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// Day 1: This Strange New World 
// Story: Phase Shift 
// by redtau 
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Notes on another world Day 1


Well, I have to say I was expecting a lot worse. When I landed I had a full two weeks in the conversion pod while it acclimated my body to the surrounding world. The forest around me has produced a number of interesting sights and readings, and unfortunately all I can do is read those, the pod's owners manual (version 1.117a and in desperate need of spell check), and the little media I picked up on first time dimension jumping. So far, I've spotted a huge variety of creatures, including what looks like a manticore, a wolf made entirely of wood, and over two dozen kinds of snakes and spiders.

God, I hate spiders.

I have been unable to activate either the spirit seed I brought with me, nor the class C AI module. I'm not entirely certain what I should do as the "Dimension Jumper Primer" simply say "activate your companions" in the section on jump prep.

I got out for a little bit and I managed to get the pod to determine the most likely direction of civilization. The reports received from the first few drones showed images of a town, and the pod should have put down only a few miles away. It should be a bit of a hike, but fortunately it'll be mid morning, so I should be fairly safe from most of the larger beasts out there.







The pod hissed and the door slid open, allowing me out for the first time. I put away my journal and pen, and picked up my standard issue backpack filled with rope, flashlight, blanket, MREs, a pair of filtration canteens, and a utility kit with everything from pliers to a hatchet. I stuffed the spirit seed, about the size of a computer mouse, into one pocket, and tucked the basket ball sized AI companion sphere under my arm before setting out.

The farm I found at the edge of town was large and spacious, thick with apple trees full of bright red apples. As I approached, I noticed a small red horse. It had half an apple painted on it's side, and ran off when it spotted me. I shrugged and kept walking, intent on finding the farm's owner. As I got closer to the farm house and barn, the red horse returned with a bright yellow one. I stopped and watched them as they approached, finally coming to a stop not far from me.

"<What the hey are ya?>"

I was surprised when it talked, but it was clear that the small horses, possibly ponies, were sentient. I sat down my backpack and pulled out my primer, flipping to the first contact section.



When you first encounter the a sentient species, it is important to observe their cultural norms. Your companions should be able to compensate for cultural and language barriers, given enough forewarning and data. Be friendly, kind, and honest. Remember that, though you are equipped with vastly superior technology and wisdom, they are not to be looked down on. If you still feel superior, keep in mind that they most likely outnumber you several billion to one and you are running on limited time and energy until you obtain an anchor.



Well that was certainly encouraging. I looked up to see the orange one, male from it's stature, wearing a stetson and motioning me to come closer while making cooing noises.

"Do you think I'm an idiot?"

"<It talked!>" the red one exclaimed. "<What is it, Applejack?>"

<"Ah'm not sure, Macareina,>" the orange one responded, "<But we'd better git it ta Dusk Shine so he can tell us just what the hey is goin' on 'round here.>"

"Well, you two sure are talkative. I wish I could understand you," I said, walking a little closer. They retreated, the orange stallion gesturing over and over, guiding me towards the barn. "If you two think I'm going to be livestock, you're sadly mistaken."

"<Hey bro, what are y'all doin'?>"

I looked over to see a younger yellow colt with a red bow tie running up. It stopped a good distance away and eyed me warily.

"<Apple Buck, go 'n git Dusk Shine. This here critter just wondered outta the Everfree!!>" The orange one yelled.

"<Is it dangerous?>"

"<It came outta the Everfree. It doesn't look dangerous, but neither did the parasprites.>"

The yellow colt ran off, while the orange and red ponies continued to try and draw me into the barn. "If you guys are trying to trap me, I'm going to pull out my utility hatchet and hack my way out."

"<It's makin' noises, but I can't make out what it's sayin',>" the orange one said.

"<Eeeyup,>" the red one responded.

My stomach grumbled, and both ponies stepped away from me. "Heh, sorry. I guess I'm hungry."

The red pony left while the orange one continued to coo at me in a calming fashion. A little later, she came back with a small bowl of apples. The orange pony offered one to me.

"<Here ya go, nice 'n easy. Ah hope ya eat fruit 'n not ponies.>"

"<Or barns,>" the red one chimed in.

I picked up the apple and looked it over. It looked like an apple, and it kind of smelled like an apple. If the conversion pod had done it's work, I should be able to eat food in this world the same way I could on Earth.

Bracing myself, I bit in. It was crisp and juicy and delicious. I had to admit, it was one of the best apples I'd ever eaten. You couldn't get this from the grocery stores, this was just picked freshness. As I finished it off, the red mare tossed me a green apple. This one was a little more tart, and had a strange flavor I couldn't place, but I gobbled it down all the same.

"Wow, I don't think I'll ever go back to supermarket produce after this. I'd better find some farmers co-ops when I get back." I stood up, but did so too fast and had to lean against the barn. "Woo, dizzy."

"<Ya alright, sugarcube?>"

"Yeah yeah, I'm fine. Just a little light headed." I said, waving at him. I had no idea what he said, but the tone was worried so I made comforting noises in response. I sat back down and held my head. "Hoo, I must still be getting used to this world. I don't remember this backpack being so heavy."

"<Did Ah make ya sick?! What's goin' on?>"

"<Easy there, Applejack. Ah was worried it might not be all it seemed so Ah just put some tranquilizers inta the apple.>"

"<It wasn't hurtin' anypony! Why'd ya go and do a fool thing like that fer?>"

I could tell they were fighting but I wasn't really sure about what. There was a bit of yelling, but I was feeling so tired I could just take a nap. They would be done by the time I woke, I was sure. I locked my backpack with a thumbprint keyed lock, tucked it under my head, and closed my eyes.