FIMfiction presents:
An L2L Production
Mass Effect:
Shades of Twilight
——————
Small Victories
The Citadel
Presidium VIP Apartment
“I’m not saying the codex is fraudulent or anything like that,” stated a purple unicorn with a striped violet mane as the door opened, and she took a few steps inside, flanked by the green-eyed mechanical equine she kept as her personal assistant.
She was grateful that the Council session had gone as well as it had, but knew that their minor victory was overshadowed by the enormity of the challenges that her kind now faced. One of these issues in particular had been nagging at the back of her mind for the better part of the day, which she shared with her assistant.
“I mean, since everypony’s knowledge of the galaxy only comes second-hoof from Equestria’s databanks, most of the entries have really proven useful for filling in the gaps. But with all that’s happening, we can’t exactly expect the Institute not to censor anything we tell them. On that note, I was wondering if maybe you could maintain a personal record of what’s going on. Something so that after all this is over, we can all have an impartial view of the events as they actually happened…”
The cybernetic changeling drone’s expression remained blank as it looked to his latest “owner,” giving no indication of what was transpiring in his digital brain.
*New task accepted*
*Considering options*
...
*Optimal action formulated*
*Executing*
Extranet connection established
Accessing Institute of Species Research mainframe
Downloading Galactic Codex Library
Download complete
*Analyzing database hierarchy and entry syntax*
*Parsing personal database into accepted Galactic Codex format*
*Syncing to redundant memory sectors to allow for simultaneous update of personal database to all saved locations*
“…Do you think that you could do that, Forty-Two?” the unicorn finished, showing her assistant a hopeful smile.
The synthetic Changeling Class mech facing the Madam President of the newly-recognized “Equestrian Herd” blinked, the green light emanating from his crystalline eyes winking out briefly to simulate a wholly organic reaction.
*Formulating Primary Species Entries*
*Equestrians: updated*
*Formulating Secondary Species Entries*
*Biology: updated*
*Subspecies: updated*
*Culture: updated*
*Government: updated*
*Formulating Historical Entries*
*Epona Systems Corporation: updated*
*The Star Daemon War: updated*
*Equestria: updated*
*The Isolation of Equestria: updated*
*The Exodus of Equestria: updated*
*Return to the Galaxy: updated*
*Formulating Biographical Entries*
*Twilight Sparkle: updated*
*Uploading information to relevant sectors*
*Task complete*
Literally in the blink of an eye, the operation was done. The mech’s optics turned back on after the momentary power diversion and the image of the lavender hued unicorn stood before him, her expression curious as she awaited a response.
“Oh…” the drone known as Forty-Two of Fifty shrugged his shoulders, the servos and gears eliciting a slight whirring as they did so. “I’m sure I can throw something together, Twi.”
“I know you can get it done. Take all the time you need.” Twilight Sparkle nodded, letting out a sigh as she considered the events of that day. She trotted slowly over to the couch of the small Presidium apartment she had been allowed to use for the duration of her business with the Council. “I still can’t believe that Councilor Sparatus voted against us.”
“I’m sure he has his reasons, Twilight.”
“Like what? Why would he possibly vote against the rest of the Council in granting our people endangered status?” The Madam President planted herself in the seat, a cross look on her face. “I’ll tell you why: He thinks that because we honestly believe in the Reaper threat, we’re either dangerous, or crazy. Or both.”
Twilight let out a dejected sigh. “Granted, the rest of the Council except for Anderson thinks the same thing, but Sparatus is only doing this out of spite.”
Accessing Citadel Department of Transportation records
Search parameters: Councilor Gladior Sparatus - registered vehicles
...
Search complete: 1 result
“Nassaria 9000 XL Personal Luxury Shuttle, Registration Numeral: 102938, Color: Gold. Registered under Councilor Gladior Sparatus. Estimated value: eight hundred thousand credits.”
“It’s probably because of the Commander...” the unicorn continued while Forty-Two listened patiently. “The Council doesn’t exactly approve of Shepard right now, or his ideas. And given how readily we support him, it’s not surprising that Sparatus would choose to get at him by going through us.”
“Twilight... are you familiar with the human concept of ‘karma’?” the mech interrupted her, causing the horned equine to lean up from her resting position and give the mech a curious, suspicious look.
“Yes... Why?”
Accessing Citadel Security Criminal Database
Access code required
*Initiating system bypass*
*Neutralizing safeguards*
...
*Safeguards neutralized*
*Tracing system root path*
*Decrypting information*
...
