Chapter VIII: Plans
Ponies would be under the impression that it would take a lot of time to prepare a training system for those that would be the future protectors of Equestria from interdimensional threats. They would think it would take weeks, or maybe even months before anypony could be ready for that. I instead, as some ponies would say, threw that idea out the window.
"As soon as possible‽" Twilight and Silver Shield screamed together.
"That's the plan," I calmly replied as Spike finished writing the, rather short, letter with a skeptical expression.
"Are you sure about this?" Spike asked, only for me to give him a nod in response. Shrugging, he lit the letter with his magical flame before any other pony could do a thing to stop him.
"Aether! You can't honestly have a plan for this already! Training a team to do something nopony has ever done before would take a rather complex schedule and resources!" Twilight shrieked.
"I agree with the princess, you can't simply train ponies without some drills prepared. Do you even have any practice courses ready for them?" Silver commented.
"No, but seeing that you two aren't going to stop anytime soon, I'll explain some things. Under normal conditions, most ponies in my former line of work are sent on the job with very little information to work with, if any. So we have to do things on the... run so to say. So I'm going to start tossing them things to do, to teach them to stay on their hooves. Besides, there is really no way of setting up unpredictable cases for the recruits to take... short of having Pinkie and the Crusaders plan some together. Though I don't think that will end well for Ponyville," I replied as I rubbed my chin with a hoof, thinking about how that would turn out. "Regardless, the letter is sent, so we just have to wait for the recruits to show up. For now, I'm heading home, I had more than enough excitement for one day."
"Well, this is new," I said to myself, as I found myself on the ceiling of the Carousal Boutique in my dream. While unusual, I did find this change of scenery to be hopeful news that I was done with my funky dreams. Though it was odd that my last one was close to becoming true.
My thoughts shifted to realization that this dream wasn't of my own making when the front door opened to reveal Princess Luna walking inside.
"Aether? Art thou here?" Luna asked, looking around in confusion before I alerted her with a cough. Looking up, she tilted her in confusion as she said, "What art thou doing upon the ceiling?"
Cocking an eyebrow, I replied, "Shouldn't you know? The letter said that you'll be the one making the dream for me this time."
Blinking, Luna let off a light-hearted chuckle as she said, "Thou art right, let us amend this matter." Lighting up her horn, I found myself being levitated off the ceiling and onto the floor.
"Okay... going from upside-down to normal by magic is... an unusual experience. Though, can I ask you a little favor Princess Luna?"
"Verily, what dost thou asks of us?"
"Well... do you mind talking to me like most ponies do? I admit that your way of talking... well as Rarity would say, has a bit of flair. But it makes things a bit harder for me to understand... since Equestrian isn't my native language."
Luna looked at me for a moment, causing me to rub a hoof against one of my forelegs till she spoke, "A reasonable request. I only stuck to that due to a large number of foals finding the archaic way of speaking enjoyable. Regardless, do you find your current environment comfortable?"
"Well... better than the usual destruction of Ponyville... which is actually disturbing to hear myself saying," I answered as my ears folded down.
"Yes... those dreams are perplexing. Though we have more important manners on hoof to discuss."
Shrugging, I replied, "Discuss away then, and don't be afraid to go with a formal, uncaring business approach. Dealt with that enough times to be used to it."
Blinking in confusion at first, Luna furrowed her brows in anger as she asked, "Why do you even suggest that I would address you in such a manner?"
"Cause I'm pretty certain that we will be talking about various unpleasant things that are best dealt with in an uncaring approach. Which I can't blame you for using in a way to help shield yourself from what I may have to say."
"That... is insightful, but I will not resort to such methods. Though, I seek to sate my curiosity first. Why are you so hostile to my sister? The damage to the barrier is repaired and we are making preparations to defend Equestria."
Frowning, I answered, "I could explain, but I think that would instead lead to us debating that matter. So how about I just show you my memories as before? I must warn you though, what you will see is going to be quite a horrible sight."
"I have witnessed countless nightmares from the dreams of ponies, I can handle what you have to show me."
I was about to cock an eyebrow before I stopped myself, remembering that Luna had to deal with the nightmares about the Venanites that were spawned from the damage on the barrier. Closing my eyes, I focused on my memories as I tried to remember the details of a specific one. Opening them, I looked around as I beheld a familiar sight of small cliff that overlooked a small city built by the natives of a newly discovered world. Luna however had her eyes focused on the city itself, for towers of smoke billowed from one side of the city. We could even hear the screams of horror from the populace; accompanied by the roars of horrible monsters, roars that I am certain Luna was familiar with.
