Chapter17: Jumping the Gun
Chapter 17
(Reminder that I own nothing!)
‘Thought’
“Dialogue”
“Words in a foreign language.”
“Quoting in thought”
***
“You’re sure you’re alright?” Spitfire asked the poor nurse that had gotten on Eleison’s bad side earlier that evening. The nurse had been the first one to try and get the hue man mare situated with an I-V, the doctor they had brought along had claimed she desperately needed one, and had gotten a nasty black eye for her trouble.
“Oh I'm fine, I'm sure I just startled the poor dear,” The nurse replied, fidgeting with the magically cooled cloth she had pressed over the left side of her face.
“Well... if you’re sure,” Spitfire mumbled. She left the nurse to her business and trotted over to where Soarin and Fleet Foot were sitting and watching the two humans, now safely tucked away into a pair of cots that had been tied together. “So…” Spitfire ventured as she sat down beside her two subordinates/partners.
“So what?” Soarin groused. Fleet Foot rolled her eyes at the grumpy stallion and gave Spitfire a small smile.
“So what do you think about our two new guests?” Spitfire continued.
“I think they should be in the dungeon, not free to roam about as they please.” Soarin spat. His anger had been obvious from across the room.
“Awwww, come on Soarey. What’s tha matter? Still upset he managed to get you all gussied up and didn’t even leave a note?” Spitfire put on a sickly sweet voice with a grin to match.
“No!” Soarin shouted indignantly, only to be met with several angry ‘shh’s’ from various medical staff and one hawk like glare from Chris. “He almost killed Princess Celestia. And he snuck up on me!” Soarin continued in a stage whisper.
“Mmm-hmm, I'm sure that’s the issue here,” Spitfire deadpanned. “Besides, didn’t you hear that the Princess admitted fault for that?”
“Of course she did. She’d admit the gryphon clan wars were her fault if it made somepony feel better.” Soarin grit his teeth in frustration as he returned the hue man’’s glare. Fleetfoot gave him a look and shook her head as she went back to watching Eleison snore and chew on Chris’ shirt in her sleep.
“Look, we’ve know each other a long time Soarin.” Spitfire placed a hoof on the upset stallions shoulder. “This whole mess is going to make us all look bad when it gets out, so I need you to trust me and not make it any worse. For them-” She nodded to Chris and Eleison, “-or us.” She finished giving him an extra pat on the back as he finally released some of his frustration in a long sigh.
“Fine, just don’t cry about it when it comes back to bite us in the flank,” Soarin grumbled as he turned and walked out the doors that led to the artificially lit streets outside.
***
I let out a sigh of relief when the Jerk left the building and settled back into the cot. It wasn’t the most comfortable thing in the world, but being out among their camp instead of being locked in a cell again more than made up for it.
I was distracted by a sudden pulling on my sleeve. I looked down at the red head now mumbling in her sleep and chewing on the sleeve of the green T-shirt I changed into after the conflict between myself and the ponies had come to a hopefully permanent close. This girl, Eleison, it was tragically obvious that she had been mentally damaged in some way. I had never known anyone her age to act so immature about everything and, unless she was like this before ‘the event’ happened, I was responsible for her current state. Hopefully she would get better; otherwise I would be stuck with someone with the mind of a girl half her age. I would have to take care of her in either case, it was the least I could do after what happ-... after what I did to her.
I sighed and shuffled a little, our two cots had been tied together after Eleison threw a fit when they had tried to put her in a separate one. I didn’t mind the company, but she could get really clingy. I couldn’t really fault her for it, I guess. Being all alone was rough. Being all alone in a place like my current home was rougher.
I had taken up watching the pony people move through their routines, for several reasons. Namely I still didn’t completely trust them. Don’t get me wrong, I really hoped the conflict was over, since living your life is kind of difficult when everyone hates you, but just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they aren’t out to get you.
I sighed again, glancing over the assorted candy colored ponies. The princesses, Celestia and Luna, were chatting over to one side of the cement room, ‘covertly’ watching me back (relatively speaking. You know, giant honking eyes), the soldiers who had been responsible for my initial capture, whom I learned were named Spitfire and Fleet Foot, were at their normal post, the odd group of girls who had seen to my imprisonment, Twilight, Fluttershy, Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Pink….. “Huh, where did Pinkie Pie-?”
“HI!”
