Audio Diary's of Sundial. Part of the story Fallout: Equestria - Murky Number Seven.
The diary entries play at, seemingly, random intervals and tell the story of Sundial, a pre-war unicorn who worked for the Ministry of Wartime Technology in Fillydelphia.
***Warning - Spoilers Ahead***
Entry 1[]
Played in Chapter 2: Every Pair of Wings
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Entry 1 |
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...uhm...hello? Oh wait, why am I saying that? This is a diary thing, isn't it? Well, what can I say for a first entry? My dad told me I should keep this up to date, for the record, he says. Well, I don't quite get what he means by that, but there's no reason I shouldn't, right? What's the harm it could do? Plus I kinda owe him...he bought me the Stable ticket after all. If things do go bad at least I'll be safe underground while dad should get evacuated with the pegasi. We'll be safe... So I got sent this thing, right? Came with the ticket, they said. My PipBuck. Crazy little device really, pretty cool. I get my radio, audio recording, a little light to brighten up the darkness of the night and it even interfaces with the terminal dad bought me for my birthday! Some places don't get them early, but many of them are manufactured right here in Fillydelphia, so I guess they just send them direct because there isn't any shipping. Well, I can say I'm glad for it, this thing saved my life already! I was coming back from picking it up, right? Well...Equestria's not how it used to be. Happiness, joy and understanding, right? Things are just, well, different these days. Some earth ponies tried to take my ticket on my way home. Came right out of the alleyway down Old Woodtree Road! I...I mean this thing, it saved my life. S.A.T.S. saved my life tonight, I mean. Oh dear, I'm all shaky again. Ponies aren't meant to fight, so why do we have to? I just...I want this to stop. I don't want to go into a Stable knowing that everything out here is going to die. But it won't happen. My dad tells me it's just all posturing and no-pony would ever be so stupid as to do something that would endanger us all. All the same, why would he spend almost his entire life savings to get me this ticket? I don't want to know what it feels like to be the last of a generation...if the worst does happen, what will we be left with? What poor ponies in the future will have to live not seeing the things I have here in the lovely city of Filly? Grass, trees, pure water? I...I guess I should wrap this up. I need to go find a job since I moved here to get the ticket. Well, bye I guess, to whoever listens to this. Probably me. I can look back and realise how silly I'm being to believe that any of this will actually happen. Well, my name is Sundial. I'm a unicorn, I guess it's worth saying. Maybe I'll tell this thing how I got my cutie mark or something next time. Till then...I guess. Bye? |
Entry 2[]
Played in Chapter 3: Forlorn Hope
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Entry 2 |
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Oh, gee, I hit go already...um...ok. Hello! Day two of my continued Pipbuck recordings to tell of my pretty boring life amongst a not so boring period of history. They said on the radio that somepony took a shot at the Princess out near the front today, no reports back but they have said she is still alive. I dunno...rumours get everywhere these days. I swear, Pinkie's Ministry seems to be everywhere to catch the bad ones, those posters creep me out. Well, I guess I'll tell you..whoever you are, about my day at work. See, I work at the Ministry of Wartime Technology in Filly now since I last spoke to this thing. I figured it only makes sense, they're always looking for ponies for the expansion efforts in Fillydelphia. Only catch is it's in weapons. Yeah...Dad didn't like that. He's a healer, of course, so I guess his buck son making guns really isn't too good for his mind. We argued...but frankly I don't care. I need the money. I'm