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And then he changed back at some unspecified time before the white light burst.
I think part of the problem is due to that specific yellow ring. It was forged through blood sacrifice via a connection to the realm of shadows, and was specifically brought to working order a qwardian who would happily see Paul dead.How much of what happened to Batman was post-ring vs post-smilexish exposure, and therefore, is Orion likely to have undergone a similar permanent mental change? We already know he changed physically.
I wouldn't go that far. Diataria Lysis would be more ambivalent or wary of killing Paul because she wouldn't know how the OLC would retaliate.I think part of the problem is due to that specific yellow ring. It was forged through blood sacrifice via a connection to the realm of shadows, and was specifically brought to working order a qwardian who would happily see Paul dead.
It's fun seeing Grayven inspiring dread with casual conversations even after being purged by the Magic of Friendship.
Twilight's head jerks around. "But that's okay, right? You manage perfectly well without a diploma."
Dash frowns in puzzlement. "Ah, Twilight? I dropped out of flight school. I still got a BTEC in Weather Management. I couldn't be Ponyville's weathermare without it."
Twilight's horror only deepens
Remove one ".
The dustier it is the better."So… Is it alright to leave her like that, or do I need to find some sort of rare first edition to use as smelling salts
Can I recommend Thomas Paine's Common Sense?23rd July 2013
09:05 GMT -7
We both look down at Twilight for a moment.
"So… Is it alright to leave her like that, or do I need to find some sort of rare first edition to use as smelling salts?"
It's fun seeing Grayven inspiring dread with casual conversations even after being purged by the Magic of Friendship.
Thank you, corrected.
She's going to completely miss his jab at Equestria's rulers, isn't she? That's the 'Movie' plot gone by in the background, then. I suppose if the Renegade had been here, he'd have poked a hoof into it.23rd July 2013
09:05 GMT -7
"…the Storm Guard who were working for Tempest told the other Storm Guard, and now the Storm King is in the dungeon and Princess Celestia's put Blueblood in charge until we can work out what sort of treaty works for both sides."
Twilight smiles as I nod. "And all it took was them spending a few months in a county not ruled by a power-hungry tyrant to show them the light."
If she's going to be in charge of the country, she's gonna have to stop putting her hoof in her mouth."Yes!" She nods. "Exactly! It gave me an idea, and… Well, you're the only pony I know who's got experience with government administration-" I frown. "-except for the Princess." My frown deepens. "Es-"
"Passable recovery."
It's going to be totally unworkable in a realistic situation, entirely run on hopes and dreams and likely raise his blood pressure a fraction of a point, isn't it?"-so I thought I'd run it by you and see what you thought."
"Okay." I nod. "Hit me."
Oh, that. Given the trouble she apparently had with it in the series, getting some real advice is definitely a good plan."I was thinking of opening a school-" I start to nod. "-dedicated to teaching friendship."
I continue nodding. "Good show."
I'd be amused if that's a lot of why some ponies are actually criminals...She looks at me slightly suspiciously. "So… You think it's a good idea?"
"Yes. Honestly, Equestria's young offender system has been in need of someone taking a look-" Her face falls slightly. "-at if for a while, and I think that removing young ponies from their difficult home environments and-"
And having legal opportunities and credentials is likely to make them less likely to re-offend, of course.She awkwardly raises her right forehoof. "Um."
"-teaching them the social skills they didn't acquire from their parents is a jolly good way to spend your time."
...Something some people need for sure, but not quite what she had in mind, I think."That…" She looks away awkwardly. "Wasn't exactly what I meant."
"Ah. Sorry, no. I suppose that would be a bit of a big step for your first project. A… Summer school, then? Youths spending time away from home to give their parents a week's respite while they learn self-reliance and camaraderie?"
Because, you know, she's also going to be managing the country at some stage."Um. Maybe? I was really thinking of a full time program of study."
"Ah, okay." I nod. "And who were you going to get to run it?"
...I could hear the 'sucking air between his teeth' tone in his voice.She blinks. "I was going to run it." I wince. "Is..? That a problem?"
"Perhaps… Perhaps not. What sort of curriculum did you intend to have?"
