UN DIPLOMATS SCRAMBLE FOR PEACEFUL RESOLUTION TO ALLEGED US INCURSION IN HONG KONG DURING ALIEN ATTACK. US PRESIDENT, PENTAGON DENY ALLEGATIONS; CITE NATURE OF AIRCRAFT AND WEAPONS USED DO NOT MATCH ANY CURRENTLY CATALOGED PROFILES.
YOUTUBE TEMPORARILY TAKEN DOWN AFTER VIDEO UPLOADS OF ALIENS SURPASS ADMINISTRATOR CAPABILITY TO TAKE DOWN VIDEOS DUE TO GOVT ORDERS. VIDEO FOOTAGE ENTERS TOP TEN MOST VIEWED IN LESS THAN A WEEK.
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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/Behavioral Studies
DIVLEAD: Dr. Joel Mills, Dr. Kim Ngo
Attached Files: Transcript of interview with ‘Twilight', image links to xenobiology sources, images provided by ‘Twilight’, personal notes by DIVLEAD(Mills), supplemental notes by DIVLEAD(Ngo).
Personal Notes follow:
NEW RECORD: 08:00, 04/22/2013
After the somewhat startling revelations Twilight has brought to our attention, I made an offhanded comment based on something she mentioned: Artifacts from her world. This discussion came up and was discussed during Pvt. Jenkins’ card games and was strictly informal. Twilight provided illustrations of the artifacts in question later in the day and they have been uploaded as well. While it’s impossible for us at this time to verify the plausibility of these artifacts it does give us some cultural cues about Twilight’s world as well as some more information as to the entity known as ‘Discord’.
Listed below are the notes I have taken on some of the artifacts we discussed, as well as notes and speculation added by Dr. Kim Ngo during her interview. As this is entirely theoretical and lacking any practical applications, Dr. Moira Vahlen has declined to add her own comments.
The first of the major artifacts Twilight mentioned were what she dubbed the ‘Elements of Harmony.’ The artifacts are a set of six items that when worn and activated within close proximity are capable of significant effects. While some of the stories attributed to these Elements are more fanciful than others, Twilight confirmed they are the only things capable of imprisoning Discord.
(Ngo Supplemental)
The Elements described by Twilight and documented by Dr. Mills also seem to have significant social connotations as they require a close interpersonal relationship between each of the ‘element bearers’ as well as what might be considered ‘virtues’ in human society. These virtues are Honesty, Loyalty, Laughter, Kindness, Generosity and Magic. Below is a list of the six current element bearers as well as the virtue they represent. Pictures provided earlier by Twilight have also been linked for visual reference.
I’ve also included a bit of the relationship dynamics since they play a big key in the operation of the Elements.
(And yes, I did ask Joel to confirm these names with Twilight. They are apparently a product of her translation spell. I’m not making these up!)
Honesty – Twilight named the bearer of Honesty as ‘Applejack’, who is a produce farmer living on the outskirts of ‘Ponyville’. An ‘earth’ type pony of considerable strength and stamina, well-known for being ‘fair-hooved’ and honest with friends, family and visitors so long as they themselves are friendly. Has an enormous extended family with members in almost every major section of ‘Equestria’, and considers close friends as family as well. She is also described as being somewhat stubborn in certain situations. She has a friendly rivalry with the Element of Loyalty, and an ongoing bout of teasing with the element of Generosity. Identifying mark is three red apples.
Loyalty – Pegasus type named ‘Rainbow Dash’, a ‘weatherpony’ tasked with regulating the weather around Ponyville. She lives in a house made of clouds and can manipulate it at will to suit her needs. She is athletic, competitive and well known for her speed. She is currently the only known Pegasus currently capable of performing a ‘sonic rainboom’. She is also currently a member of the ‘Wonderbolts’, which is described as something akin to a mix between a professional air stunt team and an elite branch of the military. Although hostile to those she perceives as threats, she is extremely loyal to those who earn her respect. She has a friendly rivalry with the Element of Honesty (mostly revolving around physical contests), she is a close childhood friend to the Element of Kindness, and frequently pulls pranks on others with the aid of the Element of Laughter. Identifying mark (aside from the crazy hair) is a cloud with a rainbow/lightning bolt.
Laughter – The element of Laughter is nicknamed ‘Pinkie Pie’, though that is not her formal name. She is described as –extremely- high strung and cheerful, which may or may not be linked to the improbable amount of sugar described as part of her regular diet. Reading between the lines, she might also be described as a bit of a busy-body in that she knows every pony living in or around Ponyville and goes out of her way to make sure her comprehensive knowledge stays complete. She is also described as having abilities that are beyond what a specimen of her race should be capable of, including something bordering on teleportation, item conjuration and precognition. She also has a tendency to allude to events that no one is familiar with or speak to persons who are not present. Again, reading between the lines this seems to imply some sort of mental illness, but Twilight was reluctant to confirm any such thing. As mentioned previously, she knows every resident of Ponyville but is especially close to the Element of Loyalty in her perpetration of pranks on the populace. Identifying mark is three balloons.