I gasped and clutched at my chest to calm my breathing, ever mindful of the sleeping girl next to me. “Damn it Pinkie! Don’t scare me like that.” I whispered harshly at the pink mare who was looking me in the eyes, upside down and somehow standing on my shoulders without me feeling it. “And be quiet. Can’t you see that people are trying to sleep?”
“Sorry” She whispered, loudly. “Are you comfy? Need any pillows?”
I shook my head “I’m fine Pinkie, thanks.”
“Blankets?” She asked planting herself down on my legs.
“No thanks, I said I’m fine. Theres no need-”
“Food? Water?”
“No. I said-”
“Cupcakesormaybeabookoramirrororsometweezersaplankorabeachball-”
I just sat here and stared at the pink mare listing off increasingly impractical objects at a faster and faster pace. The thought crossed my mind to strangle her but you know what, I wanted to see how long she could go...
“-oratrainmaybeaparachuteabucketorsomeice-”
I had a feeling this would take a while but unfortunately the insane pink mare was interrupted by the voice I had come to associate with pain.
“Pinkie Pie, would you please allow us to have a word with our guest? Privately?” The two royal princesses approached the shimmering blue field Twilight Sparkle had erected around our bed. The blue forcefield was attached to the four corners of the bed by some carved gemstones. It sort of reminded me a lot of those oxygen tents hospitals used in the early 20th century.
“Sure thing! I’ll be over there if you need me for anything.” Pinkie promptly leapt off my legs and onto the floor. I really couldn't help but be a little impressed, if I had tried jumping around as much as her I would have broken my neck a long time ago.
“Thanks, see you later Pinkie.”
“You sure you don't need-”
“Surely he would have told you already if he needed anything Pinkamina,” Luna interjected, obvious impatience seeping into her voice. Celestia on the other hand was just smiling at the scene like there was some kind of private joke that only she understood.
“No Pinkie, I'm fine.” My hand found my forehead on its own and I dragged it slowly down my face. Pinkie Pie was nice and sometimes entertaining, she even visited me in jail, but wow she couldn't take a hint.
The pink mare grinned and walked off to where I could see Applejack yelling at an annoyed looking Rainbow Dash.
“Now, that is better is it not?” Luna tore my attention away from the distant argument and took a seat to my left, near the edge of the cot, while Celestia sat at Eleison’s side. Or rather she would have if Eleison wasn’t absurdly clingy.
“Sooo what's this about?” I asked, shifting my eyes from one ruler to the other, not willing to allow either to leave my vision for more than a few moments.
Celestia cleared her throat before speaking.“There are several things we need to talk about, First and foremost your residency. We would like to induct you two as an honorary resident of equestria.” I started to open my mouth to protest but she cut me off before I even had chance to get going. “This would make you subject to our laws but Luna and I have decided that we should have no authority over you. Is this acceptable?” She paused expecting me to answer. After a moment thinking of the potential consequences of such an arrangement I finally nodded my assent.
“Now as to the matter of your housing. There have never been many vacant homes within ponyville as it is a town with a very stable population, so we would have to-”
“No thanks.” I said flatly. “We’ll live there but I don't like the idea of owing your little kingdom a favor.”
“Surely you do not think that we would hold something like this over you?” Luna said in disbelief. “I know we have gotten off on the wrong hoof but there is little reason to be so pugnacious.”
Celestia waved off her sister with an elegant sweep of the wing. “Now Chris, I understand that you have many reasons to mistrust us but we have many things to talk about. Some of these subjects may not be easy for you. We wish for you to trust us with your wellbeing so that we in turn may trust you around our little ponies. We are extending a favor to you, not to blackmail you but in hopes that you will extend the same courtesy to us.”
“You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours, I understand the concept. But as for the housing situation, I've got that covered so you don't have to worry about it.” I dismissed the issue with a nod.
“Is the desire to be so self-sufficient common in your species?” Luna asked. I thought it was sarcasm at first but there was a note of honest curiosity so I answered with another nod.
“Well, that is an interesting trait but on to the next issue, food.” Celestia spoke up keeping us from going off on a tangent.
“What about it? I already told the doctor about what we eat.” I said, slightly annoyed at the repetitive question.
“So it is true that humans require meat?” Luna asked, more of that curiosity starting to peek through. I have to say that I much prefer curious Luna over crazy-about-to-kill-me Luna anyday.
