I lowered the binoculars and ducked down as the four targets emerged from the store after an hour of waiting.
I didn’t know what Assured Accounting did to deserve a personal visit from three Division-P inquisitors and a changeling captive, but I could hardly care. What mattered is that the patrol was now out in the open, and moving once again.
“All lings in position?” I asked quietly.
Next to me, Froghopper gave an affirmative. We were sitting on top of a roof across the street and down a number of buildings from the targets. Behind us, more buildings down, several changelings waited in alleyways to spring the trap. Past the inquisitors, changelings waited in more alleyways in case the patrol headed away from us instead of towards.
Peeking up, I saw that the inquisitors stopped to chat with one another for a few minutes. In this quiet backroads street in the outskirts of Fillydelphia, there would be no spectators to the ambush. None on the street or sidewalks, at least. That was as clear as we were going to get.
Finally, the three unicorns set off, coming our way. The changeling fell in line behind two and in front of the third. No doubt he felt my presence the moment I came within a several-mile radius of the city. From the looks of it, he did not tip off the unicorns. When I spied on her using the binoculars, I caught her looking in my direction a few times. He refrained from giving anything away, and threw out looks around the street to not tip off the inquisitors that something was up.
“Get ready, they’re coming our way” I commanded.
Froghopper nodded and waved a hoof behind us. A messenger passed the signal on to the team below and past us. When the ponies were across the street, I gave the command.
“Havok!” I whisper-yelled before teleporting away.
The changeling yelped in surprise when I appeared next to her and tackled her to the ground. Relying on my changelings to protect me if any of the inquisitors tried anything, I began to teleport once again.
Sure enough, after a yell of surprise, they quickly reacted to the armored unicorn who teleported in on their patrol. Three stunning spells were absorbed quite spectacularly into a green bubble shield that appeared around us. That was all the inquisitors had time for before I pulled us away in a blaze of orange flames, very similar to the flames that appear when I disguise myself.
We appeared back on the rooftop, but without the changeling’s collar. My teleport spell was bright, flashy, and very recognizable. Further, it left any enchanted objects behind when it was used. That last fact was normally completely restrictive when I had Unbroken Radiance on, but in this instance it became the lynchpin of this ambush.
In the street, the inquisitors were furious. Angry yelling, pointing, and quick-thinking led them to the conclusion of using a tracking spell on the changeling I had in my forehooves. Unfortunately for them, that was when the changelings launched their attack.
The sounds of spellfire and surprised screams and yelling were accompanied by the sudden wave of fear that the inquisitors and hidden onlookers felt. Even in the building right below me, I was sure ponies rushed up to the windows to see the sudden fight taking place.
I slumped down and looked over the changeling. She had curled up in my forelegs, covering herself as much as possible.
“Hey, what’s your name?”
“Hallux, Your H-Highness,” she whimpered.
I refrained from hissing in anger when I saw that her carapace was marred with different scars. It takes a lot more force to puncture chitin than it does skin, but that doesn’t seem to deter the Division in any way.
“Are you well, Hallux?”
“N–no, Y–Your Highness.”
“You’re shivering.”
“J–just starving, Your Highness.”
I frowned, “They don’t feed their captives?”
“Not m–much, Your Highness.”
I patted her on the back, eliciting another whimper.
“There there, Hallux. You’re back in good hooves. We’ll get you–”
A pegasus-disguised changeling flew up and landed on the roof behind me, above the street.
“We have them, Sir. No injuries on our side.”
“Understood. Let’s clear out before the fuzz arrives. Even if they’re on my payroll, it’s best to avoid unwanted attention.”
The changeling saluted and flew off to pass on the message.
“Come, Hallux. It’s time to leave.”
“Where are we going, Your Highness?” She asked as she rose to unsteady hooves.
“To the Fifth Hive.”
The carts unloaded the last of the bound inquisitors, hauling them quickly to the designated pods. The warehouse that stored these ponies was dark and completely sealed up. My airlock design ensured that the light of day never reached the interior, and more importantly, no pony could ever get a glimpse of the inside.
We had several locations such as this across Manehattan’s outlying manufacturing and commercial districts. Similar locations in other cities were used for storage and distribution of alcohol and on occasion love. These fortresses were special, more secure and closely guarded than those.