"Say hello to the worst case scenario, a Venanite infestation. Venanite invasions have occurred enough that we actually categorized the size and danger of an infestation. This one here is a stage six infestation, where many cities like this one and much of the world is ravaged by the Venanites. When a world is this heavily infected, standard protocol is to wipe the world clean of all life, otherwise the infestation could reach stage seven and would take direct military involvement. That would of course results in millions of lives being lost in the process."
Looking at Luna, I saw that her face was full of disgust, probably at the sight of what Venanites would normally do to a world they come across. Before she could comment on the memory, I changed it to another one, this time placing us in one of the various interdimensional cities that I have been to. This caused Luna to pause as she observed the new environment, where she once again saw the tall buildings she beheld the first time I showed her my memories. Unlike that memory though, I brought us to the worse part of town. Here in the alleys and any other available places sat small shelters made out of scrap, where hundreds of people of various species milled about.
"Here's the best case scenario if your world is discovered unprepared by a dimensional nation. Ponies would be just another species here all looking for work and food, just trying to survive in a society that only cares about greed. Your culture will be forgot as ponies are forced to spread to all other cities to look for work, as Equus would be taken over and turned into some colony. It won't be long after being discovered that all sapient life on Equus would be dying either from dangerous work or starvation," I commented, pointing a hoof at the shrunken corpse of some poor soul that gave out from hunger.
Banishing this memory, we returned to the Carousel Boutique. Turning to face Luna, I continued, "This is why I was still hostile to your sister. It may have been an accident, but it was still a grave mistake. Equus has been given the possibility of facing a bleak future, so it is up to those in charge to do everything they can to prevent that from happening."
Luna at first didn't say a thing, her face devoid of any emotion. She eventually broke her stoic trance, looking at me as she said, "I understand the stance you have against my sister, but you must forgive her for her actions. She did not bear any ill desires in her own travels to the mirror world. She was in grief for my... banishment, and was turning to a different source in an effort to lighten up her burden. Even I forgave her when I learned that she was spending time with that world's Luna, for she only did so due to missing me so greatly."
Staring in Luna's eyes, I could see in her eyes that her statement was genuine. Looking away from her, I grumbled for a moment before saying, "Fine... I'll try to lighten up. I admit that she sort of looked like a grief-ridden mess after I confronted her about her actions. Though if she is blaming herself for my species change, please smack the backside of her head for me."
Luna reared her head back as she asked, "Why should I do that?"
"Because that would be foolish of her to blame herself for that. Sure I didn't expect the gender change, but I'm experiencing actual happiness that I didn't feel since... " I began to answer, before pausing for a bit. "Point is that out of this entire mess, my change and coming to Equestria is something that I would actually thank Celestia for... if I wasn't so frustrated with the mess we're in. Though, I blame the ones in charge of the interdimensional nations more than her. So... I don't bare any true desires to cause her harm in any way, nor do I dislike her. I'm just working off my frustration right now."
"That is... somewhat good to hear. Now in response to the reply you have sent to my sister, she believes that within a few days the first wave of recruits will be ready and at Ponyville to begin training.
Cocking an eyebrow, I replied, "Hmm... Celestia is certain trying to get our defenses ready in a hurry."
"I take it that their arrival is too soon?"
"Not at all, I'll be ready for them when they arrive. I have some training in mind that will get rid of those not suited for the job. Though I hope to see Discord before they arrive, he can help a bit in regards to the initial training."
Frowning, Luna replied, "I thought you said you won't torment the recruits."
"Oh, it's not torture, since they can quit anytime they want. Further, what I'm doing is going to be the basic stuff. If they can't handle that, then they really shouldn't be here in the first place."
"I highly doubt your intentions since you need Discord's aid."
"It's just a small thing, I promise you that nothing will be broken by it. At worst it will cause some pain to the recruits only, but this squad isn't made for soft ponies. There's going to be a lot of pain so that they can be at their best." Rubbing a hoof against the back of my head, I looked to the side as I said, "Besides, it's better than experiencing it on the job."
Looking back at Luna, I saw that her face looked a bit sadder as she replied, "Very well, I will place my trust in your judgement. Though there is one last matter we need to address."
"What is it?"
"Your new status of a member of nobility, even if it is a low ranking one, no offense. I just want to know you won't abuse the few privileges that come with it," Luna explained as she looked at me with a somber expression, awaiting my answer.
Instead of answer, I just started to laugh at the idea, causing her to look confused before I began to explain. "Luna, I barely know what things I could get from being a 'Dame'. All I know for sure is that it will help stop ponies from setting me on fire. At best, I might use it to shock the nobles who are annoying me about something silly."
"Shock them?"
