Somewhere, Beyond the Sea, Somewhere Waiting
“Rainbow Dash,” Twilight Sparkle murmured. “What... what is she saying...?”
Rainbow squinted at the regal sight before her. “...a test?”
Camellia merely nodded silently.
“What kind of a test?”
“Such is not my place to know,” Camellia said. “The blessed Shrine of Verlaxion is off-limits to me. At least... so long as I swim these mortal currents.”
“Shrine...?”
“A place deep below Shoggoth where Verlaxion has left a piece of her power. A shard.” Camellia's eyes glowed bright green. “I believe you have found such a place before...”
Rainbow gulped. “The Nealend Atoll...” Her brow furrowed. “So there is a way to get to the Machine World here.”
“If that is what you call it,” Camellia remarked. “My subjects here in Shoggoth have always basked in the glory of Verlaxion's blessing, but I've always sensed that there was... more to it. Something hidden. Something unique and purposeful, left for one soul and one soul alone to open the seal to. I believe that is you, Rainbow Dash, or—the Austraeoh—as you refer to yourself.”
“Is that what Verlax believes I am?” Rainbow asked.
“I am... not certain. But it is quite possible. When the Blight fell, it sent a ripple across the seas—both above and below the surface. Everypony in Shoggoth has sensed it. I can only imagine what it is that the Queen has sensed, and how it pertains to you.”
“So... if it is a test that awaits me,” Rainbow Dash murmured, starting to pace below the Princess. “Just what kind is it?”
“I'm sorry, Rainbow Dash,” Camellia spoke. “I cannot pretend to tell you that. Not with absolute certainty. All I can do is get you there.”
Rainbow sighed. She paused to rub her forehead, teeth clenching. “...and what do you want in return?”
“I believe we can be very helpful to one another,” Camellia's voice declared. “Furthermore, you may find that what we're able to accomplish will be advantageous to both parties.”
Rainbow looked up. “An end to the Syndicate.”
Camellia's eyes narrowed. “Shoggoth has existed for generations and generations. It has thrived off the productivity of both seaponies and surface trotters. Part of this productivity includes trade and a bustling economy. However, while this system has produced many fundamentally altruistic organizations, it has—ultimately—developed a banal tumor of disgusting proportions. That which you call the Syndicate was once a noble enterprise, an empire of trade and monetary exchange that sought the benefit of all parties involved. In the last few centuries, however, it has turned into something corrupt and cancerous. I've witnessed extortion, bribery, and attempted murder under the noses of my very own subjects, and it pains me greatly.”
“Can't you do something about it, though?”
“Although I am the Siren Princess, I'm afraid that—”
“Yeah yeah yeah... your 'fins are tied' by the 'rules of Muddredger coexistence' or what crap.” Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. “I've been told that time and time again by a pretty smart pony. But... like... so what?” Her muzzle scrunched. “If the Syndicate's so bad, can't you take them out on your own?”
“I'm afraid that if I sent my forces to challenge the Syndicate, the repercussions of such a public act would have terrible consequences. A horrible schism would tear the infrastructure of Shoggoth apart long before the truth behind the Syndicate could be conveyed, thereby vindicating my actions.” Camellia slowly shook her head. “The only probable solution would be to present concrete evidence of the Syndicate's wrongdoings before the Council at the Marine Auction House, but—as you can imagine—the Syndicate does an exceptional job of covering their tracks.”
“But you can control ponies' minds!” Rainbow exclaimed. Rarity and Twilight looked at her sideways as she continued: “Couldn't you—I dunno—make the eyes of the Syndicate boss down here all green'n'glowy and get him or her to expose their own organization's sins?”
“I'm afraid it is not even remotely that simple,” Camellia said. “My innate gifts do not work on more than one equine at a time. I have, indeed, contemplated doing that which you propose, but the members of the Syndicate are simply far too numerous. There is no single pony who—through direct control—could be made to destabilize their entire organization.”
“Then... like... I dunno...!” Rainbow Dash's voice cracked: “You and your ponies' magic control all this floaty water crap! With a snap of your fins, couldn't you just wash away the Syndicate and all of their ugliness?”
“Rainbow, honestly!” Rarity exclaimed.
Rainbow groaned. “Face it, Princess, you have a whole lotta friggin' power at your disposal! I just... I-I just don't get how you can stand for these bad dudes and their bullcrap!”
“Power alone is no substitute for flexibility or finesse,” Camellia said. “This environment in which the Syndicate flourishes also allows countless other ponies to dwell in peace and enjoy the fruits of their labor. There is nothing wrong with the vision of Shoggoth. But even the glorious things of our culture have hidden niches in which filth can collect and fester. As Princess of the Sirens, I am in charge of regulating the marine half of this community. To exercise any more power would threaten to destabilize the entire Muddredger colony. The repercussions could be disastrous to the local economy, not to mention the way of life for tens of thousands of Rohbredden citizens here and abroad.”
“But if the Syndicate was to be taken down, then it'd be best for everypony... right...?”
