Should Dexter get caught by the ponies? Your answer could determine if he does. · 5:40am Dec 30th, 2016
Hey all,
First I want to thank all of my readers who follow Dexter's Lab: Equestria. I hope you all have 10 times the amount of fun reading it as I have writing it. However, for those of you who care, I have a question; and what you all decide may influence where the story goes:
Should Dexter get caught?
Answer at: http://www.strawpoll.me/11988128
The reason I am asking is that I have tried to write the story in a manner that Dexter's adventure could have plausibly happened between the earlier seasons of the show. However, if he gets caught, mere knowledge of him would/should impact events in the show. (Equestria would have a technological revolution over night.) This would break the 'plausible continuity' this story has with the show.
Would it be worth it? Should the ponies find out about Dexter's secret lab, the true extent of his genius, and the fact that he had traveled into the past to defeat Nightmare Moon in the side story?
Let me know what you think.
EDIT: This is NOT about how the story should end, this is about the direction it should go.
Huh, I was thinking more along the lines of Pinkie getting into his lab like Dee Dee and Pinkie Promising not to tell anyone about it until he's ready, which he will eventually come clean with as a result. So he doesn't really get caught but reaches a state of tentative trust.
I think that we already passed that particular event horizon a loooong time ago.
P.S.- What -specifically- do the three choices mean? More specifically:
1: Does the 'no' option mean that it would never happen ever, or just that it would be relatively late in the story?
2: What exactly do you mean by 'getting away' in regards to the 'yes' options?
I always assumed he would be found out eventually. If nothing else, that quote in the story description of telling Pinkie not to push that button.
Plus, the side-story with Nightmare Moon's banishment had the elements heavily hinting at that happening, too.
Frankly, him not being discovered would kinda be a let-down. There is just too many opportunities for things to spiral out of control, like in most Dexter's Laboratory episodes. The actual show also had at least 2 characters that were aware of Dexter's true self, too.
(Actually, I was personally betting it would be with a meeting with Chrysalis. Dexter wouldn't feel the need to hide who he is to her since she knows, and he needs to tell her to back off, after all. It strikes me as the perfect place where the other ponies would observe such a meeting, or crash it.)
I like 4361093 idea way more. Also author you put me in a bind and I can't decide what to choose!
Personally, I don't like the concept of "Equestria becomes high tech", because this sort of medieval environment with a high quality lifestyle thanks to magic is what I find nice in MLP and fanfics about it.
So, I think he should get caught, but not share his tech. I'm clarifying because I was not sure which answer applied to this scenario.
Oh and by the way, sorry if I made mistakes, I no english speak good sorry
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Yes, but his refusal to cooperate, and the ponies' unwillingness/inability to force him, lessens his impact on the world at large. The sheer magnitude of his technological superiority means there's not much that they can get from him without him deigning to bestow it upon them himself, and being stubborn, egotistical, mildly sociopathic, and above all else a 10-year-old, I can perfectly see him hanging it over all of their muzzles metaphorically in much the way his old human bullies did with his lunch/books/underwear physically (however he tries to justify it to himself as them simply not being ready for such glorious SCIENCE!).
I kind of like skyehearts idea, but i peronaly prefer if Dexter only brough out small increases in tech, perhaps aimed at helping earth ponies as i can see him going mad about how difficult Applejack (and therefor for applebloom) makes her work when with just a few changes could make it so much easier
I think him getting caught is a given. You can't draw up this many questions from that many leaders of civilization without getting some kind of answer. Worst case scenario: Lab is compromised, he pushes the big red self-destruct and most of Sweet Apple Acres likely goes up with it. I can't really see Dexter just letting them learn anything without difficulty so I could see him making less-than-veiled threats should they try to strong-arm him after reveal to give up his secrets. He has already demonstrated his willingness to use scare tactics and he knows his way around explosives. Several places could go up in flames if they tried to force him to do anything, I'm sure.
