• Project Horizons Comments Thread #2

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    Filling up threads one page at a time! All comments continue below!

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    Wednesday, February 1, 2012 op
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    4,952 comments:

    1. GuarddogjrMay 2, 2012 at 11:41 AM

      @Jacky2734
      Thanks I'll go try to get them some time this weekend. I was going to start with the 2005 series. I think that one starts with 9th right?

      ReplyDelete
    2. Jacky2734May 2, 2012 at 12:15 PM

      @Guarddogjr

      Yea, but he only lasted that first season, the rest of the new series goes on with David Tennant and later Matt Smith. Really, the only reason to watch the first season is to figure out who Rose is.

      ReplyDelete
    3. O. HindsMay 2, 2012 at 2:03 PM

      @WavemasterRyx:
      "If Harpica really does have a crush on Rainbow Dash that's going to make for quite the awkward meeting when the rest of Blackjack's party get back to Chapel."
      …
      Pfhahahahaha! I hadn't even thought of that!

      ReplyDelete
    4. AnonymousMay 2, 2012 at 2:20 PM

      @O. Hinds
      That would be funny, but also really, really weird, since that factoid was made up by a computer, unless the computer -- cut off from all other systems, by its own word -- somehow had records on the personal life of the Bluebloods' nurse.

      ...on the other hoof, being a servant at the Blueblood estate may well be reason enough for somepony to seek therapy. XD

      ReplyDelete
    5. AnonymousMay 2, 2012 at 2:31 PM

      "I've been having... violent thoughts. Yesterday, I caught myself fantasizing about m--murder... Please, is there anything you can do to help me?"

      "I'm certain there is, miss. Tell me, how often do you feel these urges?"

      "Almost every day."

      "And do these fantasies center around anypony in particular?"

      "My employer, Prince Blueblood."

      "Ah. Miss Harpica, I can assure you that these feelings are completely normal."

      ReplyDelete
    6. SindriMay 2, 2012 at 4:35 PM

      @silentcarto
      Unless of course Blackjack observed clues that both we and her conscious mind missed, but the psych-bot picked up on when it went through her memories.

      Or the AI spent the last 200 years staving off boredom by writing shipping fanfic of historical figures. Could go either way.

      ReplyDelete
    7. DerpmindMay 2, 2012 at 4:55 PM

      @Sindri

      Seems legit.

      ReplyDelete
    8. GuarddogjrMay 2, 2012 at 4:59 PM

      @Sindri
      That sounds about right.

      ReplyDelete
    9. WavemasterRyxMay 2, 2012 at 6:58 PM

      @silentcarto
      Indeed, Somber did a really good job with giving that scene such contrasting feelings.

      @O. Hinds
      I found it quite an amusing thought, though as silentcarto says, it was most likely not true... Unless Harpica did spend time at Happyhorn for some reason, like Blueblood.

      @Sindri
      I completely support the AI writing shipping fics, that makes it even more adorable.

      ReplyDelete
    10. ChocobunnySKMay 2, 2012 at 7:33 PM

      @Kippershy
      My bad, I meant Tenpenny Towers. And yes, I did see some raiders at least try to play baseball... This one guy was running around "bases" in a diamond shaped path. Strange, huh?

      @Guarddogjr
      If you don't mind having to deal with a bajillion popups, I've got a couple of sites. (1channel dot ch) for one, using either putlocker or sockshare links, before I got netflix. If you have a ton of free time, get netflix one month free trial and use as much of that month as possible. XD

      ReplyDelete
    11. WavemasterRyxMay 3, 2012 at 4:43 AM

      Chapter 43 part 2:

      "Is this your personality... or are you acting like this because of me?" "Yes." - There isn't much humor in this chapter (or at least pure humor), but this little spot of it before Blackjack starts on the quest deeper into her mind is really nice.

      The pit that opens while the computer is trying to talk to Blackjack is, as the node puts it, terrifying - but nonetheless a very impressive scene.

      "No, Blackjack. We need to die." - I really doubt anyone else felt this way, but rereading this section knowing the mare in black is Blackjack (in this simulation at least), this line became a lot more significant to me. The mare in black not just being her self-loathing, but more specifically her fear of becoming the monster she easily could be. Even saying that out loud it does make much sense to me, but I still felt the line was stronger looking back.

      This first confrontation against the mare in black is simply incredible. The flash of Blackjack and her friends suddenly in combat gear, Blackjack charging forward showering the area with explosive shells, the taunting from her subconscious, the thorns tearing her body apart until she was back to her cybernetic self, and "I could never be that old Blackjack again." Every single piece of that scene is beautifully crafted. I know I already said last time I wish this chapter could somehow be fully animated, but this scene warrants the reiteration of that wish.

      "Welcome home, Blackjack." - A happy and prospering 99, what could have been, only to be taken away. The scene with the thorns started me tearing up, but 99 pushed me into full-on crying, especially Blackjack holding Vigilance to her head after they managed to escape.
      The scene of Blackjack apologizing to 99 and finally being able to let go, that was incredibly powerful too.

      "Even two previous interfaces by an outside system," "They would resemble transparent images of the original recordings." - So that's what Blackjack saw in HR... my first guess of who was showing them to her would be Dealer, but since he was surprised that she knew the passcode to access Discord, that seems to be ruled out. It doesn't seem like something the program behind the Harbingers would make her see, so that leaves a definite mystery.

      The scene with the Seahorse... Goddess save me... it hurts to read just as much as 33 did, especially with the nodes saying "I'm glad you gave me one more chance to help." and "Isn't this what you did for Scotch?"

      ReplyDelete
    12. WavemasterRyxMay 3, 2012 at 4:43 AM

      The fight at the construction yard, and against the mare in black are both of your typical quality fights. And then it gets to the second half of the fight, where Blackjack tears off the mare's mask, the entire tirade that ends with Blackjack's sudden realization of "You're trying to protect me" - it made me start tearing up... and then crying again when she realized she'd killed Boing (crying over it again now even).
      And then crying even more as the node tried to comfort her... At least between the computer and Dealer they actually were able to help her.

