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A Friend In Need [WORM/MLP]

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Note that this represents a report hastily updated by PRT Thinkers and analysts in the period between the Endbringer fight and the trip to New York. They are working from incomplete information and are viewing everything through certain cultural assumptions. As such, at least some of the gaps, errors, and inconsistencies in this document are deliberate on my part.

Princess Luna: PRT Executive Summary​

Description: Princess Luna has demonstrated significant shapeshifting abilities, but her "normal" appearance seems to be that of a five-foot tall, dark blue quadruped resembling a small horse with large eyes, feathered wings, and a single spiral horn. Her "mane" and "tail" have the appearance of a flowing and shifting field of stars and may not be comprised of hair. Each flank shows a darker patch with a white crescent. She habitually wears a set of silver shoes on all four hooves, a black tiara, and a black chest piece displaying the aforementioned white crescent symbol. During her fight with the Simurgh, however, she wore black and silver armor with a medieval-gothic styling, equipped with blades on the wings and legs. For reasons unknown, her translated speech is rendered with archaic words and phrases appropriate to the 16th or 17th Century.

History: Princess Luna is, according to her own statements and the best evidence available, a native of another world. She first appeared during the Battle of Brockton Bay on May 15, 2011 and directly engaged the Simurgh in solo combat. Over the course of the battle she displayed numerous separate abilities including: shapeshifting, flight, teleportation, physical strength, becoming immaterial, weather control, various Blaster effects, and a Striker effect that bypassed Endbringer durability. The most powerful ability she demonstrated was altering of the planet's rotation and the orbit of the Moon. She has stated that she, "summoned the night to her aid." (Document Luna-0434) What this means and what advantages this might have conveyed to her appear to be untranslatable concepts at this time. (For details on the Battle of Brockton Bay, participants, powers utilized by Princess Luna, and interactions with the princess see documents Luna-0001-1623, and the Executive Summary of the May 15th Endbringer attack report BB051511-0001).

Immediately following the defeat of the Simurgh, Princess Luna was approached by Legend and Alexandria. Having activated a form of the translation effect previously demonstrated by Twilight Sparkle, the Princess indicated a willingness to open discussions, but also a desire to conduct those discussions during a general victory celebration to be held immediately. The protectorate leaders agreed to this request and made arrangements for Protectorate and PRT personnel to attend. (For transcript of this encounter see document Luna-0428)

Once the celebration was under way, Luna described her actions during the battle, though the form of her account was one of storytelling rather than a formal report. A transcript can be found in document Luna-0534. Most of her interactions over the course of the night were in form of telling tales of other battles and adventures and prompting Protectorate members to do the same. Transcripts of her exchanges in this period may be found in documents Luna-0553, 0571, 0592, 0616, 0655, 0633, 0640, 0680, 0702, 0708, 0731, 0747, and 0758.

Shortly after sunrise at Brockton Bay, Princess Luna readjusted the rotation of the planet, indicating that it would settle back to a rate close to its original 24-hour period over a period of a few days. She also stated she would make further adjustments as necessary to return things to their previous state. This feat is further elaborated in the power ratings below.

When informed of preparations in New York for lodging and meetings with representatives of various governments and agencies, she accepted the invitation and indicated a willingness to begin more formal diplomatic relations, but insisted on an "honor guard" of individuals she had encountered at the end of the conflict with the Simurgh. (See PRT files on the following individuals: Clockblocker, Dragon, Flame Dancer, Kid Win, Leet, Shadow Stalker, Skitter, Tattletale, Uber, and Vista.)

Profile: Princess Luna, according to herself and Twilight Sparkle, is one of the rulers of her society. "Princess" is the translation provided for her official title. Her full title is, "Her Royal Highness Princess Luna, Princess of the Night, Shepard of the Moon, Guardian of the Dreamlands and one of the ruling Diarchs of Equestria." According to statements made by her and Twilight Sparkle, she shares the position of head of state with her sister Celestia. It can be surmised that this position carries significant authority, however the extent of that authority and the exact makeup of their political system remains unclear at this time. She uses what appears to be the majestic plural in referring to herself, but this may be an artifact of the translation effect or may not have the same connotations in her culture.

During the celebration, Princess Luna took charge of the informal assembly of leaders and government representatives, displaying an expertise in navigating and managing social situations of that nature. However, she may not be familiar with human social rules governing other situations or in circumstances in which she is not effectively in command. Princess Luna is accustomed to having her desires fulfilled, to being obeyed, and to having others look to her for leadership and inspiration. Her "requests" are sometimes phrased more as "proclamations". She seems to view relationships, organizations, and power structures in terms of feudal allegiances. (Liege, vassal, servant, etc.) This may be an artifact of the translation effect she is using, which also renders her speech in a somewhat Shakespearian form.

Descriptions of Princess Luna by Twilight Sparkle in the period before May 15, 2011 indicated that the Princess tends towards reserved formality in her interaction with others. However, her observed behavior after the Battle of Brockton Bay was far more boisterous. Twilight Sparkle has explained this discrepancy by stating that Princess Luna tends put a whole-hearted effort into whatever she does and is not inclined towards half-measures. It remains to be seen what approach she will take towards meetings in a more formal setting.

Princess Luna's travel to Earth Bet seems to have been primarily motivated by concern for Twilight Sparkle, who Luna considers to be a close friend. It should be assumed that any interaction with Twilight Sparkle will have a direct impact on future interactions with Princess Luna.

Power Classifications and Ratings: As of yet, Princess Luna has only been observed in action once, but she demonstrated several powerful abilities during that incident. From her titles, the translation of her name as "Luna", her ability to change the motion of the Moon, and her statement about "summoning the night to her aid," it is likely that Princess Luna is closely associated with night and the Moon and her abilities may follow some sort of theme relevant to this. On the other hand, Twilight Sparkle has indicated that members of her species equipped with horns can acquire new powers through study and practice. In-depth analysis of various abilities displayed during the battle may be found in PRT documents Luna-0121, 0130, 0142, 0157, and 0179 as well as the Executive Summary of the May 15th Endbringer attack report BB051511-0001.

The ratings below are initial estimates based on observed effects and extrapolations from the abilities demonstrated by Twilight Sparkle. Judging from experiences with Twilight Sparkle, it is highly likely that Princess Luna has a wider array of abilities than those shown so far and it is almost certain that ratings in some of the categories below will require adjustment as more information accumulates.
  • Shaker 12 – Princess Luna modified the rotation of the Earth and the orbit of the Moon, and these changes remained in effect until she took action to undo them. This is an effect on a physical scale greater than any previously observed Shaker ability. On a lesser scale she also took control of the weather over Brockton Bay during her fight with the Simurgh, generated force fields, and performed some form of gravity manipulation similar to that demonstrated by Twilight Sparkle.
  • Brute 7 – Princess Luna directly engaged the Simurgh in physical combat. She took significant wounds during the battle, but her combat effectiveness seemed unimpeded after several minutes of heavy fighting. It is currently unclear how much of her durability in this battle was inherent to herself and how much may be attributed to the armor she wore. She also inflicted several significant injuries onto the Simurgh, including the removal of a leg in melee combat, but some of those acts may be due to her weaponry. (See Striker entry)
  • Blaster 8 – Over the course of the battle, Princess Luna utilized directed lighting strikes, some form of weaponized moonbeam (originating from the Moon, which had been pulled closer to the Earth), telekinesis similar to that used by Twilight Sparkle, and a few blaster powers in imitation of what Eidolon has done in the past. This category may deserve a higher rating as her attacks did significant damage to the Simurgh, but the nature and limitations of many of these attacks are still unknown. A rating of 8 has been assigned as a conservative minimum.
  • Striker 11 – This may be an inherent property of the weapons Princess Luna was using rather than an inherent power of hers, but she was able to inflict more damage on the Simurgh in melee than she did at range.
  • Mover 8 – Princess Luna displayed great agility in midair combat, teleportation abilities similar to Twilight Sparkle's, and is capable of some form of dimensional travel that she used to reach Earth Bet from her native world.
  • Changer 6 – Princess Luna became an insubstantial mist several times, appeared to become a swarm of smaller flying creatures at one point, and took on Eidolon's form later in the battle.
  • Stranger 5 – Princess Luna took on Eidolon's form and voice, despite having never encountered him. The impersonation appeared to be perfect in all physical details, though it was hampered by her inability to speak English at the time.
  • Trump 5 – Some level of Trump is supposedly inherent for any member of this species that possesses a horn and has the associated "spellcasting" abilities. In the course of the battle, Princess Luna not only imitated Eidolon's appearance, but some of the powers he has manifested in the past. This category is strongly suspected to have a higher rating, but only one brief demonstration of this capability has been observed so far.
  • Thinker 4 – Initial accounts by Twilight Sparkle, Princess Luna, and Thinker analysis indicate that Princess Luna was able to determine many of the Simurgh's abilities and motivations upon seeing the Endbringer.
  • Master 5 – There is, as of yet, no actual evidence that Princess Luna has Master abilities. However, some suspicions have arisen regarding Twilight Sparkle, and equivalent precautions should be applied towards the Princess. This is especially true as she is purported to be a ruler of a society with wide-spread parahuman abilities and this may be grounds for suspecting some form of Master power in and of itself.
Strategies: Due to diplomatic concerns and the potential for planetary-scale collateral damage, Princess Luna is not to be engaged except under the direst conditions of necessity. If interactions become heated, withdraw and leave matters to designated diplomatic channels.