“Yep, we’re omnivores so we eat both meat and veggies.” I said sinking back into my cott’s pillow.
Celestia elaborated. “Yes, the doctor told us as much but we are curious as to why. There are many species that eat meat on equestria but few actually require it and all who do are wild animals.”
I couldn't help but smirk at Luna, her curiosity had finally broken through that stupid poker face.
“We can eat nothing but plants for a while, there actually are some people who are vegetarians and choose not to eat any meat, but they require very carefully managed diets with a lot of certain plants like beans to get the same nutrients. Meat is really the most convenient and efficient way of getting everything we need. Oh and, just in case you're wondering, there is no way I'm going to go vegetarian while I'm here.”
“Why not?” Luna asked, the hostility had completely vanished.
“Because the last time my cousin’s wife tried to get me to go vegetarian I almost had a mental breakdown. Besides, I like meat.”
Celestia smirked and for a moment I thought I saw a purple unicorn where Luna was sitting, levitating out a scroll and some writing materials from seemingly nowhere.
“That should be fine as long as you like fish.” Celestia smiled in her usual fashion, like she had come up with a hilarious joke but didn’t feel like sharing. “Well, now that all of that is out of the way, there are a few questions we need to ask you that are a little more serious.”
I sat up and looked at the two of them. “How serious?” I asked.
“We would like you to wake up Eleison, this question is as much for her as it is for you.” Celestia’s infuriating smile was gone from her face and the situation really did feel like it was of dire importance.
I looked down at the sleeping girl and shook her shoulder, she mumbled in her sleep and kept on snoozing. It took me a few more tries before she finally sat up.
Eleison stretched out her arms and groaned at the quiet cracks of her spine. “Why did you wake me up? I was having so much fun.” She said sleepily as she rubbed her eyes.
I arced one of my eyebrows. “You were asleep...”
“I know, it was wonderful.” She said, flat look still plastered on her face, not matching the happy tone of her voice at all.
Celestia, Luna, and I all looked at each other bemused smiles on all of our faces.
“Ahem, Well on with the question we needed to ask you.” Celestia cleared her throat, yet again pulling the conversation back on track. “Those monsters that attacked us, do either of you know anything about them?”
“What monsters?” I looked at her, confused.
“A band of horrible creatures waylaid the convoy right after I defeated you.” Luna said looking at the two of us expectantly.
“I-I’m sorry I don't really remember any monsters.” I wracked my memory but the event was just a blur of actions and pain, nothing really distinct.
“Do you know anything about monsters that attacked them?” I looked at Eleison who shook her head and mumbled something about ‘stupid art.’
“Are you certain that you know nothing at all about them? They were unlike anything we’ve ever encountered before.” Celestia looked at Eleison and I but we couldn't do anything but shake our heads.
“Sorry princess, I’ve had my fill of monsters and demons since I got here. I probably couldn't tell the difference anyway.”
Both of the princesses frowned and shared a glance before Luna spoke up again. “The final thing we must ask of you is that you surrender any weapons like the one you attempted to use on me.” I looked at her in surprise.
“Not a chance.”
“Please, you must understand, they are a threat to our kingdom and our world, if anypony were to get their hooves on one-” Celestia began.
“They wouldn't be able to use one for shit!” I shouted. “Don’t try to feed me any of that, ‘they're a threat’ B.S.! No one even knows what they are except for you and the people who were in my house! No one knows where I have them hidden and-” My shouting was interrupted by the feeling of something sharp pressing into my neck. While I had been so vehemently defending my second amendment rights several guards from around the room had descended upon our little argument and hasn't taken my shouting at their princesses very well.
“So this is how its going to be huh? Fein cooperation till the humans get uppity?” I hissed at the two of them.
“Get that away from him!” Eleison screamed and batted the sharp end of the spear away from my neck. “If he doesn't want to give you his things he doesn't have to!” I breathed a small sigh of relief as the sharp blade was removed, thankfully without taking a big chunk of my neck with it.
“No, not at all, this is just a misunderstanding. Guards stand down, stand down!” Luna was almost frantically waving the guards away while Celestia still looked a bit startled.
“Away with you! Away! Do not intrude on our conversation again!” Luna finally finished waving the trigger happy guards off. After Celestia snapped herself out of her surprise she smiled gratefully at her sister.
“Why is it you wish to keep these weapons to yourself?” Celestia asked, serious once more.