Kindness – The name ‘Fluttershy’ seems rather prophetic for this Pegasus. Physically weaker than others of her race combined with hinted bullying when she was a child has turned her into a bit of a recluse around strangers, and more comfortable in the presence of the animals she cares for. Not only does she care for local wildlife when it is needed, she also cares for any domesticated animals living in Ponyville. She possesses an ability described as ‘The Stare’, which she uses on misbehaving animals or others of her species if suitably angry. While reluctant to go into specifics, Twilight’s description of the ability seems to indicate 'The Stare' is capable of inducing paralyzing fear in its target not to mention making it more susceptible to suggestion and commands. She is a childhood friend of the Element of Loyalty, as well as a close friend of the element of Generosity. Identifying mark is a trio of butterflies.
Generosity – I find it just a little ironic that the name for this element is ‘Rarity’, but then again it might just be my human cynicism getting in the way. She is a unicorn type who is a tailor of fine goods and formal wear for Ponyville. She is also talented at finding gemstones, as well. She considers herself ‘high class’ in appearance, speech and behavior. She also basks in the attention of others. When I started to subtly probe for further signs of potential narcissism, I was soundly rebuked with several stories of her willingness to sacrifice for others. She also has some friendly antagonism with the element of Honesty, in that she considers AJ to be a backwards hillbilly while AJ considers Rarity to be a snooty fancy-pants. She is also close friends with the element of Kindness. Identifying mark is three diamonds.
Magic – The element bearer of Magic is none other than Twilight herself. She is friends with all of the other elements as well as acquainted with a large portion of Ponyville due to her status as the town’s librarian. She also claims to be the personal student of Princess Celestia and a close friend to Princess Luna, the apparently nigh-immortal co-rulers of her country. Her brother is also highly placed in the military and is married to Princess Cadance, who rules a fiefdom neighboring their nation. I think I may have mentioned earlier that Frank would have some interesting comments on the stresses of such a highly-placed set of friends, and just about everyone in the Stardust project has had a chance to witness some of Twilight’s neurosis. But for all her faults, she is studious and dedicated to learning, and has impressive memory recall. She also greatly attributes her capacity for magic to her studious nature. Her identifying mark is a large starburst surrounded by five smaller starbursts.
What makes things interesting between the elements and their bearers is that they all seem to be related. Through coincidence, far-sighted precognition, or ‘fate’, the physical manifestations of the elements (described as jewelry, like necklaces) are directly linked to the identifying marks of the bearer who wields them. As the Elements themselves are over a thousand years old, for them to be crafted to match the marks of their bearers a thousand years in advance is extremely improbable. However unlikely, that leaves only two other options: That the identifying marks for the elements were predetermined and that the lives of these six individuals were engineered to become the new bearers, or the physical manifestations of the elements themselves change their appearance to best match their new bearers.
There is also the functional nature of the Elements when activated to consider. Each of the physical manifestations of the elements by themselves are nonfunctional, a simple trinket to be worn. Also, even if they are together but the element bearers are not appropriate, they will not function. However, if the proper conditions are met then they can be activated and directed to great effect. According to Twilight, the elements were used a millennia prior to banish Luna to the moon, and before that they were used to petrify Discord. More recently they were used to re-petrify the escaped Discord, then break him free in an attempt to reform him. I didn’t voice it, but I have to question the decision to let this ‘Discord’ free. If he’s as bad as described I’d let him stay a garden gnome forever, but I’m getting off topic.
Just prior to the second petrification, Discord was able to prevent the elements from being used on him successfully by corrupting the bearers of the elements themselves. When asked about the nature of this ‘corruption’, she explained it as being forced into the opposite of their true nature. Generosity became greed, kindness became cruelty and so forth. After a brief explanation on the process (Twilight was understandably leery about recounting the tale), it seems that the ability is unique to Discord as he attacks the victim’s beliefs verbally until they question themselves, though he can simply force the change on his victim if he so chooses. The process was only reversed through the use of some of Twilight’s magic to achieve something akin to a cognitive reset to before the attack by Discord. While Discord himself is a fascinating topic, he isn’t the main issue at hand.
Since the elements respond only to those with certain virtues, and only if the bearers are close to one another, which lends some rather interesting evidence to the theory that Twilight’s race is passively psychic or empathic as a whole. It would make sense that they would make tools to take advantage of something they consider to be a part of their natural physiology and psychology. After all, we humans make just about everything we have based on the assumption that the user will have thumbs. It’s so basic to our nature that we never even consider a user who uses things in a different manner. (Granted there are exceptions in that case for handicapped people)
When I was positing this theory to Joel, he brought up one of the many species Twilight had mentioned during one of the first interviews: Changelings. Shapeshifters and emotional vampires do fit the picture that Twilight is painting for us. Twilight has mentioned repeatedly that friendship and certain emotions have special power in her home, so it wouldn’t seem too far-fetched for a parasitic organism to develop specifically to leech that power. Joel also mentioned that Twilight was extremely reluctant to speak further on Changelings and speculated that it may be due to a bad personal experience with one. If so, I hope she comes to trust us enough to eventually talk to us about it.
(End Supplemental)
The second artifact Twilight mentioned was something called the ‘Alicorn Amulet.’ She describes it as a triangular necklace with a ruby in its center, with stylized wings and a horned head along the top, and it is stated to be able to enhance the magical powers of its wearer at the gradual cost of their sanity. It cannot be removed by anyone other than the person who wears it.