Within the select few reinforced warehouses, the podded ponies were kept. Most were from Count Double Dealing’s doom. A few were from other instances of discovering changelings. But now, with the addition of no less than fifteen Division-P inquisitors hauled in from across the country, this particular warehouse was now a quarter full. With the Gala approaching, I wondered if it would get any fuller before I would be forced to release the ponies.
For a concession, of course. I wasn’t about to give up something for nothing. But I left that kind of thinking for the future, and instead focused on the present. Five changelings had been rescued from the patrols today, the first day of action. One unicorn had died in a battle in Baltimare. The zealot refused to be captured, and once she realized the inevitable, she tried to take as many changelings with her as possible. Admirable, but a wasted effort. Two changelings received burns, but were otherwise unharmed.
‘I imagine that Cadence will blame me.’
The changeling teams had all reported back with their captives in tow, so I ordered a round of extra rations to be given to them all. The support staff for the operation also got a round; just because they were not in the line of fire didn’t mean that their duties were any less important.
I chuckled to myself as I left the warehouse, satisfied with today’s efforts.
‘Tomorrow’s papers are going to be very, very interesting.’
“I feel fine, Luna.”
She rolled her eyes as she continued monitoring me with… magic, I guess. Dream magic was still a complicated subject that I knew only the basics of. I didn’t need to be an expert to know that whatever it took to scan my mind, it didn’t require her to be snuggling up against me in the dream parlor.
But I wasn’t about to complain.
“That is good to hear, but Cadence reports otherwise. You had a conversation with her last night?”
I grunted in response, “She told me what she learned about Division-P.”
“And?”
“And… what?”
“What other topics did you two speak of?”
‘Oh great, here we go.’
“Count Double Dealings,” I mumbled.
“Cadence was very concerned for you, Phasma. You scared her.”
“I did? I guess I did.”
“You had an outburst. A moment of intense anger. Cadence said your eyes glowed green. I doubt that that was an intentional manipulation of your form in her dream.”
‘They did what?’
“They did what?”
Luna’s horn dimmed as her spell finished, “You need to avoid strong triggers of anger for the next… until I get a chance to help you in person. Understood?”
“I mean, I’ll try,” I offered her.
“That is the most I can hope for. Now, what is this about Division-P?”
“They’re moving against the Fifth Hive. As of yesterday, the Fifth Hive has unwillingly joined the War for the Sun. The E.U.P. may be focused on quarantining the Fourth Hive and finding a way to break in, but Daybreaker’s Division-P is now focused on tracking us down and capturing us.”
Luna tapped my chest, “You have managed to make it this far without joining the conflict. If you can end it quickly and without bloodshed, then do so. The sooner you withdraw from it, the better. For more than one reason. Otherwise, try to bide your time until the Gala. Use whatever delaying tactics you can think of.”
“Already on it, Luna.”
“I trust that you are not going on a maddened spree, letting your emotions and spells run wild?”
“Only one pony died yesterday, during a suicidal gambit to kill as many changelings as they could. They didn’t get any.”
“Unfortunate but unavoidable,” she buried her head underneath mine.
‘Ah, the pros of having an outdated marefriend. Or at least a ruler who actually has experience ruling. Her views on war are a bit closer to humanity’s than Cadence’s.’
“This was just the first day of fighting, however,” I reminded her. “Time will tell just how bloody this conflict turns out to be.”
I waved her billowing mane out of my face, and then pressed it down against her as I lay a hoof across her neck. Taming the lavender beast was a daily challenge for me.
‘Soon, we’ll be doing this in the real world. Me, Luna, a big bed, and the ability to sleep in without receiving a report that our kingdoms are in danger somehow.’
“Ba-bum, ba-bum, ba-bum,” Luna voiced my rapid heartbeat. “What has gotten you so excited?”
“Thinking about you,” I said as I nuzzled her.
Luna chuckled, “There will be plenty of time for excitement like that later.”
“Not like that,” I said quickly, my face feeling a lot hotter, “I meant actually being together. No, I said not like that!” Luna just batted her eyelashes at me. “Luna… what am I going to do with you?”
“Oh, I suppose we’ll find out. I have a lot of ideas, though.”
“You are insufferable!” I chuckled.
I watched Luna rise and fall on my chest, her blissfully relaxed and sprawled across me.