And now we see Twilight's lack of real-world practical experience kicking in...She takes a deep breath, looking happier. "I was going to base it around the Elements of Harmony, with each of my friends teaching the same lessons to the next generation that they taught me."
"Okay." I nod. "And what about geography?"
Given the links between friendship and magic, I could see that one being useful."Ah-. Pardon?"
"Geography. The study of places, geology, settlements, that sort of thing? Or history?" She blinks. "Thaumaturgy?"
And here we see the point at which he realises she's serious, yet totally out of her depth."Well it's… Really more of a Friendship school…"
"So…" I frown. "What? No academic subjects at all?"
"Um."
Not a bad idea as a test case, really. Just needs a lot more thought."Oh!" I perk up. "So you're handling the sociology and personal and social development stuff while Ponyville School handles the academics."
"Not… Not as such…"
A lot more thought."Oh. Ah, okay. So… You were planning on teaching purely friendship-related classes… Full time, as your student's main avenue of education."
"Ah-. Pretty much?" She grins unsettlingly at me.
I have to wonder if there's going to be any wall left if he starts head-desking against it once he gets done here.Breathe in. Breathe out.
"Twilight, have you trained as a teacher?"
"Well… No, not… Formally."
He's got so much to say, he can't pick just one thing to begin with, eh?"Because there are a few things you pick up… About what the aim of teaching is-." Huh. Oh. "And… Ah. I don't wish to be mean about this, but do you actually have… A scholastic qualification yourself?"
"I… Went to the School for Gifted Unicorns..?"
Oh, no. She's..."Right, but… You were studying there when Celestia sent you to Ponyville… Then you stayed here, and didn't go back. I was just wondering if you ever formally graduated? Did you complete-" There's a growing look of horror on her face, and behind her Spike's eyes widen for a moment before he scurries into the basement. "-your courses by correspondence? I know that Sunset had to fill in a few forms to get her Bachelor of Thaumaturgy at the same time as she was preparing her thesis defence for her doctoral level work." I smile. "You should have seen the holes she wore in the mountain with her pacing. Ah. Was it something like that?"
...Monumentally unqualified for anything, it seems...Twilight is… Hugging her tail to her chest and stroking it, her eyes staring and unseeing.
"Um."
"I'm a high school drop out. Like Rainbow Dash!"
Boy, that's gonna be hilarious when she takes the throne...Dash sticks her head in through a nearby window. "Like what now? Oh, hey Grayven."
"Good morning, Miss Dash. Twilight just realised that she technically didn't graduate Unicorn School."
Somehow, I doubt it's that simple.She recoils in shock. "No way! Like, ever?"
Twilight's head jerks around. "But that's okay, right? You manage perfectly well without a diploma."
So, bets on whether she literally shatters like glass, or turns to stone and crumbles into dust?Dash frowns in puzzlement. "Ah, Twilight? I dropped out of flight school. I still got a BTEC in Weather Management. I couldn't be Ponyville's weathermare without it."
Twilight's horror only deepens.
Ah, She's chosen to simply dissolve into a puddle of shame and regret."Besides, the entry requirements for Wonderbolt training are at a higher level in, like, every category. I could probably apply for it now, I just didn't think it was worth it. I mean, It's not like I need a piece of paper to tell me I can fly."
Twilight… Appears to have collapsed somewhat.
I hope Spike's got something brewing to revive her, or you may be a while.Rainbow Dash leans in further through the window, looking down at her friend. "Ah… And… You don't need one to tell you you can do magic, right? That's your whole thing! You're great at magic""
Hm. Perhaps I could ask..? "Miss Dash, while Twilight's recovering from her existential crisis, could I ask you a few questions?"
So she's not really working as the main Ponyville weathermare at the moment, I take it. Or she's spreading her time really thin.Dash pulls herself fully through the window and lands on the floor, looking down at the slowly-rocking Twilight. "Ah… Sure? What is it?"
"I understand that being a Wonderbolt is a full-time job."
"Actually, it's more like a three quarters-time job. The on-season is pretty much full time and a half with training and performing, but off-season it's just regular training and sometimes doing a demo."
Strike... Two? Against Twilight's plan."Would you consider dropping the whole thing to become a full time school teacher?"