In social settings, Princess Luna is to be treated with the respect and consideration appropriate to a foreign head of state of a powerful nation. Any reasonable requests should be fulfilled quickly and efficiently. Any refusals or counter-proposals should be framed as politely as possible.

If a worst-case scenario does emerge, PRT personnel are advised to focus on evacuation measures and call for parahuman assistance.

Parahumans are advised to avoid direct melee combat at all costs. Containment is likely to be effectively impossible due to Mover abilities. Engagement at range from an identifiable location is inadvisable due to Mover abilities and the scope of observed Blaster and Shaker abilities. Engagement under concealment or Stranger effect is judged to be risky due to possible countering Thinker abilities and scope of observed Shaker abilities. Effectiveness of Master abilities intended to control humans is questionable considering her non-human nature and the demonstrated defenses against the Simurgh's influence. Effects of chemical or biological attacks are uncertain due to the non-human and non-terrestrial nature of this subject. As she has some form of dimensional travel ability, and is strongly suspected to have additional abilities not yet revealed, it is questionable whether a surprise attack of any scale would be able to neutralize her in the initial strike.

Use of Breaker-class altered states and esoteric indirect attacks might prove effective if the situation is sufficiently desperate. It may be possible to overwhelm her with multiple parahuman opponents. Implementation of full or modified Endbringer protocols may be requested if conflict escalates to a city-wide scale. If conflict escalates to regional scale, cooperation with the US military and a coordinated nuclear strike may be considered due to her projected ability to cause planetary scale devastation.

Again, hostilities with Princess Luna are to be avoided if at all possible. Based on psychological evaluation of the Princess to date, if personnel believe combat with Princess Luna is imminent and other tactics have proven unable to defuse the situation, prostrating oneself and crying for pardon is deemed the most likely action to prevent the initiation of hostilities.
 
Note that this represents a report hastily updated by PRT Thinkers and analysts in the period between the Endbringer fight and the trip to New York. They are working from incomplete information and are viewing everything through certain cultural assumptions. As such, at least some of the gaps, errors, and inconsistencies in this document are deliberate on my part.

Cultural and Biological Traits of Extraterrestrial Ponies: PRT Executive Summary​

In light of events on May 15, 2011 in Brockton Bay, culminating in the final defeat of the Simurgh, details regarding Twilight Sparkle and Princess Luna are now of vital interest to the PRT, the governments that sponsor the PRT, and the people of Earth Bet. Not only are the abilities they have displayed of great importance, but it is essential that personnel who interact with them have some grasp of their cultural outlook. Additionally, PRT personnel and government representatives need to be prepared for the possibility that additional members of this species may arrive on Earth Bet. This compilation is intended to serve as an introductory overview.

As the two representatives of this culture are comfortable with the term "Pony" as a name for their species, this document will use this term, but with capitalization to differentiate between the aliens and the Earth animals of the same name.

Much of the information presented here has been gained either directly from Twilight Sparkle and Princess Luna, or through those who have had direct interaction with them. Therefore, much of it has been filtered through the translation function utilized by these two aliens. This translation effect sometimes produces seemingly odd results such as Princess Luna's archaic speech patterns, the term "magic" to describe parahuman abilities, or even the word "Pony" as a name for their species. Unknown errors in communication may have been produced in the translation process. Conscious attempts to present themselves and their society in a positive light and unconscious cultural bias may also skew the information given.

This document undergoes frequent updates and correction as new information is acquired. Personnel are advised to check for the latest revision number before each period of interaction with Princess Luna or Twilight Sparkle.

Additional information on the individuals can be found in PRT Executive Summaries for Twilight Sparkle and Princess Luna. Additional information on the species in general are filed under Pony Studies. Documents of particular interest will be referenced in appropriate sections of this document.

Pony Physiology​

Ponies are a race of intelligent quadrupeds. Aside from their intelligence and their parahuman abilities, the most significant difference between Ponies and similar earth quadrupeds is the degree of flexibility and tool manipulation they are capable of. While Ponies have hooves, those hooves are somehow capable of grasping objects and some degree of manipulation. Their mouths are in the form of a short muzzle and are also used for manipulation. The forelegs have a joint structure that allows for greater flexibility than the forelegs of Earth equines, facilitating their use as "arms". The ears are pointed, located high on the sides of the head and can swivel. Pony faces have some human-like qualities and capacity for showing expressions. Pony hair takes the form of a short coat over most of the body, with a longer mane on the head and along the neck as well as a tail.

Indications are that, of the two present on Earth, Twilight Sparkle is closer to average in appearance for their species. Therefore the average Pony appears to be about four feet tall with a large head in proportion to their body and very large eyes in proportion to their head, at least in comparison to most Earth vertebrates of this size. Overall appearance exhibits many traits associated with neoteny, soft rounded features that give the impression of cuteness by our cultural standards.

While the two Ponies that have been observed tend towards dark blue and purple in coloration, it is reported that the coloration of the general population of their homeworld ranges across the color palette. Mane and tail tend to be matched in color while the rest of the coat is usually of a different color or shade. Princess Luna's semi-material star field as a mane and tail are apparently unique to her, though her sister Celestia is said to have a similar effect in aurora-like lights.

All in all, Twilight Sparkle has only a vague resemblance to an actual equine of Earth Bet, even discounting the horn and wings. On the other hand, the resemblance is just close enough that the term "Pony" is readily acceptable to most people upon hearing it, which may be why the term was selected by the translation effect being used. In size, proportions and shape of her head, Princess Luna is actually much closer to the creatures known as ponies on Earth Bet, but it has been indicated that she is an unusual member of the species in many regards.

Ponies are herbivorous and include long grasses and flowers in their diet. Fruits, vegetables, breads, and pastries suitable for human consumption have been verified to be suitable for Pony consumption.

See Document Pony Studies – 0009 (PRT Executive Summary: Anatomical and Biological Traits) for more detail and additional supporting references.

Pony Parahuman Abilities​

It should be noted that use of the term "parahuman" is inherently inaccurate when applied to a species that is not and never was human. "Parapony" would be likewise inaccurate as the prefix "para" indicates something separate but alongside, while abilities we would consider "parahuman" are apparently widespread to the point to being considered normal among this species. This document will continue to use terminology associated with parahuman studies and classifications as it is the terminology familiar to the intended readers.

Discussions with Twilight Sparkle indicate that the powers of individual Ponies are governed by two factors, the race of the individual, and that individual's special talent.

Pony Races

"Race" among Ponies apparently goes beyond differences in appearance and is defined by significant differences in anatomy that are associated with differences in powers manifested. So far, three primary races have been described, along with a special fourth category.
  • Unicorns – Possessing a single horn, Unicorn Ponies can channel energies through their horn in ways than can produce a wide range of effects. Specific effects and the techniques to produce them are defined and categorized as "spells" which a Unicorn can learn through study and practice. The first effect learned by most Unicorns is telekinesis, which they habitually use to manipulate and interact with their environment. In PRT classification, they appear to be Trumps with telekinesis-based Blaster and Shaker abilities. Additional classification ratings would depend on the "spells" known by an individual.
  • Pegasi – Possessing feathered wings, Pegasus Ponies manifest aerokinesis and a form of hydrokinesis that is limited to affecting water vapor. In practical terms, Pegasi can fly and manipulate local weather phenomena. While neither Twilight Sparkle nor Princess Luna are Pegasi, their flight abilities are said to use the same mechanism. Observations of both of them in flight indicates that Pegasus flight requires extension and motion of the wings but is not governed by standard aerodynamics. In PRT classification, Pegasi appear to be Movers with additional weather-based Shaker and Blaster abilities.
  • Earth Ponies – This term is likely to cause confusion with the native animal species known as "ponies" on Earth Bet and similar worlds. In this case, the term "Earth" seems to carry connotations of a "connection to the land". Earth Ponies do not have wings or horns but are noted for their strength, endurance, and vitality. They are also known for their aptitude with growing plants and in refining and crafting materials. In PRT classification, they appear to be Brutes with possible Striker or Shaker abilities.
  • Alicorns – Indications are that this is not a race in the sense of the other three categories, but is instead a special transformation that rare individuals may undergo. Alicorns have the combined traits and abilities of all three races and are said to have lifespans covering several centuries or more. The two Alicorns observed (Twilight Sparkle and Princess Luna) are both said to be far more powerful than most Ponies. It is not yet clear whether these power levels are tied to the Alicorn transformation, either as a pre-requisite for or as a result of the transformation.
The overall strength and specific details of these abilities can vary significantly on an individual basis. This seems to be linked to the concept of a special talent.

