Day 4 - Research Report (Twilight)
Reporter: Twilight Sparkle
Report ID: Hu-00017
Subject: Human (species)
Classification: (incomplete)
Categorization: Mammal, Omnivore, Bipedal
Sub-cat: Non-magical
Specimen: David Marshall
It has been three days of intense evaluation and experimentation with the specimen, David Marshall. Today, the Princess Council has convened and rendered a decision on his threat level including a modification of the quarantine. A brief recap follows.
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Presentation of collected data (simplified):
(Please refer to previous reports for a full digest of collected data)
—The specimen’s non-magical nature makes him receptive to powerful sources of magical energy
—The receptive nature is interpreted as a negative magical pressure (not measurable)
—This negative pressure, coupled with a magical host, may channel energies from a host to specimen
—A host must be mentally or emotionally willing to assist the specimen for the channel to form
—A host may not sense a channel formation or the transfer of energies
—The current host, a mature Alicorn, does not experience a depletion of magical energies from normal reserves
—The channel or “connection” from host to specimen may initially present as intermittent, but may become sustained over a long distance and extended time period
—The transfer of magical energies contains the personal signature of the host and therefore, may affect protective wards designed to protect the host or recipient as the energy seeks to traverse the aural boundaries
—On the subject of Sir David’s origin and probability of return, an examination of the arrival site has provided no useful evidence
The analysis of the research data has led to the following conclusions:
The council decided that since the specimen is not initiating the transfer, nor was knowledgeable about its existence, the specimen shall not be held accountable. Also, as the transfer of energies has not been found to be harmful to the host, recipient, or to bystanders, the specimen, Sir David, is not to be considered as ‘dangerous.’
Council vote:
At the end of the proceedings, Princess Celestia called for a vote to lift Sir David’s house arrest in which we all voted in the affirmative. In addition, he and Luna will be examined regularly to continually assess their condition. The council was then adjourned.
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Personal notes:
These last few days have been a whirlwind. After the first day, I took a while to reconsider how I have treated Sir David, especially after being reproved by both Cadance and Luna. I recognized that I have treated him far too clinically for somepony in his position. It’s certainly not how the ‘Princess of Friendship’ should’ve acted, and I now feel I have some amends to make. Luckily, Rarity had a great idea and helped me pull together a gift for him.
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Even though I was in the castle for the council and it all turned out well, I couldn’t bring myself to face him yet to deliver his gift. I’m just a bit nervous to meet him, and who could blame me after our first encounter! (I know Cadance won’t let me forget.) I mean, when he’s unconscious he’s a treasure trove of information, and I’ve only started on his scientific classification, but awake? I’m just not ready yet.
However, Cadance actually came to my rescue this time instead of teasing me and suggested a more gradual introduction. In short, I’ve sent him a letter of sorts, though not one of words as I’ve been told that he can’t read our language. Instead, using some modified illusion magic, I’ve created something entirely new. I was able to make a recording of myself and then embed the magical payload inside the letter! Cadance helped me hold the spell matrix together while it recorded and it only took five takes to get the message right. I’ve packed the letter with the gift, and with luck, he’ll get both tonight, as I’ve sent them using the royal courier.
Now that I’ve finished the basic analysis and extended my hoof in hopes of forgiveness and friendship, I really need to work harder. I know that the most valuable source of info left untapped is within Sir David himself. That means an interview, so I’d better get prepared. I gave my word to Celestia and Luna that I’d do whatever I could to help, and that means I can’t just be spooked by all of this and run back to my own castle.
That reminds me, after the council, I may not have been ready to meet him, but I didn’t run back to Ponyville with my tail between my legs. I first went back out to the site where he appeared to do more research. Unfortunately, there wasn’t anything more to find. The only physical evidence of Sir David appears right in the middle of the field just as magically as he did, and there is no trace of a magical signature to find out how he got there, let alone from where.
I suppose I’ll be heading back to Canterlot tomorrow to meet with him, I just hope I’m ready. Whether a blessing or not, I don’t think Cadance will be there. She has to be back in the Crystal Empire soon to take care of her own matters. I suppose I’m just lucky that I don’t have many duties to take care of right now in my own domain.
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