“Do you think Celestia will like me, Luna?”
“Mmm. You make me happy, Phasma. That is enough for her. Beyond that… I believe so. So long as you keep that sense of humor, I think you two will get along well. Also, as long as you both work together on your duties as rulers. You two could very easily clash on how you plan to go about merging our kingdoms.”
“Merging? I don’t plan on doing that. Not exactly.”
“Exactly. You two will possess opposing desires of sorts. I digress, I do believe you will like her, and that she will like you.” Luna hummed, “I have to say, being the smaller pony in a relationship is a new experience for me.”
“Always the big spoon?”
“More often than not. This is new and not unwelcome.”
“Hmmm…. So, doctor’s orders are that I have to watch my anger?”
“Yes, dear,” Luna insisted.
“While I am at war?”
“Yes, dear.”
“And fighting for my life?”
“Yes, dear.”
“... That’s not going to be easy.”
“Ruling is never easy,” Luna mumbled, dozing off. “Besides, you have your friends and I. What is the worst that could happen?”
I gasped and lurched upwards, “Don’t–!”
Daybreaker slammed the folder onto her desk. Even turned away from her own mane, she could see it’s flaring and sparking from the light it cast onto her study. That fact alone signaled to all who could see that Daybreaker was not in a conversational mood.
“When I desired results, this is not what I had in mind, Lord Artful. One of my little ponies is dead. On your orders, no less.”
Lord Artful Acumen bowed slightly, not acknowledging the fact that they were actually Daybreaker’s orders.
“A thousand apologies, Your Highness. This operation came with risks, we knew this. The results obtained were worth the price paid,” the unicorn claimed.
“Is this so?” Daybreaker voiced her doubts.
“It is, Your Highness. The final piece of the puzzle has been revealed. Lone Wanderer's report suggested the presence of Hydra plus level threat operating within Equestria. Then came Rocky Mountain’s picture and Rogue Hurricane’s report, and well, it is quite obvious just who this threat is. With Team Harmony’s reconnaissance, we traced three shell company’s presence within the alcohol blackmarket, and that they were likely operated by changelings. With Operation Beehive, we know that Prince Phasmatodea is not only alive and operating within Equestria, but that he has implanted agents all across the Principality. Finally, thanks to the heroic sacrifice of Inquisitor Counter Position and the rest of the teams, we have an idea of this rogue changeling’s ability to mobilize. Now we can start constricting his area of operations, slowly narrowing down his nest’s location.”
“And with it, acquire the means to win the war, once and for all,” Daybreaker smiled.
“As you say, Your Highness. Inquisitor Counter Position might have saved Equestria.”
Daybreaker flicked a hoof. Lord Artful Acumen took the signal to leave, and bowed as he did so. With him gone, the burning alicorn was left alone in her office. She looked down at the grainy, black and white photo and the attached report.
Prince Phasmatodea was relaxing socially with the thestral elders, within their keep’s walled garden. But Daybreaker had inherited Celestia’s spy network, and had no intention of disbanding it. With eyes everywhere, she had finally found proof that the mysterious royal was alive.
But of course he lived. Epitaph needs him to.
“You will have a different purpose for me, little Prince. I will find you. And you will bow to Equus’s rightful ruler.”
I groaned and cursed as I laid back down on the sofa. Luna stayed upright, glaring at me.
“Why are you so superstitious?”
“You realize that it’s me who’s going to have to pay for that remark, right Luna? You just made my life more miserable in some unseen way. Panar damnit, it’s not going to be pleasant.”
She batted my chest before lying back down on top of it.
“I am sorry if I freaked you out. Now apologize for flinging me into the air.”
I rolled my eyes, “I’m sorry for sending you flying. Even though you deserved it.”
“I deserved it?” She asked as she tried getting comfortable again.
“Yeah. Besides, you landed back on me, so I would be the one who’s bruised. If I decided I wanted to hurt within my own dream. Which I don’t, so there’s no hurt feelings. I forgive you, Luna.”
“Hahaha! Glad that will not weigh on my conscience!”
“So, we’ve concluded that I’m still suffering from minor possession. How are you doing?”
“Mmmmmmuch better now, Phasma, much better. I look forward to the days where I am able to unwind with you properly, and when of course I will have my sister back. These nightly sessions tide me over in the meantime.”