Special Talents

According to Twilight Sparkle, "A special talent is what you are best at, what you most enjoy doing. It's an integral part of your personality, you shape it and it shapes your life." (PRT casefile Yamada-Sparkle, Document-0002) Twilight Sparkle has also repeatedly referred to the powers of parahumans as their special talent.

The concept of a special talent seems to be very significant in Pony culture and will be further explored in the section on Pony culture and society. With regards to Pony abilities, the special talent is often a specialization of the racial abilities. Unicorns tend to have a particular type of "magic" or application thereof that they are skilled with, but also have difficulty in learning "spells" not associated with this specialty. Pegasus abilities are often focused on a particular type of weather phenomenon (wind, clouds, rain, etc.) or specific flight characteristics. (speed, maneuverability, altitude, etc.) Earth Ponies are often focused on growing a specific type of plant, working with a particular material, or performing a general class of physical labor.

Some individuals have special talents that are not associated with their racial abilities. These Ponies may manifest unique powers, but may have correspondingly weaker racial abilities.

Overall Ratings

The two Pony individuals that have been observed so far are both said to be unusual in the strength and diversity of their abilities and should not be taken as representative of the average level of power for members of their species. Compilation and analysis of anecdotal accounts from Twilight Sparkle and Princess Luna has led to an estimate that the PRT Rating level for the primary parahuman ability of the average Pony is somewhere around 3. This estimate comes with a significant margin of uncertainty due to the limited and second-hand nature of the information available. Independent assessments of individual PRT analysts consulted range from 2 to 5.

Regardless of the actual level, this indicates a society in which almost every member has parahuman abilities at a useful level and these members can pool their efforts. For example, according to Twilight Sparkle the scale of weather effects that can be produced by a single Pegasus is limited, but teams of Pegasi exercise total control of the weather over her homeland.

Pony Culture and Society​

The accuracy of the following information has a high degree of uncertainty. The PRT is faced with the problem of attempting to extrapolate a profile of an alien culture from the statements of two isolated members of that culture who are apparently far from average within that society. Additionally, there are some uncertainties regarding the parahuman translation effect being used to communicate, and a number of significant Pony concepts that do not seem to translate.

Homeworld

As Twilight Sparkle and Princess Luna do not show signs of discomfort on Earth Bet, and do not seem to be using equipment or powers to protect themselves from a hostile environment, the Pony homeworld is presumably Earth-like in most environmental factors.

One of the most notable aspects of the Pony homeworld is the apparent existence of multiple intelligent species in addition to the different races of Pony. The names assigned to these beings tend to be drawn from mythology or to be the names of Earth animal species. So far the list includes: Buffalo, Changeling, Cow, Dragon, Griffon, Minotaur, and Zebra. It may be that the translation power being used is assigning names based on some sort of "closest match" basis. Just as Twilight Sparkle has only a slight resemblance to the animals called ponies, it is uncertain how much these races have in common with the originals of myth or reality. Princess Luna has recounted several stories of conflicts between Ponies and the species known as Dragons and Griffons, but has also implied that these clashes occurred long ago. (Documents Luna-0592, 0655, 0640, 0731, and 0747) Twilight Sparkle has indicated that her nation has been at peace for most of her life, but recently repulsed an invasion attempt by the species designated as Changelings. (Document Twilight-2750)

Whatever the state of relations between the intelligent species of their homeworld, Pony civilization is beset by dangers. Twilight Sparkle's decision to mount a research project seeking a means of defeating Leviathan was prompted by her own experiences in dealing with monstrous threats to her community and nation. (Documents Sparkle-3527, 3532, 3548) Again, several of these threats are given names from human mythology, such as "Hydra" and the aforementioned Dragons. Princess Luna has described several battles and hostile encounters with various threats to her realm and person. (Documents Luna-0592, 0616, 0655, 0640, 0702, 0731, and 0747)

See Document Pony Studies – 0043 (PRT Executive Summary: Homeworld Extrapolations) for more detail and additional supporting references.

Government

The nation in which Twilight lives is called Equestria, or at least that is the name given by the translation powers being used. It is labeled a diarchy, with Princess Luna and her sister Princess Celestia serving as co-rulers. The full extent and nature of their authority and influence is unknown, but Princess Luna has informed officials that she has authority to negotiate and sign binding agreements on behalf of her nation.

It should be kept in mind that any views of the Equestrian system of government gained from Princess Luna and Twilight Sparkle will be filtered through their advantaged position within their society. The Princess is one of the rulers of this nation and Twilight Sparkle is some sort of protégé and agent of Luna's sister and co-ruler Celestia. The viewpoint of the average "Pony on the street" might be quite different.

Of particular note, Alicorns seem to be viewed as the rightful rulers of Ponykind, or at least they are seen as such by Twilight Sparkle and Princess Luna. Princess Luna's behavior and interactions with others indicate that she is accustomed to command and to having others defer to her wishes. Twilight Sparkle has claimed that Princess Luna and her sister have ruled their territory for more than a thousand years. Twilight Sparkle has expressed worshipful admiration towards her personal mentor, Princess Celestia, as well. A third, younger Alicorn, who is also a personal friend of Twilight Sparkle's, was installed as a ruler of an associated protected territory within a few decades of her "ascension". Princess Luna has made some comments in passing that Twilight Sparkle is also considered to be elevated in status now that she also is an Alicorn.

These factors would seem to point to a government revolving around some form of ruling aristocracy, or possibly a meritocracy based at least partially on strength of parahuman abilities. However, Twilight Sparkle has stated that she lives in a town with an elected mayor. When she began campaigning for a project of urban restoration in Brocton Bay, she was familiar with the idea of elected officials in high positions of authority and proved to be adept at navigating and dealing with the departments and bureaucracies of a modern city government. (See Documents Sparkle-2067-2085)

See Documents Pony Studies – 0027 (PRT Executive Summary: Government Structure) and -0013 (Diplomatic Approaches) for more detail and supporting references.

Technology

The Pony civilization seems to be less technologically advanced than Earth Bet or Aleph. Twilight Sparkle has expressed wonder and admiration when shown modern electronics while also indicating that muscle power and steam engines are the primary forms of mechanical power in her homeland. However, it might be more accurate to say that Ponies have advanced in a different direction than humanity of Earth Bet or Aleph, with an emphasis on structuring their society in such a way as to maximize the benefit of widespread parahuman abilities.

While parahuman abilities began appearing on Earth Bet almost three decades ago and are still found in a very small fraction of the population, Ponies have had such abilities for the entirely of their recorded history and they are found in almost every member of their society. Accordingly, they rely on those abilities as much as or more than they do technological tools. Mechanized farm equipment and artificial fertilizers become unnecessary, or at least of less utility, when the farmers are as strong as light tractors and can make their crops produce better yields by an act of will. The benefits of mass production must be weighed against those of individual craftsmen who are innately skilled at their craft and who can improve the quality of their raw materials or finished product by laying hooves or horn on them. Earth Bet may have weather satellites and computer models for predicting the weather, but we are told that Equestria has widespread weather control. With an entire population of specialized parahumans to draw upon, creating a better tool to perform a function may be a lower priority than finding individuals with abilities to perform that function more effectively.

While the translation effect being utilized by Twilight Sparkle continues to interpret parahuman abilities as "magic" Miss Sparkle has also continued to state that "magic" is a thoroughly documented and proven scientific field. This field of study seems to have a well-developed technical vocabulary of terms that unfortunately cannot be translated by the power Miss Sparkle is using for communication. What can be communicated is that over the centuries of their history, researchers such as Twilight Sparkle have developed "spells" usable by Unicorns to achieve almost any conceivable effect, although not every Unicorn will have the ability to cast a given "spell". It is unclear if there has been similar research into the abilities of the other two races, but Twilight Sparkle has shown herself to be able to observe and analyze the workings of the various parahuman abilities she has encountered in our world. The importance of the theoretical knowledge accumulated by Pony researchers should not be underestimated. Twilight Sparkle has demonstrated an ability to affect the powers of others, up to and including severely curtailing the hydrokinesis of Leviathan. This was achieved not via a general-purpose power-canceling-power of the sort found in some Trumps, but by applying her greater understanding of how these abilities actually function.

A sub-set of "magic" seems to be a form of physical technology. Twilight Sparkle has referred to Tinker technology as "magical engineering and enchanting". (Document Sparkle-0013) Twilight Sparkle has demonstrated that some of her "spells" can be stored in a form of crystal matrix to be activated later by others, and compared some examples of technology (such as automobiles) to "enchanted" devices that are described as partially mechanical in nature. Attempts to explain the functioning or power source of such devices have run into the aforementioned translation barrier.