"Well, how do you think they will react when they find a 'fellow noble' that once had to eat garbage?"
At first, Luna's face was a mixture of shock, disgust, amusement, and sorrow, until I let out a chuckle. This allowed her to relax and laugh with me for a bit, as she said, "They would certainly be shocked to hear that. I am glad that you will not be abusing your title. Sadly, I have to make my leave, I must return to safeguarding the dreams of ponies."
"Good luck with that Princess Luna. Though... no pony is having those nightmares anymore, right?"
"Thankfully no. I have not seen any of those horrid things. I take it that it is a sign that the barrier is truly repaired."
Smiling in relief, I said, "That's good to hear princess. It was nice talking to you."
"Likewise," Luna replied before she disappeared from my dream. Looking around, I saw that my dream didn't disappear when she did. Hence, with nothing to do, I decided to go wander around for the rest of the night. Thankfully, for the rest of my slumber, dream-Ponyville wasn't devastated for once. This caused me to hope that this is a sign that things are turning around for me for once.
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Ohh! Finally!
Now I only have to wait till Monday for the next chapter! 
Also: First!
Hmmm. One wonders what Aether will need Discord for. I sense some hijinks in the possible making.
Anyways.
First word should be 'short'. And you missed an indent a few lines later.
well i can guess some of their training will be the usual to keep them fit and some parkour on the side so their highly mobile in the field.
Dude, I'm really enjoying this... Can't wait to see the first wave of recruits, probably won't be as bad as what the Dark Angels did to gain recruits, but, it will be enjoyable to read.
Good chapter, as always
Id suspect, to save the recruits from learning on the job, in being thrown through an active dimentional rift to see whats on the other side, Discord can throw them through the active dimentional rift into his home region, and see how long they take to become quivering wrecks, get baited by the badger, or hitch a lift with the mail mare.
I feel sorry for her, Due to the fact that she unknowingly invoked the power of Murphy, God of misfortune
Heheheh, awesome update! :D
Loving where this is going, I can't wait to see the new recruits!
Keep it up!
She could recruit Diamond Tiara, in times of qar, conscription tends to be obligatory.
Things are going to happen, I've read enough when I see this,
I know something is going to happen.
Or I'll be wrong and everypony will be happy.
6242514
I think reality was sufficiently checked when Celestia nearly blew up the world because she was just that desperate to get laid, she poked a hole into another universe for the chance. Personally saving an entire world from the notZerg and being the official, government-appointed head of your own personal military department for Interdimensional Special Operations really ought to entitle you to a bit of respect to go along with that position of authority. Especially when you did it in a barely half-grown body that's not even yours and while surrounded by people who are at least three times your age and still not a tenth as qualified for the job.
Suddenly being a physical child again doesn't mean a previously-grown man with responsibilities like that should have to take being treated like an idiot toddler, especially not by people who really know better, but simply don't care enough to bother adjusting their preconceived notions to it.
6242726
True that Aether shouldn't really take to be treated like a child completely, but she is showing signs of the affect that it is having on her. The physiological part of being a child has been affecting Aether. There are a couple of examples that are slightly hidden throughout. Not having a solid grasp on Aether's personality pre-transformation does make it hard to fully distinguish the exact details of how. Though it is going to be very obvious that she will take advantage of her new Dame status to screw with Diamond Tiara. That entire thing she has against DT is something that does need to be treated like you would a child though. If not it would get ridiculous since such a child like vengeance doesn't usually involve the resources and intelligence that Aether has at her disposal. Though she is partially an adult it is important to note that in many ways like that in social and other societal interactions (along with heavy emotional control) Aether is in fact no better than a child.
6244081
Looking at the behaviour of the "actual" adult in this story, I couldn't disagree more. Between the emotionally traumatized orphan with anger issues who grew up on the streets eating garbage and this setting's cast of 60+ year olds with all the emotional maturity of grade schoolers, I think the angry alien hobo still ends up looking better.
Anyone would, because Diamond Tiara is a little monster that everyone hates, including this site's user base, if I'm any judge. It's the whole point of the character. Hell, even Pinkie messed with her. Not that she is much of a standard for maturity to live up to.
6244170
.
