Conversion Bureau Story in the Works · 11:48pm Jul 14th, 2015
Whelp, here's the introduction to my upcoming story, Three Weeks. Enter Arc, the final organized human refuge as the Equestrian Barrier closes in. Follow various members of the Zero Point Volunteer Corps as they live with, learn from and comfort the last remaining humans.
Here's part of the introduction, and the premise with which I'm starting off.
It took her a while, but Light Breeze finally brought herself to knock. The silence that followed was abrupt; punctuated with tense, indiscernible and nigh-inaudible whispers. Breeze shifted her wings, hoping she wasn’t being rude, but she really couldn’t stand listening to the inhabitants argue any longer.
An entire sixty seconds passed before the door opened, revealing a human. It was a female one, if Breeze recalled the signs correctly. The woman had short, unkempt, brown hair and pale skin, and she was scarily tall. A bit under twice her height, Breeze would say. She was visibly frowning, with furrowed brows and her hands at her hips. Her foot tapped against the ground. “What?” she barked.
Wha- Oh, right, she was supposed to talk! Light Breeze cleared her throat (for effect rather than any genuine need) and began reciting her lines. “Hello, Missus Miller. My name is Light Breeze, but you can call me Breeze for short.” Breeze paused for a moment, but Mrs. Miller held her frown and said nothing. “Er - I am a member of the Zero Point Volunteer Corps - Ponies that give comfort to humans that have not yet converted.” She glanced up from the floor and smiled an unsure, but nonetheless genuine, smile. She really hoped she was getting this right.
“As you undoubtedly know, the barrier will reach this town in three weeks. Once this is happens, conversion is the only option besides death. It is my job, and the job of my colleagues, to be near the last humans - yourselves, that is - and help them convert should they change their mind. It is also my job to keep humans like you company. It’s a very trying time, and nopony - body, I mean - should face it alone.”
Finishing her rehearsed speech, Breeze extended a hoof towards the woman.
This isn't an attempt to contemplate the morality of conversion. I plan to do that, but more than that this is a character study - an exploration of some of humanity's last weeks.
Sounds like it could be interesting. :)
This sounds awesome! I can't wait!