sorry, Dad, I know you paid for my Stable insurance and the Pipbuck, but I need to live day to day and taxes are so high right now with the war effort. See, if I work in a war factory, I get exempted from them. Now, anyway, I don't like to ramble so I'll cut to the chase, okay? I met a mare today. See, I was trying to get a letter through to the Equestrian Mail Service in time, but my supervisor was having none of it. It was to my Dad! I couldn't see him any other time so I was trying not to lose my job as I explained the importance. But then...she...came along. Oh what...I mean...heh...yeah I think you can hear where I'm going with this, eh? She's a pegasus, offered to carry the letter there for me during her time off. I won't lie, she's quite pretty, lovely blonde hair, some nice flanks if you don't mind me saying...heh...oh why did I say that... Well, no matter, maybe I'll just look back on this and laugh at myself. Wait...I said that last time too, didn't I? It has been a few days since...oh well. Look, I've got to get to work, alright? The Ministry doesn't like workers not turning up on time. Pinkie is always watching for stuff like that... I'm hoping to see her again anyway, her name is Skydancer. Maybe next time I'll actually work up the courage to ask her out, say I'm just thankful for her help? Anyway, gotta go. Oh yeah! I said I'd talk about how I got my cutie mark...well, maybe next time, okay? G'bye! |
Entry 3[]
Played in Chapter 5: Blessing of the Stripes
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Entry 3 |
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Hah! Sundial scores! Heh...sorry, wanted to try opening one of these things a little excitedly. Oh boy is that gonna sound embarrassing when I listen back to it... So...uh...basically, yeah. I asked her. And well, she said yes! I got a date! Well, I had one, since I'm recording this at night. Skydancer...she's just...she's just wonderful! Everything I said, she responded to. She makes me laugh! I tell you, she has a mean sense of humour too. We're meeting again tomorrow night before she heads off to Manehattan on a delivery. I just...wow...how did she come into my life like that? To just appear from no-where, help me and then immediately become so important? So yeah, times are good. Well, my times are. Equestria wide...not so much. My old man's not too pleased that I'm still working for the Ministry of Wartime Technology. You know, Ministry Mare Applejack came to meet us at the new factory yesterday too! She's incredible, really. Totally on our side, aiming to have us make more armour than weapons and even hinting that we may get to work on some new project soon. I coulda sworn she looked a little upset as she spoke of it being made to protect the ponies from having to die like...yeah...I had guessed it was about her brother. Big damn hero, that stallion. But I've signed up to the work. Longer hours, sure. But a higher pay and I get to protect ponies! These Ministries aren't so bad, really. They do want to help us, I don't believe what they all say quietly about them. Although Pinkie Pie is kinda...freaky. A little grating to see everywhere you go. Heh...she even sent me a hand written birthday card this year. Nice but, well, weird. And just to end off, I kinda need this higher pay. I've decided to start saving now. If Skydancer and I become a...y'know...thing? Well, somepony has to be able to pay for a second Stable ticket, right? Okay, night shift time, wow I'm...I'm properly happy. Hopefully all this war business blows over and Skydancer and I can just spend time. Well, I'll um...see you later. Alright, that just sounds weird every time, what should I say though? Argh! Dammit, I forgot to talk about my cutie mark again! I promise! I'll get to that next time! So...yeah, happy Sundial signing off. Bye bye! |
Entry 4[]
Played in Chapter 6: Lighting the Darkness
Damn, thought this thing wasn't going to start again, Sundial here...
The rest of the entry went unheard due to the noise of Stable defences activating.
