01. Cold
Snow Sky covered his eyes from the wind. The young white Pegasus had grown used to this work for the Lower Villages; scouting out for food was one of the most important jobs. Spotting a berry bush in the dense forest, he dove and plucked some before tossing them into his basket. This day was unusually slow, without a single good find anywhere. Off in the distance, the Pillars of Eternity stood, massive spires of rock topped with iron. On the valley floor between them lay twisted metal of various shapes and sizes, succumbing to the cold. Seventeen miles out beyond that was the Sea. But nobody he knew had ever been that far and returned; various hostile pony tribes as well as the bandits that patrolled the entrance to the Valley made short work out of anyone adventurous enough to try. He was perfectly content to live, doing his little job for his little village in his little country. As he returned with an almost empty basket, he couldn't help but notice that the day seemed a bit warmer than ususal. He waved it off as another burst of wind from the village. As he flew over the river, he looked down at the river running through the farmland and forest and thought, "This is my home. This is where I've always been, and this is where I'll always be." He couldn't help but look up, though, at the massive ancient ruins that lined the valley. For some strange reason, they stopped all at the same level with what must have been massive airship docks jutting out over the gentle slope that gave way to the cliffs. It was still a beautiful sight, with the shining of the occasional pane of glass. He'd made the pilgrimage up there, of course. Everypony did at the age of five. The old ramp built by his forefathers still stood, carved into the mountains of history.
He remembered the old unicorn who'd said that the entire area was coastline. He didn't believe her, though. Nobody did. The crazy old witch had left town soon after, probably going to spread her craziness to the ponies further down the valley. As he landed in the marketplace, his friend Forestree called out to him. "Hey! Snow! Over Here!" Snow Sky sighed. Forstree was nice, but she was a bit eccentric. She was probably going to show him some crazy new invention that would never work practically. He turned and walked to her, and was surprised by the lack of mad science. The short green unicorn was instead pointing at the Pillars. "I think I know what those were! They weren't always there, they were built by the Ancients!"
At the mention of the Ancients, Snow Sky tensed up a little. He didn't want his friend getting kicked out of town for being crazy, but he also was somewhat interested with what she had to say. "Come into my house; we'll talk there." His house was a small building on the edge of town; while it wasn't much, it was better than the huts that the Poors lived in. As they walked down the somewhat crowded street, he had to ask. "What got you thinking about the Pillars and the Ancients, anyway?"
"Why, don't you ever think about what happened before?"
He couldn't say he hadn't. The images of the Ancients they found depicted them as all coming in a relatively light color, and being tall, slender, bipedal people with a strange appendage at the end of each arm. Nobody had taken them seriously; and everybody knew that no culture could have built something massive as the Pillars that stood at the entrance to the valley, or as the similar Pillars of Life that stood further back. He simply tapped her on the back and said, "Sometimes."
As they entered his house, she continued talking. "So anyway, I found out that the pillars were built by the Ancients! I even have scientific evidence to prove it; here's a chunk of one of the pillars, here's a bit of what was next to an Ancient road, and here's an average rock." He couldn't believe his eyes. Stealing pieces of any of the Pillars was considered treason; if anyone found out, she'd certainly be either hung or beheaded. He said the only thing that came to mind.
"Why would you do this?!" he shouted.
"Because," she said as she smiled, "I want to go up to the Ancient City."
"But you already did! In your pilgrimage!" he said in a desperate tone.
"You think they'd show you the City? They only take you down one row; there must be so much more!" she said.
He resigned. "You do what you want; I'm not risking my neck for this."
"You're actually doing it." said Snow as he entered Forestree's house.
"Of course I am!" she replied as she stuffed some clothing into her bag.
"You're crazy." he said.
"What made you think I wasn't?" she said as she put a shining iron dagger into a strap on her bag.
"You'll get yourself killed!"
"I'll be fine," she said as she did the strap on her bag and slung it onto her back.
"Well, it was nice knowing you," said Snow Sky as she walked out of the door.
The next morning, Snow Sky began to do his morning rounds. The biting cold made it obvious that today wasn't going to be a good day. As he and the other Gatherers waited for dawn, he couldn't help but look at the Pillars. As he stared, the sun slowly rose between them. "Sure is a beautiful sight, isn't it, youngie," said a gruff old stallion. The squad director then blew his whistle, and the pegasi took off, scanning the forest for food. As Snow Sky began to rise, he could see the glaciers where they met the sky. That must have been what his mother named him after; you could barely tell the distinction between the snow and the sky. It was a shame that she had died in a bandit attack on the village. She had valiantly tried to keep them away from the village center, and had almost succeeded until an arrow came flying out of a building at her.