The image inferred from this fragmentary information is of a civilization that has an early 1800's overall level of technology, heavily supplemented by the parahuman abilities of the population and the occasional piece of Tinker technology. As might be expected from an alien civilization, specific areas of technology may be more or less advanced than this estimated equivalent point in human history. For example, firearms seem to be less advanced, being at a smoothbore flintlock stage roughly equivalent to the mid 1700's. The relative lack of advancement in this area may be due to the number of individuals with inherent Blaster abilities and the fact that Ponies are herbivores and so do not hunt for food. On the other hand, use of electricity in Pony society has recently become advanced and prevalent enough for hydro-electric dams to be built. In this case, it may be that development of this technology has been accelerated by the inherent lightning-manipulation abilities of pegasi.

See Document Pony Studies – 0034 (PRT Executive Summary: Technological Capabilities) for more detail and supporting references.

Military

Twilight Sparkle's older brother was the commander of Princess Celestia's Royal Guard before marrying yet another Alicorn princess who was then installed as the ruler of a neighboring territory. Miss Sparkle's stories of the Guard personnel she interacted with portray a force made up of Ponies with low to mid-level Mover, Shaker, Blaster, Brute, and/or Striker abilities, trained to use those powers on a battlefield in a coordinated manner. Princess Luna has shared stories of commanding her own personal forces, which are trained in night-fighting and accordingly make greater use of hit-and-fade and ambush tactics. This, in turn, requires more emphasis on Stranger, Thinker, and Mover abilities than in Celestia's forces. There are also separate, special-purpose units such as a fast-response unit of aerial Movers selected for their speed and maneuverability.

It should be kept in mind that these forces, while having parahuman abilities, are not the equivalent of the Protectorate, but are instead considered to be the conventional military within their society. Twilight Sparkle reportedly leads a small team of individuals who possess powers of exceptional strength or of an unusual nature, and who are called upon to deal with threats of a scope or nature beyond what the regular military is expected to handle. This team is not part of any official agency or branch of the military, but follows Twilight Sparkle out of personal loyalty while Miss Sparkle holds a position as Princess Celestia's personal protégé and trouble-shooting agent. The existence of other such teams seems likely, but their organization and command structure is unknown.

As noted in the technology section above, Pony firearms are significantly less advanced than those of Earth Bet. The muzzle-loading small-arms that do exist are a rare oddity on the battlefield, possibly due to the large percentage of military personnel with Blaster or Brute abilities. Cannons, on the other hand, are utilized in larger-scale military operations. Spears, swords, and metal-plate armor remain the standard form of equipment for an Equestrian soldier. However, this seemingly-primitive equipment may be enhanced with "enchantments" produced by craftsmen with Striker, Blaster, or Shaker abilities that modify physical properties of the materials or add permanent parahuman effects. The armored tank is also a feature of the Pony military, though it may be propelled by one or more Brutes within or an animating Master effect instead of an engine. Additionally, the main "gun" on a tank might be a soldier with a powerful Blaster ability rather than a cannon.

The existence of the Pony military may not be a significant issue in the immediate future. Twilight Sparkle reportedly arrived in this world by accident. The fact that Princess Luna is the only Pony to arrive looking for her, a month after Miss Sparkle's appearance, indicates that moving from their homeworld to Earth Bet is sufficiently difficult to make any mass military movement between these worlds impractical. However, it should be kept in mind that somewhere there is a large, organized, military force with varied parahuman abilities that takes orders from Princess Luna, and that overcoming whatever obstacles stand between these forces and their princess may simply be a matter of time or of an emergency that warrants the necessary risk or expense.

See Document Pony Studies – 0044 (PRT Executive Summary: Military Capabilities) for more detail and supporting references.

Special Talents

To reiterate Twilight Sparkle's words on the subject, "A special talent is what you are best at, what you most enjoy doing. It's an integral part of your personality, you shape it and it shapes your life." (Document Yamada-Sparkle-0002)

This concept of a special talent seems to be a central pillar of Pony culture. It represents a Pony's reason for existence and sets a predestined course to their life. Pony children are encouraged to experiment in order to discover their special abilities. Finding one's special talent is a rite of passage that is commemorated by receiving a permanent mark on each flank which represents that ability. Once an individual discovers their special talent, significant effort is put into finding a place in the world where that individual can develop and utilize their powers. Children may be fostered with or apprenticed to Ponies with similar special talents in other communities if their current place of residence does not provide sufficient opportunities or necessary resources to pursue and develop their ability.

A point of interest from this is that the trauma associated with parahuman trigger events seems to be entirely absent from this process. It may be that Ponies are better integrated with their powers due to their long history of having those powers. Human "second generation" parahumans have been noted to have trigger events that are significantly less traumatic than the "first generation" and Ponies have been manifesting these powers for all of their recorded history. On the other hand, Twilight Sparkle described her trigger event as the most frightening thing that had ever happened to her (until she began regularly engaging higher-level parahuman threats) and apparently caused enough collateral damage to require the direct intervention of Princess Celestia. (Document Yamada-Sparkle-0002) It is unclear whether her unusually powerful abilities are somehow the result of this traumatic trigger.

The cultural profile painted by Twilight Sparkle in various statements regarding special talents seems to be an odd (by the standards of humanity) mix of rampant individualism and a caste system. Each individual is believed to have a gift that contributes in a useful and meaningful manner to their society and the world in general and is encouraged to find their special talent and a role that utilizes it. A child from any family in any location or social level can become almost anything. However, once that talent is discovered it is interpreted as that individual's unalterable fate and destiny, defining their role for the rest of their life.

While Twilight Sparkle understands that a person can have interests unrelated to their special talent, the idea that an individual might not enjoy using their powers or dislike a job they have worked at for years seems difficult for her to grasp. Inference from anecdotes in various conversations implies that a Pony who is somehow prevented from pursuing their special talent may suffer some form of mental and emotional trauma. Whether this is some form of interaction between Pony psychology and their powers, or the result of cultural pressure to pursue the "destiny" indicated by those powers is currently unclear.

Religion

Any study of a culture or of different cultures interacting must deal with the subject of religion. For the vast majority of human cultures, past and present, religion has one of the defining pillars of those cultures and is often intertwined with most aspects of a society. Therefore, when cultures meet, religious beliefs are a subject that can be encountered at any time and are likely to produce the most extreme reactions.

However, Twilight Sparkle has expressed confusion regarding religion, at least in the forms most of Earth Bet is familiar with. Her translation power renders English terms such as "temple" and "priest" as archaic concepts from the distant past of Pony society. Ponies, or at least Twilight Sparkle, certainly have spiritual beliefs, (see "Balance" below) but do not seem to be acquainted with organized religion in the form many people of this world think of as inherently part of the definition of "religion".

That being said, several independent anthropologists and theologians tasked with combing through Twilight Sparkle's conversations on these subjects have drawn attention to the following points:
  • In many societies throughout human history, religion has been intertwined with government in the form of a ruler who is seen as divine or semi-divine in nature or as having a special mandate from divine powers. The reign of these sovereigns has often been seen as being tied to the balance and well-being of the world.
  • For Ponies, the idea that their rulers are responsible for the cycle of day and night and the motion of the heavens is neither hyperbole nor superstition, but is a demonstrated fact.
  • A number of people who have interacted with Twilight Sparkle describe her attitudes towards her mentor, Princess Celestia, as "worshipful".
  • Temple construction and related religious practices by Ponies tapered off in the same historical period in which Princess Luna and her sister are said to have begun their rule of Equestria.
These points are not conclusive regarding anything about the cultural status of Princess Luna or Princess Celestia, but personnel are once again admonished to be very respectful of Princess Luna in person, and in all comments regarding her or her sister when in public areas or in the vicinity of the Ponies.

See Document Pony Studies – 0149 (PRT Executive Summary: Pony Spiritualism and Religion) for more detail and supporting references.

Balance / Concordance / Unison

There is a concept that keeps coming up in conversation which seems to be of great importance to Pony society, and to be the basis of several abilities demonstrated by Twilight Sparkle. The idea has many layers of meaning and does not seem to translate well. A term for the concept in the English language has not been settled on. There seem to be some parallels to certain aspects of Confucianism or to the Japanese concept of "Wa".

One aspect of this concept is that of five virtues of integrity, compassion, charity, faithfulness, and joy either combining with the "magic" that is seen as the basis for parahuman abilities or somehow being the source of those abilities. Either way, this combination is believed to lead to a whole greater than the sum of the parts. Another aspect of the concept is that of the connections and bonds between all things, particularly between people. This concept reaches further into defining the proper order and balance of both a society and an individual.

For Ponies, or at least for Twilight Sparkle, this is not just an ethical or spiritual framework but something that has demonstrable physical power. According to Twilight Sparkle, her discovery of the Endbringer's motivations and the final destruction of the Simurgh were achieved by forceful application of this principle. Twilight Sparkle has also indicated that she used this applied ideal to interfere with the Simurgh's infamous power to affect minds, and describes the Simurgh's ability as a "dark and evil inversion" of this principle.