Entry 5[]
Played in Chapter 8: Virtue of Freedom
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Entry 5 |
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Hey, this is Sundial! "And this is Skydanceeeer!" Heh, yeah, Skydancer's staying over tonight and...well...you just wouldn't let me be to do this on my own would you? "Not a chance. Have you told that thing about us then?" About what? "That we're a thing, silly! What kind of buck doesn't tell his diary that he got a marefriend a few days ago?" Oh...oh I did! On the last one, honest! "Suuuuuure." I did! I'll replay it afterwards, prove it to you. "Fine, fine...I'll believe you this time. Well, you go chat to your Pippy-thingy, I'll be back once I've changed." Thanks. Well...what can I say that she doesn't portray herself? I can't believe my luck, still. Who woulda thought that one little chance meeting would lead to this in just a few weeks? My pops says to be careful, not to get too ahead of myself but he was always a bit of a cranky old stallion. Skydancer is amazing. Honestly, it almost makes it bearable, all the problems these days, knowing she's there to meet up with every few days when her job brings her back to Fillydelphia. But honestly, things are getting a bit darker. We had a drill the other day, to get to the Stable in time...everypony thought it was the real thing. Three ponies...well...the crowds were running mad and... They've got us in some pretty secret stuff down at the Wartime Ministry. Some new armour we're designing in tandem with the Arcane lot. Only reason I tell you here is...well...not like this thing comes off very often. But it's amazing technology, really incredible to work with. It worries me though...escalation keeps happening. There are reports the Zebras are using dragons now...how long before somepony sets the bigger things in motion? I can't let her hear this...but I'm setting aside most of my income to try and get her a ticket into the Stable too...just in case, y'know? But at this rate it'll take me a year...if the prices don't go up again. Since my Dad got one for me they've doubled. I need more income...I don't know how but, I know I want to manage. For her. If anything so I feel safe with her. That drill took me away from her...I can't have that happen for real. How would it feel to have to leave somepony behind? To escape into safety and know they're still out there? I've started looking out what I can sell and enlisted in the Fillydelphia Night Watch, but it's still not enough to catch up now...I'm just your normal buck! How can I get the funds to- "Still talking?" Heh...yeah, sorry, I tend to ramble in this thing. "Well, don't take too long. If I wanted to hear you talking about yourself I'd listen to you in bed." Ah...wha...I... "Oh I'm joking you silly thing, c'mere." I...um...Sky, I need to turn off the- |
Entry 6[]
Played in Chapter 10: A Long Way From Equestria
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Entry 6 |
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Uh...hi there. Well, uh...I'm not sure what to say here. But well...I need to get this out somewhere. Oh Celestia what is going on in my world... Look, I...I've may have to do something bad, to do something good. This world is coming crashing down, there's been reports of crazy huge spell testing going on and the shifts just keep going up. This entire thing is escalating again. My father's been recalled out to Hoofington to help cope with all the casualties there. Already, these Stables aren't seeming quite so stupid. I need to get the money to afford Skydancer a ticket, only I just can't afford it! But I...I may have found a way... When I came off shift today I was just crying, I couldn't stop. I've worked the maximum sixty hours this week and I'm still not earning enough! I'm just...sorry, that drill I mentioned? We had another one yesterday, but they don't tell us it's a drill till they lock the door shut! Every time my nerves fray and I feel so guilty. It's driving me to the edge of sanity having to abandon her...again and again. Each time it could be the real thing. But, even when I sat in the alleyway behind the factory this...this figure approached me. He just appeared from no-where! I never saw his face, all cloaked up, but the accent was pretty exotic. I'm not an idiot...it was a zebra. He dropped this huge bag of bits at my hooves and said that...that I could have it if I brought him some plans of what it was we were working on. Celestia help me, I'm tempted...I just want to protect the one I love! I've got no-one to turn to about this, the Ministry of Morale is everywhere. Every sprite-bot I see I'm afraid is watching me now, like they're just waiting to spring if I dare do anything. I just wish I knew what to do...I even considered going to the guards about it, hoping for a reward, but there's no proof and the city's coffers are running dry on sheer industry these days. No...I have to decide myself. They must have been watching me, knew I was one they could exploit. I hate this...I just hate all this! I shouldn't have to make these decisions! Why me...? I can't lose her...she's all I have these days. Is it really worth it? To