Welcome back, Captain Bailey
Full access granted
Inputting new entry in category: Vehicular Violations
“Registration Number 102938, Recorded Violations:
1638 unpaid parking tickets
758 instances of parking in VIP areas
*Vehicle scheduled for immediate confiscation and auction*"Logging out of Citadel Security Criminal Database
The mech’s luminescent eyes shifted slightly, giving off the appearance of acute amusement as he terminated his connection to the extranet.
“Just curious.”
——————
Log Entry: 42 of 50 - Day 5 A.E (After Equestria)
Assets Acquired:
+300: The Equestrian Herd - Two hundred and ninety-seven Equestrians comprise the Herd. Obviously a tight-knit species due to their low population, the Herd is made up of all three subspecies released from the Equestria Facility and encompasses all Equestrians alive today.
Update - Due to the actions of Commander Shepard before and during the Exodus of Equestria, the Equestrian Herd suffered only a single casualty during the traumatic transition before its arrival on the Citadel; this being the unavoidable loss of Green (Granny) Smith to advanced age.
+25: Endangered Status - With their population dangerously low, yet capable of self-substantiation, the Citadel Council has granted the Herd Endangered Status, which offers extra legal protection from overt physical threats such as assault with malicious intent, murder, kidnapping, and other crimes of a heinous nature. Under Citadel Conventions, these crimes are immediately upgraded to capital offenses.
Codex Updates: *Primary & Secondary Equestrian Codex Established*
Hell yes! I've been waiting for this!
YES!
denver.mylittlefacewhen.com/media/f/img/mlfw4878-d99.gif
Just before I read, I must say:
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEITSHEREITSHEREITSHEREITSHEREAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
*reads*
Forty two is now the gloriousest of bastards / karma agents.
L2L is best writer.
And this story is going to be awe-inducingly marvelous.
dl.dropbox.com/u/85255656/Reactions/RapidClap.gif
OHH LORD PINKIE HAS AN OMNI-TOOL!
yay
Edit: After reading the first chapter i already can´t wait for the next one and maby our first Choices and/or Directive Decisions ^^ .
Looks interesting.
2014582
Then don't first post.
And especially don't first post when you're not first
denver.mylittlefacewhen.com/media/f/rsz/mlfw1377_small.jpg
I need a squeeface icon. Rainbow Kissy will have to do.
Also, please tell your artist that I love the Dr. Adorable reference with Flutters.
Oh, so 42 wrote the Codex?
Brain the size of a planet I assume?
I am unbelievably excited to see the continuation of this story. It will be very interesting to see just what you have in stock for our Madam President. While I voted for continuing Shepards tale, this will no doubt be an equally rewarding trip into both the world of Mass Effect and MLP.
I loved the way you made Forty-Two of Fifty think and act as well. Karma indeed.
2014594 Uncalled for, Plum. Besides Ninja: according to the site rules, you're not supposed to do 'first' posts anyways without something else to say. Personally I never saw the point but 'eh'. So let's just leave that there, shall we... please Enjoy the story.
It's here! It's finally here!
So, Pinkie's a mad scientist?
Who cares! Yippee!
pinkie.mylittlefacewhen.com/media/f/img/mlfw3456-144603_-_animated_artist_willdrawforfood1_ask_surprise_Surprise.gif
*Bzzzzt* Warning: Errors detected in source code. Please rectify:
Missing period, and there's just way too much capitalization in this box. What's Up With That?
2014630>>2014634
Well, first posting is a bannable offence, so...
Either way, I'm content to let it drop.
2014604
That's not Fluttershy, I'm afraid
2014604 Uhh that's Pinkie Pie. But by all means, let him know yourself. This pic is up in his gallery, just click the 'source' link under the cover page.
oh, and as an idea, steal the first batch of comments with the choices listed on each chapter with stuff to vote on, and have people thumbs up their choices. down votes would have no standing on the outcomes, only upvotes.
Curse you Twilight fans
Yay! The next installation! From Twilight's perspective.
Oh this will be fun.
I will vote options that either screw somebody over or just are bad in the long run.
2014657 but... I like the comments. I do hope they contain more than just the vote personally, but still, It pleases me to see the readers take their time to vote, even if they are voting in the minority and know so at the time.
2014656
oh, the coat color under the labcoat looks yellow, and the mane style looks very similar, if a bit shorter than, Flutter's. Anywho, off to go compliment an awesome artist.
2014665
Alright, was just a suggestion for streamlining. I know some authors don't like cluttered comments sections.