It was best not to dwell on such thoughts, however, as Snow quickly saw the small creek he usually scouted out first. He flew up and down it looking for anything edible. He found a good bit of wild barley that could be made into bread, as well as a few berries and fruits. Without noticing it, he found himself slowly going up the side of one of the mountains. He didn't notice that the trees were getting thinner and thinner as he rose up until he looked out at the valley. "Holy..." he said as he looked out over the valley. It truly looked beautiful from up here. As he turned around, he noticed a strange sign. "W....m... t... A..me...." While he could only make out a few letters, he knew that his sign must have been important as a strange rock outcropping was on his right, and to his left were pieces of metal similar to what had fallen from the Pillars of Eternity. Very similar, in fact... He decided to stand on the edge of the metal and dark rock jut. To his surprise, he found that it went through the holes in the upper parts of the Pillars quite perfectly, and it seemed to meet up with the similar segments on the Pillars. Then the thought dawned upon him.
"What if... what if this was a bridge?"
Stats
Page generated in 0.12 seconds
Total duration
1,036 users online
2,193,106 hits today, 2,280,440 yesterday
FIMFiction
My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Fanfiction
Designed and coded by knighty & Xaquseg - © 2011-2024
Follow & Support Us
Support us
SubStar
Chat!
Discord
Follow us
Twitter
MLP: Friendship is Magic® - © 2024 Hasbro Inc.®
Fimfiction is in no way affiliated with or endorsed by Hasbro Inc.®
I must ague against this because....
A. By that year humanity would have colonized thousands of star systems.
B. If humanity didn't do "A" then we would be extinct from just killing each other over resources.
C. If we had ten thousand years to know that it was coming, we would be beyond prepared....
4782527 Don't worry, it'll be explained in chapters to come.
4783023 In that humanity abandoned Earth because it sucked and they wanted to play god on a large number of barren rocks in space?
4783534
I want to say we went down into the earth.
4782527 *laugh his ass off*
Ah yes the fiction dream of Space travel, an amusing idea of the 19th century that will most likely never happen with Spacecrafts or even with Nations or organizations of any kind as institutions.
The time of great machinery ends the next century, for the tasks that such machines perform nowadays will be fulfilled by "Quantum-macina-liquid" in effect what so many people misunderstand as nano-machines, just on the (literal) subatomic level.
It is most likely that Mankind is in fact "extinct" in an physical form.
But continues to exist in an non physical form as "thought in the machine" existing only as mind, as "quantum spirits" data stored in the quantum fabric of reality it self, existing everywhere and anywhere at the same time, side by side with countless other beings.
That would #1 explain why the Bridge still exists (after mankind ceased to be) and not was De-constructed.
That would #2 in extend explain why after somewhat around 150000 years artificial structures still exist and aren't consumed by decay.--> self reinitializing Quantum structures that for all eternity continue to refresh them self.
so there are fore possible scenarios
#1 the MOST unlikely: mankind was successful in its eternal quest to whip them self out... what is literally THE single most difficult task Nature could try to accomplish...
#2 mankind, by what reason what so ever, ventured down earth (insanely energy consuming) and is still down there.
#3 mankind, ventured to the stars and had made it some sort of "game" to monitor earth, most likely they would have build an f*cking Dyson Spare around our Sole-system
#4 (by our momentary development rate and direction the FREAKING most likely) mankind became one with its technology and became something akin to spirits or rather "Physical gods" they would be able to shape everything physical free to there will, effectively Mankind would be more than three--dimensional beings but still less than four-dimensional beings (no access to the forth room dimension but still the abilities of the forth room- dimension.).
any ways, nice work, I would like to read more about it ^^ (fave+up+follow)
4815998
"Fictional", space travel is actually within' our grasp. Scientist say they are close to a form of teleportation and warp is actually possible. The possibility of opening artificial wormholes is another use for travailing through the stars along with stasis if need be.
If we were able to put a man on the Moon and a probe on Mars then how hard can it be to expand further than that, give it time and humanity will colonize the stars around us, maybe not in our time but it will happen.