      "I was founded two hundred and four years ago to help mentally hurt and emotionally injured ponies. I have had two hundred and sixty eight patients. Do you know how many I counted as successes? One. One pony who I think might have a chance at a life and happiness. You." - Happyhorn did everything it could to help Blackjack, and it cost everything it had left, but it helped her. It's incredibly emotionally powerful.

      A quick fight, and then Blackjack clinging to the unicorn and crying, I want to say something about that, but I just can't think of the right thing.

      Nails. I was trying to figure out who he was, but after everything that had happened in the chapter I was in such shock that it took me until after he said sorry to realize he'd been one of the ones from 33. And he actually took his second chance and tried to do better...

      Leaving the piece of mane in a bow with Happyhorn, and kissing the machine... they were very sweet gestures.

      Blackjack does not simply go to a house and sleep safely... but I can hope for her.

      "Happyhorn Gardens: May all find peace and healing within." - And I'm crying again... Happyhorn will always live on with me... I'll make sure of it, somehow.

      Again, Somber, thank you from the bottom of my heart for writing this story - and another thank you to Mint for convincing you to keep this chapter. So much would have been lost if you'd simply deleted it.

      As for using the material from the season 2 finale - I still thought the episodes were great, but I still didn't feel an overwhelming need for you to try and integrate the material into PH. If you can get by without needing to try and fit them in, then I'm happy for it being one less thing you'll need to worry about. You can use as many fewer worries as you can get...
      *hugs Somber*

      Again, thank you, sir, and I'm very sorry this commentary took so long to finish.

      ReplyDelete
    13. AnonymousMay 3, 2012 at 9:35 AM

      Hey, Hinds? There's a weird sentence still in 43.
      "He looked so calm, nice, even, in his sweater vest as he smiled and tapped his hooves before him."
      That reads really oddly with three commas in a row. The self-interruption (nice, even) needs to be set off by dashes.

      I also noticed you left D&s's cartridge as .40-70. Was that deliberate on Somber's part? Because the real-world cartridge, and the one the Ranger Sequoia uses, is .45-70.

      @Overlong Analysis Cobalt
      If I'm not vastly disoriented, southeast is toward the Highlands.

      ReplyDelete
    14. Random BlankMay 3, 2012 at 9:44 AM

      My theory with FoE ghouls: Balefire was known to be a necromantic spell. This is just the necromantic component of the explosion, a byproduct that keeps corpses alive. This IS a viable explaination.

      (OTOH original FO ghouls are plain bullshit pseudoscience technobabble.)

      As for Celestia "getting told". The whole FoE story requires a big suspension of disbelief on my side, and a special point for that is the start of the war. These were mistakes Celestia wouldn't make. These were demands she would not yield to, and she would have never let the war start. These failures are out of character for her. She made errors she would have never made.

      This is why the whole FoE universe, for me, is just an interesting theory, not a headcanon. It's a "what if", a case where some cosmic influence suddenly reduced all Celestia's stats by half or more. The moment she ordered the troops to attack... that wasn't her.

      ReplyDelete
    15. AnonymousMay 3, 2012 at 9:55 AM

      I tend to agree that Celestia wouldn't let them enter into a resource war unless every single other option had been explored. But, you know -- Fallout was the same kind of 'what if' scenario, so it still kinda works. ^_^

      ReplyDelete
    16. Random BlankMay 3, 2012 at 10:02 AM

      Fallout was based on humans. It wasn't entirely unlikely. Celestia, in her ways of rule, is very, very equine. And at that moment she became human instead.


      On an unrelated note: once the new thread starts, let's populate the first posts with useful links and resources instead of spamming surprise at new thread or "first" or such.

      ReplyDelete
    17. AnonymousMay 3, 2012 at 10:04 AM

      Augh. The fic School Daze proposes that FOE represents one possible playthrough of a video game in the FiM universe. Combine that with John Joseco's "Gamer Luna", and I suddenly have the mental image of Luna playing an evil character, wearing the "Lunar Armor" she got from Nightseer. >_<;

      ReplyDelete
    18. KatarnMay 3, 2012 at 10:11 AM

      @Random Blank
      We have new thread already. Course, we could ask "wipe" it out or start another one. Or ask somepony to edit their post (only those which are not answered can be edited).

      ReplyDelete
    19. DerpmindMay 3, 2012 at 10:16 AM

      @Random Blank

      Some of the backstory might seem unrealistic, but the backstory shouldn't impact your enjoyment of the actual story. I find if hard to believe that while reading the adventures of Littlepip or Blackjack, you still have a barrier of disbelief between you and the story.

      ReplyDelete
    20. Jacky2734May 3, 2012 at 12:30 PM

      You know what sucks. When you have to reset your computer to factory condition after it crashes. I just spent the whole morning reinstalling all of my programs and re-customizing my computer. Luckily, I didn't have anything truly valuable saved on it because I mostly just use it for web browsing.

      ReplyDelete
    21. ketchup504May 3, 2012 at 1:26 PM

      @Jacky2734
      My hard drive decided to fail a few months ago, and I had to re-install everything kept on C drive. Which was everything except my Steam and few legacy games that I like that were stored on D. Needless to say, D is now C, but I am going to get a Solid State to assist in performance with Diablo 3, which is already pre-loaded, and to speed up start-up. Computer functions are one of the few things I can ramble about, others being FOE and Halo.

      ReplyDelete
    22. RoboRedMay 3, 2012 at 1:57 PM

      @Jacky2734
      (evil monologues)
      Eh..I'll think I'll pass on this for now.

      @Guarddogjr
      (evil monologues)
      I've got your evil classical music right here :P

      @Overlong Analysis Cobalt
      (review and songs)
      You and I were on a similar mindset with Pink Floyd. I was listening to Hey You and Dogs, though. I was also thinking about The Trial, but it clashed a bit too much.