“I enjoy them, too. I love you, Luna.”
“I love you too, Phasma.”
Daymn, those were quite big doggos. I imagined them smaller.
Sooo, Daybreaker doesn't seem to want all changelings dead, which is interesting...
Flaming puppers.
A voice bellows: "you're not as stupid as you look!"
So Celestia is on to Luna, that's not good...
Which chapter does the image belong to?
Otherwise nice chapter and uh-oh Daybreaker is intentionally letting Phas live.
Even without that remark - Murphy never sleeps, you know.
That picture is gorgeous!
Would you like to know more?
Thánh Gióng (Saint Giong),[1] also known as Phù Đổng Thiên Vương (Heavenly king of Phù Đổng), Ông Gióng (sir Gióng)[2][3] and Xung Thiên Thần Vương (Divine King of Heaven) is a mythical folk hero of Vietnam's history and one of The Four Immortals. According to the legend, Gióng was a boy who rode on an iron horse and won against the enemy of the state.[4] The most well known version of the legend had him battle against the Chinese army, thus, he is considered the first anti-invasion hero of the Vietnamese. Some researchers believe he is the Vietnamese version of Vaiśravaṇa. There are many versions of the legend of Thánh Gióng. But they all have the same general story: In ancient time, there was a fearsome enemy, the king sent his men to seek for a talented person to defeat the enemy. In Phù Đổng village, there was a child, although he is three years old, but he couldn't talk or crawl. But as soon as he heard about the king seeking for talent, he spoke. He then joined the army, asked the king for a sword and a horse, and defeated the enemy. After peace was restored, he flew away.
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57- Februus
I don't believe in those saying but even then I wouldn't test my luck
Seeing both the Luna's remark and the dynamics between the two, I think we will see Phasma in a role of a tied damsel during the gala. Of course he'll be rescued by the warrior princess and the elements, aided by the princess of food
So considering that ponies would be slightly smaller than Phasma at the time... damn those wolves are big.
👍
A good choice
While after the conflict conquering Equestria or taking victory spoils won't be an option, challenging and completely dominating them economically and globally is the best option.
There are many human tactics that they would be defenseless against because that would be completely new or is completely outside of their psychology and way of thinking.
Maybe even create changelings own currency so that way it would be worth more than Equestria's bits and global trade would start to rely on their currency like a dollar or euro.
Oh for fuck sake
So not only they were so incompetent that they didn't know that nightmares had a name and hierarchy, now they get spied and let a pegasus take pictures of the inside of their home and their garden.
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it the same as saying well at least it cant get worse
The Fifth Hive hasn't actually had time to establish its theoretical namesake, and is smart enough that they won't try to with a war on three fronts still ongoing. In other words, Daybreaker is trying to narrow down the location of something that doesn't exist; Phasma can uproot everything that matters about his operation on barely a moment's notice because he realized he might have to.
Very nice Image. And very quick Chapter releases. How fortunate.
Dear Changeling god ... What a GLORIOUS picture
Both you and Epitaph can nosedive of the nearest cliff my dear.
You are just as pathetic and contemptible as the rest of your cohorts.
Holy crap, that fan art is gorgeous.
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Oh she doesn't, Luna is just A: a little bit backwards and B: madly in love and willing to overlook a lot because of it.
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This could be more Celestia peeking through, nudging Daybreaker away from murder and into greed and ego. After all, killing an enemy is one thing, but making him bow before you and accept you as their ruler? Now that is a prize to feed ones vanity.
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Not knowing whether they would do the same to you is a pretty poor reason to start enslaving people. But even that aside, the current Phasma does know that most ponies are ridiculously forgiving. And it's the current Phasma being so enraged at changeling slaves whom I feel should be called out for his hypocrisy. Even in this latest chapter we see he is still holding ponies in pods, fully preparing to use his hostages-to-be as bargaining chips in negotiations (which is pretty terrible negotiating strategy when your species' survival is going to depend on the other side liking you, but that's another topic).
And yes, I realize Phasma was just a regular human before his rebirth (though you can't really call him that anymore, given what he has accomplished in just one year) but that's exactly the reason why someone needs to call him out. So far, he has been surrounded either by people who care for him, love him, but overall agree with him, or enemies who want him dead. He needs critical voices to call him out. Cadance tried to do so last chapter, and Phasma's reaction was the dream equivalent of storming out of the room and slamming the door, which kinda means that Cadance hit the mark, and that Phasma needs more people doing so, preferably in settings where he can't just flip the table and walk out when they point out uncomfortable truths.