See Documents Pony Studies – 0073 (PRT Executive Summary: Pony Philosophy), 0103 (PRT Executive Summary: Pony Ethical and Moral Frameworks), and 0149 (PRT Executive Summary: Pony Spiritualism and Religion) for more detail and supporting references.

Miscellanea

A culture and society is far too intricate to be fully covered in a document such as this. However, for completeness and utility to PRT personnel, we present a short overview of lesser cultural elements that may have some bearing when interacting with Pony visitors.

Family Structure - Twilight Sparkle describes growing up in a seemingly familiar household arrangement, comprised of a husband and wife with two children. On the other hand, there are hints that this is not the only arrangement seen as viable. The existence of different Pony races with significantly different abilities and additional non-Pony intelligent species seems to lead to a flexible attitude towards the structuring of relationships and families. Additionally, there appear to be some cultural imperatives that take priority over the traditional family bonds found in most human cultures. (See Special Talents section of this document.)

Social Circles - Twilight Sparkle repeatedly references the importance of friendship, to such an extent that it may be that a circle of close friends takes the place of some functions of family and blood ties found in many human societies. The entourage of followers and allies that she has assembled (see PRT files Flamedancer, Uber, Leet, and Skitter) and her close ties with the Brockton Bay Wards may have more significance than is first apparent. Princess Luna's insistence on keeping these individuals close as a form of honor guard also hints at some greater significance.

Clothing – As Ponies have a coat of hair for warmth, they wear clothing only for formal occasions or for protection from extreme environments. For Princess Luna, and possibly some other members of the upper social tiers, every occasion is formal to some degree and thus requires some clothing and ornamentation while the average Pony may go for days or months without donning clothing of any sort.
 
Also, here we have two pictures that I think (and sopchoppy agrees) serve to illustrate the "Death Metal Pony" armor Luna wears for the Endbringer fight.

The first picture serves to show the overall design of the armor, particularly in how much coverage it provides.

Note that the blades extending from the raised fore-hoof are not part of the armor in the story, but that armor does include blades, or at least sharp edges, on the hoof-shoes.

While the image above captures the overall design of the armor, the detail and styling of the armor in the story has more in common with the image below.

Credit to Soulite and Ziom for these images.
 
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Holy crap. Backstory right in the face. That was awesome and a good read. The outside view point is great.
 
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    • We'll at long last, after being besieged for months by the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune (RL sucking all time and energy), new content and an end to chapter 12! As always your eyes have been saved by the valiant editing of Deadpan.

    Chapter 12, Scene 3)

    Twilight braced herself as her hooves slid slightly on the slick floor of the train as it accelerated out of the station, put her forelegs on the seat in front of her, and then pressed her face against the window above the seat as the train cleared the station and the view opened up. The tracks here ran at the height of the rooftops of the shops and houses, the wheels squealing whenever the tracks went around the slightest curve. As mesmerized as she was by the scenery and the the marvel that was the train, she couldn't help but wonder how the people that lived there felt about the noise of its passing every day.

    The train pulled to a jerky stop at another elevated station that once again forced her to catch herself. With a ding and a hiss the doors of their car swung open to reveal a group of stunned human faces gaping at the group that filled their car. Uber and Leet standing at attention by the doors like a pair of futuristic royal guardsmen, Legend casually holding onto one of the poles and waving at the gawkers with a friendly smile, while Dragon knelt behind him trying to take up as little space as possible but still scrapping the ceiling. Flame Dancer had stared at the man sitting with a stunned expression in the seat next to Twilight until he had given it up to her and she now sat turned around in it to look out the window with Twilight. Skitter had taken up position at the very back of the car and stood with an unnatural stillness that was a little unnerving to look at for long.

    The rest of their party was scattered and intermixed with a group of commuters whose expressions ranged between delighted and flabbergasted, or were trying to set the world record on the number of pictures that could be taken with a cellphone. Clockblocker was, of course, standing at the door doing his best impression of a ringmaster and encouraging the gawkers to get on board before the train departed.

    "Come one! Come all! Come see the world famous Protectorate Traveling Circus!" He then started gesturing around the train car, "We have Ponies, Dragons, Strongmen, Clowns, and Legends the likes you've never seen, and certainly never seen in one place! One night only folks, one night only!" A ding sounded from the train which, was enough to shake a few of the people on the platform out of their shock and prompt them to scramble through the doors before they closed moments later. As the train accelerated down the tracks again, she noticed several costumed figures racing across the platform's roof and leaping to nearby roofs, some quickly outpacing the train itself. She turned to Legend questioningly and he caught her eye above the head of a teenager who he was signing an autograph for and gave her a wink. Assuming that meant he knew about the people on the roofs and that they were expected, she let go of the tension their sighting had caused. Turning back to the window, she found it mostly obscured by the billowing mane of Princess Luna, who had apparently decided her side of the train was more entertaining.

    "Huzzah! 'Tis this not a spectacle that needed to be seen first hoof Twilight Sparkle?" Princess Luna asked as Twilight dug herself out of the Princess's hair. Something must have changed after that, because even though the station platforms became ever more crowded with each station they passed, the train didn't stop again. Then, as the train came around a bend, Manhattan's skyline unfurled across the windows in front of them like a pony-built mountain range. It's scale was huge, easily eclipsing even the largest of Equestria's cities.

    "The Empire State Building!" Twilight exclaimed, reflexively pointing with her hoof towards a building that towered over even its impressive neighbors. When the train completed the curve, the skyline went back out of view as the train was now pointed directly towards it. They passed what looked like an abandoned factory building that had been painted with intricate and colorful designs over every exposed surface, but she wasn't able to find a theme connecting it all before it passed quickly out of view. Then the train angled down and plunged under street level, finally living up to the "subway" name she had heard it referred to as.

    As they raced under the East River, another engineering feat that Twilight was desperate to find out how it was accomplished without magic, she turned herself around now that there was nothing of interest to see outside of the window. Her thoughts were derailed by coming face to face with a human colt that, if he were equestrian, was probably several years away from getting his cutie-mark. His face was split by a huge grin that was missing a couple of teeth and was being restrained from coming even closer by the hand of a nervous looking woman who could only be his mother.

    "Oh Hello! I'm sorry I didn't see you there, I was just so excited to see the city. I'm Twilight Sparkle." Twilight said in her best reassuring teacher voice while extending a hoof towards the child. His mother's face seemed to relax at that and loosened her grip, which was how Twilight found herself wrapped in a surprisingly tight hug around her neck and flooded with a lightning fast burst of speech.

    "Hi! I'm Charles, but my family calls me Charlie, except my little sister who calls me C. We saw you on the TV last night! Everyone was happy or crying, or crying happily. I don't really understand it, but they said you did a bunch of good stuff, and then you got on our train! You're Miss Princess Twility Sparkles right? You must be because there are only two ponies and she's," he broke off his hug with one arm to gesture at the extremely bemused Princess standing next to her, "the moon one, I can tell because you have stars on you and she has a moon. Your fur's really soft, did you know that? We have a cat and her fur is soft, but not as soft as yours. Why do you have fur? Can you give me some? I think it would be nice in the winter, but maybe not so nice right now. My mom's taking me to get ice-cream because it's hot and I got a good grade on my spelling test, do you want to get ice-cream with us?" Twilight was only saved when Charlie had to stop and take a breath, which seemed to be the signal his mother was waiting for to gently pull him back from around her neck.

    "Easy Charlie, remember what we talked about. Isn't there something you wanted to ask Princess Sparkle?" Twilight opened her mouth to interject about the erroneous title but was stopped by Princess Luna's hoof pressing on her shoulder and her smiling face gently shaking her head no. Then it was too late as Charlie began speaking again.

    "Oh! Right. My friends at school, well, I tell them super amazing stories, because I'm super amazing a lot, but sometimes they don't believe that. Could you, maybe, let my mom take a picture of us, so I can show them how I really really did talk with a princess on the most super amazing trip for ice-cream ever?" The look of pleading cuteness was too much for Twilight, she broke in seconds.

    "I, um, of course." Then she had an idea to at least rope a few more people into her own embarrassment. "How about something even better? How about a picture with two princesses, a dragon, and Legend?"

    "YEAH!"

    By the time they parted with Charlie and his mother after exiting the train and climbing several flights of stairs, he had his picture taken with every cape and PRT agent in their group. She was quite sure he would be the envy of his second grade class. The stairs ended and were replaced by wide tiled ramps that kept leading them upwards until they opened up into a huge beautiful hall absolutely packed with people. Some crowded around a roped cordon set in a wide circle around the ramp they ascended taking pictures and cheering, while the background was filled with others walking and running between other platforms. Then she looked up and gasped.

    "Oh Luna, look. The ceiling, they painted their constellations on it." Luna stopped mid wave and stared at the ceiling for a long moment, a smile larger than the one she was already wearing spreading across her face.