I rubbed my throat where the blade from the overzealous guard had nearly cut me and put a hand on Eleison’s to keep her from jumping out of the bed and beating the living daylights out of someone. I looked Celestia in the eye. “Because you’re way behind my technology curve and I don’t want to be responsible for a major shift in political power. The weapon I tried to use on Luna is centuries beyond anything I’ve seen you use. Plus, I don’t want to see people walking around with missing hooves -or worse- because someone was screwing around with a weapon they didn’t understand and it blew up on them.” Celestia and Luna blanched.
Celestia dipped her head in thought before glancing at Luna. The two rulers had an entire conversation in just a few glances before Celestia finally spoke again. “As long as we can trust their safe keeping to you they will remain in your possession. But perhaps you should consider securing them in a location where it is more difficult to discover them. It would be a tragedy if somepony discovered one and hurt themselves by accident. Understand that we are putting a lot of trust in you, I hope that this is not a mistake.” Celestia said standing and leaving the conversation just like that.
Luna, Eleison and I traded looks before the blue alicorn quickly took her leave to join her sister.
Eleison looked at them then back to me. “So... Can I go back to sleep now?”
***
Twilight hoofed a rolled up scroll to one of the Solar Guards. The letter would arrive at the library first thing in the morning, Spike would then take the letter and inform Granny Smith, Big Mac, Sweetie Belle’s and Scootaloo's Parents, and Cheerilee that the Cutiemark Crusaders were safe and sound under the protection of the Bearers of the Elements of Harmony after having followed the expedition into the Everfree Forest.
After the stallion took the letter and left, Twilight returned to her sleeping bag in the far corner of the expedition’s base camp. The other Bearers had set up their sleeping arrangements here as well, Rarity and Fluttershy had already gone to bed and Applejack and Rainbow Dash looked like they were about to follow suite, Pinkie Pie wasn’t anywhere to be found.
Twilight stretched out and snuggled into her sleeping bag, levitating a book from the nearby stack as she readied herself for a quick, soothing bout of pre-bedtime studying.
“Rainbow Dash!”
A jarring shout from Applejack startled Twilight. Her momentary panic sent a large jolt of energy into the levitation spell acting on the book, promptly launching it into the center of the basecamp. Twilight was sure that she heard the book strike one of the guardsponies in the head.
Applejack continued her reprobation, oblivious to any flying literature. “Now I know ya ain't gonna go and say anythin’ unkind about those poor folks after what they been through are ya?” She was glaring daggers at Rainbow Dash, who looked less than intimidated.
Rainbow Dash snorted “Look, all I'm saying is that they give me the creeps, what’s the big deal?”
“What’s the big deal!? Rainbow Dash, do you even know what yer sayin’!?” Applejack stomped her hoof sending the pile of books next to Twilight tumbling over, almost burying the purple unicorn.
“All I'm trying to say is that the stallion is a jerk and the mare gives me a major case of the creeps, and don't you try and deny that she creeps you out too! I've seen you trying to avoid her." Rainbow Dash floated up to Applejack and gave her a jab in the chest.
"W-well yeah, ah-ah mean-"
"Girls!" Twilight shouted finally having had enough of the pointless argument. "It's going to be hard enough moving Chris and Eleison into Ponyville, we don't need any more ponies causing problems." She stepped between the two quarreling friends, shooting Rainbow Dash a look. "Besides, we're friends. Something like a couple of odd neighbors shouldn't come between us.” Rainbow Dash and Applejack looked at her in silence. “Riiight?" She said, grabbing the two of them into an awkward group hug.
Applejack pulled the hat from her head and glanced around sheepishly "Ah suppose you're right Twi. Ah shouldn't let this get ta me. Sorry sugar cube."
Rainbow Dash groaned "Fine I'll keep my mouth shut, but I still think it’s a bad idea."
"Group hugs!" Pinkie Pie popped out of nowhere and grabbed all three of them.
The three mares giggled before squeezing out of Pinkie's grasp and heading back to their own sleeping bags. Their heads shot up when they heard shouting across the empty cement room. Rainbow Dash tensed for a fight only to be held back by AJ. The scene was over as quickly as it started. Celestia, followed quickly by Luna, headed out of the building’s exit. "See? I told you it was going to be hard enough without anypony causing extra problems," Twilight groaned, flopping down onto her sleeping bag.