(Ngo Supplemental)
While we only have Twilight’s personal experience to go on, I suspect the amulet somehow interacts with the ‘horn lobe’ (for lack of a better term) section of the unicorn brain to allow for much greater power draw and control, which eventually causes mental degradation. To be honest the thing sounds like one of the cursed items you’d find in video games these days.
(End Supplemental)
The third artifact that came up was called the ‘Crystal Heart’. The name is an accurate description of the artifact, and it is kept at the center of the Crystal Empire. It is described as the emotional focus of the residents of that particular region, and the region itself was subjugated by ‘Sombra’ when he managed to take and hide the crystal himself. Sombra was eventually defeated when the heart was recovered and used by Princess Cadance.
(Ngo Supplemental)
And here we have some more evidence to support the theories that have been cooking. If the powers of emotions that this species has could be focused into a container like this Crystal Heart, perhaps supercharged with a little help from Cadance, then I imagine it would be quite the trump card. Especially when a political rival like this Sombra decides to encroach on your territories.
Cadance is appearing to be more and more the biggest threat out of all three of the princesses described, especially with this Crystal Heart.
Another thing to consider is that Princess Cadance’s identifying mark bears a strikingly similar appearance to the Crystal Heart itself. Like the Elements, such a thing cannot be coincidence.
(End Supplemental)
The last artifact Twilight mentioned that I felt should be recorded in these notes is a quartet of items called ‘Clover Leaves’, allegedly wielded by a unicorn leader known as ‘Clover the Clever’ during a time of civil war between the three major races of Twilight’s species. While I wouldn’t normally rank this necessary to be included in these notes since the total information on these items isn’t very complete, what Twilight did say caught my attention.
Apparently the Clover Leaves were created using a mineral known as ‘Arcanite’, which is noteworthy for being able to amplify or store the effects of the ‘magic’ cast upon it. Its usage was banned after the resolution of the civil war and all stockpiles of the element were destroyed as well as a sign of peace towards the other races. Apparently during the civil war unicorn soldiers were dramatically outnumbered by their ‘earth’ counterparts, and they lacked the weather control and speed of the pegasi, so Arcanite-enhanced unicorns became equivalent to super soldiers.
As there’s no way of knowing just what element ‘Arcanite’ is in terms of Earth standards, I’ve brought the subject up with Dr. Vahlen and we’ve agreed that further testing should be attempted with a variety of elements to see if this ‘Arcanite’ ends up being something we can use. If we could use that with Twilight to create some sort of wearable gear to mimic the effects of her ‘wallflower’ spell, I’m quite certain our operational casualties would be significantly reduced. Hell, if it’s something ridiculously abundant like aluminum and is permanent when cast, we could line the XCOM facility with it and maybe get to go outside more often.
Attached to this entry is a more detailed list and description of artifacts mentioned by Twilight, as well as illustrations for most of those described.
In the end I think this might have turned out for the best, despite the verbal lashing just about everyone got from Bradford. Here’s hoping we have a breakthrough soon for all our sakes and Twilight most of all.
END LOG
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PROJECTID: Stardust
PROJECTDIV: Physics
DIVLEAD: Dr. Moira Vahlen
Attached Files: Visual footage of subject performing newly discovered abilities, personal notes by DIVLEAD.
Personal Notes follow:
NEW RECORD: 17:00, 04/28/2015
After the events of Operation Silent Rain, the subject was discovered to possess more abilities than we were previously led to believe. Moreover, these abilities are capable of altering perception of objects and people which is approaching dangerous ground in terms of alien capabilities. The moment these abilities became known, I ordered a complete review of security footage of the Stardust Labs as well as the entire XCOM facility. There has been no indication of the subject using its abilities to escape the confines of its habitat thus far, but this subject has a reputation for achieving things without leaving proof behind.
Testing of the subject was delayed mainly to properly gather evidence on the ability in question as well as to test the artifact retrieved during Silent Rain.
1. The subject calls the ability ‘Wallflower’, and like the name implies it renders the target unnoticeable.
a. Line of sight is required to activate the ability but not maintain it
b. The ability can be maintained so long as the power source (the subject) remains active. If not actively maintained, the effect begins to wear off within an hour, and within three it is no longer present
c. Targets under the effect of this ability cannot be specifically noticed by observers. Conditions and exceptions have been noted:
i. If an observer can see the target while the ability is being cast, then they are not affected by it.
ii. If an observer is able to see several similar objects where only one is affected, the presence of the affected target may be noticed but specifics the affected object cannot be distinguished or identified within the group. Cmdr. Bradford first reported this phenomenon, and it was reproduced in lab conditions with Pvt Jenkins.
iii. If the target brings attention deliberately toward itself through speaking or touching an observer, the effect is broken. Sounds not specifically recognizable as originating from the target are an exception and aren’t heard at all. (Tests included identification by voice, as well as clapping and other various sources of noise)
iv. Sense of smell is not affected by this ability, and if the smell is strong enough or easily identified, the ability may fail.
v. Observers viewing the affected targets through an electronic medium such as a camera are not affected by the ability.
vi. All tested electronic security devices thus far have also not been affected by the ability. Methods tested include security cameras, motion sensors, laser sensors, retinal scanners and fingerprint scanners.
