm that two people under the effects of the spell can perfectly understand each other regardless of the language they speak and without Twilight being present. Charles spent his entire lunch speaking Chinese, while I replied with my rather rusty Canadian French. I’m quite sure the other staff in the breakroom thought we were insane.
Twilight is still sleeping off the all-nighter and all the pictures she completed are scanned. I’ll drop the originals back in her quarters. It’d be a shame for her not to keep them; each one is a work of art.
I’ll also be giving Kim a quick briefing on what to expect once Twilight wakes back up. Per Moira’s instructions, Kim is not to have the translation spell cast on her so I’ll be acting as interpreter until the volunteers arrive. I do hope either Charles or I get the opportunity to brief the volunteers. It would be rather unpleasant for them to walk into the lab unprepared.
UPDATE: 15:45, 04/04/2015
Called it.
END LOG
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PROJECTID: Stardust
PROJECTDIV: Behavioral Studies
DIVLEAD: Dr. Kim Ngo
Attached files: Transcript of interview with ‘Twilight’, image links to xenobiology resources, personal notes by DIVLEAD.
Personal Notes follow:
NEW RECORD: 08:05, 04/04/2015
Perhaps it is best that Joel won our little duel. I was initially thrilled at the way things turned out once it was clear that bloodshed wasn’t going to occur. Screw the war, screw the aliens, I was going to talk to a unicorn. Suddenly I was six years old again and nothing else mattered. I let slip a comment about Twilight’s appearance while we were cleaning up the aftermath of her all-nighter and that brought up Shen’s suspicions of passive mental manipulations around her.
That subject brought this little girl back to reality. Shen’s theory involved what he called ‘trust inducement’, which sounds just a bit scary when considering the implications. Sure, today we think she’s adorable. Next week it’s hugs. A month from now we’re setting the XCOM facility to self destruct in the name of our new furry overlord.
With that thought firmly in mind, having Joel as an interpreter for our discussion doesn’t sound nearly as inconvenient as I once thought. Sorry, Joel. Your sacrifice will be remembered. Take heart that it is all for science!
Twilight seems down for the count, at least for now. I’ll set the monitoring equipment to notify Joel and I if she leaves her bed. Joel is still slaving over the scanner with those drawings but I’ve nothing to do here until the unicorn wakes back up. Guess I’ll have to head on over to the [REDACTED] labs to try and translate the meaning behind the markings found on the less interesting specimens retrieved from the last mission.
UPDATE: 16:00, 04/04/2015
The purple unicorn just took the paranoia and dialed it up to eleven without even trying. Or she was trying and she’s got the most innocent face while she does it, which would be scarier.
After Shen’s brief description of the meaning behind Twilight’s flank marks, I decided to direct the interview in that direction after going over some basic questions with her. It turns out the flank marks translate into ‘cutie marks’ (dear God, just writing that takes me back to my little girl years), and are a mark of a personality type or skills that the bearer possesses. The translations vary from rather obvious, where an hour-glass mark denotes a talent for all things ‘timey-wimey’ (her words) to the abstract, where a Pegasus with butterflies as her mark deals with animals.
Apparently, these marks manifest during their formative years when their children realize what they want to do. What it sounds like is a perfectly implemented form of social control. Shortage in crop production? Increase farm-related cutie marks in the kids by five percent. Going to war? Swords and shields for all the fillies and colts. I didn’t voice this belief to Twilight, but I think Joel picked up on my suspicion. From what I could tell from Twilight’s body language and tone, I don’t think this possibility even entered her mind. She seems absolutely one-hundred percent certain that this system of career determination is the best thing in the world.
The second subject that Twilight brought up was the Princesses. The first and second, Celestia and Luna, have superstitious religious hocus pocus attributed to them. Moving the sun and moon? Right.
The third, Cadance, has me just a bit worried if the descriptions are accurate. Twilight describes her power as being ‘of the heart’, as in she can manipulate the moods of those she targets. Two people fighting are pacified enough to stop. The other example she gave involved extending her power over a wide area, smallest size speculated as city size, largest would be a small nation. In this example Cadance’s powers were used to inspire resistance to an invading force attacking the nation.