work with evil to find freedom from pain? ...I should go, don't want anypony else hearing this so...well, bye for now. A second entry was made on the same day Hey there, it's Sundial! Well, who else would it be? I figured I better record a second thing today after that...well, that thing earlier. Something happier, I need to stay positive, that's what Ministry Mare Applejack told me when she visited recently to check some things. So...uh...I guess I should do something I haven't properly done yet. I wanted to say thank you, to say it to history on this recording that you might all know I mean it. Thank you...to my old stallion. My dad. He paid for this thing to help me survive and I don't think I've really shown the right gratitude for it yet. He wasn't ever like that...but it's all that's kept me going amongst all this. Ponies care for one another, my dad saved me...I want to save Sky. All from one to the next. I hope whoever listens to this will still be doing the same. Anyway...I should go and get things ready, I've been told that I need to go to a meeting at the factory about this new armour. Maybe a promotion? Wish me luck! Oh and...dad? If you ever hear this...you're the greatest. I know we don't always show it too much and we live apart but...you brought me up good, da. I wouldn't be who I am with the mare I love without your guidance to show me the way. Hopefully, someday I can do the same for somepony else as they learn to go out into the world for themselves too... So, uh...bye for now! |
Entry 7[]
Played in Chapter 11: The Morality of Escape
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Entry 7 |
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Hey...it's Sundial. I'm not going to talk about what...uh...what I said last time. But he's still been asking me, day after day...no, sorry...not saying a word. Maybe...maybe tomorrow. Today was happier, let's just stick to that, it's what any of us can do. The Ministry of Peace counsellor told me that's what I had to do...I hope I don't get diagnosed with Wartime Stress Disorder and lose my job. But I went out to meet Skydancer's folks today. Yeah...nerves and all. But, turns out they were really cool! Her father's involved in a lot of the mining going on up in the hills to build Stables, so me and him got on really well chatting about engineering and stuff. I think he kinda approves of me too! I overheard him saying to Sky that he rather likes an armour engineer being the one to go out with and protect his daughter. Truth be told? I think she'd be the one protecting me. Sky's stronger than she looks with all that mail flying she does. Lovely dinner and all, they've invited me back next week again after my shift finishes. I'm working day and night shifts if I can now to help raise money for Sky's ticket but...well, no. I promised not to go on that topic this time, I won't! All I'll say is, so long as I can keep this up, all I need is two years of hard work and I'll be free to buy her ticket too at this rate. If I can go and spend time with her and her folks in between well...maybe it'll help me do it. I never much see my pops anymore what with him having to follow the Shadowbolts as their medic. It's kinda cool meeting Sky's mother. She's really nice...like, welcoming and warm, just wants to nurture everypony. Kinda reminds me of my mom...... been so long...dad doesn't talk about her much still. I was a bit young but I still remember a few things. Little sights and senses...her face, the taste of her cooking. I...I kinda wish I could see her again...or remember her voice. I was just a kid. Right, well, night shift time. We're getting a little visitor to fit the suits so I better be there early. Goodnight, anypony listening. ...and uh...g'night...mom. Wherever you are... |
Entry 8[]
Played in Chapter 12: Sixty Minutes in Hell
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Entry 8 |
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I...hi...geez...oh Luna, sorry...exhausted, want to get this before sleep... Those zebras, they came back! They asked me again about the plans, about how I could make money, I don't know who I should tell or...or what I should do! They just appeared from no-where in the dark alleyway with those cloaks! Hidden in the darkness... They scare me so much, just not knowing when they'll pop out of hiding. No wonder the Ministry of Morale's been so active. I...I tried to run from them, but they followed me, cornered me, asked the question again. To give up plans, what if their offer turns nasty? It was so scary...seeing the snow landing on something that isn't there and form a shape... But they're offering so much...it's...it's tempting. But I saw a spritebot floating around my apartment a few times today...are the Ministry onto me? Watching to see if I would slip up? I just...just need a sleep...but Sky needs something to help her live if this all goes bad! I...I feel paranoid, like any small sound at night makes me wake up and lock myself in the bathroom. Any small sound... The zebras are watching, I just know it! They knew who I was. What if...what if they kill me? They might get somepony else as their helper, if...if I only give them non-critical bits...I don't think I have a choice anymore. It's like they're always behind me...just waiting... All I know is, I need to make a decision. Take action. But first...sleep, so tired...goodnight... |