1. This will need to be retested if we can capture Floater specimens alive. As Floaters have extensive mechanical replacements for their eyes, it cannot be guaranteed that this ability will work against them.
d. Observers tested immediately after or during the effects of these tests showed no abnormal brain activity, nor have any of those exposed to the ability during Operation Silent Rain reported any signs of trouble or behavior changes.
2. The subject’s second ability was entitled ‘Want It, Need It’, and is the inverse of Wallflower in that it makes the target extremely noticeable.
a. Line of sight is required to activate the ability. No maintenance is required as the spell itself is designed with a variable duration.
b. Targets under the effects of this ability are extremely noticeable to observers. Observers also feel compelled to take the object in question, and keep it from others.
i. Observers in this testing were mice, as the subject refused to use the ability where humans might be affected.
ii. Regardless of if the observer is watching the target before or after the ability is used, all test subjects have shown the same effects.
iii. All other objects will be ignored in favor of the targeted object.
iv. Observers viewing the targeted object through an electronic medium such as a camera are not affected by the ability.
c. Testing of this ability has ceased due to new guidelines instituted to ensure the… comfort of the subject.
Larger scale testing is planned to resume for the ‘Wallflower’ ability, and we will attempt to revisit the other ability if possible.
At this point I would like to put a personal thought in writing: I told you so! This is clearly mental manipulation in some form! If perceptions can be altered with abilities such as this, then what else can be altered? I’ve reviewed both Dr. Mills and Dr. Ngo’s notes and Twilight herself admits there is precedent for mind control in everything but name. A ruler that can manipulate emotions? An entity that can force behavioral changes? This ‘Twilight’ is either ridiculously naïve to believe these abilities are as benign as she describes, or she is covering something up. The subject herself can manipulate the perceptions of those around her at will; these recent abilities further verify my belief that this project is becoming a danger to XCOM for as long as it is allowed to continue.
However, I have been overruled and testing will continue until significant breakthroughs are achieved or we’re all dead at the ‘hooves’ of this monster and its allies; or killing each other at its behest.
On the subject of breakthroughs, testing is also planned using various materials to try and find an earth equivalent to the ‘Arcanite’ material described by the subject. If we are able to make a breakthrough with this line of testing, we may be able to use this specimen’s abilities to benefit the XCOM project. If it is also capable of being stored artificially we may have better results when it comes to detecting and measuring the power itself. If we can finally make some progress, the subject may no longer be necessary to continue our research.
Another comment mentioned by Joel was to discuss the practical applications for this ability if we are able to reproduce it artificially. His suggestion for using it as part of our soldiers' standard equipment is a practical choice but not very imaginative. The Super Heavy Infantry Vehicles (or SHIVs as Shen calls them) performed admirably on their first mission but all three were damaged severely by the end, and may not be available for further deployment for another two weeks. If this ‘Wallflower’ could be applied to the SHIVs then it would make up for its most glaring weakness: A lack of subtlety. A SHIV controlled by a skilled operator can perform impressive feats that would be far too dangerous for a human to complete, but the noise that the vehicle generates combined with its relatively high profile shape makes it far too clumsy to be used on missions where discretion is necessary.
The second application that immediately comes to mind would be using this ability on our Skyrangers. While they already use stealth characteristics and heat baffling to evade most conventional detection methods, they are still VTOL aircraft that often land in highly populated urban environments. This, unfortunately, leads to pictures and video of both the Skyrangers and our troops in the field and gives our organization attention that it most certainly doesn’t want. If this ability could be used on the Skyrangers we could produce the first aircraft truly capable of the ‘stealth’ trait and it would greatly reduce the visibility of our operations as a whole.
This could also be applied to our interceptors, which I suspect would drastically improve their kills and survivability in the field against the vastly superior alien craft.
Of course, all of these possibilities rely on our ability to crack the secrets that the subject is hiding. We’re close. I can feel it.
And since the subject has decided to be so helpful, I've made arrangements for it to assist with an experiment using other resources obtained during Operation Silent Rain. The subject’s demonstrated abilities can be used to revisit lines of research that were previously thought dead or nonviable.
If the subject’s reluctance to display its new abilities prevents a breakthrough in that field, then we will use its already displayed abilities to make progress in others.
END LOG
Good morning folks! Here's another chapter of Stardust for folks to enjoy! It's mostly laying the groundwork for future developments, but it's also fun to write about commonly known and accepted FiM lore from the perspective of XCOM. Let me know what you all think!
The supplenental files are interesting, it gives insight on what is happening in the minds of the people in charge. Keep up the good work!
woooot its awesome
Fantastic.
Vahlen was my favorite character in the game, but every update here makes me want to punch her in the face.
Oh yea, story is still awesome! :D
Poor Cadance is getting her character assassinated by the humans.
2874668
Its also fun writing from this perspective! I also think (IMHO) is a more fun way of getting to know how a character thinks rather than internal monologues or something similar.
2874687 2874704
Thanks!
2874705
Then it seems I'm doing my job well!
2874719
Poor Cadance. The little development of having Cadance getting built up as some kind of pony overmind has happened more as a coincidence rather than something I had deliberately planned. It's another one of those things that we the readers can shake our heads at since we know better, but XCOM is dead serious in its suspicion.
Well f#@k you, too.