      The Wall is just an all-around good choice for Blackjack and her craziness situation.

      I can't believe I forgot to look at The Doors for more music choices...I remember listening to Riders On The Storm way back when I was reading the chapter where BJ and the crew were roaming around in the rain, right about the time they ran into Stronghooves.

      @WavemasterRyx
      (apologies)
      Ah. Well, I've completely forgotten, and I don't care to go look back, so I guess it wasn't that bad, anyways. :)

      @Somber
      (evil monologues)
      Nicely played.
      I can't bring myself to bring hate or chastisement to Celestia, though. She's already suffered enough for her transgressions - trapped within a computer mainframe and forced to watch her world burn.
      ________________

      @Jacky2734
      HAAAAAAAXXXXX!!!

      @Fore_Trekker
      Hmm...Psychoshy would be intersting to see. Or maybe Lacunae.

      @Sindri
      Mother of god...it makes perfect sense...

      @Jacky2734
      Reset and reentry is indeed a royal pain in the ass.

      ReplyDelete
    23. O. HindsMay 3, 2012 at 2:16 PM

      @Silentcarto:
      Hm… Sorry, but I think that it looks fine. It might be just me, but until I hear from someone else on the matter, I think that I'll leave it as it is now.

      Ah, thank you! Last time, I saw that the extra period had been corrected and just moved on without checking the numbers. Was it just 43 that had that problem? The Gdocs search function is not being helpful.

      ReplyDelete
    24. AnonymousMay 3, 2012 at 3:00 PM

      @O. Hinds
      Yeah, I think Google borked their search engine in GDocs a couple weeks ago. :/ I downloaded the chapters as .doc files so I could use Windows' somewhat more reliable search function.

      As far as I know, that's the first time the specific caliber has been mentioned in the story.

      ReplyDelete
    25. GuarddogjrMay 3, 2012 at 3:09 PM

      @RoboRed
      (classical music)
      That was exactly what I had in mind. Exquisite choice good sir!

      ReplyDelete
    26. nallarMay 3, 2012 at 3:19 PM

      @silentcarto

      Ctrl-f on this nallar.me/fics/Fallout Equestria Project Horizons.html - it's automatically updated, so you won't miss any retcons if they're to do with your search.

      ReplyDelete
    27. UnknownMay 3, 2012 at 3:58 PM

      @RoboRed
      You and me have the same mindset.
      "TEAR DOWN THE HOOF
      TEAR DOWN THE HOOF
      TEAR DOWN THE HOOF"

      ReplyDelete
    28. RoboRedMay 3, 2012 at 5:36 PM

      @tyler Not exactly. The story of The Wall was basically that of a man who after a set of traumatic experiences, delusions, and substance abuse eventually went crazy, his mind "Walled" off from the rest of the outside world. Eventually, he comes to terms with what he's done, breaks down "the wall", and opens up once again to the outside world.

      Kind of like what has happened to Blackjack here. She's wracked with guilt from the deaths she's caused to those around her, the murder of her stable, worrying about her friends, drinking, has been raped, has been hunted constantly, has "died", has had most of her body replaced with machinery. Just one traumatic experience after another.

      By the time she leaves her friends, she completely snaps, and mutilates some Enclave, some Zebras, a group of foals, and almost kills Dusk. Then she checks into Happyhorn in her unstable mindset.

      By the end of this chapter, through the help of the Happyhorn AI, she comes to terms with what she's done and with her suicidal tendencies, and breaks down her Wall.

      ReplyDelete
    29. Overlong Analysis CobaltMay 3, 2012 at 9:57 PM

      ... Okay, all the people who already know about this band are probably going to roll their eyes at this, but oh my goodness East Hastings by Godspeed You! Black Emperor is a pretty great PH song.

      ReplyDelete
    30. SindriMay 3, 2012 at 10:12 PM

      @WavemasterRyx
      You make a good point, the Dealer is probably not responsible for the images in HR (he could have been playing some gambit, but it seems unlikely). So, having eliminated the two sentients withing computers we're familiar with, it has to be yet another player. I suggest that it's the thing that was redacting most of the orders sent to HR systems from outside.


      @Random Blank
      That's actually one of the things I liked about the finale: it established that Celestia is fallible. Either she was fooled by a basic illusion spell and ignored the word of her most trusted pupil, or she allowed an invading army to infiltrate her palace, imprison a member of royalty, incapacitate herself, and occupy her capital city. So no matter how old, wise, powerful, and benevolent she is... she makes mistakes. Especially if led into them by those she thinks she trusts.


      @silentcarto
      We need art of this.


      @Jacky2734
      True.

      ReplyDelete
    31. AnonymousMay 3, 2012 at 10:16 PM

      Correction, chapter 20:
      "Rum (or grog, maybe), I discovered, was a bit sweeter than my preferred intoxicate."
      Should say intoxicant.

      ReplyDelete
    32. §torm's SalvationMay 3, 2012 at 10:46 PM

      Hey everypony, in case anyone was curious, I'm not dead, finals are just killer.

      Awesome chapter Somber, I mean crazy awesome, I almost thought the hospital simulation was real towards the end of it, and it was fun working backwards through the chapter until we found out how and why BJ was there (Poor Boing). I really had fun reading this one.

      I feel bad for the AI though, it seemed like it had gained some semblance of a "self" over the years and possibly even emotion and empathy. It was really heartwarming to see it become more than a simple calculator, I'm not sure whether it did what it did because it circumvented its own programming perhaps with an argument loophole to help Blackjack, or if its directive to treat patients allowed it to override basic procedures, but I'd like to be optimistic. Glitch would've liked her. (Yes I'm calling Happyhorn a girl, I don't know why.)

      ReplyDelete
    33. O. HindsMay 3, 2012 at 11:01 PM

      Ah, thank you.