In this Joel and I are agreed. What tool is better for a despot than a trusted family member who can quell or inflame the passions of the populace at will? For lack of a better term this sounds like something just shy of wide-area mind control. The subjects aren’t controlled, per se, their emotions are merely compelled to change. Damn scary.
Another thing that Twilight mentioned was her family’s apparently close relationship with the ruling aristocracy on her country and world. Her ‘foalsitter’ (her words) was Cadance growing up. Cadance is now married to Twilight’s brother, Shining Armor, who holds a high position in the military structure. Her personal teacher is Celestia herself and exchanged correspondence with her weekly.
God only knows what kind of stress Twilight went through with that kind of family dynamic growing up.
We were going to continue our discussion when Joel just about fumbled the ball. I had to feed him a question about the cutie mark process to keep things moving. Twilight was in giving us some anecdotal evidence when two of Bradford’s meatheads (the volunteers) stumbled into Twilight’s residence within the lab.
We probably should put a sign out front warning folks not to enter without an escort.
Shen showed up shortly after we met the soldiers outside with the stack of math papers I gave him two days ago. They were intended for Twilight yesterday, but I guess things just slipped through the cracks with all this excitement. The engineer gave the two soldiers a quick briefing before heading into the residence with them. Right now they’re making small talk of no importance from what I can tell.
Shen’s more comfortable than anyone has any right to be when in the room with Twilight, especially with those suspicions of his. The female soldier, Jenkins I think, looks like she’s the one who gets to deliver the punch line to the joke of the century. The male soldier, Harris, looks like he’s on his way to an ulcer. Or a heart attack.
Twilight, naturally, is all cute and disarming smiles. I’ve noticed her ears are a fully integral part of her expression system, I wonder if they’re warm like kitty ears. I bet she’d let me scratch them if I ---
Damn it. Going to see Doc McKendrick now.
END LOG
Adorable :D
"Screw the war, screw the aliens, I was going to talk to a unicorn."
That's the best quote ever.
Hah!
Nice to see them being the right kind of paranoid. Not too much, just enough to remember to be wary.
But as a reader who knows exactly who and what Twilight Sparkle is, it's hilarious to read. They will all succumb to the power of teh cute ponies.
And then the cute ponies will help them slaughter alien scum.
I for one, welcome our new furry overlord! That's it, now every time I play Xcom I'm going to picture the commander as a pony.
This report really captures the essence of Xcom.
After being attacked by aliens for so long, they are rightfully paranoid and every brony has to admit, if Celestia, Luna and Cadance wanted to quell a rebellion, nopony could stop them and cutie marks also can be kind of scary if you think about it. "This is your destiny, this is what you will do for the rest of your life, no changes."
I wonder how they'll react if Twilight tells them about either Nightmare Moon or how Discord can swap night and day like an incontinent chap swaps diapers.
2571299 That...
Was the best quote ever...
Of all time.dl.dropbox.com/u/31471793/FiMFiction/Luna_lolface.png
Alien attack?
Ignore it, our furry overlord demands brushies.
awesome. keep pumping out this awesome story
2571453
Forget the alicorns. Behold ponykind´s most terrible weapon:
2.bp.blogspot.com/-THmgQ8XB4G0/UCXFX9lAphI/AAAAAAAAFB4/oQPVXON6b90/s400/18_34_18_38_70529__UNOPT__safe_scootaloo_apple_bloom_sweetie_belle_cute_cutie_mark_crusaders_love.png
Check your dates. About halfway through, you started using 04/04/2013 instead of 04/04/2015.
Hilarious. But I think Twilight might find that demeaning, at least until Kim sneaks up to her and does it anyway.
2571299
Thanks for stopping by! I admit I grinned when writing out that section. I am really trying to make each research section unique to the person writing them so the reader can almost guess who's writing it just on how they talk. Just because its a research report doesn't mean it can't have personality!
2571300
It's fun to write a character who has a very confined view of the facts when the reader knows more. Of course they have to be suspicious, it doesn't make it any less amusing for us omnipotent readers to be aware of what they aren't. It is also a great tool for maintaining the tension.
Also, in regards to Shen's first name. I'll be touching on that a bit in the next entry. I have plans, yes indeed I do...
Edit: Folks commented while while I was writing this post! I will do my very best to reply to everyone but I'm at work now so my replies may be sluggish. Sorry!