    "Truly Twilight. 'Tis wonderful to see appreciation for the night sky given such pride of place in a building graced by so many each day. Though," she looked quizzically at the ceiling, "We do believe they may have gotten some of the star positions wrong." After another moment she broke her gaze away from the ceiling and brought her hoof down on the tile with a loud echoing crack.

    "AS WONDROUS AS THE BUILDING BE, AND AS PLEASANT THE RECEPTION, WE HAVE BUT A SHORT TIME TO SEE THE CITY AND WE WISH TO SEE AS MUCH OF IT AND ITS PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE. GENTLE GUIDES - ONWARD! MORE WONDERS AWAIT!"

    Taking their cue, Uber and Leet marched forward towards the nearest set of doors, police and capes fanning out in front of them with Luna bolding striding after them. Twilight took one last look around the magnificent room before trotting quickly to catch up, their circus spreading out and seeming to expand with every step.

    ——

    "HAHA! What excellent frivolity! Thou darest challenge us again? Have at thee!"

    Twilight grumbled under her breath between taking sips of cider from the glass in front of her. The bar stool was awkward, certainly not designed for ponies in mind, but she was making it work. Tattletale stepped up beside her with a smile and signaled the bartender for two more of what Twilight was drinking.

    "Come on Sparkle, you're not still upset are you?"

    "Upset? Why would I be upset? I mean, its not like we decided not to take a single step inside one of the greatest libraries in the world, so that we could play games and drink beer instead. How could I be upset about something like that?" Twilight grumbled and finished off her cider just as the bartender arrived with another two glasses. Tattletale took one and slid the other in front of Twilight who took it in her magic and drank the top third in one pull. Behind them she heard the steady sound of hands and hoofs assaulting a game machine cease and the princess exclaim.

    "HUZZAH! Victory is ours! Thou art no match for our feathery steed and brave lancer!"

    "No way! 4 out of 7!"

    "Thou marchest only to thine inevitable defeat, but we accept thy renewed terms! Cry Havoc!"

    "Look at that Sparkle. Seeing Leet getting trounced in Joust by Luna has got to be worth a little smile." Tattletale said.

    "…All those books…" Twilight mumbled into her glass.

    "Hey, you're like the most famous pony on the planet. I'm sure they can arrange a private after hours tour for you sometime during your stay. You'd feel guilty interrupting everyone trying to read and study anyway if we brought this carnival into the library. So come on. Grab your cider. I'm challenging you and Skitter to a three-way tournament in Space Invaders," she said as she gestured towards the dark clad girl who had been sitting quietly at the end of the bar.

    "You're right, okay, you're on!"

    "That's the spirit." Tattletale picked up her drink and led them back towards the game in question. There had been a moment when the bartender had seemed to hesitate at serving her and some of the others, but whatever his hesitation had been, he had looked around the room again and decided against voicing it, much to Tattletale's obvious amusement.

    "Hey about about Centipede?" Skitter asked in a too-innocent voice as she joined them.

    "Ha! Playing to your strengths? We're not falling for that bug-girl."

    ———

    Twilight stopped and stared at the statue, a blush slowly burning its way across her face. Tattletale glanced at her and then quickly grimaced in pain as she brought her hand up to her head.

    "Damn it. I did not need that," she mumbled in a pained voice as Princess Luna declared in a voice loud enough to echo across the square.

    "Truly thy city hath cast off all bounds of propriety. Who is this noble Saddle Arabian and his partner? Why hath the city allowed such a sculpture? The man holds the Arabian's reigns in manner more befitting a bedroom than a public park."

    Twilight heard Shadow Stalker start cackling behind her and glanced behind to see a red faced Vista using her talent to bridge the twenty feet between her and Clockblocker to forcefully cover his mouth.

    "Clockblocker," Aegis said seriously while obviously trying to hold back laughter of his own, "If you post one bit of this online your life wont be worth what it costs Piggot to dispose of your body."

    "Oh dear," Legend murmured almost too quiet to hear while a grin spread across his face, "I'm not sure I'm going to ever look at Washington quite the same way again."

    ———

    "Be ye not embarrassed Twilight Sparkle. The doll is a remarkable likeness of thee," Princess Luna said while levitating a small stuffed toy off the table of a street-side stand. She turned to the proprietor with a pleased smile, "We shall take them all! Sister and thy friends will be well pleased with such a gift."

    Twilight simply groaned, imagining the scene. Each of her friends would tease her with it in their own way, but if she didn't find someone to make a Rainbow Dash doll before she got back, she would never hear the end of it from the rainbow-maned mare.

    She glanced behind her to see that her human friends had decided that this was, indeed, a fine time to assist the Princess in trying to see just how much blood it was possible for her face to hold. The answer, as always, seemed to be: more. Flame Dancer was snuggling a doll against her face while Vista and Gallant complimented her purchase and the accuracy of the details while bystanders that hadn't been swept out of the security perimeter took pictures.

    Flame Dancer nodded in agreement but then looked up at the vendor with a stare just below Fluttershy intensity. "Needs a notepad accessory."

    ———

    Twilight felt her ears relax from their folded position as they walked further along the path leading deeper into the central park of the city. The cacophonous noise of the city lessened with each step away from Fifth Avenue. Flame Dancer hovered close, a little behind and to her left. Twilight thought she seemed a little somber since their departure from Brockton Bay and made a mental note to talk with her later. Thirty feet in front of them Skitter and Dragon strolled, engrossed in a quiet conversation and seemed to hold each others undivided attention. Twilight thought it was a miracle that neither had tripped or stumbled yet, but they had both seemed to avoid every obstacle in their way without thought. Further ahead Tattletale and Vista strolled beside the small lake while Kid Win and Aegis hovered above it off to their left.

    Out of sight, but not quite out of hearing range she heard Uber and Leet once again proclaiming their arrival and asking the no doubt startled park goers to clear the path for "Their Royal Highnesses Princess Twilight and Princess Luna." She had no idea where the pair had acquired the ceremonial armor they were wearing, nor the purple and pink surcoats, though they had disappeared for a time when the group was passing through the theater district, but she was quite sure their efforts were not appreciated by the concentric rings of PRT and police officers who were doing the same job much more quietly. She had a sudden vision and shuddered at the idea of the pair ever meeting Pinkie Pie, no matter her fondness for any of them.

    Glancing behind herself she noted that Gallant and Clockblocker had slowed down a little to open some more space between them, and she thought she caught a glimpse of Shadow Stalker's immaterial form floating through the trees to her right. She smiled at the pair and completed her visual circuit by glancing straight up. She picked out a multicolored streak that she was pretty sure was Legend circling the area and a couple of specks that were probably other members of the New York Protectorate or Wards. She felt the level security was ridiculous, and the scrutiny that went along with it a little intimidating, but Luna seemed to take it all in stride. She had even complemented Uber and Leet on their armor.

    They came to a pleasant stretch of soft green grass beside the lake. Luna detoured them from the path and settled down in the last light of the day by the water, motioning with her head that Twilight should join her. Twilight sighed as she lay down and felt the cool grass against her coat and the warm sun on her back. Her hooves were grateful for the break.

    Traversing even a portion of a city this size on foot was no small endeavor. The tour had only stopped when they had somehow found their way to yet another "bar-cade" as well as brief stops at more serious attractions. She was pretty sure Luna had earned Uber and Leet's unending loyalty with the natural talent she had displayed at gaming. Her favorite spot however, excepting the unvisited library, had been the Statue Of Liberty. The poem at its base still resonating inside her.


    Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
    With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
    Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
    A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
    Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
    Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
    Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
    The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.

    "Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
    With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
    Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
    The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
    Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
    I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

    Luna had agreed, noting that it was no wonder New York was such a grand and teeming metropolis given such a creed as its guiding principle. They had left the major landmarks behind after that, Luna walking the streets almost at random, slowly zig-zagging their way towards the address they had been told would be their accommodations for the night. The grand building which now loomed over the trees behind them, was apparently it. She once again couldn't quite wrap her head around the trouble and the expense that was obviously being gone through for them. A hoof-nudge to her shoulder broke her out of her thoughts and she turned her gaze to the alicorn beside her. Once again a frisson of joy shot through her at the thought that Princess Luna had come for her, that she was right here with her.

    "'Twas wise of these humans to make a place such as this, the city 'tis wondrous strange, but lacking methinks in places of quiet contemplation."

    "Yes," Twilight smiled and looked around once more, "I don't think humans hear as well as we do, but I think the city noise probably gets to them as well." She hesitated for a moment, then continued. "Princess, do you mind if I ask, why did we do all of this today? I mean it was wonderful seeing everything and talking with the street vendors, and just seeing a city not in the grip of terror for the first time in a month, but I'm sure they would have arranged tours for us after the diplomatic meetings tomorrow. I think we probably ruined a lot of plans."