"Huh? Ah, no? It's, like, my life's ambition. I mean… I guess I could teach a flying class off-season..." She thinks for a moment. "That sounds kinda fun, actually. Good idea!"
Ah, not looking forwards to getting older, I see. A very youthful outlook."But not full time."
"Maybe when I…" She shudders, pulling a face. "Age.. out.. of the Wonderbolts. But not until then."
Strike Three, and Twilight's outta there. Also out of life, by the looks of her."And I assume that Rarity would feel the same about clothing?"
"Ah, yeah?" She frowns at me in confusion. "We've all got jobs, dude. And none of us have… Whatever piece of paper it is you need that says you know how to teach ponies stuff."
I don't know, she might need to suck her soul back in first before you worry about waking her up.I nod. "That's what I thought."
We both look down at Twilight for a moment.
"So… Is it alright to leave her like that, or do I need to find some sort of rare first edition to use as smelling salts?"
if > it"Yes. Honestly, Equestria's young offender system has been in need of someone taking a look-" Her face falls slightly. "-at if for a while, and I think that removing young ponies from their difficult home environments and-"
Thank you, corrected.
He did so accidentally. By hiring Tempest Shadow and giving her Storm Guards exposure to Equestrian society, he accidentally caused a coup.That's the 'Movie' plot gone by in the background, then. I suppose if the Renegade had been here, he'd have poked a hoof into it.
Since canonically Twilight turned out to be a worse ruler than Tirek, I doubt that anyone will complain.Because, you know, she's also going to be managing the country at some stage.
He's just taking cover. When Twilight gets angry, she canonically turns into a mini-Daybreaker.I hope Spike's got something brewing to revive her, or you may be a while.
No, she quit that when she became a full-time Wonderbolt.So she's not really working as the main Ponyville weathermare at the moment, I take it. Or she's spreading her time really thin.
Kind of. Rainbow Dash knows perfectly well that ascension is now on offer to her. She's spent enough time with Scootaloo to know that the process doesn't really have downsides. She's sort of mentally decided to try it when aging out looms.Ah, not looking forwards to getting older, I see. A very youthful outlook.
Thinking on it that tracks. Of all the Mane Six Dash is the most likely to have actually needed higher education of some sort.Dash frowns in puzzlement. "Ah, Twilight? I dropped out of flight school. I still got a BTEC in Weather Management. I couldn't be Ponyville's weathermare without it."
Twilight's horror only deepens.
"Besides, the entry requirements for Wonderbolt training are at a higher level in, like, every category. I could probably apply for it now, I just didn't think it was worth it. I mean, It's not like I need a piece of paper to tell me I can fly."
In fairness unless ascension becomes really common then being an alicorn rather undermines the whole 'best flyer in Equestria' thing she has going on. People expect physical gods to pull epic feats, so it isn't impressive.Kind of. Rainbow Dash knows perfectly well that ascension is now on offer to her. She's spent enough time with Scootaloo to know that the process doesn't really have downsides. She's sort of mentally decided to try it when aging out looms.
I thought she ran a clothing business.
I think Fluttershy runs a pet shop/grooming parlor, though I have read fanfics where she's a famous 'romance' writer under a pen name.Fluttershy and Pinkie… don't seem to do actual work, just full-time hobbies. Pinkie in particular seems to have dropped out of primary school and never looked back.
Dude... There's no way he can't tell you're lying out your ass here..."The only alternative was freeing Atrocitus, which would have been worse. I'm gong into the jungle, and all being well won't go anywhere near him."
That should say 'be'."Ah, firstly, because her ship isn't big enough to comfortably fit five people. Secondly, because it would take her months to get here. Thirdly, because I'd rather not show her things she'd be obliged to report to Thanagarian intelligence. The people of New Genesis are nice-ish, but they can also by arrogant, domineering and highhanded, and I don't trust the government of Thanagar not to do something ill-considered."
"The only alternative was freeing Atrocitus, which would have been worse. I'm gong into the jungle, and all being well won't go anywhere near him."