Entry 9[]
Played in Chapter 14: The Lost Virtue of Legend
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Entry 9 |
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Hi there, Sundial's nightly update! So sorry he can't do it himself, so I guess I'll do it for him. I just know he'd have wanted to say, 'Hi there! I'm Sundial and I have the greatest marefriend in history, she's so perfect in every way! She is soooo understanding that she even saw the magazines I had under my bed and didn't mind a-'. H-hey! Are you recording on that?! Oh, hello sweetie! Just offering the 'Sky-eye-view' on your life! Aw, come on, Sky! They don't need to hear about...oh... Just realised what I said, huh? ...yeah... You are so cute when you blush, you know that? Fiiiine, I'll let you have your little toy back, I've got to head home to get ready anyway. So, bye-bye, ponies of the future! You really are crazy, Sky... You know you love it. If the feisty looks in those photos of the magazine are anything to go by- Hey! Gimme that, please, Sky! Gotta take iiit!' Hah! Some earth pony! Pinned by a little pegasus like me? Here you go, hun. I'll see you tomorrow after work, flying the night shift tonight. Phew...yeah...okay. I'll see you then Uh...sorry about all that. I might delete it...dunno. Anyway, for the proper update...I've made a choice. I can't let her go, I can't even risk having to let her go again. There are more and more drills, like somepony up top's beginning to fear we need the practice. I...I'm going to sell something to the zebras. The money they're offering is just too large to ignore, with it, I could afford another ticket in under a few months! I...I've decided to try something that seems important...an old design of armour we abandoned before the current project. They'll think it's all high tech, but it was way over designed and barely worked at all, so it won't hurt Equestria, right? So long as somepony else doesn't give up the good stuff, they won't ever know I'm feeding them long out of date info. Maybe...maybe this could work for Equestria in the end, huh? Like...counter espionage or something. Oh I don't know...the Ministry of Morale's gonna take me away if they ever find out! But the meeting's tonight, I've already got the blueprints copied to hand over. This entire city just feels lethal now...we've all heard the reports of ponies being taken from the refugee camps, disappearing into the night with no trace. The Ministry of Peace has been running all over the place trying to find them, even investigating a few workers who went missing from our factory last month. I figure they just bailed and went to the country...the cities aren't what they once were. I best be going...the zebras were very specific. Ten at night, around the back of the factory complex. I have to admit...them being here and a bunch of refugees going missing? Seems way too much of a coincidence...it'd be just like the stripes to kill off a few defenceless refugees to keep them spreading fear and worry amongst another populace. Urgh. Right, they're getting their plans, I'm getting my money and then Sky and I will be off to a Stable to be safe forever. That's all that matters now to me. Wish me luck... Heh...I guess I'll get around to telling this thing about how I got my cutie mark someday, huh? Goodnight. |
Entry 10[]
Played in Chapter 16: The Only Way Out
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Entry 10 |
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I...I...oh no, I don't have long! They got me! I was going back to my desk and they were waiting! With their cuffs and their batons and...oh help me somepony, they're going to take me away as soon as they get through this door! I'm so sorry, Equestria! I...I just wanted to protect her! So please, if you find this, please tell her I love her! Skydancer, she's the best thing that ever happened to me! Please! I'm so sorry Mom...Dad...I just don't know what's going to happen to me now! I'm- “Suspect, come here!” I'M SORRY! “Get down on the ground now! NOW! Get down or I'll-” |
Entry 11[]
Played in Chapter 20: The Great Game
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Entry 11 |
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So...um...I, I really don't know what to say to begin this again. After the last one, I just...I'm sorry if I scared anypony. I know it scared me. Things have happened. Things have changed. I don't think my life is ever going to go back to the way it was. Whether that's good or not I...I just don't know. See, they got me. The Ministry of Morale. I won't go over all the details but...I thought that was it. That they'd memory strip me until I wasn't anypony anymore! They put me in a cell and I...I admit it, I just lay down and kept crying because I was afraid I wouldn't see anypony I knew again. No-pony told me what was going on! Not until she came. Pinkie Pie herself... Sh-she came and told me not to worry. That I'd been 'naughty' but that she wanted to help fix it all. I just spilled, told her everything. Told her why I'd done it. That I'd been so worried and...and driven to my wits end by constant Stable drills and test megaspell sirens that I would do anything to get Sky a ticket! Pinkie, she...she just hugged me and told me that she understood what it meant to go a little crazy when you were worried about losing your friends. So she offered me a deal to make up for it. To go into the zebras as a double agent. That she would provide me with some secret plans they'd long given up using to act as a way to smooth myself into them again. I was to find out what was going on then get back to her. If I managed it...she'd get me a ticket for Sky. 