2571482
It seems to me that Shen might actually be right about the manipulation. The trust inducement, or whatever you want to call it, is a natural defense against sapient and semi sapient predators. Wake up a dragon? It grumbles at you instead of eating you. Get enslaved by diamond dogs? Escape by whining because they aren't willing to hurt or muzzle you. A changeling queen is planning on taking your place? Get imprisoned instead of killed outright. Being turned to stone by a cockatrice? Turn that magic up to 11 and force it to undo what it naturally does for defense.
Twiliight, being as well read as she is, may actually know about this phenomenon. I can just imagine how mortified she would be at having neglected to turn said magic off- after all, all "civilized" creatures(griffons, buffalo, zebras, etc.) on her planet are aware of it and expect it. Ponies don't bother ever turning it off because A)Most don't know how, and B)As mentioned before, it's expected of ponies and looked at as an extension of their general adorableness.
2571391
Someone needs to photoshop the silhouette of Celestia over the 'Councilman' character from the Council mission briefings. "Hello, Commander..." Internet, make it happen!
2571396
Thanks for stopping by again! I always thought the idea of cutie marks was a little scary. Here's your destiny trampstamped on your backside, good luck doing something else!
I've also been told on a couple of occasions that my writing style is very similar to SCP. I've had a chance to check out some of that writing for the first time recently and was pleasantly surprised to see that there is a significant bit of similarity there. For lack of a better term I call this type of writing 'report porn' or 'reporn' for short.
2571411
...rather messily?
2571436
Is that a Wash (RvB) quote? Because if it is, then I award you three moustaches.
2571453
Brazil can take care of itself!
2571479
Er, whoops, thanks for pointing out the dates. My job is phone support which involves taking down dates. It's almost subconscious to put the current year so I tend to miss those things.
2571578
An excellent observation. It does make a bit of sense that Fluttershy's Stare would have a psychic component to it. Perhaps a concentration or mutation of the 'trust me, love me!' aura that all ponies have.
In regards to turning it off, I imagine if this theory does pan out (no spoilers after all!) I wouldn't know if Twilight could turn it off. It might be as natural and unconscious as pheramones for us humans. *shrugs* You've given me something to think about though!
2571578
Its so powerful, it filters through our TVs. We're all enslaved by the cuteness field!
But to be honest cats already beat Twilight to the punch.images.fanpop.com/images/image_uploads/so-freakin-cute--cats-248624_1024_768.jpg Not even the cats' arch-nemesis, dog, is free of them.
I think the scientists should also look at human nature by itself in response to just her physical aesthetics. There's a reason cats and dogs dominate so much of the internet.
Keep this up and I might hafta thumb this up way earlier than I expected to. Not as if that's a bad thing, mind...
2571661
I agree, cats are the best cute overload. Sadly, your picture appears broken. D:
2571734
I hope to earn it soon! I've been toying with the idea of doing something special if I can get to 200 thumbs.
I can't wait until Twilight tells them about Fluttershy's stare and some of her adventures with her friends. She might need to use force to keep Vahlen from "examining" Fluttershy's eyes if they ever meet.
The thing I always tough about the Cutie mark thing, is that it's like a really obvious way of knowing what you are best at. Like if some human was a super freakish piano genius, being a piano superstar is what would be easiest for him, but he could always decide he wanted to be a baker instead. I always tough of ponies the same way... Pinkies talent is making ponies happy, but she's not a show mare or something, she's a baker (or a cashier at worst I guess.) Same thing for Rainbow Dash, her talent is speed but she did not become a racer or a delivery mare (which would go better with the mark) she became a weather pegasus.
Anyway my 2 bits about the whole cutie mark thing
2571578
Naw if there is such a thing I doubt that ponies would be aware of it save maybe a few academics that have specifically studied the topic. And I doubt it would be something that could be actively turned off without some sort of invasive intervention (like surgery or the magical equivalent)
2572061
I figure if it's reasonably possible for them to turn it off, they more than likely do so as courtesy during diplomatic sessions. If not, well, it certainly isn't an end-all be-all anyway, and I think politicians of any species are going to be grouchy enough to ignore urges to hug ponies. Unless they think it will get them money and/or votes and/or power.