      ReplyDelete
    34. ChocobunnySKMay 3, 2012 at 11:17 PM

      @Random Blank
      What would you consider useful for someone just joining the thread?
      @§torm's Salvation Agreed. Just one more day and I'm done. Just have to make it past two more exams. Then it's binging on FO3. Probably going to the Pitt soon. Anyone have any advice for that DLC?

      ReplyDelete
    35. SindriMay 3, 2012 at 11:24 PM

      @ChocobunnySK
      ...Don't? The Pitt was, in my opinion, profoundly disappointing. They promised an interesting setting, hard moral choices, and grey morality. Instead I got a single ugly and poorly designed maze, a linear plot, and a choice to be blindly obedient to one of two evil idiots (despite there being a clear better option which I was not allowed to take or mention). And some quest perks that give you large, unexplained bonuses. Oh, and somebody on the design team was really excited about their new weapons deigns for some reason.

      ReplyDelete
    36. O. HindsMay 3, 2012 at 11:25 PM

      A minor alteration has been made to Chapter 25; it was noticed that Blackjack did not tell Glory anything about how she met Twister's group, which was a problem since Glory would surely want to know.

      ReplyDelete
    37. GuarddogjrMay 4, 2012 at 12:19 AM

      @ChocobunnySK
      Not to sure what you mean? But if your new here howdy and welcome! While your here enjoy your stay and feel free to contribute any of your theories, ideas, or random topics. And again have fun.

      ReplyDelete
    38. SindriMay 4, 2012 at 12:30 AM

      @ChocobunnySK
      As for the thread... try to time your mental/emotional breakdowns to fall between those of others rather than coinciding, beware of occasional disturbing topics, if me an Necr0 get in another giant heated debate that nobody else cares about just ask and we'll switch to emails, and if you see people writing in code it can probably either be translated by entering it into google (especially if in foreign characters) or by shifting each character in some direction on a atandard QWERTY keyboard.
      Oh, and if you feel the urge to throw money at Somber, that's normal. He'll try to discourage you, but the email attached to the paypal account is at the end of every recent chapter.

      ReplyDelete
    39. WavemasterRyxMay 4, 2012 at 2:02 AM

      @Jacky2734
      You have my condolences, sir, that truly is an inconvenient thing to happen (the pain of which I know all too well).

      @RoboRed
      It was pretty bad... people have just been far too kind in forgetting about it. *hugs*

      @Sindri
      Yeah, it's most likely the thing redacting the orders. If I didn't think I remember her being entirely cut off, my first wild guess would be Celestia, but I'm pretty sure that's not the case.

      @Random Blank
      Poor sir... yeah... the new thread had already been up for a full day before you even posted suggesting that. Maybe you could ask for Seth to put some "useful links and resources" in the description section though?


      I've been going back over the PH discussion threads to copy and save my chapter commentaries (for some reason...), and I saw a comment I made from 28:
      "'Then leave this place.' - But Vader, Blackjack must confront Vader!"
      Which I find somewhat amusing, considering the parallel between Blackjack fighting the mare in black, and Yoda's cave trial from Empire Strikes Back (which is even more ironic, considering how people compare FO:E to Star Wars, and PH to ESB specifically).

      ReplyDelete
    40. Random BlankMay 4, 2012 at 4:30 AM

      I wonder...

      "Blackjack, You did what?!!"
      "I know this store is your life, Bottlecap, but this had to be done. Besides, you have whole 3 weeks. That's a plenty of time to relocate. Spread the word. Everypony must evacuate. Thursday, 17th, 14:00 sharp, the explosion will remove the city."
      "Look, the store withstood the war, it will withstand another explosion..."'
      "It's not just another explosion. It's a whole depot of balefire bombs. My estimate is about 500 of them. Including some very mean looking, fat ones. Move at least 50 miles away and hide for the duration of the explosion and after it! Whole Hoof will turn into one huge crater."
      "Maybe it can be defused? Stopped?"
      "No, the depot is about mile under ground and all the access tunnels collapsed after us as we were running. Quite a few hundred feet collapsed. Digging them would take months. Not to mention powerful enervation and the tunnels are crawling with monsters."
      "Maybe somepony could teleport in?"
      "The enervation is far too strong for alicorns. Others... good luck finding anypony."
      "So what are we to do?"
      "Pack up and run. Spread the word. Anypony left in the Hoof will be vaporized."

      ...Of course Blackjack would be bluffing. Still, the impact would be quite interesting.

      ReplyDelete
    41. Overlong Analysis CobaltMay 4, 2012 at 4:37 AM

      @Random Blank
      I dunno, I doubt it'd clear the whole Hoof. Too many scary rumors already flying around about the Hoof that people ignore. She might get some out, but not most, and definitely not the ponies she's really worried about (Harbingers)... plus, it's pretty clear that who/whatever is gathering ponies to the Hoof has got some serious information-disseminating skills. (Also, money talks more than words, and the Hoof is full of caps and plunder)

      ReplyDelete
    42. AnonymousMay 4, 2012 at 6:12 AM

      @Guarddogjr
      @Sindri
      ...Guys? He was asking what stuff we thought would be useful to stick at the top of Thread #3.

      @WavemasterRyx
      I don't know about that. The thing that was giving orders wanted Sanguine dead; the one countermanding them wanted him still alive for some reason. The Cyberdaemon wants EC-1101, and Sanguine was hot on its trail. I think the countermander is the Cyberdaemon, and the one giving the orders was the one that fed BJ some useful information.

      And now that we know that was computer data rather than anything spiritual, that brings up the question -- who recorded it? Whose perspective was BJ seeing, that was invisible, and eventually noticed by Goldie?

      ReplyDelete
    43. Random BlankMay 4, 2012 at 6:16 AM

      Considering her reputation - she did sink Celestia, blew up Hippocratic, and got quite a few ponies killed...
      ...and then Boom goes Maripony and she claims she did smuggle one of the bombs out...