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but hes not inslaving hes capturing and taking them prisoner there's a difference
Lovely chapter. Phasmatodea cuddling Luna
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Changelings seem to be perfect to get ones underlibgs into the waking world! To useful to waste em
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That some hot puppys
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Unless she suspects another Nightmare working against her. Mortals are not to hard to manipulate...
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Unless hes on vaccation?
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Better save than sorry. Its the same why one should have protection. Just - in - case...
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Princess Luna to the rescue of the virgin King... What a romantic classic
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Probably Princess Mononoke sized
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Daybreaker is full of pride. Perfect weakness of a strong enemy
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Indeed. Really hope they all get a sick verbal burn ♡
What is the point of having Daybreaker as an antagonist?
That's a genuine question. There has been constant build-up for quite a while now for the post-war, like:
Which hints at the possibility of future conflict between Phasma-Celestia. And really that's a quite small example, it's something that's done constantly (and quite well, if I might add). From small things like Luna, Phasma, and friends going to Our Town for a vacation to Phasma facing a trial or introducing art deco to Equestria, to huge things like the whole "War with the Nightmares".
Meanwhile, Daybreaker has scarcely received any attention at all. All we really know about her is that she's prideful, quick to anger, and vaguely bad. This is the first time, in chapter 110, we have ever seen her do anything threatening at all. Or that she has been set up to do anything in general, the times she has done stuff it has happened squarely in the background (like her having political prisoners). To the result that by now she's, imo, a pretty bland character that's mostly surviving on name recognition.
So what's even the point of building her up at this stage? The faster she loses the faster we can get to all the good stuff that lays after the war, and it isn't as if we would even lose anything if that was the case.
The story has plenty of antagonists already after all. Chrysalis can be the devious baddie that lurks in the background (and her surviving the war while still having a force of her own and podded ponies would be an interesting source of conflict) while the Nightmares, particularly this Epitaph being, can be the Big Bad. Cadence and Celestia have some great potential as more friendly political antagonists, challenging Phasma's way of ruling. And it isn't as Division P would necessarily disappear if Daybreaker lost, they could quite perfectly transform into a fanatical anti-changeling domestic terrorist organization, and continue to be a source of conflict between Phasma and Cadence.
That's all to say that, imo, the sooner Daybreaker loses, the better. Other than that
I love Luna, have I said that before? Because I do, she's great. Please more Luna.
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How so? He's keeping them against their wills either to feed off for the rest of their lives, or to trade them away like commodities. Seems pretty close to what Division-P is doing.
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Possible, though it would require a massive restructuring of the hive. And a lot of time would be spent building up a resource acquisition and production line of goods to dominate the market with, since I doubt he's going to be allowed to keep his alcohol facilities smack-dab in the centre of Equestria. He's going to need something to tide his people over in the meantime, and that is likely to be reliant on Equestria's generosity.
He needs to be careful with that "completely outside of their psychology and way of thinking" though, because that knife can cut on both ends. What was successful in a human economy isn't necessarily going to be successful in an alien economy.
Aaand it dead.
#whatcouldpossiblygowrong?
#everything.
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She isn't the main villain of the story. To other characters, like Luna or Twilight, her presence and actions would make her the centerpiece of the conflict. However, Phasma exists on the periphery of Equestria. Interactions with other villains make them more important. That does not mean that Daybreaker ceases to exist, though. She exerts amounts of influence over Phasma's life, in big and small ways, despite her distance and seldom-seen appearances.
I can't just write out a villain simply because they are not as important to the story as others.
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Why would Phasma seek to dominate Equestria though? He wants to survive and secure a future for his species above all else, not play conqueror. Changelings feed on love, and like Thorax discovered the best way for them to never go hungry again is by recieving love freely given to them. This can't happen if ponies resent the changelings for being their overlords, and Phasma knows this.
And how would he achieve economic domination anyway? Phasma's entire 'economy' is an underground smuggling network. Compared to the entire GDP of Equestria, one of the most prosperous nations in the world, it's practically nothing.