“This is true... but only if the Syndicate dissolves in a way that is gradual, civil, and doesn't collapse heartlessly on the many-many souls who support its less-malicious branches,” Camellia explains. “Not all ponies who work for the Syndicate are evil, Rainbow Dash, and they deserve a second chance. The only way for the Syndicate to dissolve without shredding a hole through our civilization is for it to happen through the legitimate exposure of corruption in its upper echelons. I have always sought for a way to make this happen, but I've not had any close allies capable of getting close enough to the Syndicate to acquire such evidence.”
“Until now...” Rainbow gulped. “I'm here. My friends and I...” Her eyes narrowed. “...and we have a pony who's been on the inside.”
“Indeed.” Camellia nodded. “More importantly, you've done something that nopony visiting Shoggoth has ever remotely come close to accomplishing before. You've single-hoofedly brought down the Northern Branch of the Syndicate. Granted, the ponies in Rust were far... far more corrupt than the ones who operate here. However, I fear for the future of Shoggoth—that it will someday become something as grim as Rust, if not more so. But that doesn't need to come pass. If you can find and expose the Southern Hoof's connections to Revan's organization in Rust, then it will paint just the kind of damning picture we need to reveal to the rest of the Council here in the Muddredge City.”
“And what does that mean, exactly?” Rainbow Dash replied, blinking. “We gotta break into the Southern Hoof's Vault now?”
“Not quite, Rainbow Dash,” Camellia said. “In fact, I do believe you have enough at your disposal to expose the local members of the Syndicate as it is.”
“Then why'd you stop us, huh?” Rainbow Dash remarked. “Why bring us down here to begin with? We were on our way to the Marine Auction House to do just what you're proposing, Your Highness.”
“Not precisely, I'm afraid. There stands to be some... important alterations to your plan.”
“Oh really?” Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow. “In what way?”
“There are methods by which you and your friends can make what we both desire here in Shoggoth possible,” Camellia said. “While simultaneously granting you access to Verlaxion's Shrine. You see, Rainbow Dash, you are the first pony in a long time who can go precisely where I can't... and yet I can facilitate that passage, so long as we can work together.”
Rainbow took a deep breath, then nodded. “Alright, Princess.” She leaned back, ears twitching. “I'm listening...”
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Always a catch.
Rainbow should already know this bit. She has faced how many foes with power equal to or greater than our siren princess and came out on top? That being said nice to know she is willing to hold back her irritation, now what is Camellia planning?
Rainbow still has not visibly acknowledged the fact that her friends cannot hear Camellia's words.
I wonder if Twilight even senses Camellia's thought-casting with her special sense. If she can't then is Psyonics not
friendshipMagic?Rainbow should already know this bit. She dated Roarke.
6323157
I sea what you did there!
6323189
pinkie.mylittlefacewhen.com/media/f/img/mlfw1196_131061656702.png
Thirty crunches, ):(. Knock 'em out!
So Dash was expecting to rock in, tear down the syndicate, justify her actions to Camellia and then be granted passage to the shard that leads to the machine world as a thank you?
Nice to see Camellia explains her reasons for not getting involved when she totally could. *is looking at you Celestia*
-Memories given light, ease a lonely flight. Ynanhluutr.
Reference to the song, Beyond the Sea:
Somewhere beyond the sea
Somewhere waitin' for me
My lover stands on golden sands
And watches the ships that go sailin'
I'm surprised Rainbow would suggest killing as a solution to the Syndicate. She's always been very LG when it comes to dealing with problems.
Hopefully the desperados won't be too salty that this trip won't be nearly as profitable as the last one.
I'd like to hear more of Camellia's plan, only taking down the syndicate leadership and leaving a power vacuum seems incredibly dangerous.
Somewhere below the sea
Maybe waitin' for me
Pinkie Pie dwells in complete peace
Happy but all alone
So I guess this means we can't bomb the crap out of the bad guys this time around.
Darn.
6323284
Wash away doesn't necessarily mean killing. In a literal sense it could result in broken bones. In a non-literal sense, it could mean the removal of the organizations influence.
I never thought I'd see a Bobby Darin reference in a pony fanfiction.
Very interesting... I am a bit surprised that things are going as well as they are, but I remain waiting for shit to hit the fan.
I wonder how long Camellia can keep Rainbow away from Revan.
We're so close to Pinkie Pie that it feels like she'll just break through the fourth wall.
So who the heck are the Muddredgers
This was never explained......?
It sounds like the name of a water polo team.
Didn't realize Rainbow knew Psionic speech.
6323468 Quite some time, I think.
I knew it. Verlaxion isn't quite in the business of opposing Rainbow Dash.
-Spirit (Yeast and Treacle)
Hmm, very interesting indeed. This supposed "catch" isn't really much of a catch at all; they were already trying to reveal the insipid and decadent acts of the Syndicate anyway. All they have to do is defeat the Southern Hoof, and Rainbow will arrive at the next seed and face this test. In the end, everyone is doing good, and what's wrong with that? Spreading harmony is Rainbow's forte.
Well ok they have the same goals here. Though I am a bit confused why she had to even have Rainbow come down to see her (other than the out of story reason she needed to be introduced formally) couldn't she have just told this to RD psychically? Since they have to go to the auction house anyway to accomplish their goals. I understand its kind of a minor thing but it bugs me.