Just one thing to mention: If he goes goody two shoes with the ponies, I will be rather mad. I can't see him believing that every pony would use his tech responsibly. He has had it backfire too many times on the show for him to think anything else would happen.
I have to agree with the other post here. Dexter should be found out but refuse t let them have any technology. But i think the bigger question is when should he be found for which i must say i agree with Skyeheart idea.
4361095
Three choices:
No.: I have a plan for Dexter to have an out. Of course there are many possibilities to (Like he could get help from the changelings, pretend to be killed before anyone gets answers, simply goes home.)
Yes. - Gets away: They find out about his secrets, but not all of them. He leaves Equestria and returns home before anyone finds out the whole truth. When they do find out some of his secrets, he fleas for the most part and hides until he returns home. Remember, he is only 1 invention away from returning home - the magical device (well, maybe not magical) which does exactly what he needs.
Yes - Does NOT get away: Dexter is busted, through circumstance and cunning (on part of the ponies), and maybe through a bit of his ability to learn to trust, his secrets are revealed and he remains with the ponies openly until he finds a way home.
I believe that Dex should give enough away, so that he's under even heavier suspicion, but not so much that he gives away the whole gambit. For example, during the confrontation between Twilight, Luna, and Dexter, things get thrown around, and the phrase, "sunloving face", gets brought up. Dexter reacts with terror and despair, thinking that she was back, for ever so brief a moment. His sudden change in attitude toward Nightmare Moon and Luna is a bit shocking, but he ends up (barely) brushing it aside. Luna vaguely recalls a brace young colt from her time before banishment, and is now uneasy around this reminder of her past sins... Twilight, meanwhile, is arguing with him over tribalism in the scientific community, in regards to credit thievery.
4361122 I vote for the third option.
4361124 i like this idea
Couldn't he move to a non pony controlled land? I could see him fitting in with most Griffins. Prideful and confident bordering on arrogant. I can see a future where he gets revealed but I don't see Dexter working with the ponies.
I think it's a good idea to do it in the next 20k words at the minimum. Twilight and Luna suspects him so much already that tip-toeing around the issue for too long might come off as a bit contrived. From what I've gathered they've already more than enough proof that he is the one causing all this. It would also be nice seeing the ponies as more competent—though, seeing a frustrated Twilight is always amusing.
If you've read My Twilight Facade you'll probably know what I'm on about, as the author has been teasing readers about the big reveal for over 100k words. At which point the readers started screaming in a monty python voice "Get on with it!" at the lack of actual story progression.
That fact that he is revealed wouldn't need to mean much either, since he doesn't need to tell them anything. "Yes, I'm the pony that did all that, and I ain't telling you why or how," would be in-character. I can imagine the reveal being: Celestia shows up and recognize him, then tackles him with hugs and kisses.
4361122 I like the third option. I feel like the first option has already been explored in detail (Dexter hiding and covering his tracks), and the second option also feels like we've taken a look at it (his interactions with Twilight and the captive changling, where they know his genius but he refuses to give them substantial information). I feel like option 3 has the most interesting dramatic and character possibilities.
Depending on how you write it, even option 3 doesn't have to lead to a massive tech revolution. Unless Dexter stays behind for good, or puts a huge deal of effort into having his computer teach technology to the ponies, I don't think he would advance their technology that far, assuming he went home relatively soon after he is discovered. It would probably take many decades for top scientists in Equestria to reverse engineer his devices, without Dexter going out of his way to make it easier for them. Now, this would eventually lead to a massive tech revolution, but it would take place long after this story is over.
4361124
I was planning for the 'sun loving face' quote to go something like this:
Dexter noticed Luna staring at him, though by her expression she was a thousand miles away. Clearly, the suit Dexter was wearing brought forth memories of the past, given that it was the same one he wore during his trip to the past.
"Don't worry, Princess Luna." Dexter remarked, pulling forth a device before briefly glancing at it. The area was clear of changelings. However, his words barely snapped the alicorn back to reality. Though he wouldn't know it given that she was speechless. "Despite your previous beliefs, I don't have a sun-loving face." A ripple of light washed over the colt's form, causing him to vanish into the air.