Space is there for a reason, and humanity has set a goal on exploring it, and any goal set by humanity is always accomplished!
Also, you have been labeled Heretic in Humans are Superior and have been left to the wrath of the loyalist of members.
4815998
For some reason, I found that response to be an epic load of bullshit without scientific base.
Its interesting to see the difference between, 'what people read' and 'what people believe they read'
"Fictional" in this case means simply "not accurate according to our knowledge"
I did not state that space travel would no happen, I stated that space travel would not happen with spacecrafts (and failed to mention "in the assumed scale")
And I did not spoke of the end result here of the year 2200.
I spoke of the 22th century as the beginning of this development.
As I hope I mentioned well enough I spoke of the 15Myrion (140,000-150.000ac)
Of cause it is difficult to grasp this concept, but to become more than simple physical beings is a normal accomplishment in technological evolution.
4816117
nearly a valid argument,
the issue here is, we speak of two different points in time, which I did actually failed to mention,
Space travel with Spacecrafts will of cause happen but not in the scale nearly all sources try to make it believable. Its akin to the idea of "Rocked cars" from 1920-1940 simply a waste of energy and recourses.
No offense but:
<Yoda> Fanatic faith strong in this one is, blindly repeating statements that where not fully understood, he do.</yoda>
Space has a reason, yes... that it is humanity's set goal to explore it is unarguable, but that all we try we accomplish if not fully true, the most we do, but I get your idea. ^^
4816388 ... I'm disappointed...
>input error: no argument found;
>processing...
>statement inaccurate,
to your rather interestingly, void of all arguments, statement that is, so fore, irrelevant, I can offer you one word of wisdom: search for the scientific term of "Singularity" in relevance to technological development, in this case specifically in relation to the development of Computers.
Event is to be found within the next 40 to 50 years.
Hint: The last one was called "wheel". Rings any bells? For I'm really not sure if 'this one' is capable of coherent thought.
Hint to all:
read my previous statement again, without prejudice if you want to try.
4818204
Space shuttles are spacecraft...
The Saturn Rocket was a spacecraft...
Also, your grammar is shit.
4818204
Another key factor you are missing is evidence to your cause. Along with support, fact, and the ability to see into the future. Travailing in spacecraft is what our science dictates right now, you are saying that we will become living metal machines which is complete bullshit. We do not know how that will effect our minds and could end badly, I would also prefer my human body over a machines. What is most likely going to happen is our minds being able to be stored on data banks along with cloning will allow us to have multiple lives if not immortality.
Though, lets face it. There is no such thing as immortality. Death is always there. I see death as a solution, not a punishment as others see it.
But atlas, it comes down to one detail. If we even survive. For all we know human extinction is right around the corner, or it could not be. Some random government firing a nuclear warhead starting the Third World War, or an bio-engineered virus that has no cure.
4818204 The singularity was found to be even further out. Quantum computers are not as good as you hope. It would take a super computer, quantum or not. The size of new jersey, just to hold one human mind. It would take a power plant thousands of times more powerful. Than any we own now, just to keep it running. It would take a cooling system the size of the Atlantic ocean. Just to keep it from over heating. When they went back through, they discover humans are still physically evolving on a biological level. So the singularity was push forward with the new data. Search it up, you will see that it's true.
Along with an event of the world literally freezing over or over heating. Even, something from our solar system or from out, coming to destroy the planet... Let's just put it at global destruction, that guarantees humans won't survive. Building underground bases would not be done. That's sci-fi within it's self. Underground bases, are only used in the event of a nuclear disaster. It's only meant for short time survival. So a world destroying event. Would have us build a space craft in space. Then send it to the closes planet we can find. That has the highest chance of being habitable by humans. During that time asteroid mining would be done. To make repairs and gain resources. In which case, the technological advance would be good enough. To return to earth once it's stabilized. But by that time, we would have synthetic and biological bodies, time manipulation, space manipulation, etc. But we most certainly would not download ourselves permanently to a computer without bodies. Do to fear of corruption or something destroying the main frame. Which would be a guarantee of wiping the humans out with no escape.
So, ship travel would still exist. It would also be very fuel efficient and not waste. You are thinking with our current technology. But their is ways to make it fuel efficient.
nice, I like a good, civilized argument.