    Princess Luna smiled and subtly cast a silencing bubble around them before continuing. "Feh. Yes we suppose you are right. We will tender an apology for effort we likely rendered wasted with our jaunt, but we do not regret it. For one, we did not wish to see the sanitized pomp they likely would have selected for us. Better that we see them unprepared, things as they truly are. We wished to know better these humans, what they desire and hold sacred, and thus get a more honest appraisal of their character, so that we might negotiate from an enlightened position. If we are to be entering into talks that may one day shape the relationship between our worlds, we needed to see more than what they would have chosen to show us."

    Twilight nodded, realizing that through circumstance and design, she really hadn't gotten to experience much in the way of normal human interaction and culture since her arrival. She was struck once more by the savvy of the princess, and how telling her own lack of experience was.




    "Now tellest us Twilight Sparkle," Luna interjected suddenly with seriousness, "what dost thou knowest of thy new form?"
     
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    • *sees new post*

    Step 1: click like

    Step 2: reread from begining

    Step 3: read new post in an hour or so.

    ------------------------

    Step 1 complete.

    Beginning step 2.

    Estimated time to complete step 3: 50 minutes.

    (Step 2.5 swear at slow wireless speeds

    Step 4: compose omake where at&t wireless internet has earned the wrath of Sombra, Discord, Queen Chysalis, Nightmare Moon, Shimmer, Glimmer, Tirek, and all 3 Endbringers learn a friendship lesson and (with the elements of harmony) end the tyranny of shitty wireless connections.
     
    GingaNoTsurugi said:
    Sacred for for that scared typo?
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...

    Is that a critique?

    On behalf of Nanos I hereby befriend the shit out 8th yoh.

    *a note this is pure Google a ufo cor,fect. No revixions.Nona k spandex . Google said I fucked up 'bAcosts' ( timeout, that's 'backspace'...

    ...

    Google auto corrcts everything I type. If anyone e has issues b with my teplied, take it nip in posts. IM sure I'll do my best not M to make my posts understood
    ....




    Ps. The above post was "auto corrrtcted" .... corrected has 3 r's and no vowells....l did not know that... well.... anyeay. Google auto correct got rid of any mistakes I msfe. Everything should be o perfectly ldgibld,

    *thanks you gooblr*
     
    Dave said:
    Is that a critique?

    On behalf of Nanos I hereby befriend the shit out 8th yoh.

    *a note this is pure Google a ufo cor,fect. No revixions.Nona k spandex . Google said I fucked up 'bAcosts' ( timeout, that's 'backspace'...

    ...

    Google auto corrcts everything I type. If anyone e has issues b with my teplied, take it nip in posts. IM sure I'll do my best not M to make my posts understood
    ....




    Ps. The above post was "auto corrrtcted" .... corrected has 3 r's and no vowells....l did not know that... well.... anyeay. Google auto correct got rid of any mistakes I msfe. Everything should be o perfectly ldgibld,

    *thanks you gooblr*
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...

    *** test run of auto spell check app.... ***



    Not so good.
     
    A non-canon omake this time.

    Epic Rap Battles of Brockton Bay

    Leviathan:
    A bad day in the Bay 'cause I'm coming ashore.
    You'll go down with your town when they tally the score.
    I'm the stud with the flood, claws drippin' with blood.
    They call me Leviathan. Your name is mud.
    When I come around all the oceans are tossed.
    Japan took a dive and Newfoundland was lost.
    I bring the flow and the flood, waves crashing like thunder
    I brought shrimp for the barby 'cause we're going down under.
    Hands up everybody, we're gonna get down.
    I rock the party so hard all your sorrows will drown.
    This master of disaster bringin' rhymes that so fly.
    Say hello, Brockton. Then wave goodbye.

    Twilight Sparkle:
    I come with a message that we can all coexist,
    except for this monster that I'll check off of my list.
    They say I'm a nerd, I suppose that applies,
    but of the two of us here, you're the one with four eyes.
    I'm ready for you and your aquatic aggression.
    I did my research and now school is in session.
    I shut down all your flows as my plan is revealed.
    Now come at me fishy and choke on my shield.
    You think that you're fast? That you're quick on the rhyme?
    Just try and keep up as I bend space and time.
    A creature so cryptic from the depths that ascends?
    I can see through you with some help from my friends.

    Simurgh:
    Surprise little pony! It's a matter of course,
    Endbringers don't lose to a horny winged horse.
    You've got a plan you pulled out of your plot?
    I spin the web in which everyone's caught.
    I cut you down like a weed, you purple-pink steed.
    Now just trot away while Levi shows off his speed.
    I'll rip up the city, leave a barren expanse.
    I'll build a machine and the puppets will dance.
    I'll twist all emotion. My song will be sung.
    My plan is in motion. My will shall be done.
    All paths to disaster, all lined up in rows.
    There's no friendship here Sparkle, you'll find only foes.

    Princess Luna:
    'Ware, thou bleached harpy. Cry 'alack and alas',
    for now doth the night fall upon thy pale ass.
    Thou shouldst hast paid heed when thy sibling was schooled.
    'Tis time for thy lesson that the Princess doth rule.
    If we needed a mic, we would on it be sick.
    We shall now roast this turkey, and claim a drumstick.
    With the rise of the moon, Simurgh's song became silence.
    The Princess got moves, witness medieval violence.
    Thou art naught but a dream, and thy dreamer hath fled,
    as hath thy scaled sibling. Now take a hoof to thy head.
    The storm we command, thunder bass-beats be hurled.
    Vic'try we proclaim, for we rock this world.
     
    "Truly thy city hath cast off all bounds of propriety. Who is this noble Saddle Arabian and his partner? Why hath the city allowed such a sculpture? The man holds the Arabian's reigns in manner more befitting a bedroom than a public park."
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...

    I nearly exploded at this one.

    She felt the level security was ridiculous, and the scrutiny that went along with it a little intimidating,
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...

    Heh. Protectorate: "We're not protecting the ponies. We're protecting New York. No, not just the city. The entire state. The ponies can get... Messy when they protect themselves".

    Endbringers: Dozens of blocks reduced to grasslands.
    S9: wasn't that about a 2 block radius rendered temporarily uninhabitable when Twilight took out Jack?
     
    Well collateral damage huh....all I recall is spike hatching and turning into a big dragon and turning her parents and the judge ponies into shrubbery.......I think but if unleashing pinkie pie can be considered collateral damage....well....... XD
     
    Great parts. I love the world building going on. And the action / reaction spreading out.

    I wonder if they noticed the military presence at all.. there has got to be one by now.
     
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    • As Always, Deadpan has eradicated countless mistakes from this. - Many thanks are due!


    Interlude 12 - Alexandria Part 1 of 3

    She fumed as she waited outside the Oval Office. The petty power play, whether it was the Chief of Staff or the President himself behind it, was beneath the situation. The world was being re-written as she was forced to sit here so someone could feel more important about themselves. She didn't let any of this show on her face, however, she had long grown used to people disappointing her.

    The door across from her swung open out of the white wooden paneling and the President's secretary stepped into the room.

    "The President will see you now, Director Brown."

    She stood up and walked in a purposeful stride towards the door, when she noticed the mostly concealed hints of commiseration on the secretary's face she gave her a brisk smile that contained just the right amount solidarity in the face of stupidity and replied.

    "Thanks, Cathy."

    She pulled the door closed behind her and walked towards the couch where the President and Chief of Staff were sitting. They looked up from their discussion and rose together, extending their hands. She politely shook with both and then the President motioned for her to take a seat across from them. She didn't think the positioning of the seating was a coincidence, more power plays. She was almost sure the Chief of Staff was behind this one. Arranging things so he was symbolically on the President's side and making her an opponent instead of a colleague. Friendly meetings here between more than two people almost always had a circular arrangement to avoid exactly that.

    "Rebecca, I would apologize for cutting through the pleasantries, but I know you hate them anyway. What the hell is going on in New York? It certainly doesn't look anything like the itinerary you provided me this morning."

    Years of practice allowed her to keep herself from sighing. Of course they wanted to start with the least consequential thing going on right now. "Upon landing, Princess Luna altered the plan." An irreverent, 'Pray she doesn't alter it further,' ran through her head at the unintentional paraphrasing, but she continued without noticeable pause. "You've seen videos of her after the battle of Brockton Bay. It's practically impossible to divert her after she has set herself on a course of action."

    "So we're fine with letting her joyride around New York? It's a security nightmare, and traffic has basically ground to a standstill in the entire tri-state area with too many people either leaving in fear or trying to get into the area in hope of catching sight of her." Emmanuel said while President Barkley nodded along.

    "Frankly sir, given what she's capable of, and what happened the last time a being of unstoppable power visited New York? Lets be thankful for her comparative subtlety. My advice would be to adapt to it and start building contingencies in future plans based on her personality and actions to date."

    "Let her do whatever she wants. That's your advice, Rebecca?" The President asked in a tone that bordered on mocking incredulity.

    "What's the alternative? Do you really want to risk antagonizing her in any way? Especially over something as minor as going off schedule and wandering around New York like a tourist?"

    "That's it right there, Rebecca," the President said seriously. "Have we just replaced being at the mercy of one group of monsters with being at the mercy of more telegenic ones? Have we taken refuge from being stabbed under a giant Sword of Damocles?"