Good supplement. I'm looking forward to XCOM being deployed with "Wallflower Armor" at some point in the future. I sort of hope that the material that turns out to be capable of storing magic is some ridiculously garish, bright pastel color and a squad ends up deployed in, say, fluorescent pink. It doesn't affect the workings of the spell, of course, but it's just really embarrassing for them.
XCom humans with technomagic... not sure if being impressed or terrified.
2874735 Mhmm. It's really funny actually, because every time the X-COM dudes recommence building up Cadance as some horrible mind-controlling abomination I just want to yell "BUT SHE'S A PRETTY PINK PRINCESS WHO WIGGLES HER ARSE IN THE AIR WHILE SINGING SILLY SONGS!"
Vahlen... Watta bitch...
And I actually LIKED her in game!
Yeah, I think they don't have to worry about Twilight helping them with Wallflowering their skyrangers and other stuff, that saves lives.
I can totally see why Xcom is worrying about Twilight and Cadance's mind control capabilities.
It's nice to see another perspective on things, even though it's mostly redundant. I kinda want to see a direction that talks about magic and crystals. Or gems. It's implied in the series that these can be created by, and store magic to some extent. (Crystal artifacts, gems stupidly common, dragons eat them, canterlot has a cave system full of them.)
It's pretty easy to make the stretch to having Twilight making some magical batteries in her spare time, to fuel some spells, or create wards or shields of some sort.
Hmm, one idea just came to mind: Vahlen is bringing in Twilight hoping for some help with an alien device, Twilight's hoping to find some common ground to bond since their both interested in learning new things, however when Twilight stumbles onto a possible lead but can't pursue it the way Vahlen wants because she can't understand the Quantum Mechanical framework Vahlen's trying to explain it from, Vahlen just get's upset, tells her to read some books on the subject and storms off. Then Twilight tries studying up on Quantum Mechanics but gets hung up, partially because Quantum Mechanics can take a while to wrap your mind around, and partially because she can't stop thinking about that poor cat!
You know, I would really like a portal between Equestria and Xcom Earth to open up. They have everything they know from Twilights stories and their own assumptions, now I would like to see them experience the real thing. Might be funny if everyone gets paranoid around Cadance.
Dr. Vahlen's assumptions aren't necessarily wrong, per se.
I think she just can't see that Equestria is all well and good, and only, what, 3 beings used mind control for bad stuff?
That being said, her point is that the option for mind control to be used is clearly available to the ponies, and that is a red flag.
I'm expecting Vahlen to try and pull something at some point that'll get Angry!Bradford on her ass, not to mention the ire of everyone.
2875150
Paranoid? You might want to put down the rose tinted glasses.
A portal to an alien world opens up with an ongoing alien invasion?
So far how many people know of Project Stardust? 7, if we exclude Twilight herself?
The rest of the XCOM knows nothing. It would totally not end in a giant massacre.
And even if they knew, we have a .. slightly .. paranoid Vahlen, that would kill Twi on the spot if said portal would open.
Celestia would get wind of that and I don't really think she would take kindly to her student getting murdered.
And let's not forget: Discord is still running free, isn't he?
It is a good thing they figured that out BEFORE they tried it out only to encounter a floater, or worse, a Sectopod.
This sentence seems a bit... wonky. Would it be "viewers"?
I... cannot dispute her claims. She has every reason to be alarmed by this. As I noted before, if this were traditional XCOM or something like SCP, Twilight really WOULD be some kind of horrifying, mind-controlling monster that is twisting the minds of everyone around her into believing her to be their friend.
Hmmm... Elerium?
...Why did vanilla XCOM never think to give SHIVs Ghost Armor capabilities?
Similar question.
2874705
Every update actually makes me like her more. She is the most practical and rational one in XCOM, considering what they are used to dealing with.
2874719
To be fair, they are merely making reasonable conclusions based on the data they are being given pertaining to her. If it IS character assassination, it sure as hell isn't intentional.
2874735
And the thing is, they have very good reason to be. Do we REALLY know better, if you think about it? Or are we just more willing to overlook the potentially horrifying implications of her abilities because "hooray ponies!"?
2874762
XCOM with psionic abilities and equipment ISN'T "technomagic" already?
2874785
Can't she be both?
2874814
I liked her in-game BECAUSE she was a ruthless, cold-hearted bitch. So... I continue to like her now.
2874966
Exactly! All evidence they have seen so far indicates that they SHOULD be worried about such capabilities.
2875152
Is it? Or is Twilight lying? Or is Twilight HERSELF a victim of mind control so that she believes Equestria is all well and good? Again, the data they have received thus far indicates that those possibilities might not be so far-fetched.
Now, we know (or do we?) that XCOM is being needlessly paranoid here (or are they?), but XCOM doesn't know that. Vahlen's paranoia actually seems pretty justified to me, considering what they are used to dealing with, what capabilities Twilight has already demonstrated, and how everyone else seems to be reacting to Twilight. Again, if a similar situation were to occur in something like SCP, Twilight totally WOULD be a mind-controlling monster disguised as something cute and innocent that is subtly twisting the minds of all that are exposed to her into being her "friends". Or I suppose she could be one of those SCPs that actually ARE perfectly nice and innocent... yet twist and manipulate the minds of those exposed to them either because they don't even realize they are doing it or don't understand why it is a bad thing to do to someone.