'Better to do good for Equestria if you're that bouncy to help your luvy duvy marefriend out' she said. She's right. I'd rather take the risk to help than condemn them to try. I accepted. Well, long story short it's worked. The zebras found me within hours of me getting out. I thought they might kill me but the plans worked. I don't know what she did to make them believe I'd escaped but whatever it was it worked. They told me that I couldn't do it like before though. If I wanted to keep helping them it'd be as a worker in their plans. I...I've to go where I'm suspecting those missing Wartime Ministry workers are going, to do the same job. They told me to wait here, outside the city and...and... They're taking me somewhere. I don't know where. I've heard them talk about somewhere underground or a...a mountain or something. I don't know which one they are taking me to. I don't know what they want me to do there. I...I'm scared...this is so out of my depth. I hope I get to see Sky again. Just go with them. Do what they want. Find out what's going on and then get back to the Ministry in a week's time when Pinkie returns to Filly. Just one week. That's all I need to do. One week and all will be fine. One...week... I...I think they're coming. I can hear them nearby. This is it. I don't know why my life suddenly became important but...I'm going to try. For Sky. W-wish me luck I guess? Here we go... |
Entry 12[]
Played in Chapter 21: Just Downstairs (Part 1)
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Entry 12 |
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I don't have long, they've left me somewhere while they check something. They've brought me underground to some huge chamber just behind somepony's cellar and locked me in while they went deeper. They've been right beneath us all this time! The zebras have been right here! A-apparently I've to work on something for them. They asked me what kind of terminal I used so they could get one for me. They have something for us to do, some job they need Wartime workers who know arcane things to help with. Oh, Pinkie...please help me get out of this when I know enough. If I could go now and just tell her where they are, I would! I-wait...I think they're coming back. It's some sort of elevator that goes down below the city! I can hear it coming up! I just keep feeling like I'm out of my depth, I don't know why I'm here even though I...well...do. I'm not the pony for this. They've got others in here with me, they look like...like refugees. I don't know any of them. I just have to keep reminding myself who I'm doing this for! They're coming now. To take me down. Sky, Dad...Mom...whatever happens now, I love you all, okay? I have to stop before they hear me. Whoever finds this, I hope you can understand why I did what I did. I- “All of you. Stand up and move forth to the vertical stairs.” Wish me luck... |
Entry 13[]
Played in Chapter 21: Just Downstairs (Part 1)
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Entry 13 |
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He...hello, it's Sundial again. I...oh geez... S-sorry, they were near. I'm down here now, trying to record what I see l-like Pinkie asked. This is incredible, incredible and terrifying. They've got a whole operation down here in some sort of station! There's bucks and mares I knew from work who went missing here! Every so often I see troops of ponies like...like refugees. But they look more like slaves. They don't look happy... Every room I go by, they've got some sort of odd tool inside with a few workers. Zebras sometimes pass with these weird weapons to keep an eye out, way more than could normally sneak in. Are they planning an underground invasion? They've told me to work on the same things I helped design in the Ministry, to make miniaturised spark batteries like I did for the armour. I don't know why. But I did see something. Those refugees, they're taking them somewhere else! Somewhere deeper. One look through the door, I saw it looked like some sort of prison, they even had guards. I swear I saw somepony too. I don't believe my eyes but I'm...I'm sure it was her She was directing things, talking to zebras and looking over what we're doing here. I know it's her. I saw the pony who leads the Ministry of Arcane Science in Fillydelphia. Aurora Star is a traitor. |
Entry 14[]
Played in Chapter 22: Just Downstairs (Part 2)
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Entry 14 |