      Harbingers - as Nails' example goes - aren't mindless fanatics either. They are misguided ponies lured by promise of endless riches. They got good equipment. Then lots of them got killed by this insane Security, despite their good equipment. The force that summoned them didn't make their fallen comrades rich - it made them dead. They lost to Security. Then she claims she will blow the whole city up. What good are the riches if you are dead? Hoofington has already made them somewhat rich, with good guns, ammo and armor - prerequisites to getting rich elsewhere. By deserting now they are guaranteed to keep what they already got, and won't risk death against the one who so far delivered upon all of her threats.

      ReplyDelete
    44. Random BlankMay 4, 2012 at 6:37 AM

      @silentcarto
      - maps
      - e-book in various formats
      - all-in-one HTML
      - direct link to the hub document
      - links to most active PH artists (Mech, Ryx)
      - IRC link
      - Somber's Paypal ;)

      ReplyDelete
    45. AnonymousMay 4, 2012 at 7:33 AM

      I was thinking about Hank's comments and behavior on my way to work today. I'm pretty sure I'm right, and the "friendly" computer was the one trying to kill Sanguine. Mostly.

      Murderous Computer: Hank, kill Sanguine.
      Countering Computer: Countermand.
      M: Kill Sanguine.
      C: Countermand.

      Now, if C were the one helping BJ and M ordered her death, C should have countermanded it. Therefore, the opposite must be the case:

      M: Go help Blackjack.
      C: Whatever.
      (Blackjack mentions Goldenblood)
      C: Kill Blackjack!
      M: Uh-oh.

      So C should be the Cyberdaemon. I would suppose, then, that our mysterious benefactor, M, also put together a sound file for Hank to play, instructing BJ's friends on how to safely recover her, in BJ's voice.

      However.

      The robot attack was probably instigated by C as soon as it detected that Sanguine had EC-1101 and was trying to use it to unlock Chimera. At that point, his usefulness was at an end.

      ReplyDelete
    46. AnonymousMay 4, 2012 at 10:22 AM

      I'm sure most folks on this thread follow FOE too, but Kkat just made an interesting post regarding story length and the fanfic format in general.

      ReplyDelete
    47. SindriMay 4, 2012 at 10:59 AM

      @silentcarto
      There were several commands made by the murderous computer and not blocked by the "defending" one; either it gt distracted at a key moment or just didn't have quite enough processing power to keep up. What makes you think that the order to kill Blackjack came from inside instead of out?

      ReplyDelete
    48. Random BlankMay 4, 2012 at 12:47 PM

      My personal opinion is that most of systems have standing orders to execute any unauthorized pony asking about restricted subjects, on site, no need for external input that can be blocked, and the origin of the command is a pre-war entry. Meaning both Hank and the fake Goldie at Flash HQ didn't receive external commands to kill Blackjack, she just triggered a trap keyword.

      ReplyDelete
    49. SindriMay 4, 2012 at 12:52 PM

      @Random Blank
      I figured that the word drew the attention of the Cyberdaemon or the thing behind the Harbingers (if they aren't the same system). An automated system would almost certainly report the use of significant keywords to command and security, but would be unlikely to cut apart its own building whilst screaming at her to give it EC-1101. Especially since you want to question ponies who know too much rather than just executing them if possible; otherwise you never find the leak.

      ReplyDelete
    50. Random BlankMay 4, 2012 at 1:01 PM

      That depends.
      I still think of the group of ponies that raided the museum 30 minutes before the bombs fell. I can imagine this is about when this order was issued.

      This late in, there is
      - no time to perform investigation
      - any leak must be stopped at all cost, immediately; civilian and infrastructure losses are moot, everything will go to hell in half a hour anyway
      - nopony will have time to investigate the reason why the system suddenly went murderous.
      - availablity, accessibility or even existence of HQ is not assured. The system should react autonomously. Besides, contacts with HQ might provide a quick hint of origin of the murderous command to authorities and possibly damage the plan in last minutes. The system acting autonomously would need to be examined in labs, and never yield clues on time.

      Now WHAT are the precise standing orders is a different matter, possibly going Rampage on the asker is only phase one...

      ReplyDelete
    51. SindriMay 4, 2012 at 1:10 PM

      @Random Blank
      So you think that simultaneously updating the automated systems for every major facility in the Hoof to murder anypony talking about the Projects would be less traceable than giving a single kill command if and when they notify you that somepony is talking about your business? The notification system would have been useful for decades before the end, and allow the AI in their base to make appropriate responses to any contacts in the Hoof. The auto-kill system would be incredibly obvious if it went off and leave no way for you to follow through, so it wouldn't have been up before the endgame, and there doesn't seem to be any reason to change to it.

      ReplyDelete
    52. AnonymousMay 4, 2012 at 1:32 PM

      @Sindri
      Well, first, both computers are "outside" relative to Hippocratic. On the system schematic, there was orange coming in on multiple exterior routes, supporting the robots like a decker on a Shadowrun team. It was everywhere, but tactically simple and easily driven back. The green line was entering through the security hub, but it was focused, unitary, and clever, moving around to evade Dealer rather than fight him directly. So we have three pairs of computer systems we need to synchronize: orange vs. green, murder vs. countermand, and Cyberadaemon vs. whatever computer system opposes it.

      The behavior of Orange matches the Cyberdaemon: pervasive but brutally straightforward. It never goes around when it could go through. When it had BJ in Flash Industries, it could have cut her arm off, but it didn't. Why? Because ripping it off would work just as well. Living things don't think that way. They see an easier way and they take it. The Cyberdaemon acts like a computer. The entity that uploaded the memories to BJ acts more like a person (possibly an AI). Sneaky, using deception and roundabout easy routes to get what it wants. Like, say, using memories to guide a curious hero to the location of EC-1101. Ergo, green.

      Now, the "kill Blackjack" command obviously came from the Cyberdaemon, just like all the other times robots have tried to kill BJ when she mentioned Goldie. If the murderous system were the one ordering that, then the countermanding system should have countermanded it. Therefore, I suppose that the kill command came from the countermanding system. So Cyberdaemon is orange is countermanding.