You are right I always miss a few things in my thoughts. On top of that I gotta keep remembering which standard of what childish behavior is. Ponies have a very low standard with that. Also although Diamond Tiara deserves it without a doubt and Pinkie did mess with DT herself, gotta remember that like you said Aether is an emotionally traumatized, hobo alien that was raised in a less peaceful society. That is exactly why Aether's grudge match with DT could be a major problem. Think about Discord and his detachment on understanding going too far with pranks. Aether has less of the complete silliness and much better planning than Discord. Though I really can't wait to see Aether stick it to DT in a completely childish way, that would be amazing to see her rub her Dame status in DT's face
6244190
I doubt it. I haven't met many war orphans, but I've dealt with enough damaged and violent individuals in my life to know that if Aether was coping with his background this badly, Diamond wouldn't have gotten pranked to begin with, she'd have been stabbed. Speaking from rather painful experience there. I am in fact actually that bad at the whole "not running my mouth all the time" thing, yes. Having the restraint to wait for someone to throw the first punch is not exactly typical either, because poor impulse control tends to come as a package deal with that. I'm really not seeing it.
6244249
..... good point. Wait a second.... oh no. Well I seem to be confusing events from a different fic with this. Along with personality stuff. Aether does have issues. Though the fact that he waits for the first punch doesn't mean that he has complete impulse control. I will admit that I have blended something from other fic (it happens when you read what might be approaching a hundred or more), but in that same instance that she had waited for DT to make the first move she also went way way too far. Grinding her face into the dirt after a bit of a beating. She said herself that she doesn't make the first move, but does go all out. Diamond Tiara already made the first move with inciting a bloodthirsty riot on Aether. Aether will respond with equivalent though sneaker ways in her mind. Aether has a bit of a proportion issue too. Or there is always the fact that I am thinking too seriously, don't rightly know. Always come off as more serious about hobbies and interest than I mean.
Edit : I mean it does have the comedy tag and I keep thinking on it like analyzing say FFX storyline.
6244272
Seeing how she wasn't hospitalized and/or permanently harmed, he clearly didn't. Again, alien hobo who had to run from people trying to kill him (and may or may not have killed any of them back, himself) more than once and would know the difference between a slapfight and an actual fight. He's competent enough to train himself a special forces unit, apparently, so don't tell me he couldn't have.
I can't quite decide who or what you just flattered the least with this statement.
6244309
That little edit thing meant that I take analyze too much at the same lvl. To be fair a comedy taged fanfic shouldn't really be analyzed at the same lvl as the story of a Final Fantasy game.
6244959
True. The fanfic is probably better.
6245188
.....
6242726
She was not looking for sex...she was looking for love...someone that understands even a small portion of the problems she has, and can commiserate with and understand her.
She is Celestia...she can get laid anytime she wants, but finding honest to goodness love...a whole heck of a lot harder.
She also had no idea what she was doing was dangerous, and if she did she most likely would have stopped...or at least have found a different way.
Eh, yes and no...Aether's knowledge helped save the world from one possible incursion...which can still happen again...
Would they have been screwed without her knowledge?...Yes most definitely, but all the power, legwork, and basically everything else was done by the ponies...Aether would not have been able to do anything on her own.
Of course they are not qualified!
They did not even know about different dimensions let alone all the headaches that come with them.
As far as Aether goes even she has admitted that she is far from an expert as far as the dimensional community goes...she has lots of hard won experience yes, but even she admits that her job was for the low people on the totem pole which means that she is hardly the most qualified for the job...she is just the only one they have...I guess in the land of the blind the one eye'd filly is queen eh?
Respect for her new position?...ha...respect has to be earned not given...I can only respect Aether for using her knowledge to help the ponies...I cannot respect her for getting a position simply because they had no one better...that kind of respect comes about from seeing how well she does the job.
Like I said in the above paragraphs she should be respected for her knowledge and how she uses it, but if she fails at basic social interaction that any other small child/foal would know by treating the ponies around her like dirt...then yeah she does deserve to be treated like a child.
What makes you an adult is more than just your age it is how you act, and how you treat those around you.
Someone who doesn't recognize blatant sarcasm when it hits them in the face shouldn't go around lecturing other people about social interactions.
Also, to sum that comment up: "Totally saved everyone's lives, but since a wimpy little child can't do everything by itself it doesn't actually count, so she shut up and stop being rude to mai waifus! Stupic OCs."
dame is equivalent to a knight, right?
6240730 I don't get why so many people are still ignorant of this fact. The author didn't get re-featured. The features box has ten spots. The first seven are for recently published stories that get enough likes/faves to warrant a feature. The last three are for whenever a previously featured story updates.
6254677 3rd or 4th what exactly? There's no ranking system for stories on here
6254710 You misunderstood. I stated that there are ten spots for featured/updated stories on the front page. Slots 1-7 are for recently published stories that get featured. Slots 8-10 are for formerly featured stories that get updated. They aren't in any particular order, other than possibly time of addition to the list.
How awful!
a quote comes to mind: "the more you sweat in training, the less you bleed in combat."