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Um...um...hi... Just a quick update, I'm in a room with some sleeping workers so I have to be quiet. It's been three days now down here and I...I don't think they're going to let me out. I'm trapped. I'm so scared, I just keep knowing that Sky must be so worried about me, we were supposed to meet two days ago but they won't let me leave! I've been briefed by Aurora Star herself, she's really weird. Like, she's intelligent but she's a little socially awkward. A bit like me before I met Sky actually. She seemed really nervous, constantly glancing at the zebras, did she get trapped in this as much as I did? She wants me to join a team and help construct these memory orb machines. Really, it seems to be an adaptation of the same techniques we used to help the spells in Ranger armour 'remember' user settings. Something about orbs that can teach ponies things. There's something bigger planned though, some expedition soon to take some of us to another place. They keep talking of 'safe zones' to develop something, what's dangerous about memory magic though? It's just teaching ponies how to do things. All the same, I woke up last night hearing somepony screaming, running away from what I now know is an old asylum the Ministry's built and then abandoned once Fluttershy deemed it unsuitable. Her mane had gone white... I...I heard someone, I need to- |
Entry 15[]
Played in Chapter 22: Just Downstairs (Part 2)
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Entry 15 |
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I...I think they didn't see me. By Celestia, those zebras are cautious...I'm only allowed this Pipbuck to do my work with, if they saw me using it to say any of this.. It's been two weeks now, Sky must be terrified, my family must think I've disappeared like all the other ponies going missing! I want to tell them so bad, but I now know how important this is. There...there's something being done down here that is not natural. Something of Aurora's invention corrupted by the zebras and their weird rituals. I hear them sometimes, chanting in small groups...I'm so scared... That's not all, though. I kept wondering how they got in, that's what Pinkie wanted me to find out more than anything. They have this...this room, across from the main lab. It's closed off to us and they tell me I'm not allowed. That's their secret way into Filly. But I know it doesn't lead anywhere, I've been in the overhead wiring ducts around it! It's just a room to no-where, but somehow it lets them in and out...I've got my suspicions but...I dunno... That's the least of my worries. Those refugees that came in? Some are put to work...they are interrogated for skills. B-but some, they just never seem to be seen around at all. I saw some being taken to that weird prison place, they were saying something about “Orb Duty” or somehting. Aurora's all about memory orbs, but what could they want from refugees' memories? I...I thought it was just to teach them spells from those, uh, spell orb things but I've seen earth ponies and pegasuses, I...I mean pegasi going in too. I don't know what's going on and I'm a part of it now, two weeks down here and...and... Aurora Star spoke to me...she told me quietly, away from the zebras, that this is for Equestria's benefit when the time comes. I...I don't know for sure, but she sounded worried, like she was even more scared than I was. Look, I...I've got to go, they need me to hook up another of those memory devices for non-unicorns. I feel like I've got all the pieces of the puzzle but no idea on how to solve it...nor what's behind that big door that all this goes toward. Um...goodbye. I...um...I realised I hadn't ever told you how I got my cutie mark, hehe...silly right? M-maybe when I get out... |
Entry 16[]
Played in Chapter 23: Winter Rad Up
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Entry 16 |
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I...whew, it's Sundial...of...of course! There's so much to tell, I don't have time! We're inside the mountain, now! They brought us up through the night! They let me have a few hours to myself...I...I had to go see her. See my Sky. She had been so worried about me, even my family didn't know where I'd gone! They...they threatened me, if I didn't return! I tried to be calm for her but I was the one more scared than any, because I could feel the temptation to try and run away from all of this! Just take Skydancer, my family and just go! My dad's still out on deployment, he doesn't know yet. I don't know why but that makes it feel easier. He has enough to worry about...if there's anypony who doesn't need to see more suffering than he already has, it's him. But I got to be with Sky, that's all that matters for now. I needed it...she needed it. I couldn't explain much, just a cover story that it was all a misunderstanding! We lay on the roof together like...like we sometimes do and looked at the stars. She asked me, 'Why does this have to happen in our time?' I've asked that so many times to myself and I still don't know. I just held onto her tightly and tried not to let her see me cry. Why