***
“Sister, are you certain such a thing is wise?” Luna asked, quickly catching up to Celestia. The older, alabaster alicorn stopped and sat in the street in front of the cement fortress/prison and looked around at the sad, empty buildings that had once been filled with life, with mothers and fathers, with children and pets. She slowly wilted under their unliving, unwavering gaze.
“Sister?” Luna asked again, concerned for her older sisters sudden melancholy.
“I’m afraid I’ve been more of a fool than I thought,” Celestia said.
Luna placed a wing on her sister’s back. Celestia leaned into her sister, thankful for the comfort. “If this is about those weapons you should just tell the human how it shall be, not feel obligated to take such risks.”
“No, its not about that, though the consequences do weigh on my mind.”
“Then what is this about?” Luna asked, sitting next to her sister.
“Come with me,” Celestia said, quickly standing and walking toward one of the smaller buildings down the street.
Luna followed quickly, grimacing as they passed the crater in the road where Chris’ attack on the convoy had been stopped. Celestia quickly trotted up a set of steps and used her magic to open the door. She quickly led luna into the middle of what appeared to be a dwelling of some kind and sat down again.
“Can you see?” Celestia asked, looking back at her sister.
“I am afraid we do not know what you are talking about sister,” Luna replied, taking a moment to look around at the various curiosities on display.
“Something is happening Luna. It began the moment this place appeared to us. Something I do not think we can control.”
Luna paused in her curiosity to take in her sister’s words. “You are referring to how this knowledge gathered by the hue mans may change Equestria, yes?” Celestia nodded. “Why would we seek to control what our little ponies can learn from this place? Equestria has sat stagnant since the invention of the steam engine two hundred years ago, what the hue mans bring will be like oil for dying embers.”
“Exactly, what happens if we lose control of the flames?” Celestia gestured around the room. “All of what these people were may become a part of Equestria, may become part of our little ponies.”
Luna nodded in understanding before walking over to a corner of the room and picked up something in her magic before levitating it to her sisters feet. Celestia looked down at the little rag doll in the vague shape of a human, with a mane made of yarn and a dress that had been cut from an ornate quilt. “While I have not forgiven Chris for what he nearly did to you, I have learned a lot since yesterday, sister, and I look at all we have yet to learn with joy and anticipation. I understand the dangers as much as you, but I believe in our little ponies, as should you. The hue mans could teach us much about ourselves we have yet to understand, and I must ask, is that such a bad thing?”
Celestia smiled at her sister then picked up the little doll with her magic. “Thank you sister.”
***
A grey mare slipped quietly past the royal sisters, who were chatting among themselves outside in the street. She was laden with bits and bobs that she claimed would allow her to expand upon her knowledge of the Everfree city. She trotted down the streets, waving off any sentries who approached her to offer her an escort through the still unknown streets. “I’ll be fine, just got to pick up a few samples then I'm coming right back.” She would say with a warm smile and then continue on her way. Her uncharacteristic pleasantness was not lost on the soldiers who had marched beside her at the beginning of the expedition.
Beaker walked on down the maze like streets, searching for a place where she would not be observed. The tools in her bag jingled with the rhythm of her canter. She needed to know which hue man machines contained platinum and which didn't. Nopony would beat her to the punch, she would make the important discoveries first and the fame and recognition would be hers.
She turned down one of the many maze like alleyways and found herself face to face with a bright blue mare with an orange mane, the moonlight was glinting off of the metal frame of the mare’s glasses.
“Professor Beaker,” Burner greeted the grey mare stiffly.
“Ms. Burner? What are you doing here? It's dangerous for students to be out alone this late.” Crystal Beaker arched an eyebrow at her student.
“I was hoping I may discuss a few things with you before you got too deep into your studies, Professor,” Bunsen answered. The sentence came out as if it had been poorly rehearsed.
“Such as...” Beaker rolled a hoof in the air, motioning for Burner to get on with it.
“Why did you not tell your students about the platinum? Or any of the Academy staff?” Burner shot at the professor.
Beaker froze. “Where did you hear about that?” She hadn’t whispered a single word about the precious metal since leaving Canterlot and had made sure that she handled all material analyses personally. How could one of her students possibly caught wind of the material’s presence? Bunsen Burner, for her part, simply shrugged.
“Guards kind of talk. A lot.”