    It was a good question, one she had herself, but she felt she needed to deflate the rhetoric a little. Barkley had a habit of slipping into speeches if you let him get rolling. "Been watching FNN have you?" The President let out a short bark of laughter and even Emmanuel cracked a smile. "Sir, for now, any shelter however threatening or unstable is a welcome change. The sword is over our heads, but we've been bleeding out for a while now. We've spoken about this, about how much damage the system can take before it breaks down completely. I know we've all tried to be optimistic about this in the past, but I think all three of us had our own estimates on how long we'd last under the status quo, I don't know about you, but mine was about 20 years if we were lucky." She paused and took a deep breath before continuing. "Regardless of how you want to phrase it, we have been praying. Praying for someone to win the power lottery, praying for someone to discover a weakness, praying for something, anything to appear that would change the game. Well, against all odds, something did. I'm not saying it's without risk or consequence. There's plenty of both to be had. The new game we're going to be playing is dangerous and we don't know all the rules yet, but its better than the one we've been losing for the past 2 decades."

    Emmanuel looked like he was about to speak when Barkley stopped him with a hand on his arm.

    "That's true enough. It was clear for anyone that really wanted to look that the wheels were starting to come off the global economy, and with it the political system. I did pray, fervently, for some sort of solution, for some kind of salvation. I didn't expect the form it came in however, and now I'm thinking about gift horses and mouths." Which was good for a couple of polite chuckles from the three of them. "However I don't like being completely at the mercy of anything. We can't count on the idea that this new alien power will always be aligned so nicely with our own interests. Tell me you've at least started working on contingencies."

    "Some, Mr. President. We're starting to war game scenarios with our thinkers, but all of it right now is stuff I would file under long-shot, Hail-Mary, and 'please don't blow up the planet.' Given the level of power Princess Luna has displayed, and ignoring for the moment whatever it is that Twilight Sparkle did, she could destroy the Earth on a whim. Fortunately after talking with her, my best guess is that something like that is not in her. As alien as they are, their thought processes are, for the most part, broadly similar to our own. I think we will make far more productive use of our time focusing on understanding both their similarities and differences, what their goals and morals are, and using that information to keep our interactions positive and leverage what good will we can create with her and her species."

    "Great," Emmanuel sighed. "Kremlinology with aliens instead of communists."

    "So what do we know that my ambassadors and I can use before talks start in," the President glanced at his watch, "Christ 18 hours."

    "You've read the executive summaries we sent over?" When both of them nodded she continued. "Then you know the broad strokes of it. If you imagine that Eidolon was the absolute monarch of a country comprised entirely of parahumans, and all the complications that would arise from something like that, I think you will have a decent idea of where Princess Luna is coming from. She is used to command, and having her commands followed with little question. If she makes a decision, it will likely be hard to change her mind later. I think she would take the breaking of an agreement badly, so think long term when negotiating and think twice before signing. Clever turns of phrase and anecdotes amuse her, dissembling and not being forthright with your intentions irks her quickly. She's sharp and obviously used to politics. I wouldn't try to slip one past her if I didn't have to. Have a few amusing stories on hand for Luna, and a rare book for Twilight and you're likely to start off with a decent amount of goodwill."

    "Thanks, thats helpful. Emmanuel, get someone on an appropriate book, and I've got a few family stories I've mined for politics before that should work."

    "Oh, and bring daisies, or have some delivered to their hotel suite," Rebecca interjected quickly.

    "Daises?" Emanuel asked.

    "Twilight's mentioned on a few occasions that they are her favorite."

    "Easy enough. At least one thing is in all of this." The President glanced down at a notebook in his lap and looked back up somberly. "Speaking of Eidolon, do you have any leads on where he is?"

    "We've been unable to locate him at this time. Given his abilities, he will only be found when he lets us find him."

    "What do you think about Ms. Sparkle's statement that he's connected to the Endbringers?"

    She sighed. "I think it is true. They responded with unprecedented behavior to try and prevent that knowledge from being disclosed. I also think that it came as a complete shock to Eidolon. I have known the man for many years, and I am one hundred percent certain that he was unaware of whatever connection there is between him and them."

    "Have you asked Ms. Sparkle about the nature of this connection?" The President asked, leaning forward a little on the couch.

    "We have not had the opportunity to speak privately with her about it, and as we unsure of what the answer will be, we felt it better to table it until it could be discussed in confidence." She replied, as if he didn't already know that.

    "Find the time soon. I want to know what is behind that. It feels like a big puzzle piece to everything that has happened."

    'Yes, it is,' she thought before replying, 'and I'm not sure if that is a puzzle you need to solve.'"I'll move it to the top of our priority list."

    "Good. Ok, moving on to more concrete things. What's the tally from the battle, and how affected is the Protectorate and PRT going to be?"

    "Losing Eidolon, even if it turns out to be temporary, will severely effect our deployments. Eidolon covered a vast area of the southwest by dint of his power, and the fear of that power repressed villain and other criminal activity in his sector. We are going to have to shuffle a lot of personnel and put some of our heavier hitters on some kind of rotation until we can more permanently plug that gap or he returns. As Brockton Bay has effectively ceased to exist, we are likely going to cannibalize some of their personnel as a starting point once negotiations in New York are settled."

    She paused for breath and let her voice take on an appropriately somber tone.

    "Armsmaster is our next biggest loss. He was instrumental in developing several technologies the PRT and Protectorate use on a daily basis, was a respected leader in the Protectorate and a powerful cape on the battlefield. Special mention of him should be made when going over those who sacrificed themselves in the battle. In a bit of a mixed blessing a few high-tier villains died. If we continue to have Endbringers, any high-powered cape loss is significant one, but if the Endbringers are a thing of the past, the fewer villains the better. The immediate presence of Panacea cut down significantly on the number of capes lost to otherwise fatal injury, and of course Twilight's shield at the beginning of the battle saved dozens."

    "Overall, for an Endbringer battle, we got off light on the cape front. Twenty-nine dead. Civilian casualties are another matter. For Leviathan battles, this comes in around the median. Far better than disasters like Kyushu and Newfoundland, but worse than our best outings. There were very few survivors, even in shelters, in the urban core of the city. Considering the fact that this Battle featured two Endbringers, and resulted in one being destroyed? The numbers are just shy of miraculous." She paused as if she were debating how best to say the next part. "For the city itself, well you've seen the pictures. If it was me I would devote some resources into cleanup and relocation, and declare the whole area a national memorial park."

    "Yes, we were thinking along the same lines. I already have the Department of the Interior working on a proposal. Alright. One last item of business and I'll let you get back to it. The CIA and some of our allies' intelligence services have been picking up some chatter indicating the CUI are very interested in our visitors, and are seeing what appears to be a relocation of some of their cape resources. It's not much to go on, it may be nothing more than a variation on their normal paranoia, but I figured you should know. We've mobilized the guard in the tri-state area, ostensibly for crowd control and mundane security, and given them instructions to defer to the PRT in the case of a parahuman emergency."

    "Thank you, Mr. President. Hopefully they won't be needed, but I am grateful for the intelligence and the assistance. I'm headed to New York tonight and will brief Legend and the director Wilkins on the possible threat." She stood up and the President and Chief of Staff quickly followed suit. Shaking both of their hands quickly she walked briskly to the door and out of the office. All the while, her mind whirling around the possibilities of a CUI action of some kind.



    If there was one thing a situation as delicate as the next couple of days didn't need, it was a group of brainwashed parahumans in the service of a paranoid government taking an interest.
     
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    • Omake

    FNN Interview with Princess Luna:

    "So you mentioned before that you rule alongside your sister, does that ever lead to problems? I know my sister and I don't always agree or even get along."

    "HA! 'Tis true, we do not always see eye to eye, and I am not just speaking of her unfair height advantage. We see things in different lights, mostly it is healthy. One of the pitfalls of rulership is that it can be hard to find ponies who will disagree with you. My sister and I balance one another in many respects."

    "I can see where that could be an advantage, but I couldn't help but notice you said 'mostly.' Can you tell us about that?"

    "Yes, occasionally things can be difficult. The stress of our duties and our opposed work schedules has lead to miscommunication and misunderstandings between us that got out of hoof once or twice."

    "What about? How did you resolve your differences?"

    "Fie. 'Tis not a subject we wish to belabor. Suffice to say that we had an argument whether night should rule eternal or not. We fought a glorious battle in which we were soundly trouncing our dear sister until she decided to...how did Leet put it? Oh yes, be a 'cheating cheater who cheats.'"

    "..."

    --------
     
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    With Deadpan's assistance, chapter 3 has been cleaned up, broken into a chapter and a Aegis Interlude, and somewhat expanded. No rereading is required, mostly this was a cleanup job, and to make the format match the rest of the story. About 20% new content.

    Chapter 3 & Interlude 3 - Aegis - Re-Written
     
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