      I believe the unblocked commands were those that the blocking computer didn't perceive as a threat -- commands like, "go to the elevator shaft", "plug into the cyborg", "upload this data", and "play this sound file out loud". The Cyberdaemon is the one that wouldn't recognize a roundabout threat like Blackjack, which supports my theory.


      As an aside, I had a thought while working through all this. We know that one of the systems out there is the Hoofington security system, and I think it's Green in this schema. Why is it helping Blackjack? Think about it. It's Security. She's Security. Sure, anyone can run around in security barding... but BJ was an officially registered Stable-Tec security officer!

      @Sindri
      If you recall, the hologram of Goldenblood descended into insane "GIVEITGIVEITGIVEIT" after its cover was blown, just like the Robomination did. The Robomination, Hank, and Holo-Goldie were all the same system ASSUMING DIRECT CONTROL when BJ clued it in by asking about Goldenblood.

      ReplyDelete
    53. SindriMay 4, 2012 at 2:02 PM

      @silentcarto
      " If the murderous system were the one ordering that, then the countermanding system should have countermanded it. Therefore, I suppose that the kill command came from the countermanding system."

      You assume that the countermanding system is perfect, that nothing has slipped past it and therefore any successful commands must come from it. I see no evidence to support this, and Ol' Hank believed that whoever was making the commands was slightly faster or cleverer than whoever was cancelling them. The fact that 45 out of 402,790,112 commands slipped through makes it look to me like every command is being cancelled automatically and a few were missed, rather than like a conscious decision was made to allow "harmless" commands through.

      ReplyDelete
    54. SindriMay 4, 2012 at 2:15 PM

      @silentcarto
      I agree that the cyberdaemon is orange. Likewise, it was clearly the one taking over the Flash defense systems after the keyword was mentioned, supporting my theory that most systems in the Hoof simply report usage of important words to a central system, which the Cyberdaemon is/has control of. But I believe it's more likely to be killing than countermanding.

      Other known players:

      The Dealer, via EC-1101.

      The voice in the box giving orders to Sanguine in Deus's memory. Likely candidate for countermanding system in HR, given that most of the commands were to kill Sanguine, and defending your minions until they serve their purpose is just common sense.

      "Him" referred to be the voice, returning to the Hoof after being believed dead by Sanguine.

      Whoever is in command of the Harbingers (may overlap with the voicebox or Him).

      Any of these might overlap with the Cyberdaemon, thought the voice in the box and the commander of the Harbingers both appear too sane for that.

      The Hoofington security system... is there evidence here that I'm forgetting? Because I don't remember them being identified, and I'd assume them to overlap with the Cyberdaemon or the voicebox. And even if it was a major independent player, why would it help Stable-tech officers? They aren't Hoofington authorities; they aren't even a government agency.

      ReplyDelete
    55. Jacky2734May 4, 2012 at 2:58 PM

      @Sindri

      The dealer isn't a player. He can't actually do anything outside of advise the current holder of EC-1101, and he said himself that he was sick of the game and was through playing it.

      ReplyDelete
    56. DerpmindMay 4, 2012 at 3:05 PM

      @Jacky2734
      That implies that the Dealer might have been "playing the game" during the last 200 years. Could the Dealer have been doing anything from inside the Stable, and if so, what?

      ReplyDelete
    57. WavemasterRyxMay 4, 2012 at 3:05 PM

      @silentcarto
      Wow, all this talk about the orders and counter-orders is pretty intense... I think I'll leave that to you clever ponies... while I go try to be an active PH artist.


      Also, the Star Trek TNG episode Frame of Mind was just on TV. I still love that episode - which probably is part of why I love 43 even more.

      ReplyDelete
    58. SindriMay 4, 2012 at 3:06 PM

      @Jacky2734
      EC-1101 autonomously accessed the systems in the SPP tower after Blackjack entered, without any input from her, so it can do things on it's own. Meanwhile the Dealer demonstrated limited control over it when Blackjack accesses the systems in the tunnels and woke up the Cyberdaemon (she pressed the button, but nothing happened until after he appeared and asked her if she was sure). So he's subtle, and he doesn't want to play any huge power games, but he is a significant part of the electronic warfare in the Hoof.

      ReplyDelete
    59. SindriMay 4, 2012 at 3:14 PM

      @Derpmind
      I don't think that 99 had any active comms; otherwise EC-1101 would have continued on its way after checking for a suitable bearer. It appears to have noted the Tarot line because of the oddities in the descendant protocol, and would probably have gone back to them if all its primary targets had been dead or timed out, but it couldn't get out until it was attached to Blackjack and could give her directions to the relevant systems. Which makes it and the Dealer a much smaller player than the cyberdaemon (which has demonstrated the ability to puppet remote systems over a many-mile area once its attention has been drawn to the target), but potentially even more powerful within a small area given the full executive access the program grants.

      ReplyDelete
    60. RoboRedMay 4, 2012 at 3:18 PM

      @WavemasterRyx
      I was literally thinking of that episode yesterday while doing a reread & notes yesterday for my review (which I am bloody behind on - I'll probably make it a shorter one), and was surprised to see it on the TV a couple hours ago. (and more specifically, I was remembering that I probably should have listened to this song based off of it while I was doing my first read)

      ReplyDelete
    61. AnonymousMay 4, 2012 at 5:17 PM

      @Sindri
      And yet, Sanguine still lives. It can't just be a matter of volume, or the attacker could have just spammed kill orders until one got through. I'll absolutely agree that the one making the commands is more clever, though. The orders that were not countermanded must have been subtle and sneaky, setting up something rather than just overtly attacking Sanguine.

      ...oh my god. What if one of the ignored orders went to the cloning systems and created Boo?

      @Sindri
      When is the first time (chronologically) Sanguine mentions the "him" that he thought was dead? Could that return coincide with BJ using EC to unlock the tunnel factory?