The two sat there for a moment as Crystal Beaker digested the situation. When she spoke up again her tone was significantly stiffer. “So, what exactly do you want?”
Burner didn’t even skip a beat. “As the sole member of the Equestrian Enchanter’s Guild on this expedition, the responsibilities of representative and negotiator fall squarely upon my shoulders. I am here to negotiate the distribution of platinum among the four main families of the Guild as well as their subsidiary firms. I am authorized to open negotiations with a ninety-eight percent, two percent split in favor of the Guild. If the amount of platinum in the Everfree City is as abundant as we have been lead to believe, then this distribution will still allow you to collect a generous fortune for yourself, should you choose to sell the material, while allowing the Guild to produce quantities of high value goods not previously feasible.” Burner finally took a breath. She bounced once on her hooves as she finished, impressed with her own performance.
Crystal Beaker countered before Bunsen Burner had even caught her breath. “What if you got to keep all of the platinum?” Burner almost fainted.
“I- I’m sorry?”
“I’m not concerned with the material wealth to be gained in this venture. I’m looking for the potential discoveries and advances that could be made here... as well as the notoriety those would allow one to accrue. If there was some way in which I could be credited for most, if not all, of the important discoveries we make here, then I would gladly hand over all the platinum in the world for the opportunity,” Beaker elaborated in an almost leisurely tone.
Bunsen Burner stood there with her mouth open for a few seconds. “I- uhm... I don’t actually have a response prepared for that. I’ll have to contact my superiors in Canterlot before I can make a decision. Meet me here again on Thursday at this same time and I’ll be ready with a reply.”
Crystal Beaker nodded. “Very well. I’ll continue with my late night research run then. You ought to run along before one of the guards notices you’re gone and gets worried.”
“That’s actually a very good idea,” Burner answered as she dashed past Crystal Beaker and out of the alleyway.
Author’s Note: How Bout that Scene with Celestia and Luna? I thought it was A’daww’able. As for Luna’s sudden change of heart, she really hasn't totally forgiven john for trying to kill her sister but she understands the benefits Equestria stands to gain as long as they're willing to take the risk.
Co-Author’s Note: I don’t blame Eleison for chewing on John’s shirt. I used to do that to my own shirt collars all the time... although I had enough sense of personal space not to do it to other people. Finely woven cotton has a funny taste. Oh, and I take full credibility for the scene with Bunsen Burner and Crystal Beaker. Because. -Admari
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I think is a good realistic take on the human in Equestria story. What are the implications of a whole human city just showing up in Equestria?
i like this please go on : D
YE! Hog all that human knowledge! I need some confirmation on something though, does this city have a nuclear reactor or no?
2655893
No nukes, the town is running on the Local Refinery's emergency generators. (Yes its a real emergency procedure.) John turned them on right before he ambushed the pony convoy as an attempt to intimidate them.
1644393
There's probably someone out there who's written that.
Awsome as Always.
I can see a lot of changes happening for the ponies... once Chris decides that he can trust them. Imagine what human tech and pony magic can create. Its both exciting and scary at the same time.
You fucking little theives.
Well, finally caught up to date! I'm hoping that he doesn't suddenly become all happy and jolly and accepting and forgiving for what transpired. Being assaulted, chased, imprisoned for weeks, suffering from malnutrition and muscle entropy, chased again and blasted by Luna aren't things that one just gets over with the snap of a finger (or reassurances from Celestia or a Pinkie Pie party). For all he knows, Celestia's promises of safety could be just a ruse. Granted, he does not have much of a choice, but it does not automatically mean that he should just forgive and forget. Too many times I've read stories where the protagonist just takes whatever happens to him like a little bitch. Pony apologizes, human accepts apology, incident is promptly forgotten about.
I'm saying this because I'm enjoying this story too much for it to be ruined by that happening, I've seen several flashes occurring so far. Yes, eventually he should put what happened in the past, but not for a good while to come. Besides the physical injuries he suffered, I can only imagine the emotional and psychological trauma he suffered as a result of being hunted and chased like that.
Well now that's out of the way, liked, favourited and looking forward to what you have in store!
2656442 I don't understand why this was downvoted...
2657075
Yeah, let's just say that even though our boy John is trying to live his life as a good Christian what he has been through doesn't exactly just go away. He has decided to give them a chance (not really any choice) so let's watch and see what the ponies do with the chance they have been given.