One of the main running themes of this story is that cooperation is superior to subjugation. It's only when both sides put aside their differences and work together as equals (Luna and Phasma, Phasma and Cadance etc.) that things start to improve for everyone involved. Compare that to how Chrysalis and Daybreaker act.
Totally should tho. Phasma being one of Equestria's rulers after trying to conquer it and turn the population into livestock would be absolutely hilarious and I really really really want it to happen
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I don't believe the Nightmares, themselves, have spy networks. However, Celestia has kept the peace for roughly one thousand years, with at least one canon spy/monster hunting operation AKA S.M.I.L.E.
Why not more than one operation? Or multiple separate sub-divisions of S.M.I.L.E.? Daybreaker is just commandeering a fairly competent operation that Celestia already built. And adding Division-P(At least, I'm hoping this wasn't founded before Daybreaker) to the mix with all the anti-changeling fervour.
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"Well you see, when an immortal demi-god emperor with a ruthlessly capitalist-imperialist mindset likes an easily-exploitable nation very much..."
Every time I see that word used correctly, I smile.
Also, distressing to learn about Division-P's competence. I guess there's bound to be a few clever clogs kicking around that have no qualms about enslaving others, but it's quite a wrinkle that they caught on to Phas's shenanigans so quickly. I'd almost say that impulsively starting up a moonshiner/smuggling operation inside a hostile country that's at war and cracking down on their product might be a bad idea. I wouldn't actually say that though, because if you ever have the chance to play at being a Prohibition Era gangster you have to take it.
That is indeed some amazing Fanart, my complements to the Artist. Another chapter of doom awaits!
Alright that fanart is actually sick, easily the best one yet. It's not just great in context of the story and us enjoying seeing it drawn to life, it goes beyond that and is actually really awesome art on its own, even when completely stripped of its context. I was at an art museum yesterday and I like that piece more than anything I saw there (although that probably does say more about me than the art museum...). Like I'd actually hang that on my wall no problem, which certainly doesn't go for 99% of MLP art. Compliments to the artist, that Ko-Fi is seriously paying off.
P.S I know the wolves and flames are really cool, but I just really gotta mention that tree. It is gorgeous.
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This...
^
And this especially, is one of the main reasons why I absolutely adore this story. The characters in your story don't just stop when the main plot is underway, and it makes your world feel active and 'used', if you get my meaning.
I wish I had your writing comprehension... Guess I'm just going to have to accept my salad story for what it is.
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I wholeheartedly agree with you there. In actuality, I assumed you were keeping Daybreaker in the background to emphasize that the world doesn't orbit around Phasma; that there are other independent actors that also affected the narrative. I thought that was Daybreaker's function, and she was great at it.
By bringing her into the spotlight out of nowhere though you've nulled that role. You're actually pretty much sending the completely opposite message now. For example here (
) Daybreaker talks of Phasma as if he was the Chosen One. Add that the entire section is about how Daybreaker apparently had a big part of her intelligence apparatus solely devoted to finding him ("she had finally found proof") and Phasma doesn't exactly appear to be some peripheral nuisance.
If that wasn't enough, at the same time that bringing her up has propped Phasma's importance up it has also diminished the perceived importance and competence of other characters. For example, Cadence. Divison P was running this entire multilevel operation and she had absolutely no idea, so what the hell has she been doing this entire time? Or Luna, who apparently is putting all her eggs in the one basket of the Gala, and now that she has convinced the elements seems to have straight-up stopped caring or preparing. Or the thestrals, as Mitril pointed out.
And for what?
To be clear I don't think you should simply write her off. I don't think she should have been brought to the front (or rather shouldn't at this point) but now that she's an active antagonist she obviously can't simply disappear.
What I would recommend is that she stays only a minor antagonist and that Luna's Gala ploy succeeds, does so soon, and with minimal involvement from Phasma. That way Daybreaker can serve as a test for Phasma's temperament ("doctor’s orders are that I have to watch my anger?”) without requiring much development (since she'll be removed relatively quickly), and a way of empowering other characters (Luna and the elements, in this case, maybe even Cadence and SA).
Obviously, it goes without saying that this is all just my opinion.
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Hear, hear! I might agree wholeheartedly with Phasma, but it would be interesting if he had his beliefs seriously and competently challenged.