"I could hardly care less about your sister or what she thinks." Dexter added with finality.
4361139
Oh don't worry snuffy, this coming chapter contains a blow-out. It will force the issue once and for all, will Dexter be caught or will he get away.
Now I am not saying that this will happen, i have already dismissed this idea as a possible storyline - but consider him asking Chyrsalis for help at permanent clearing his name and divertting suspicion. All Chrysalis has to do is brag in front of the ponies how she tricked 'stupid luna and twilight' into suspecting a foal while her changelings ran free - at which point all he has to do is lay low and he gets off scott-free.
However, there are a hundred ways he could get caught. By the end of this coming chapter you will know that his time is up, and the question will be settle once and for all. I just wanted you guys and gals to have the opportunity to voice what you wanted for it.
I personally like Long-Con lie stories :P great example
but knowing he can't keep it up forever, he'll most likely be hiding and working with the changelings, telling Chrysalis which plans are stupid
making his Nano armor to look very changeling to hide among them and use holograms to copy their transformations~
maybe not actually tell Chrysalis hes there ; lieing to the liars~?
might even trigger the 'reformation event' with that prisoner and Thorax for science!
..or not, and maybe making a moon base, or a base under the ocean to hide away, I guess
is it wrong that I imagine Dexter going singularity ; full robotpony or roboling
or using genetic manipulation to actually become a changeling?
I have too many ideas, this is what keeps us up at night
to have him return home, it's bitter sweet
I just get the feeling that something will go wrong and he'll be stuck for another squeal
maybe DeeDee accidentally get sent there? or she is there already and he doesn't know
I voted 'No' but I am open to 1 character, like Spike or Applebloom or some parallel to DeeDee, learning of Dexter's lab and the true extent of his genius---yet him not being exposed to the whole population. The secret remains safe between Dexter and whoever. The rabbit hole of a pony tech science revolution is left best as teased and played for tension / humor --- I'm not sure of a big exposure. It's kind of not needed for the story and I'd expect Dexter to only foiled by the Celestia / Luna exposing him and I rather that not happen in any case.
Don't forget to do something with the Elements of Order - I refuse to call THOSE "of Harmony", because Harmony is about finding (or even making) a place for everything possible that doesn't actively attack all the other parts, but Order can only contain itself.
Also, they are huge jerks.
Seriously, screw them.
Number three, because all other things are anticlimactic. Sorry?
4361190 I agree.
I put yes but gets away, but that answer is not entirely true for me you see i would think Celestia would recognize Dexter but would think it eould br for the best not to say anything in the matter until it would be needed to be discussed, or she would confront him privately and confess that she knows of his travel to the past but doesn't know how, and Dexter being Dexter would feign ignorance on the topic. I have some other scenarios but thats allvi can put up here for now, oh you what would be funny if pinkie come out yo him and say she knows what he did and that should freak him out cuz he's thinking that she knows of his little time trip
Nuuu! Dexter leaves Equestria?!
Waiiiiiii. :(
4361122 I chose 'Yes-and he does not get away', due to the fact that 'No' means it would be harder to have non-confrontational shenanigans between him and the cast, and 'Yes-but he gets away' means that the story -at least the part that drew me in- is pretty much over once it happens.
A suggestion though, I'd actually prefer it if -in the course of events- a threat arises that both prevents the ponies from using magic, and is too powerful for Dexter to handle on his own, (saaay a certain centaur showing up a few seasons too early?
) forcing him to entrust his secret to -if not all of them- then at least the ponies he's become relatively close with, in order to overcome the threat as a team.
Regardless, whatever the results are, don't let it dictate the direction of the story if you personally prefer one path over another. Write it how you want to.
He can get caught if you want, but if they do, he must have a plan to get away from all of them for obvious reasons.