As for Soarin, I have plans Muah Ha Ha Ha!
I liked the whole comment dump thing btw, it was hilarious!
2657329
Thanks for being the final push to 150 likes!
Now onward to 300!
2656814
I know! Isn't it great!?
Those ponies with their eyes set on getting themselves platinum are probably just going to ruin things. Especially if they give Chris the impression that the reason they dragged him off in the first place was that they wanted to get their hooves on some precious metals.
2660056
Oh I intend to. Unfortunately you'll probably have to wait a week or so for another chapter.
2660314
Nopony said you were allowed to have a life outside of writing this story!
Now drop all that silly eating and sleeping business and get back to work!
2660522
You know, I'm too lazy the go back and check but I'm sure that is one of the nicest things anyone has ever said to me!
Naaah I'm just kiddin!
A big thank you to everyone who has encouraged me while I've been writing this. Just the fact that you guys like this is a big part of my motivation to keep going! I hope I can continue to deliver some quality literature for you!
Chris seems to be edging away from his religious side. I haven't seen him mention God or his beliefs to the ponies at all, and the past couple of chapters seem to lack his conviction in previous chapters. I hope he comes back to that soon.
i hope chris kicks the ponies out of his town soon. i would like him to begin living his life away from them. also i'm still ercked about the ponies seeing us as something to be studied
2663384
He isn't really getting away from it so much as there has been so much stuff going on he really hasn't had time for anything other than surviving, that will change with the next chapter.
Don't worry if there are gaps in him mentioning religion. A significant portion of the middle and end arcs is dedicated to the ponies learning more about Chris/John, Eleison, and Humans in general but religion has a special place in this story so don't be surprised if i skip some of the superficial mentioning of it in favor of its larger role.
2663816
Do you really think one guy could really kick the Equestrian military out of anywhere?
Maybe if he had an Abrams or something but it sure as heck isn't going to happen with just his lil ol self.
2665078
buy kick out i mean ask celestia "nicely" to remove her forces from his land. because he is only a honorary citizen she has no right to be on his land, because the "everfree city" would technically count as an independent city state.
2665090
Its true the sisters have no right to be there. Its also true that the Everfree city would probably have been counted as an independent city-state if there were more people. Will John/Chris ask them to leave after he finds out they are basically looting the place? Probably.
Will they leave before they get what they came for and most likely a little extra? Not a chance.
Currently the Everfree city threatens Equestria and even all of Equis in three ways.
1. The Platinum. (See past comments for why controlling this is vital.)
2. Human technology. Various weapon, vehicles, and even everyday items like plasma TVs or toasters could potentially revolutionize the technology of any nation to get their hooves, talons, claws, ect on them so controlling these assets is almost as important as the platinum.
3. Human knowledge. Humans know a lot of stuff, while we know nowhere near everything, the Equestrians could potentially cause all kinds of strife by mistakenly releasing the wrong nugget of human knowledge in the wrong place or wrong time. Not quite as dire as controlling the other two but cautious steps are needed for the Equestrians to assimilate what we knew without inadvertently causing disaster.
This is why the sisters are committing what appears to be theft on a massive scale. They really have no other choice if they want to protect their kingdom.
2665200
still hope they catch shit for it though and even though their reasoning is sound to a extent i still hope chris demands a lot of the stuff back, and he gets it back (except the platinum, i can understand that not getting given back). and the princesses should be understanding to his demands and see his reasoning them being the benevolent rulers they are, and then chris might well give them the technology of his own free will, nothing good can be achieved from stealing especially when your trying to get into good relations with the people your stealing from.
2665272
Lol very true!
Don't worry i have a feeling you'll like what i have planned.
2665280
On a completely different note have you explained in earlier chapters what the "disaster" that happened and killed of a lot the humans if not are you going to explain it?
2665288
Was there a disaster? I don't remember ever saying there was any kind of apocalypse that only John/Chris survived. Its just one of those things better left to the imagination of the reader I think.
2665317
Ok, because i was picturing it as some sort of pandemic that wiped out a large amount of the human population
2665200
Yes. Such as video games.
JUST THINK OF THE DESTRUCTIVE POSSIBILITIES!!
2665643
Thanks glad your enjoying it!
2666610
Or worse... Internet memes!
"THE HORROR!"