Space feeling a little too empty for you, Roy? At this scale, there might not even be stars visible, if I remember my astronomy right (Light pollution from the system's Primary, I think?) Just a big green and blue ball that looks like you could cup it in your hands, and a bright light off somewhere.23rd July 2013
08:34 GMT
Donna looks at Arsenal in concern. "Roy, are you okay?"
Through his faceplate I see him nod a bit too quickly. "I just assumed we'd be doing this in a spaceship."
...A nice, thick shell between you and the emptiness?Arisia cocks her head at him. "Why?"
"I just thought it was normal. You know, air, gravity, engines…"
Although there is the issue of losing environmental shielding if you lose focus. I suspect most Lanterns do keep a spacesuit handy as a backup."Most Green Lanterns don't use ships. When you've got a power ring-" She raises her right hand. "-there isn't much point."
"Abin Sur had a ship when he came to Earth."
To be fair, Greediporting lets you cover the most distance, and FTL Transitions handle the shorter range travel stuff.She nods. "And that's why he didn't notice that Legion was interfering with his ring. Flying in a ship is why he died."
"I don't actually own a starship. And I don't.. think you know how to fly one?"
For one thing, I doubt there's a great way to protect a light humanoid form while at FTL. And it'd be a lot slower than Lantern speeds.Roy shakes his head. "I'm just not completely comfortable floating in space tethered to you with no way to go anywhere."
Hm. "I could build a faster-than-light module for your power armour, but I'd have to use super-advanced alien systems and it would have a bunch of drawbacks."
Arsenal goes interstellar? Quite a trippy idea."How about a starship?"
"Ah… Sure? When's your birthday?"
"Seriously?"
A man, a spaceship, and a galaxy to travel? What better romance could a man ask for?"Sure. I mean, I doubt that you'll enjoy all the documentation you'll need to read to control and maintain it, because if you thought the manuals for that armour were bad-."
"I don't care how thick they are. It's a spaceship."
Aw, don't step on his dream, Donna. Let the man enjoy himself."Alright, well, when we get back I'll start looking at designs and you can start work on your large aircraft licence."
Donna frowns at me. "Why didn't you just ask Bleez to give us a ride? She's got a spaceship."
Especially when members of the Thanagar government are also arrogant, domineering and high-handed."Ah, firstly, because her ship isn't big enough to comfortably fit five people. Secondly, because it would take her months to get here. Thirdly, because I'd rather not show her things she'd be obliged to report to Thanagarian intelligence. The people of New Genesis are nice-ish, but they can also by arrogant, domineering and highhanded, and I don't trust the government of Thanagar not to do something ill-considered."
At the least, a little pod for him to ride in.Which… I mean, Hyathis would probably appreciate it, but I don't actually want to get involved in that… More than I already have.
"Sorry Roy. I'm just used to flying everywhere by ring. If I'd realised it would be a problem for you I'd have come up with something."
Given the last time he poked them? Anything would be better."It's fine. Let's just get down there."
I nod, then turn to Arisia. She blinks. "You want me to ask Highfather for permission?"
Girl, you gotta get some experience sometime. What better time than now?"Yes? I realise that Lantern Jordan might not have covered diplomacy yet, but this is a simple conversation with a friendly leader who would probably laugh it off it you did something slightly wrong."
"No, I mean… You're in command. I thought you'd do it."
And if Orion is still angry, the next thing that happens would be a Boom Tube cracking open so he can punch OL in the face..."I'm not doing it because Orion might pick up."
She looks towards the planet. "How long would it take them to spot us?"
Heck, just OL getting near the planet would have godly senses tickling, given his nature."They're almost certainly detected us already, and it's unlikely that any other Orange Lantern would be operating in this part of the universe. So if you could get on with it..?"
She nods, and raises her right hand. "This is Green Lantern Arisia Rrab to Supertown. We're requesting permission to approach New Genesis."
Any number of Mother Boxes could be going 'Oh, what the heck? Damn spam!'Nothing immediately happens. Which isn't that surprising. I'm not sure exactly what the arrangements are for receiving and transmitting messages on Supertown, but that was a general address. There are probably dozens of communication systems on the planet that could pick it up, and… Heh. Each of the recipients is going to assume that it's someone else's problem.