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Except if he ends up subjugating Equestria for his own ends he'll likely make Luna (along with Cadance and possibly Thorax) feel heartbroken and betrayed in the process - she still has an obligation to her subjects after all. Phasma can then kiss his friends, the love of his life and the last remaining anchor for his fraying sanity goodbye.
Phasma is ruthless and determined sure, but he's not an uncaring sociopath or plain stupid for that matter.
Thank you for the quick chapter release, I wasn’t expecting this for at least another day or two so THANK YOU!
Might want to reconcile that. Also, dang, those dire wolves are HUGE.
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My guy I was memeing, exaggerating for comedy and all that.
That said, I don't necessarily disagree, although “domination” can take many forms, and I'm talking domination by the almighty changeling dollar. He's immortal, so if we assume a long term time scale then it's certainly possible to eventually economically dominate Equestria (the questionable long-term stability of post-industrial capitalism might prove a problem I guess, but that wont be relevant for probably atleast another century judging by their technology level).
But if we're talking a shorter time frame, which I think you are, I think you're pretty much right. I mean, as a dirty commie, I don't exactly think him adopting a hyper-competetive mindset based on realist geopolitical maneuvering straight out of the US State Department in 1955 would be a good thing for him, his relationships or his changelings, especially given his current total reliance on pony cooperation.
It might work, sure (keyword being might) but only based on absolutely ruthless exploitation of excessive pony goodwill. Like, we're talking extreme policies to make up for the economic size, massive comparative advantage, and just straight up general institutional knowledge of Equestria (Phasma is clearly a very competent politician and leader, but outside of pre-existing knowledge of future technologies, I honestly think his human advantage is being overstated in the comments. He can only double-deal and backstab so much before the ponies wisen up and get more cynical. And going by individual capitalists like Double Dealings, some ponies can clearly play the game just like humans. And that's ignoring all the other sapient species that are surely more human-like in mindset to begin with).
And those strategies would definitely end up alienating that pretty pony princess girlfriend of his.
That said he probably wont go that far, I agree. But he'll certainly try to use his knowledge and get some key economic advantages going forward (invest in Apple stock early? Try founding it instead).
wow I'm rambling, aren't I? Brain plz, it's 2 AM and you kan barely stay awake. Why are you posting about horse economics?
I don't remember Phas ever fighting wolves. What chapter is the fan art relevant to?
Which is it?
Damn it Daring
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Chapter 55. It's like a chapter or two after his fight with Chrysalis, followed by his mostly successful emergency teleportation.
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57- Februus
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Oh right when he teleported to that forest. I forgot the name of the town he went to though. It seems so long ago.
Perfect chapter name, just intime for Saigon 2.0, no?
Don't worry, Phasma. I'm sure tomorrow will be quiet for you. Nice and slow, ya know? Please, Panar, don't let those written words be counted for me at work...
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A slave is some one you put to hard labor will hes just inprisining them there more like p.o.w's
without the hard labor
i swear every time i see stuff about the speakeasy's i immediately think of this vid and hope to see some good old speakeasy action
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Kc8ZRgPtvU
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My bad, the joke went right over my head. It's hard to tell when someone is being sarcastic on the internet sometimes, and imperialism being portrayed in a positive light leaves a bitter taste in my mouth ever since I learned about its' consequences in the Congo Free State and such. I might have gotten overly sensitive about it.
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for one. prisoners get traded for stuff plenty. a slave is property. a prisoner is a bargaining chip. same as a hostage. i'd say the difference between slaves and prisoners is slaves are permanent objects you use at your leisure. people in your completely power with little worry of losing them
prisoners are people you intend to either kill later or free on certain terms. phas obviously wants the second. think of it like bringing a gun with you when entering a drug deal. and letting people know you have the gun. it gives you leverage in the deal
as for the alcohol. who says he can't keep his business in equestria? drinks would be legal again and while you could claim they are run by non citizens he could easily fix that in a number of ways, plus they are run by shell companies. and would have luna likely helping him legally keep them
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i noticed a lot of your comments are getting mass downvoted but i see no reason why
Has anyone pointed out yet, that the wolf in the foreground's right foreleg is anatomically wrong?
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technically they're POWs and yeah both sides are doing it. However, one side is being a hell of a lot more human about it and isn't ACTUALLY forcing them to do labor like normal POWs