6323157
Catch of the day!
Eee-hee-hee!
6323634 Well if you think something hard enough and loud enough...
6324035
Urgh, diplomacy. I'm sure Dash would be a lot happier if there were some explosions to be had.
Time to plan plan plan. I do so hope this ends up involving a giant net...
6324239 I don't think you want explosions in an underwater city. Or maybe you want. Camellia doesn't, that's for sure.
Ah, yes. The damning evidence. Such revelations will surely go down smoothly.
6323541
They'd be the non-aquatic folk who live and work in Shoggoth.
6323326
Wonder if Camellia figures that Dash has done just enough to tear apart the Northern Hoof without causing too much destabilisation within the ranks already. At least so that they could rebuild the foundations for a legitimate enterprise now that Revan and those most loyal to him are out of Rust (most likely for good).
Southern Hoof? Frig knows. They might even come quietly if they see enough evidence and OP Spears pointed their way.
10 chapters later this plot they are planning will blow up in their faces...
Spitballin', here, but . . . there's a few consistent details that have stuck out to me so far. It's likely that Verlax has left a shard at each Seed, and we know for a fact that there was a shard at both Rarity's and Pinkie's, the Second and Third Seeds respectively. Is it much of a stretch to therefore assume that the tower in the Grand Choke that Twilight was found at also had one of these shards? Further, since apparently each Seed is guarded by a test--this being the Grand Choke for Twilight, Ultimo for Rarity, and unknown for Pinkie, could we perhaps entertain the notion that Verlax created the Grand Choke?
It's a stretch, but it's one consistent with just about everything we know thus far, I think. I'm very interested in what the new voice will have to say going forward. There are very few candidates for its identity at the moment.
Theres something we are missing here, Camille cant even approach Verlaxions Shrine? given that Camille is waterbourne, that implies a severe lask of water, or even a severe excess of high power thermal or electrical sourcing, so any water turns into a death dealing conductor, or high pressure steam cooker?
We had Drought in the Blight, and Cold at the Atoll, who goes for Lighting and/or Lava here in Shoggoth?
Rainbow Dash.... you know what you must do
i.imgur.com/WFFHnid.jpg
The plot thickens...
Also I hope Dash has access to a golf club in the near future, just in case.
On an unrelated note, this will be my last chapter for a fortnight, since I'm flying out later. So Colon, don't you dare put in my name as a cameo when I can't get a live reaction
Ooooh, this is getting good. You know, I always liked these talks between Rainbow and some of the wise figures of the world. I'm glad that we can finally talk to somesiren like Camellia now and learn a thing or two.
So she brought them in just to edit their plan? Could've been a better way to do that.
Nothing more annoying then a backseat heist planner.
But really this can only lead to awesome things.
Then again, this plan probably isn't stupid...
6682008
Idk. I personally like side quests. It's the perfect way of getting rare loot.
Somehweeeerre.......beyond the seaaaaa.....shes therrreee watching for meeeeee........
Also, you know, ethics and crap.
6323163
Except...
*Mind Control Head Guy, killself. Mind Control next Head Guy, killself. Mind Control next Head Guy, killself. Mind Control next Head Guy, killself. Mind Control next Head Guy, killself. Mind Control next Head Guy, killself.*
See a problem here? She has MIND CONTROL. What she is telling Rainbow is a flat out lie. Even if she can only control 1 person, that 1 person can gather all the evidence and expose everyone himself. Or just go on a murder spree, kill all the higher ups, then the guards come in to take the 'crazy murderer'.
There is no limit to the number of situations 'I can mind control 1 person only' can pull off. Because tho Rainbow knows it's mind control, no one else in the world does.
It's literally, 'the goddess has the tools but is too stupid to figure out how to use them correctly'.
The princess says your plan is trash. Time to go back to the drawing board~
8581511
I disagree, she simply has too much of a moral compass to do so:
She wouldn't want to kill or dissolve the Syndicate outright. She wants a slower process which replaces the Syndicate's functions even as it dismantles it, all while justifying this process in the eyes of the citizenry so that they don't riot because they don't want/see the need for change. I'm sure she also wants failsafes put in place, meaning that she needs the public and the lawmakers (assuming she isn't the sole arbiter of law) to understand why laws, policies, and procedures need to be put in place to prevent future corruption like this. Also, p much everyone in the city already knows she can mind control one pony at a time, what's to stop them from pointing the hoof at her when all's said and done. I mean, even Theanim knew about her abilities to some extent, and he's been there a handful of times at best. I imagine her own citizens know much more. Finally, the most damning evidence was prob in Rust all along, and I assume there's a range limit on her ability to control ponies. I suspect the attempt to undermine the Northern Hoof earlier was one of her plans, but relying on Echo to succeed in it fell thru.
This is gonna get complicated fast, isn't it?
First rule of ruling no: one rules alone. And what knowledge the princess has is not enough on it own, not without going too far and taking the citizens down with them. Her best bet would be to make the heads of the syndicate vanish, but if word got out, well I could see her losing her thrown.