1: He is a genius and should have no problem in out smarting them all and slip away to a new laboratory where he can continue his work to find his way back home (While completely destroying his old one of course).
2: A Medieval society like Equestria is FAR from ready to be shown Dexters genius and technology, because if it does then magic would become more a less useless.
3: It would just make it overall a better story, plus it would also be more fitting for the character of Dexter.
I do see him getting busted, but he will stay uncooperative; his reason there are not ready yet. He already has proof of this because of one advance medical apparatus, a new conflict with the changeling as sprout. Though I do see him been brought at one time to (a very surprise) Chrysalis and in the end help bring peace or at best a truce between changelings and ponies thus fulling more or less unknowingly fulfil the desire of the Elements of Harmony. He will still after that want to go back home still for the same reason he doesn't belong here and him staying here will always be a menace intentionally or not, but also he'll show sign his messing his family.
I Voted for Yes: Not get away. Would force him to either give the Ponys the Tech or use Force himself to get them to back of of his things. He is not above such things as he already has threaten Twilight. So i think a threat of rather killing himself (Not really just making the Ponys believe that he would do it) when he tells his AI to start self destruction while he and the ones knowing about his secret are in it if they don't promise him to not tell anyone or at least not to ask him to teach them anything.
It would be interesting to see how they react to such an character who is willing to go so far as to Kill himself and others for the safety of the world. At least in his mind.
Will he be able to go back anyway? I mean the Elements want him. So will they let him get away or with their magic interfere with his machines to get him back home?
4361227 the elements interfering does sounds interesting
It really depends on you.
Do you think you could do that sort of canon divergence proper justice? I always enjoy a good AU/For Want of a Nail style crossover story (just finished re-reading Embers by Vathara, in fact), and so if you think you could utilize it, that could be fantastic.
But if you do, you'd have to keep in mind- you'd be writing your own story. A FULL story, not just a crossover.
So in a way, you have a choice.
You take the blue pill, the story ends. Dexter wakes up in his bed at home, and chalks it up to bad pizza.
You take the red pill, he stays in Equestria, and we see how deep this narrative can go.
And that's the thing, really. You've done a fantastic job of mixing the two worlds. It's the basic beginning of a crossover, and in a way, what defines a crossover- it's a story that plays with the collision of two different narratives, and explores how they interact- but once you have established that, and start moving further... It's not really a crossover anymore. It's not so much about how two different narratives are interacting, but rather just a single story that happens to incorporate elements from each world, and by that time, you have to consider the entire setting as a single whole instead of a melding.
Do you think you can incorporate the Changeling thing well enough to draw it out through a Discovery arc and a further arc after? (I'd say the one before Nightmare Night was an Integration arc)? Or do you think you have a good idea for a further storyline that would take full use of all the characters from both sides?
I'd say go for it, but only if you're willing and able to take it the full distance. If not... well, finish this story, and tie it off nicely. Better that, than leaving it unfinished in hopes that something will happen later.
Personally I voted "yes but he gets away" for the simple fact that they cannot begin to comprehend Dexters vast intellect, yea he's kinda a dick and refuses to believe that magic is a real thing but if he can get beyond that hurdle he can easily deal with anything the princess' throw at him.
Plus one of the only ways I can see Aj/the others stop pestering him for explanations if he doesnt get found out is if he builds his computer a perfect equine form and she pretends to be his mom
4361261
Robot Pony Quad? yes please! 
I love when a machine gets to play equinoid :3
4361260
well said
4361122 Depends on you, honestly. Do you want this story to be an epic, or the average crossover? Do you have a plot waiting -- no, needing! -- to be written, or do you just want this story to be over with? Will the story be interesting if he goes home, or would it leave everyone blue-balled as it ends ubruptly?
Think of what would help the story shine in your eyes, then go through with it. Write what YOU would read, not just what is fun/easy to write. So whatever you think would truly make the story awesome, you should go with that.