Plz don't make this into a humanity bashing story
2680282
Does it LOOK like a humanity bashing story?
My friend you have much to learn if you are only now joining us.
2680282 ...
So, I guess we should scrap the bit where John blames all of his problems on the U.S. and technology. Darn.
I was also looking forward to the scene where he finally realized his true self and was transformed into an alicorn. I'll have to rewrite that.
2683618sorry but every hie I seen has the human just go on and on about how we are Savage who only care for war and destruction
2697794
I think the problem stems from a lack of research on behalf of my fellow HiE writers. When you get down to the hard numbers human civilization has been growing more peaceful with every century. Compared to today the dark ages was a horrifically violent time filled with widespread war. This trend isn't slowing and it won't be long before war is as rare as the disease polio, that is to say almost non existent.
Humans aren't fundamentaly evil no matter how much the media or Hollywood or whiny emos on the Internet want them to be.
2697794 Radon is indeed correct. War used to be a pretty constant thing way back when. I'm pretty sure there's even a verse in the Bible that says kings began waging war every time Spring came around. All things considered, people have gotten pretty peaceful over the years.
And sorry if I came off as snide or rude in my last reply, I tend to be pretty sarcastic. For future reference, if I ever think someone's being stupid/inattentive/whatever, I'll call them on it point blank. Anything else is just me poking fun.
Well, while I wait for an update *hint hint...... Dammit I said HINT!* I think I'll go read this over from the start once again.
2808230
I'm glad you enjoy this fic enough to reread the whole thing, as a first time author it really makes me all warm and fuzzy inside to know I have made something worth that kind of investment and scrutiny. Also the next update is coming SOON, I mean like tomorrow or the next day soon.
2808230 Hm... an up date?
I think I get it.
*Lifts a date off of the ground.*
I don't know why you're concerned about picking up fruit, but if that's really what you want...
2809741 Well, you get an A for the effort!
As extremely useful as the platinum is at least the upper echelon of the governement realize how important the basic knowledge of the city is to the advancement of Equestria. Seriously... true magitech? That honestly could be a nightmare or a dream of paradise. Given the fact that there is a consortium looking to undermine the Princesses then possibly a nightmare...
Also the construct having a mind of it's own... I can hope that it will (through magic) completely become human as it seems to be nearly in mind.
why would chris not try and sell the platinum to the princesses? if it's worth as much as they say he could get anything. or how about he bring up the fact that he probably shouldn't trust someone with a massively powerful reagent if they can't even be bothered to notice massive declines in prisoner behavior and muscle mass when they visit on a daily basis. why give a possible wmd to irresponsible, dogmatic retards? He's been held at spear point, kidnapped, imprisoned because he might be dangerous, starved, humiliated, held against his will, kidnapped again, assaulted again, and had his organs turned to jelly by standing around the princesses(who i can only equivocate to walking uranium deposits).
"oh but we're sorry so you can trust us now."
"yeah how 'bout no? How 'bout you're a fuckin moron? how bout I only give you that platinum if you give me ten thousand times its volume in gold along with anything else i want in my lifetime? also have soaring beaten like a rabid dog in the streets. Thems the demands. The final demands"
No, you're not. You fortified the town, thereby making her safer than she otherwise would have been. And you've been there for two months, and rang the church bell thrice a day, every day. Quite frankly, if she didn't come to find you, it's because she didn't _want_ to. And that in itself should raise some questions for you.
Again, I'mma call bull.
Firstly - second amendment rights mean nothing when you're outside America. Now, granted, I doubt they have firearms laws, but even if they don't have a generic weapons ban, the Princess' word is law. They can simply make it illegal to possess one of these, outside of a government testing facility.
Now, the excuse he comes up with later are better, but still BS. He is already allowing them to come and loot his town for dangerous materials, so he's not trying to keep ponies safe.
Horrific injuries? Yes, if the weapons get used on Ponies. Inflicting said injuries on your enemies, however, is always a good argument against continuing hostilities. Luna, at least, should have expressed interest there.
Dramatic shift in political power? Dude, nothing you can do is going to prevent that. Your town library contains books with scientific knowledge several hundred years ahead of them, as well as a complete introduction to it all. Anything that is even mentioned in any of the books, they can then figure out using that knowledge. Give it ten years, and Equestria will be about the equivalent of if Imperial Britain popped up in the 12th century.
At least this way, you can buy some brownie points with them.