      @Sindri
      It's mostly just epileptic trees based on "Security". The security system itself was mentioned recently, in Ch. 39:
      “What is trying to get in here?” P-21 asked in a low, even tone. He hadn’t moved from where he’d been when I’d gone out. “What’s behind those robots?”
      “Hoofington ... was the dream of visionaries like Horse and Apple Bloom to create a city that could manage and police itself. Automated systems are in place to handle security and defense, even two centuries after the bombs. Those systems are effectively responding to an intrusion.”
      Based on the evidence, I take it for granted that there are at least two major systems competing for Hoofington's networked resources. Possibly security vs. defense, or OIA vs. Hoofington, and I don't know which is which. But I've got this funny feeling that if Blackjack were to walk past Mercy, the lasers wouldn't fire.

      Maybe.

      Fifty-fifty chance.

      ReplyDelete
    62. Jacky2734May 4, 2012 at 5:20 PM

      I just found a correlation between the latest chapter and the series finale of MASH. In the series finale, the show's main character, Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce, actually cracks and is sent to a military mental facility to recovers.

      What, you ask, caused a mental breakdown in a surgeon who had gone through most of the war covered in the blood of patients he had both saved and lost? It was the fact that his actions inadvertently caused the death of a baby.

      The event was so traumatizing to him that his mind actually altered the memory so he could (unsuccessfully) deal with it. I won't say the exact details of the altered memory because it would spoil it for anyone who hasn't watched it yet, but doesn't that scenario sound pretty familiar?

      ReplyDelete
    63. SomberMay 4, 2012 at 6:09 PM

      @Jacky2734

      Correct. That was one of my inspirations for the chapter. Hawkeye refuses to acknowledge the trauma that led to the baby, doing everything from driving into a building to nearly killing a patient.

      I guess you could also say I was ripping them off.

      Frame from Mind from Star Trek TNG is another one I really thought of while writing 43.

      ReplyDelete
    64. Random BlankMay 4, 2012 at 6:14 PM

      Okay, you are reasonable in "cyberdemon orders the robots to kill Security". OTOH, it seems like all robots do have "trap words" and the effect of these would be opening connection to cyberdemon and making it priority over countercommands.

      ReplyDelete
    65. Overlong Analysis CobaltMay 4, 2012 at 6:43 PM

      @Somber
      Hot damn, that's good taste in media for inspiration!

      ReplyDelete
    66. SindriMay 4, 2012 at 6:44 PM

      @silentcarto
      Not sure when chronologically the conversation happened; it was in an unlabeled memory orb from Deus.

      If Goldy did work with Applebloom on Hoofington's automated systems, they might recognize a Stable guard as a legitimate authority... on the other hoof, the insane experiments in the Stables mean that the probability of one of their Security ponies being a sane and good person are significantly less than comfortable... But you're right, it's a possibility.

      ReplyDelete
    67. KimMay 4, 2012 at 6:47 PM

      Right, woo. Finally found time to read the latest chapter xP have to say it took me a while to understand and remember what had happened last time. And even after that, it took me a while to realize what was even going on, haha. Have to say it gave a very interesting ponder. A very disturbing, interesting ponder. I really don't have much to say here, to tired... but I have to wonder, when did BJ learn a light spell? I can't recall one occasion before... then again, my memory sucks. And again, have to say I had quite a few stray ideas of what it could have been she's trying to suppress but.

      Same feelings as usual about that whole deal, in either case, still wondering what could be causing her trauma. (and even if I hate the subject, how you write it kinda far surpasses mine.) Oh, oh, I just got a suspicion of what it might be, that's semi-rare for me! Hum, anyhow, BJ went a bit casual killing spree there. Hum, okay, my random guess seems to have gone awry. (and I can't even recall what that means xD) Ah, well have to say that took me by... surprise I guess is the most accurate... kinda weird though that I kinda figured out who the mare in black was from the start. Luckily my second wild guess had been wrong to. And heh, I dunno why, but the whole bawling part was quite amusing. And seems like I was right in one thing at least. However, how he knew the mare was just unconscious, I don't know... or did he have a Pipbuck?

      Anyhow, rather good chapter, onto picking up on days of missed comments... or well, any important ones, I know you don't want me to bring up old topics, heh.

      ReplyDelete
    68. SindriMay 4, 2012 at 6:53 PM

      @Kim
      I believe the light spell came from the book of magical exercises for foals that she picked up in Twilight's private office in Tenpony. The light spell was pretty much the first thing she managed with her slowly healing post-resurrection horn, and the first non-bullet-based spell she ever learned, so she's justifiably proud of it.

      ReplyDelete
    69. SindriMay 4, 2012 at 8:19 PM

      Damnit.
      Anybody in physical proximity to Somber? 'Cause he sounded particularly bad a moment ago and then logged off suddenly after saying "sorry" a bunch of times.

      ReplyDelete
    70. Jacky2734May 4, 2012 at 8:19 PM

      @Somber

      Really? Wow, it's nice to see people out there keeping the classics relevant. You know, you probably could have stuck a Dr. Sidney cameo into that chapter just for the heck of it.

      On another note:@Random Blank
      It'd also be a pretty good idea to provide a link to the story's TVtrope page.

      ReplyDelete
    71. ketchup504May 4, 2012 at 8:21 PM

      This comment has been removed by the author.

      ReplyDelete
    72. O. HindsMay 4, 2012 at 8:25 PM

      @Sindri
      Oh dear. Any idea what went wrong? I'll send him an email, but that's pretty much all I can do...

      ReplyDelete
    73. SindriMay 4, 2012 at 8:27 PM

      @O. Hinds
      ...
      Gimme your email adress and I'll send you the chatlog.

      ReplyDelete
    74. ketchup504May 4, 2012 at 8:35 PM

      @Somber
      Some of the mind games and disruptions in the Star Trek series are simply genius. Ex: Counselor Troi being a Tal Shiar agent[TNG], Major Kira being an Obsidian Order agent, Doctor Bashir being a Dominion agent[both DS9]... and those are just the ones that I remember pertaining to being a sleeper agents.
      Drawing inspiration from them seems like a good idea if you run out of ideas

      ReplyDelete
    75. WavemasterRyxMay 4, 2012 at 8:40 PM

      @RoboRed
      Yeah, usually when a station plays Star Trek anymore it tends to be the worse episodes, so I was surprised to see that one on, especially so timely after 43.