can't this all be over? I just...I just want to go back to enjoying each day when I see her! No more stupid Stable drill alarms scaring everyone! No more end of the world hanging over us! No more...all of...of this! Whoever's listening...you'll know what I was like when I first met her. How I was all...all awkward...then you'll have heard Sky and I um...being in love. The banter we shared. The little jokes. How she'd tease me while I was recording. I'm so scared I'm going to lose all that. I need to do this...get that money...get out of all this and know we'll be safe! That's why I'm on this forsaken mountain! That's why I had to spend an hour waiting in the snow for them to get that little door on the mountainside open. Why I'm stuck in this gem mine trying to spy on a pony who is just as scared as I am now... Even those few hours were enough to keep me going. We...we spent them together. Just the two of us. On the roof...getting food...in her apartment...anywhere. Just feeling her beside me as we lay there in her bed, feeling our love and for just a short while being able to forget everything else...to hear her voice, her teases and see that little smirk on her face. A little bit of magic to remind me what I'm fighting for. I just want this to end...to end so I can go home to her! I- “You will cease noise. Cease the talk of babies.” “Get back to work.” ...yes...yes, Doctor Heartcare... |
Entry 17[]
Played in Chapter 24: The Legacy of Aurora Star
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Entry 17 |
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I've got to try and leave this on as much as I can. Anything from now on is worth recording, anything could be some...some sort of evidence to take back to Pinkie! They're taking us in at last, down into the...well...whatever this place is. They still haven't told me why they want some of us here. That's them...the zebras. There's three of them, but I've seen at least twelve so far between here and the metro hideout! They've got two dozen of us or so, just kept us waiting in here for so long in the dark off the mountainside. It's...it's so cold...I still cant feel my hooves and my clothes are soaked through. There's an odd warmth from up ahead though. I hope we move soon, for all my fears. I...I hope it still picks me up. They're moving us in! There's metal platforms in this cave, just off the ground. Like a maze unto itself! Wait...is...is that...? “Must you so stiffly order them around? They aren't slaves, they are still ponies. Ponies who volunteered for this, I might add. They're helping you, why not show them a little respect?” “They will get reward, Aurora pony. Until then are workers. Until then are tools by own wish. Cannot have dissent. Be quick. Be clean. Be efficient. They will do purpose. As will you, as agreed.” “Don't forget what you need me for...you couldn't hope to do this without me. Nor without them and their skills. They are as essential to this as anypony. Perhaps you should show a little more gratitude to-” “Zebra do not show gratitude to ponies. Zebra do not show gratitude to traitors. This was your choice. Now live with consequences. Until reward, you ours. Will find another way if you need removed.” “All right...fine...” Aurora Star... “You know of me, then? I can't imagine what you think of me for this.” I... I know of you...yes. Are you all right? “I'll survive, hopefully. Whatever drew you into this, whoever you are, I am so very sorry...” It's, um, Sundial. I kinda got dragged into it, I really don't want to be here. “Perhaps once I thought differently...stay safe, Sundial. Keep that PipBuck with you if you can. Just do what they want...what they tell you to. With enough work maybe we can all get out of this. I...I just can't believe I...” You what? “...nothing. Thinking on what's been done only makes me keep questioning one unfortunate thing.” What's that? “I only need wonder what Twilight would think of me now...” “Sundial...” Y-yes? “Just be ready. Please...no matter what happens in here, no matter how crazy things get...no matter what I end up doing...keep your head down and get out of here. Get back to your dancer in the sky.” Wait, how did you know- “Get back in line, pony!” But- “Get back in LINE!” Now I'm just scared all the more...how did she know that? Seriously, how did she know?! Look, whoever's listening to this? Somepony either tomorrow or...or in the far future or whatever...I don't know what's going on. It's like I'm playing with forces I don't understand! But...but... But her saying that made me feel like I can do this. I always knew I was doing it for Sky but just having somepony say it...urgh what am I even talking about...this is freaky. Can she read minds? I...oh my...wait, we're coming up to something. There's...there's a door up ahead! A big one! Not like a Stable door from what I saw in those horrid drills, it's square and lined with brass. I can see gemlights on it...we're coming to something...something big...they're opening it! I swear, I'll find the truth about this. For Sky. It's...it's... “Hey! What are are you doing?” Ah! I...nothing! Noth- |
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