2571901
What do you mean Pinkie's not a showmare? She puts on an amazing show! I'll grant you that the show did cause a war, but... >_>
From what I interpret the cutie marks to mean is a skillset. Skillsets can be applied to several different careers. Rainbow Dash is the best example, her speed could have made her an amazing racer or mailmare but she's applying her speed to weather duty.
2572061
Excellent coment, Stavaros! If this magical warm and fuzzy aura turns out to be real it'd be interesting to see if Twily is aware of it. And if she is aware of it, what does she know about it.
2572172
Another possibility is that other species have their own auras they project. Perhaps Gilda was a typical griffon with an extra-large "I'm a jerk" aura.
I'm pleasantly surprised that my little plot point is raising such a discussion. So glad to have folks to interact with and debate such topics!
And on a less upbeat note, I've noticed a string of down votes in the comments for this entry as well as another down vote for the fic. I'd like to know why if this person is still about. After all I can't improve if I don't know what problems there are!
I think cutie marks are a lot less scary if you view them as being caused by the talent rather than determining it. If ponies are passively psychic it could just be that after some trigger their subconscious picks a symbol.
Of course, Applebloom's brief disease and Twilight's flubbed spell have vaguely creepy implications...
2571411
Ugh, apparently some faggot who was reading went and thumbed a bunch of the comments in this section down for whatever reason.
2571477 HNNNNNG
2572269
I actually agree. The mark appears when the foal realises their talents. Of course, our paranoid XCOM friends interpret it a different way...
Applebloom's case is either humorous or scary depending on the way you approach it. Its humorous if you consider her ailment giving cutie parks on EVERY THING she's tried in the past (most off-screen). It's scary if the ailment is giving us a peek behind the curtain and that the mark (or marks) determines ones abilities. Personally I am in the former camp but XCOM would definitely be in the latter.
2572331
I was aware that might be a possibility but you guys (and this website in general) have been amazing so I'm willing to give a person the benefit of the doubt.
2572340
I had that same reaction.
If there's one thing the comics had that I liked, it was Twilight explicitly stating that her magical prowess isn't innate; she's the best because she practiced so much (arguably obsessively and possibly unhealthily).
Heh, typical X-com mentality. Alien appears cute? Must be mind-control!
2572265
I have to admit I was wondering about the downvotes as well. Are they trying to say they disagree with that idea? Are they offended by the idea of weaponized adorableness (to be fair, it is rather sinister and a little disconcerting)?
However, looking at the comments I see that someone's comment of "awesome story" has been downvoted, so I think a few people are just having a grumpy day.
Also, I've racked my brain and can't see where an "I'm a jerk" aura would be positive-wait a minute, I just realized. It's rather circuitous, but work with me here. You know how some people are really attracted to jerks? Maybe this is particularly prevalent in griffons- as such, an aura like that would be a reproductive advantage. Gilda's parents enrolled her in an Equestrian flight academy to get her away from all the boys who were pestering her. Think about it- the more she ignored or taunted them, the worse they would get. It would be just like a bad anime- and thus the only solution might be to leave if you had an overactive aura like that. After returning to her homeland, she emigrated to Equestria because she found the attention in her homeland annoying after the few years of relative peace that she had at the academy.
2572380
Oho? I must admit I haven't seen the comics yet myself so you have an advantage there. My fanfic obsessions have been in the Nasuverse, which go into encyclopedic detail on magic systems. I personally am a fan of the 'magic circuits' methodology. Magi have access to a certain degree of magic circuits that can be used to channel their powers, and the number of circuits determines the degree of power you command. Dozens (or hundreds!) of circuits can be multi-tasked to several simple abilities, or channeled into one big whammy or complex spell (or even maintaining the physical incarnation of a heroic spirit...). Of course, there are certain exceptions to this rule, where creative use of 'cheap' abilities allowed a much weaker magi to overpower a stronger one.
(If any folks are interested, there's two GREAT Nasuverse crossover fanfics 'The Hill of Swords' and 'In Flight'. Both are EXTREMELY long, In Flight is still in process. Both also demonstrate just how freakin' amazing a magi can be once he completely masters a skill, combined with a dose of luck.)
2572483
That's XCOM, baby!
2572503
I actually first noted the downvotes on your comment specifically. I can't think of any reason to downvote a comment unless a person is being deliberately obstructive to the conversation. (I up-voted you in response, since you're contributing to the conversation!)