Vahlen said "I told you so!". I find that best moment in whole chapter.
Well, while Vahlen's attitude could be different, it's not like there's many flaws in logic itself.
And about Fluttershy in last chapter: "Friendship for everybody, free, and let no one unsatisfied will go away!"
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For me, formatting of list of abilities' description is horrible distorted.
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2874735 Well, it's not like Cadance haven't done such things. I mean, direction and reasoning aside, this is form of mind control. And, speaking strictly, I was disturbed even first time I learnt this.
2874762 Why not both? One doesn't excludes another.
2874785 That comment was simply awesome!
2875120 Thinking about cat is more like Fluttershy's thing, Twilight is smart enough.
Random bit of info: Schroedinger created cat example as an example of how stupid quantum physics' laws are.
2875150 X-Com aren't ones to do nothing in case of paranoia.
2875152 3 isn't 0 or even 1, it sets up huge and dangerous precedent.
MOAR!!!!!!!
2875490
I think meaning was "Those who are viewing..."
I hope not, it would be little too much.
In-universe justification from the top of the head: stealth field screws up remote control.
Too big? Well, I mean, you do have a point, just wanted to present a possibility.
And, in general? I like the way you think!
2875612
Oh right, my "correction" doesn't really work at all... "those who are viewing" fits nicely.
2875633
Also, checked Ghost Armour's description. It appears that it offers only optical invisibility, nothing more, and optical targeting on interceptors is outdated even for humans, not mentioning starflight-capable aliens.
Oh, and before I forgot again: "Want-In, Need-It" on a satchel charge! That's the way to go!
Well I suppose this will teach me the folly of going to a movie right after posting a story. So many comments to catch up on!
2874759
You guessed it, XCOM soldiers are going to look like power rangers by the end of this story.
2874762
I imagine it'd be quite the shock if Cadance were to ever appear. Dial up that paranoia and get your tin foil hats folks!
2874814
Not for the forseeable future at least.
2874966
I have plans, oh yes I do. I like what you're thinking too!
2875120
On that note, you can probably expect one chapter featuring gratuitous research by Twilight on just about everything human that's been discussed so far.
2875150
I'm afraid XCOM would more likely respond with artillery and airstrikes on a portal that opens up that they aren't expecting. They're very justified in their 'shoot first' procedures.
2875152
The most memorable extremists in fiction always have a kernel of rationality in their extremism. Also, lets take human nature into account and completely disregard the invaders. Would YOU trust other human beings to not abuse superpowers, let alone creatures from another world?
2875187
I don't expect Vahlen to do anything, and even if she did, do you think she would dirty her own hands with the work?
2875256
To answer your last question, from the Meanwhile entry Discord appears to not have moved since the very beginning of the fiction. Now why would he do that?
2875490
Either that or a damned cyberdisk. It NEVER FAILS that I lose a soldier when the Cyberdisk first appears in the last Slingshot mission.
She's a pretty pink princess who sings silly songs and DEVOURS THE SOULS OF THE INNOCENT.
2875551
I still can't get it to come out right even while using spacing instead of tabbing. >: |
2875692
You just know a Floater's going to be a jerk and steal it before flying away and exploding in the air.
2876071
Ew. And I mean it. Ew.
Cyberdisc there? *Chocking sounds*
As programmer's law say: "Generation of random numbers is matter too important to be allowed to be random." Thus: Remote detonator instead of timer. Oh, and several charges.
Strange: Problem appears only if watched using site. Saved HTML doc acts normal.
BTW, Wallflower of interceptor won't have desired effect, as there will be "electronic medium" - targeting radar or something similar.
No mention of herd mentality? It's pretty significant.
This is an odd thing, but why is China barking at the US about the incursion? China and The United States are 'both' members of the Council, shouldn't they be assisting one another with the coverup? The last thing humanity needs in the middle of the Invasion is to be wasting resources fighting one another.
Man, these humans have NO idea what they are dealing with if they think Cadence is the most dangerous of the 3 alicorn rulers. They don't understand the sheer power that Celestia and Luna possess.
And Valen, you don't get to say 'I told you so' until she uses it for dark purposes. I mean, really SOMEONE has to have realized that if Twilight has these abilities, she could literally have walked out of XCOM Headquarters at ANY time. Seriously, she casts the spell on herself, walks out and waits by doors until someone comes by to open it and slips though... she could be halfway to Washington before anyone realizes she's gone if she was trying and all that without killing a single person.
I wonder if the mice had their eyes turn into hearts... That would be hilarious to watch Valen try to explain.
Another thing that surprises me is that the humans haven't tried to show Twilight any of the 'ideas' that humans had in the past about magic. Like Alchemy or such. By her own accord, Twilight has said that the magic field was existent on earth, it was just stale as if it hadn't been used for a long time. This makes me think that at SOME point there were (and still may be) people capable of utilizing that field.
And one last thing: What the hell does Valen think is going to happen after Twilight is no longer needed, does she just expect Bradford to order her shot in the head just because she's no longer useful? All of her talk about disposing of and getting rid of 'the subject' once the project is concluded is ridiculous. and makes her look like a morally bankrupt nazi-doctor.
I am surprised nobody has made that connection between her heritage and her mentality towards Twilight.