Bit of a flex, forcing visitors to come hat-in-hand, so to speak.This star system doesn't appear to have a conventional interdiction system. I halfway suspect that it uses a conceptual one instead, and if that's the case then they know that we're here with peaceful intent. And I'm sure that they know that we're here, so them not reaching out to us was a conscious choice.
Another flex. Just imagine the kind of 'projection technology' needed to produce that big an image that far from the planet.I don't know enough about New Genesis custom to know if ignoring someone like this is their way of telling them to get lost.
Arisia frowns. "Green-."
A giant head appears in space just in front of us. Highfather Izaya, looking down at us sternly but without hostility.
Hey, better the nice young woman than the slightly-evil-feeling not-a-New God."I greet you, Green Lantern Arisia Rrab. Why are you here?"
She hesitates for a moment, glancing at me. I give her an encouraging smile and a nod.
No doubt the specifics of 'misusing it' are not something they want to be sharing on an open channel like this."I've come here from Earth. Quite a lot of New God technology was left behind when the criminal Bruno Mannheim was defeated, and we're worried that someone is getting aid from a New God in misusing it."
"Yes, I share that concern. My son and his wife are aiding the local heroes in ensuring that does not happen."
Heh. No doubt Highfather has solid intel on every member of Darkseid's nobility of evil, past and present."We recently discovered an Apokoliptian infiltrating one of the storage centres. Mister Miracle is… He can't be everywhere."
"What was the Apokoliptian's name?"
And even the 'benevolent grandpa' New God thinks he's disgusting, going by that reaction."Sleez."
Highfather grimaces. "I thought that Darkseid had exiled him."
And there's nothing to stop someone not under your dominion from heading there..."Yes. To Earth. Mister Miracle is interrogating him, but he's been there for a while. We are concerned that there may be others."
"I have authorised no others to travel to Earth, but I have been disobeyed before. Do you wish to speak with my people?"
Best he could expect, really."Yes, and with the Primitives."
"I can not command the Primitives to speak with you, but you may travel to their homes."
Ah, some personal interaction. More than likely suggesting 'Don't come to Supertown' for his own safety.Arisia bows. "Thank you, Highfather. My team will be down shortly."
"First." The head rotates slightly, eyes focusing on me. "Orange Lantern."
That sounds positive. Or maybe that just means he isn't in a constant frothing-at-the-mouth rage right now.
In other words, he wasn't happy, but it was Orion's choice, so he has to abide by it."I don't think there's anything I can do to help with that, but if there is, let me know and I'll do it."
"My son chose to aid you. You were open and honest about the likely consequences, so I cannot find it in myself to be too wrathful with you. But it pains me to see him as you have made him."
We can but hope that Murphy isn't listening..."The only alternative was freeing Atrocitus, which would have been worse. I'm going into the jungle, and all being well won't go anywhere near him."
"I think that would be for the best. Lantern Rrab, I will greet you when you arrive."
I like his youthful enthusiasm."How about a starship?"
"Ah… Sure? When's your birthday?"
"Seriously?"
'They've'"They're almost certainly detected us already, and it's unlikely that any other Orange Lantern would be operating in this part of the universe. So if you could get on with it..?"
'going'"The only alternative was freeing Atrocitus, which would have been worse. I'm gong into the jungle, and all being well won't go anywhere near him."
"going into"
No, he's really not.Dude... There's no way he can't tell you're lying out your ass here...
Especially when members of the Thanagar government are also arrogant,m domineering and high-handed.![]()
Bit of a flex, forcing visitors to come hat-in-hand, so to speak.
Another flex. Just imagine the kind of projection technology needed to produce that big an image that far from the planet.
Anyone who can get angry can use a Red Ring.No, he's really not.
They didn't exactly have anyone that was angry enough to use a red ring, plus had powers that could combat Manheim's.
Freeing Atrocitus means freeing someone that's very good at using the red light and thus you potentially run a very high risk of him escaping and forming the Red Lanterns, who will fight the Green Lantern Corps and maybe the OLC because they're Maltusian organizations, which would mean that now the likes of the Reach and other evil elements don't have to worry so much.
Orion had the necessary emotion, was known to be a good person and had at least some ways to control his rage.
There isn't else that meets those criteria that Paul would know about.