Sincerely, I voted "Yes-get away" because I really like changelings; I'd think there would be a kind of reluctant 'friendship' if he is to run away. I feel it's the most reasonable option, given the characters and circumstances (none has the idiot ball). Yet the option to amend relationships still remains (albeit strained).
However, the ending of the side story tends towards more to him being found and possibly cornered. It's interesting, but it leans towards a bittersweet ending or even a tragedy. I hardly see his temperament to be amenable in such situation (unless there is long development).
So many possibilities. The ending could be 'oh destiny does not exist (according to elements)' or 'it was all part of the plan' or 'it does not matter, nobody really knew'. I bet that just about anything could work. Which would be the most enjoyable to write? I hope you know, because I really don't want to see this dieing. When people is brought to participate things can get aggravating, sadly.
I say 'I will read anyways, I trust you,' even if it is a sweet nothing. Candy for the ears, I give!
It's not in jest; one wants more bugs.
I dunno about the technical revolution. It takes years to do something like that, and ponies are afraid of new things and change.
Ut would take decades of research and factory building to have enough of the tech to spread across equestria. Unless Dexter seriously works on it by himself, it will take a while.
Plus they already have stuff like Flim's and Flam's factory machines, or Twiligts brain scanner thing. They are pretty advanced already.
I think Dexter is smart enough that he should realize that at this point he not only has to keep his head down, he needs to provide a scapegoat/new target for Luna and Twilights attention.
His lab and scientific know how should be exposed when he chooses to expose it in order to save his friends lives (wether they would have been ok or he really saved the day, same difference). If he is the reason his lab is exposed because he decided his friends lives were more important than secrecy, that would show great character development and build his credibility with the adult ponies (especially if he saved the CMC). He could also be in a situation where only the cmc or only Apple bloom know about his Lab, a similar status quo to the situation with Dee dee at home.
Finally, I feel like the story would have dramatic symmetry if the act of solving whatever challenge motivated him to reveal his secret also results in him finding a way home. Somehow the elements of harmony and Dexter's technology can do together what they could not do apart. The ponies would learn the truth and be thankful for his help/angry at his deception, but he and his lab would then be sent home preserving the events of the later seasons.
I vote for a mix. Luna remeber's him and the princesses confront him over it. Keeping it in a small circle untill he can go home.
I Voted for yes and gets away, for the smple crcumstance of he wants to get caught to save his friends, as many other commenters showed it would greatly fit his character development, but gets away before showing any secrets, perhaps the princesses could be skeptical of his advanced technolopgy n the ame way that dexter is skeptical of magic? and when they fnally get over ther bias, if they get over it, at least he could better create devies to handle it and better control it.
Perhaps the computer would suggest hm to get caught, but he would be within beaming out distance and heavy surveillance of a number of scientifc apparatus to better grasp magic?
I think he should be caught eventually, but like others have suggested that knowledge of his ability is kept within a small group of ponies, like the princesses and the mane six. I also think that he would be very reluctant to share his knowledge or create anything for them as well as the ponies causing delays and setbacks with foal safety regulations and with holding hazardous material from him for his own safety. They may even believe him to be slightly insane/eccentric for believing that he is not a pony, if Dexter was to share his true origins with them.
4361218
Dexter's major failing in the actual show is that he can't account for the spanner in the works, usually represented by Dee Dee, but sometimes his own arrogance gets the better of him. While it's true that he is much smarter than all of the ponies (Twilight is the only one who can really even approach him on that level), together they cover a vast range of angles and shenanigans that he doesn't quite understand that they could foil any plans he has.
Now, that doesn't mean that he is at their mercy, or if he was, that he couldn't easily remove himself... but at the same time he is hardly untouchable. Everything we've seen in the crossover so far has various shades of that already.
Last, if Ponyville and the ponies as major characters we've seen are ditched, it strikes me as kinda being the effective end of the crossover. It's interesting seeing him bounce off established characters. Take those characters away, and the only gimmick is that he is in a pony form in a magical land. It'd take a lot to have the story get back to an amazing place, and the temptation to just end it afterwards is very strong in comparison.