And the auras might be a product of, or contributing to the culture development. It's one of those 'chicken or egg' arguments but I honestly thing that they both effect each other equally. Equestrian government values Harmony and Friendship because its citizens do. The most successful citizens are the exemplars of these tenets, who pass these traits on to their children. We haven't seen Gryphon government but the vast majority of fan descriptions have been highly militarized, and sometimes dictatorships. (There's an excellent crossover fic 'Do you believe in Ghosts?' that spends quite a bit of time in the Gryphon empire, by the by.) In that setting the strongest rule, and they pass that strength on to their children. Each system cultivates what it sees as desirable traits through the social equivalent of natural selection.
Of course I could be entirely wrong. So disregard my rambling if you like. :D
Well I for one welcome our new furry overlord. What can I blow up next?
I keep seeing people saying how all of the X-COM staff are being overly paranoid, but it seems perfectly justified to me. I mean, the aliens are obviously capable of extreme genetic manipulation, how hard would it be to make a cute furry pony with a passive mind control field instead of a horrifying creature of war?
Speaking of, I'm extremely interested as to how X-COM will react once they meet the Sectoid Commander or the Ethereal. Proof that the aliens have mind control would certainly increase Shen's suspicion of Twilight.
Anyway, keep it up, can't wait to read more!
2572842
Thanks for stopping by! I think everyone's calling them paranoid in the context that we the readers know Twilight is harmless and that paranoia is amusing. From XCOM's perspective it could be argued (by Vahlen no less) that they aren't being paranoid enough. Alien life forms!
In regards to mind control in the story, the events of the 1st XCOM tutorial mission (and the demo I suppose) are canon. Won't spoil it for folks who haven't played it yet. I really should replay the tutorial though...its been probably close to a year since I have.
Getting off topic! XCOM is aware of mind control and has a few ways of detecting it after previous encounters, though not in the field.
Honestly, I had never even considered the possibility of using cutie marks for societal control until you brought it up, but it makes perfect sense. And it's understandable that a lot of things that Twilight takes for granted (like Celestia and Luna controlling celestial bodies) would be terrifying and unbelievable to XCOM to the point of wanting to reject the entire notion.
I also find their healthy paranoia quite realistic, considering their circumstances. But I might be asking for too much when I say I wanna see Twilight go with Strike One to fight aliens. I know this isn't that kind of story, but DAMN THAT WOULD BE COOL!
2571578
Or it could be related to the fact Twilight Sparkle is not a human, but a member of a herd based species. Getting along with the herd, even for a (relative) recluse like Twilight is Very Important. She's wired for a different social dynamic, and went head long into 'making friends' since moving to Ponyville. Not only that, making friends with humans is part of the bet, so any social and biological advantages she evolved are being, probably unconsciously, brought into play.
Think about it, right now Twilight Sparkle is in a strange place, seperated from her Herd, and there is obvious danger all around. Some of it nearly turned her into (not) Fast (enough) Food seconds after she arrived. All alone, surrounded by threats, and the way she woke up in interrogation probably didn't help. Likely explains why she is a wreck and regressing on the OCD (It's CDO! So the letters are in alphabetical order!). So she probably has the idea unconsciously running through her head, "Alone, not safe, need a herd, need a herdnownownow! Hey, these humans aren't ponies, but maybe they are close enough, make friends/herd now!
Probably best if Twilight doesn't mention her 'want-it-need-it' spell. Or if she does have her mention that the effects are easily recognizable.
Though I can see a weaponized version of it. Just 'want-it-need-it' a remote detonated bomb and drop it into the combat zone. Watch your alien enemies swarm said bomb, and fight each other over it, then detonate when the majority of enemy forces are nearby. Just make sure your people are either somehow protected, or don't look
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I'm glad to hear that my work makes people think! If people are saying, "I never thought of it that way," then that makes me think I'm doing something new, or at least approaching an old issue in a new way.
2573530
Very astute observations, Nikas. I touched on it briefly in 'Containment' but I'm glad to see that the groundwork I laid there is still in folks minds. Twilight's life before Ponyville might have been relatively isolated by a potential herd was always right outside the door. On Earth she has noone.