4822677
First off: Wonderful ^^ now that's what I call an argument.
But at the same time: I did Not say we will not invent space travel, I said we will not use it to the promoted extend.
So fore the quotation of fictional, in my original statement. ^^"
Aaaaand again; I'm not speaking of this end result in regards of centuries, I speak in relation of dozens upon dozens of millennia,
P.S. Quantum Computers differ from normal ones because they can say "MAybe?!"
Not because they can bake you a cake (it's a lie!!!) and test you and be sarcastic...
4819760
I'm disappointed...
Hint: who brings the Argument of grammar is per definition defeated and so fore all his / her arguments are void of relevance...
4819845
"Travailing in spacecraft is what our science dictates right now," I didn't denied that. It is our development direction at the moment and for many millennia, (ok at minimum one or two) to come.
"you are saying that we will become living metal machines which is complete bullshit."
{Nope) I did not, you assumed that. Reread my comment about that.
"We do not know how that will effect our minds and could end badly," incorrect we know very well how being body less being would effect our minds, without an drastic change in our general philosophy: 75% of us would go insane. 15-20% of us would become depressed, and 5-10% would accept it.
"I would also prefer my human body over a machines." well yes of cause you would, free will and the freedom of decisions.
"What is most likely going to happen is our minds being able to be stored on data banks along with cloning will allow us to have multiple lives[...]" that is possible right now, but utterly unpractical.
"[...]if not immortality." Issue with that: decay, not just genetic decay, the most important issue is information decay on physical storages.
"But atlas, it comes down to one detail. If we even survive. For all we know human extinction is right around the corner, or it could not be. Some random government firing a nuclear warhead starting the Third World War, or an bio-engineered virus that has no cure."
Mother nature tried to wipe us out a couple of times and succeeded nearly once, and what happened? The modern Human was born. So 'If I would be mother Nature, I would HIGHLY refrain from trying that again... as we can see it backfired horribly' ... *cough*
AAaaaannny way: @ Author: any Story that sparks an heated argument is a good story ^^" just so you know.
4822915
What evidence do you have to support you details, send me website links and other information so you can confirm it.
And I did not say Nature, I said "Human Engineered Virus". A bio-weapon that was created in a laboratory, not nature!
Also, by the time that we have the ability to upload ourselves into machines we would already be in thousands of star systems if not in completely different universes.
Data can decay as well over time, like with computer hard drives.
Fuck that, I think no one would take that chance!
Along with cloning would be an excellent way to create soldiers or if human population is down thus making it a more efficient way of life.
4822915 There is a difference between mother nature and us. We become very effective at killing. It was even warned, that humans will not be wiped out by nature, but by our own hand. So, just keep that part in mind.
Yes, a quantum computer can answer maybe. But the strongest quantum computer we have right now. Which was extremely expensive, only has the capacity of a four year old child. Which is stronger than any computer we have made so far. So, we are still a ways from singularity. Even then it was discover, there is another step beyond that. Even another step beyond quantum. Quantum isn't the last. Humans in retrospect have unlimited potential. But we are only limited, by our fear of something new.
Mass effect, mixed with the 22nd century star trek. Will probably be our space travel. After that it maybe different say around 20,000 year mark. After we master time, normal space travel may not happen. Something similar to doctor who... Just without the blue box. But we would even go beyond that. By 150,000 years. We would be hopping around the multi-verse as though it were a toy. So, coming back to earth and meeting the ponies... May not happen. Even if we did, yes we would be beyond them.
Though the whole information decay. Would be seen like what we have through out our life. Our most basic personality can remain. But we change over time. I wasn't who I am now, 5 years ago. So, the idea of someone becoming different as they get older. Would pretty much not be a problem. As well as we may surpass the decay area.
Also downloading ourselves into organic and synthetic bodies, may seem impractical. But it would be done none the least. For survival and for birthing children. The DNA would be taken at birth and put on file. To make future clones. Which can be altered physically to our liking. By that time it would not be impractical. It would be extremely easy for us to do so.
I enjoyed the beginning of this it had a lot of potential continue doing your great writing
Why'd this have to be cancelled?
9035064
cuz im a shit writer ayy
9036308
Ayy
I'm looking at a story that could have done very well. First chapter set the lore well and made it interesting. I think this should be continued and thought out a little more sometime. The more you say your a bad writer, the more you become one, stop that.