Loved this chapter. Especially Vahlen's borderline psychopathy.
And a Want-it/ Need It Spell on a location. Something large that can't be moved, statue maybe. Put snipers in all the buildings around it and you have a killing floor.Can just lure the aliens in by the dozens.
The Psi Armor and Mind-Shield could be developed with Twi's help.
Cheers
GM
2875692
Reminds me of the Want-It-Need-It grenade suggestion from that Halo crossover.
2876470
I think I mentioned it a few times in previous chapters, I didn't want to feel redundant in this one. I did make a point of speculating on their social nature as being more than just social (empathic/psychic undertones). It'll come up in the future, don't ye doubt.
2876789
Its true that they're both part of the council but China has its share of self-important middle-managers with just enough power to raise a stink in numbers, but not the security clearance to be informed about XCOM. The 'UN Diplomats' alluded to in the headline are more than likely Councilmen moving to reign in their more... ambitious government workers.
A few chapters back another headline mentioned a 'Senator Goleman' from the US raising a stink about the operation in DC. Since he had no idea who they were then CLEARLY they need to be investigated. (He's a blowhard though so noone is listening to him.)
And regarding Celestia and Luna, I whole-heartedly agree. They're mostly disregarding Twilight's explanations on Celestia and Luna because it's too far-fetched to be believable (and considering how much they DO believe that's saying something). In regards to her potential escape from Stardust, the moment the extent of the ability was discovered, Vahlen did order a sweep of all their security camera footage.
In regards to magic, Twilight HAS started Harry Potter (albeit the first page) and will no doubt have questions and comments once she's done. Also, "WHY DO YOU THINK DRINKING UNICORN BLOOD MAKES YOU IMMORTAL?"
And in regards to Vahlen, it's been interesting writing for her. Balancing on a knife's edge where one side depicts her as total psycho while the other makes her far too soft. Major developments for Vahlen and Shen ARE coming though. Two to three chapters from now. I promise!
2876824
That's the beauty of magic! The possibilities are endless! It's also possible that once a breakthrough is made then she would help more.
2877062
I'm actually reminded of the pipe bombs from Left 4 Dead.
2876071
Don't know, she's just giving the impression.
2875022 It would go a long way towards showing a different reason P. Platinum was so happy to see the gems in Hearth's Warming...
2876789
High officials cooperate. Others don't even know.
"Sheer power" of Celestia and Luna have huge flaw, compared to Cadance - It's obvious. Someone gets fried by sunflare-came-to-earth and that's easy to guess who's the cause. But Cadance changes the way person behave, without notifying everyone in some-kilometre radius around - and that's scary.
Purpose is irrelevant, really. Vahlen notes on the fact itself, that Twilight is capable of doing this.
I think that at the moment this "someone" is probably everyone involved except Vahlen. At least.
She's vulnerable to cameras.
Humans seem to try not to show Twilight anything. If you remember, Joel became uneasy on prospect of Twilight takaing notes on them.
No, that's waste of material. Testing, interrogation and dissection are still option.
Now, that feels just wrong.
2877062 Hm?
2877725
Tell me it's not true. She is living up to the stereotype quite well. It's true that it's an alien, but there's NO concept of the subject as anything more than a sack of meat. this was applied to humans with specific traits and hair colors by people alot like Valen less than a centu...
Wait... ya know what. I don't wanna go down this road of thought. I am stopping now before I start something bad.
*abandons idea*
2877755
I actually didn't make THAT connection until you just mentioned it, honestly, and now I feel dumb for not even noticing it until you pointed out. I know it's somewhat moot to say this AFTER the realisation but Vahlen's behavior in conjunction with her country of origin and her behavior being reminiscent of certain political parties from within the country of her origin in the past was not intentional.
I've just spent a bit of time and laid out my chapter plan and I can say that some of the questions and concerns people have been raising WILL be answered within 3 chapters.
2877785 I didn't think it was intentional, it just kinda struck me given her complete detachment. I didn't mean to stir up a hornet's nest with that touchy of a subject.
Over 70 years after it happened, and it's STILL too soon to breach that subject casually.
2877800
I can certainly agree. Touchy subject. BUT! There's light at the end of the tunnel. If tomorrow's not busy, then I may have the next three days off and I'll see if I can grind out all three of the next chapters just so folks can see where things are going. :D
ALSO! For all of my readers who aren't familiar with XCOM (or would like to reread), I've been adding Authors Notes to previous entries with relevant facts on the XCOM side of things to explain mechanics from the game or game mechancis that I've changed to be a little more realistic (as far as secret government organizations fighting aliens with PONY HELP can be realistic). Notes are also added that describe the organizational side of XCOM.
2877755 That's not true. She's stated to acting harshly to everyone for at least week before Twilight's arrival, there was mention of attack on Cologne as reason, and, strictly speaking, Twilight is possible danger with unknown capabilities. Like how she, without commenting or anything, maybe even without double-thinking, cast new and untested spell. It wasn't aggression, but is was danger. Moreover, she is located in base. So, powerful being on unprovable intentions at the very heart of the project - that could easily be seen as a threat even by measured person, even without some sort of psychological damage from whatever bad had happened recently (Cologne).
On something more light-hearted - I'm interested how much new author learns about his characters with each comment?