Perhaps she's subconsciously channeling the want-it-need-it spell on herself?
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In regards to weaponizing the want-it-need-it spell, I imagine something similar to a Left 4 Dead pipe bomb. I don't think I'd pursue the idea in this fic at least, but you got me thinking. :D
Also, I'm surprised noone has asked a very important question. Everyone is discussing XCOM's reactions to Celestia/Luna moving stellar bodies. Has anyone considered how Twilight will react when she finds out who does (or doesn't) move OUR star?
Edit: Is it just me or is fimfiction.net slowly morphing into 502fiction.net?
2573044
I was actually going to ask if the tutorial was canon. I suppose that makes sense, but I like realism and whatnot, so I just felt like mentioning it.
If you don't mind me asking, what's the general tech level of X-COM at this point? Do they have lasers, are they standard issue or just prototypes, any plasma tech, armor advancements, etc. I know it's (very) off topic, but I'm curious.
About the Cutie Mark thing, there's this post from Reddit:
That last bit is especially important; many fans operate off of misinformation straight from the CMC.
Now, as to the rest of the story? Enjoying it quite a bit so far. It's rather believable, and in character(Though Twilight seems overeager to divulge various bits of information, but meh. She would get in a lot of trouble if she revealed some of the nastier magic there is like Want it Need it/Time Travel)
I do wonder how you will treat Equestrians though, in regards to everything else. After all, what people forget is that these alien ponies are, through repeat instances in the show, shown to be physically on par with, say, Chryssalids. I have screencaps to prove it!
Also, might as well head this one off: In real life, horses, ponies, cows, deer, what have you, are all omnivores that have a super heavy slant towards herbivorism. Heck, Deer will eat fish if there's nothing else around. Add in ponies that have more in common with cats? Stress for XCOM!
I think the funniest part so far however are the scientists awareness and commentary on the Friend Field.
EDIT:In regards to Sol not being manually controlled: In the show they have advanced astronomy. They likely are aware that their system is outside the norm. Heck, there's standard solar system globes and solar system maps at several points in the series that match up to pre-Discord times, with later era globes being Earth centered. Implications? Normal solar system got borked by Discord, or maybe micromanagement obsessed ponies.
I think we all know how this is going to end:
Twilight returns. "Hah, I won our bet Discord. I earned humanity's trust despite their fear and together we saved the Earth from the Ethereals."
Discord laughs. "Silly Twilight, what makes you think you were supposed to befriend the humans?"
Then they stone Discord and bury him over a mile straight down.
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I think it is more a shock at finding an Xray that instead of eating your face at the first meeting is instead falling over her hooves in trying to be helpful and useful. Which ties into the 'lack of herd fear' and 'B- Ponies sleep. I'm an A+ pony.' At least subconsciously Twilight Sparkle sees herself as trying to form/join a provisional herd, and is attempting to show said herd she's useful enough to be allowed to join. Maybe that is coincidentally tripping human protective instincts?
2574037
Just on what has appeared briefly so far for XCOM tech they're still close to the beginning. Standard firearms and armor, no SHIVs, but they do have ARC throwers.
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An interesting breakdown on the cutie marks, I'll take that to heart!
In regards to Twilight being a chatty Cathy, it's related to the need for the herd. Shen did say the scientists had lots of questions that she could answer, she's just doing what she can to help.
In regarding stress for XCOM, I have a great deal of plans to keep the tension present. Not smothering the scenes but always there. I also intend to avoid the token 'what do the humans eat' conversation if I can. The moment I hit that point in a crossover/HiE fic, I invariably find myself scrolling past it.
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I had a funny Doctor Who spoilers .gif for this situation...grr, where is it.
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Wouldn't that be a total mind screw for XCOM? Spend billions of dollars in manpower and technology trying to defeat Twilight's cute compulsion only to find out all humans have a weakness for big purple eyes and adorkable behavior?
All in all, you folks continue to impress with this continuing discussion! I never suspected I would start such a long conversation on this little entry. I'm learning a bit and I hope I am keeping folks interested in how things will develop!
In fairness for the XCOM scientists. If you think it's mind control... it's probably mind control.
Regarding the herd behavior, that would actually make a lot of sense. Even before moving to Ponyville, Twilight still had her family and Cadance for a herd. On Earth, the only people around her are Xcom, so she is compelled to make herself look as good as possible to be accepted into their "herd". Maybe someone who knows a bit about horses can pitch this idea to the science team.