I look forward to this story, and I'm glad I'm actually here as this one is being written, as I read the last one after it was completed (I started reading your stuff around when you started the current Doctor Whooves story)
Anyhow, have a nice day, it made me squee that you responded so quickly.
Bad Forty Two! Bad changeling-mech!
I've been really looking forward to this, it's going to be fantastic.
Hmmm, I hate 'ponies fuck yeah' (not that this is 'ponies fuck yeah') and the pony race is in an extremely delicate situation. You know what this calls for?
EQUESTRIAN EMPIRE! All shall bow to the pony Overlords! Mwuahahahaha! Let's make Twilight future-Hitler!
Oh god, this story is finally here. I'd squee so hard right now if sqeeing was something I ever did.
Okay, I would like to state that this is better than I expected of this, I will track this
Oh yes, I am going to enjoy this! And I sincerely hope that 42 manages to get a security-cam view of Sparatus's reaction.....
It begins...
So it begins. Can't to see were this story leads. The only Idea I can put forth at thus time is that maybe Twilight should think about how long she wants to stay on the Citadel. It might be prudent for her to develop a power base elsewhere. I'll be sure to share with you any ideas I come up with.
So much squee here. And I missed out on the chance to do so for Equestrian Equation, but this time I get to take part in the voting! SO AWESOME!
2014646
Tell that to EpicDonus.
Oh wait.
You can't.
Because he's banned.
2014805
Someone who ran around the site first-posting "" on any blog or story he could find.
2014831
Same situation, as he was banned for first-posting, something which you claimed didn't happen.
I'm happy to leave this be, just don't earn yourself a ban for being stupid.
My favourite character of the show leading equestrian survivors through space and hardship? I'll definitely follow this.
Yes! it's back!
In the words of Twilight herself
YESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYES
SO SO SO Hyped for this. I love the first one, and this time I can actually take part in the choices.
I am so loving 42. Paybacks a bitch Councillor. Enjoy it.
Manual for this story:
1. Favorite it.
2. Up-vote it.
3. Read it.
4. Comment on it.
5. ...
6. Profit!
To move the mouse to the "like button" would cost a percentage of a decimal's worth of a calorie!
Awesome can't wait for more and, I thank you for writing this story.
2014935
According to in-story continuity, Firewalker and Overlord: yes. Shadow Broker and Arrival: not yet. Also this story begins immediately after the "Suicide Mission," for reference.
Oh hell yes!
IT BEGINS
Also, 42 just did what most of us wish we could have throughout the whole trilogy.
I REALLY enjoyed ME2: TEE and I'm more than happy to see it's going to continue.
So a fav and a like is most likely the wisest course of choice.
"I'm Garrus Vakarian and this is now my favourite fic on the Internet."
2014554
I did this too.
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My face when I saw this.
I didn't read "The Equestrian Equation" until the beginning of this month, but it is now my favorite Mass Effect story on Fimfiction to date. And now comes its sequel, in all of its glory!
Sparatus?
i194.photobucket.com/albums/z25/taizen34/Reaction%20Faces/tumblr_me0e1beLLn1rincxvo1_500_zpsac21386c.gif
This should express my feeling when i first saw a notification then a codex entry followed some days later by another notification and finally a chatper.
denver.mylittlefacewhen.com/media/f/img/mlfw3682-1331715509946751.gif
I was without words for The Equestrian Equation. Now there is this sequel and, the best possible thing, I can vote! Add the fact that I just replayed the 3 games recently and watched Paragon lost... I'm almost in the same state that Rarity could be in if she learn that all clothes stores in Canterlot have a 75% off sales.
I will gladly comment on every chapter. The Choices and Directive Decisions instead of clear paragon/renegade options is a nice change and i really look foward to it.
Oh and Forty-Two of Fifty. I don't know if i should hug, kiss or brohoof this good bastard. Joker would probably give him a medal for doing that.
Got myself an account just so I can vote on this one.
Equestrian equation was one of my all times favorites, so here's hoping you give us more soon!
No time to read. Favorite and thumbs up anyways.
Alright then. Let me try this new system out.
Choice: [Post a Response] [Don't Post a Reponse]
I'm going with... Post a Response to this story!
Okay then.
Decision: [Write More] [Don't Write More]
Well that's a tough one. Which to choose, which to choose. I guess I'll go with...
42, I request that you notify the author to write more story please!
Aww yeah. i came in late in that last story cant wait to participate in this one :D
I LUB YOU SO MUCH
*faved*
Strap in, everypony, it's gonna be a bumpy ride.