2877946
Regarding your first point, I think it would be best to let the issue drop for now. Vahlen has been an amazing character for me to write and I am extremely happy with the amount of discussion she generates. That being said, L2L has expressed her view on the character and has also recommended we stop that line of thought at least for now. So I think we should all just let that particular subject rest for the moment.
In regards with my characters, they are developing quite extraordinarily from my original conceps. Jenkins in particular was originally a faceless and nameless squad member alongside Harris, and she grew into the character she is now all on her own, and she has some more development to go too!
Regarding the original characters Shen, Bradford and Vahlen, I'm trying to keep their characters as in line with their canon characters with the only added variable being Twilight. There's also their own back stories to consider that are never explored in canon, which will go a long way to further explain why they are the way they are.
2877946
And as I retread my comment i realize I misread the second part of your comment.
Vahlen's a good example as I have to create reasonable paranoia for her to be believable without becoming a complete monster, and I admit the comments and feedback really help me maintain the balance.
As for the development of my other characters, one comment really stands out. Just about everyone enjoyed Jenkin's little plan involving an unaware Matt to distract Twilight from the very real possibility of a bad ending for her, but one of my commenters called Jenkins out for being the manipulator she is. Her intentions (at least the ones she has shared) are in the right place but it's only a temporary fix and might end up hurting twilight emotionally in the long run.
Twi is gonna help with some research?So how long before Anti-Hate Shields and Orbital Friendship Cannons?
This story is getting better and better with every chapter and every comment
I think we forgetting something important. To posses the ability doesn't mean to use it. Vahlen posses knowledge to kill living things but she doesn't use it to kill a humans soo why she assume that Twilight will use her knowledge to heart humans.
...
...
XCOM paranoia that's why
2875692
How would you get someone to throw it? If it has the spell on it they would never let it go.
2874735
To be fair, if I had no idea about Cadence and had her described to me I'd be wary of "mind control" as well. Heck, if I hadn't [aid close attention in the first part of "A Canterlot Wedding" where they mentioned Cadence only mends damaged relationships, doesn't actually warp ponies' minds, then I'd be the first to say she's an evil mind-controlling pony.
It's a fair worry, and frankly, X-Com has every right to be worried when the very first mission their troops go on involves a mind-controlled German soldier trying to kill them all.
Hmmm, and I wonder what Arcanite will be, eh? Quartz? Aluminum as you said? Or something ridiculous, like BattleTech's endo-steel? (A titanium-steel alloy made in microgravity.) I could see unicorns negating gravity to mix some rare elements like that.
More interestingness; a good thing to come home to after a 5-day trip.
I like the notes on the crystal heart, it is after all quite the powerful artifact. As Celestia herself said "If the empire is filled with hope and love those things are reflected across all of Equestria" And we even get to see the neato rainbow lights that shine from the empire when the crystal heart is returned to it's place. Heck it might even be a planet wide effect instead of just covering Equestria.
Tell X-com about that "reflected across all of Equestria" part and it probably jumps a few slots in the dangerous mental screwy item list.
All right, four new chapters!
Yeah, been overseas in Germany for the last few weeks, so I haven't been able to read this until now.
The story continues to be excellent, though I still want to whack Vahlen with a stick every time she says something, which is depressing, since she was probably my favorite character in the game, but you already know that by now, so moving on!
It was nice to see her get a tiny bit of validation for her concerns though. I love how she immediately assumes the worst about pony culture and that mind altering powers are always used for evil. Which, to be fair, I would too.
Again, can't wait for more, keep it up!
(Also, that what if chapter may have been the best thing I have ever read ever)
2882396 Either "electronic medium" or counter-spell.
2883675 I think "are always" aren't the words needed, "could" is, but even a possibility of it is enough for Vahlen to become paranoid again.
2878797
Soon.
2881021
It's true that Vahlen posseses these skills that could kill her fellow humans, but Twilight is not a fellow human, just like the invaders aren't fellow humans, and just like humans aren't like the invaders. I remember reading a history channel program about the crossbow, where the Pope (or some other religious figure) deemed it too destructive to human life. They didn't stop using it though, they just declared their enemies inhuman or suitably abhuman to justify its use.
Long story short, anything can be justified especially when used against the 'Other'.
2882396
...and the Want It Need It Grenade was never used again.
2883280
Regarding Cadance I seem to be straddling the fence pretty well on that. Feels like about half my readers are 'I could totally see that' while the other half is 'SHE WOULD NEVER!'
And it will be fun getting to just what 'Arcanite' really is!
2883566
The Crystal Heart is pretty powerful all on its own but Cadance makes it more potent I would think. The thing is powered on positive emotions, so who better to contain it than she who can stoke said emotions?
Of course, if I keep building on Cadance like this, if she ever comes to visit then XCOM is going to shat a brick.
2883675
Glad to have you back, PMG! And Vahlen only had human culture to go off of, which makes her just a bit justified in her beliefs. Power corrupts and all that.
---
OKAY folks! I'm afraid I didn't get quite as much done over the last couple of days, which means my next entry might not be completed until Sunday. However, there is good news for both this fic and my sanity! My days of going to the office for work may soon be coming to a close. Once I resume working from home I can more consistently get work done on this fic.
I'll see you folks later! (Or sooner if any folks partake of the FiMfiction TF2 server!)