For anyone who hasn't beaten Xcom,
t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ1qvl9F9Jr0SYu2JGS2AuhS89oPHzIShK6cfIuWVh26JNPD3_UgA
We know that in the end The Subject, or whatever they were called, sacrifices themselves in order to pilot the temple ship away from the earth. No we have a gifted 'superhuman' soldier with psi power armour, plasma weapons, and survival training who can be anyone we want them to be. Also we know they along with the ship were sucked into some sort of spacial distortion. Who is to say they couldn't end up somewhere more equestrian?
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Actually, a significant target for a magical warm and fuzzy aura for Pony's would actually be targeted at other ponies.
Remember with the Wendigo's feeding off emotions generated by conflict, Pony emotions powered freezing thier old home lands and icing over Equestria too. They've named an entire holiday which is observed by everyone from those living Ponyville to Canterlot.
Wendigo's feeding off chaos, Discord off chaos, Changlings off love, Dragon's growth feeds off greed, and there is the wacky stuff with the Crystal Empire and Sombra and Hate. It is very plausable that other emotion predators and they have caused issues for Equestria for the entire duration of it's history.
In such an enviroment, controlling emotions on a nation-state scale is no longer a morally dubious act but required for survival.
It doesn't have to be some insidious mind magic, you know. Sure, maybe friendliness and making everyone like you is an evolutionary trait, but it's not like that's not something that happens regularly in the real world. If I'm not mistaken, babies are "intentionally" cute and humans hate hearing them cry for ingrained evolutionary reasons.
Maybe the cuteness is intentional (I like that Windigos gives a concrete reason for ponies to have evolved towards fuzzy friendliness), but it's always possible that the humans react positively towards Twilight just because she looks cute. We know she's not secretly cackling about how the humans are falling for her, and I doubt ponies would recognize that their typical appearance is "cute" to other species.
Also, I don't think Twilight would freak out about Earth's solar system. It's run entirely by MATH. She'll probably babble excitedly about how she can tell the Princesses and they can set everything up just right so that they don't have to handle the solar mechanics anymore (unless you've planned for an explanation for why they control the sun/moon instead of letting astrophysics handle it for them).
2577390 Controlling the sun and moon gives you very precise seasons and ability to control both temperature and tide levels on the planet. With the way the ponies seem to obsess about control of their environment it's a very good way to make sure nothing goes wrong. For instance there would be absolutely no way to 'wrap up winter' without control of the sun. You can also use the sun and moon to intercept rogue asteroids and other such things before they can pose a threat to your planet.
From what we've seen of MLP there is the sun, moon, and the planet, which makes controlling the system easy. We don't know if their system originally had more planets that discord or the princesses kicked out-system to make control easier.
The fact that Sol system has so many large planets, as well as dwarf planets, would make controlling the entire system a nightmare, since once you start moving the sun your entire system is screwed unless you control every planet in the system. So Twilight should understand that this is the optimum setup for Sol. Though she might wonder why they don't control the reactions of the star so that earth doesn't have to worry about solar flares causing havoc with our electrical equipment, as well as doing things like temperature control by cooling or warming the sun slightly to make earth colder or hotter. She might also wonder why we don't control the moon since in her mind controlling it would be easy even if you aren't moving the star.
2577390
Well the main reason I can see for why Equestrias sun needs to be moved by magic is the same reason that Clouds outside Everfree need to be pushed by Pegasi to move - a whole lot of equestria is fundamentally incapable of working without pony intervention. Also, it's pretty likely that Equestrias sun is drastically smaller and closer than Earths sun.
Has Twilight heard that the entire planet earth functions basically like the Everfree Forest yet? It would make for an interesting argument when she starts to talk about how scary that thought is to her, while the humans find it to be perfectly normal and maybe even think that such a level of control over nature is somewhat scary. Ponies are pretty much control freaks by nature, they even change seasons manually and freak out, whenever something is beyond their control. In Bridle Gossip, when they talk about how unnatural the Everfree is to them, Fluttershy even points out the animals taking care of themselves. That means, even animals following their most basic survival instincts and finding something to eat for themselves is scary to them.