I think he should be discovered and get away but not have him escape to his homeworld just a more isolated area so maybe he wouldn't effect cannon to much.
Also i would think a good idea would be if he get caught have the ponies prove they are not ready for this kind of technology, possibly by either unicorns trying to hoard or destroy the knowledge or have have them cause dangerous accidents in his Lab that Dexter barely manages to stop, followed by someone possibly Twilight helping him get away from them even if its against Celestia's orders.
He definitely needs to be caught by someone that just seems to be the more interesting route.
4361421
Agreed, and as strange as it sounds Dexter needs some one to confide in other then his computer. In the show he had Deedee and Mandark they may have acted as obstacles but they were others Dexter shared his secret with, think that more then anything kept Dexter grounded in reality.
Not saying everyone needs to find out but maybe a small group or even a trusted individual.
I voted Caught-gets away, but not in the way you described it. He's got a robot army, doesn't he? I want him to turn his forces loose on Ponyville while he makes his escape, and show the ponies exactly what happens when they poke the hornets nest.
Edit: I don't actually care whether he gets away or not, I just want to see a robot army.
I voted No, but my answer is somewhere between that and yes, but he gets away. I don't think Dexter should be caught in the sense that everyone learns about him (at least, not before the story is near its end), but I do think it might be interesting for at most a few ponies to be in on his secret. Pinkie Pie and/or Twilight might be good candidates. Pinkie Pie could be convinced to promise not to tell, Twilight could be reasoned with over how dangerous his technology could be to a world that isn't ready for it. It could add some interesting interactions between them.
I think he shouldn't "get away" in the sense of outright removing himself from ponyville as that would limit his interactions with other ponies which wouldn't be as interesting. I could see him "get away with it" in the sense that he's partially discovered but manages to counter it somehow (e.g. the old Bruce Wayne showing up at the same time as Batman when someone puts together that they are the same person).
4361442 Exactly, not everyone needs to know but Dexter needs someone to confide in other than the Sociopath computer. Plus honestly Dexter going on the run would be far less fun than maintaining the secret (though it really feels like that option has run it's course at this point) or letting others in on the secret.
I voted "yes, but he gets away." Largely because I think Dexter needs to be caught for his own good. It was the one thing about the old show that left me unsatisfied, it never let Dexter grow as a person.
To be honest, I really liked the idea that you had of Dexter's plans crumbling one pony at a time.
That said, you've never failed to make the story engaging read - whatever the result will be, I look forward to seeing what you'll do with it.
I like the idea of Dexter getting caught and not getting away. Because of the latest chapter, it seems like the perfect time for Dexter to get caught and have his lab revealed in order to defuse the tension that has been building up between him and the ponies from the past several chapters. As for the reason why him not getting away is the option I chose, that comes down to Dexter and the ponies working to rebuild the relationship between them. I like the idea of the ponies (Mane 6, Royal Sisters, Spike, CMC) trying to understand his point of view and why he acts the way he does. While them knowing Dexter's secrets does help them understand him more, it can only go so far. If he gets away, then they would have to speculate more about his motives and who he is as a person/pony. I also like the idea of Dexter being in an environment where he can continue to strengthen his ability to trust others, like he did with Applejack.
Also, as many others have stated, you don't have to have Equestria go into a technological boom just because Dexter gets caught. You can have him and the princesses strike a deal of some kind where Dexter gets full say on what he can do with his knowledge and inventions. I also like the idea that others have said where only a small number of ponies understand his full potential. This could lead to some relationship building; Dexter could include the Mane 6 or Spike in some research projects or something where he is working on some invention and a conversation is started. They would learn more about Dexter's view of the world and others, while Dexter learns more about them. It would be pretty much what happens already, but it would take on a different feel due to a huge barrier of secrecy between them (put there by Dexter) being removed.
In the end, keep in mind that this is your story; do what feels right for you. You have created something truly amazing and I believe that whatever decisions you make will be fantastic!