      @Somber
      "Inspiration" is very different from "ripping them off", sir.

      @Sindri
      That doesn't sound good at all... I thought he seemed down from his post before, and I was about to try and post a message to him... I really hope he'll be alright...

      ReplyDelete
    76. O. HindsMay 4, 2012 at 8:46 PM

      This comment has been removed by the author.

      ReplyDelete
    77. KimMay 4, 2012 at 9:09 PM

      So glad I didn't have to post a " http://rike42.deviantart.com/art/Buy-some-apples-298516349 you guys..." Not sure if that isa good or a bad sign... eh. I take it as good. Annoyance was thankfully at it's low due to various things.

      Welp, onto comments as said. And why you so addictive heroes of might and magic 3? Anyhow, while reading the comments, I did find it kinda funny in hindsight that BJ rambles on having "cut of a pegasus wing", (at least I think she killed that pegasus, or at least wounded it mortally yet didn't seem to care that much about either gelding or de-horning heh.

      @Wave: totally random, but what did you apologize to Kkat for?

      Gah, I hate missing days of comments, so many pages to go and read through, especially at 5 am. And I feel so tranquil it's scary... especially with what I am doing.

      @O. Hinds: (ghoul cells) Likely missed if this was adressed: Ghouls cell actually still "work", they just do it as such slow rate it's barely noticeable, it's why they live so long. If we go by Fallout lore that is, I think the ghouls in FoE went with a similar type. (something that they "enjoy an extremely slow cellular mitosis rate, rendering them essentially immune to the effects of old age.")

      @Admiral: (Scootaloo) Depending how you want to spin on it, Scoot could have been saved, just died there later in life. Not sure how good quality she'd have lived but. (think it was this thread we had the discussion in, with a possibility ex: Rainbow came by.) And keep in mind Applebloom died alone to, technically. And she doesn't even really have the chance to be "saved" in a side fic due to how she died. Unlike Scoots, she had a pretty "you're fucked" fate. Unless one would think of how to save her from there, then have her crawl back there to die sometime later. Scoot in the other hoof just have to get back to the house sometime later in life.

      And I know it sounds stupid, but it slightly feels like I might have been the cause for Somber's sudden... absence, is it called? I mean, I've cause it like what, 1-3 times before? But in either case, using a concept is different from copying it. Not like they took the entirely same idea and just changed the names. Otherwise pretty much anything would be a copy of something somewhere.

      Erh, anyhow, as said, I hope I wasn't the cause... again. And I do hope Somber's all-right.

      ReplyDelete
    78. O. HindsMay 4, 2012 at 9:13 PM

      Okay, I just heard from Somber; he's very depressed at the moment but seems otherwise okay. I don't really have any details, though.

      ReplyDelete
    79. SteveMay 4, 2012 at 9:16 PM

      Uh. This may be dumb of me, but after looking at the new comment thread I have to ask: How do I log in to the new comment system with my Google account?

      ReplyDelete
    80. SindriMay 4, 2012 at 9:16 PM

      @Sindri
      Okay, Somber is fine, I'm just being panicky and stupid.

      ReplyDelete
    81. O. HindsMay 4, 2012 at 9:19 PM

      @Kim
      No, FoE ghouls are actual undead, corpses that are animated by magic.

      ReplyDelete
    82. SindriMay 4, 2012 at 9:21 PM

      @Kim
      Because HoM&M is awesome?

      IIRC it was a picture Wavemaster drew back in... February? Which would be considered offensive in the wrong context and featured Littelpip. Wave kept it to themself rather than posting it publicly, but offered to send copies on request. One or more copies ended up in the hands of trolls who presented them to Kkat as a personal attack; misunderstanding and offence ensued. The issue was cleared up quickly and all but Wavemaster seem to have put it behind them.


      @Steve
      It appears to be impossible. I had to make a new account on one of their accepted systems.
      Which might be difficult for you given the commonness of your preferred username...

      ReplyDelete
    83. O. HindsMay 4, 2012 at 9:22 PM

      @Steve
      You don't. Convenient, this new system. Also, if you have any mysterious redirects to nowhere while getting an avatar picture for the new account you'll have to make, try copying the link address into the address bar and then pressing the "Stop Loading" button at exactly the right time.

      ReplyDelete
    84. O. HindsMay 4, 2012 at 9:34 PM

      @Sindri
      I'm not sure that I'd say fine, just okay aside from depression and not being in any immediate danger from that. If you've any ideas for how to help, I'm pretty much out.

      ReplyDelete
    85. MelMay 4, 2012 at 9:35 PM

      @Sindri

      I nearly had a heart attack. I'm glad to hear Somber is not doing poorly.

      @Jacky2734

      ...I'm having some trouble finding the speech. I promise to get this done eventually, though.

      ReplyDelete
    86. MelMay 4, 2012 at 9:39 PM

      @O. Hinds

      Or not... I will pray for a swift recovery.

      Stay safe, Somber. Everyone here cares about you.

      ReplyDelete
    87. Jacky2734May 4, 2012 at 10:06 PM

      Just got done testing out the new comment system and I have a few interesting notes.

      1. The easiest provider I found to subscribe to, if you don't want to use your twitter or facebook account, is Intense Debate, all it requires is a username and an email address.

      2. Word coding(ie Bolding, italicizing, and underlining) and posting named links still use the <>.

      3. You can now underline your words. You can't do that with the current thread's comment system.

      4. As found out by other posters, there doesn't seem to be a character limit for comments, so now you don't have to break up your in-depth reviews of the latest chapters.

      ReplyDelete
    88. WavemasterRyxMay 4, 2012 at 10:20 PM

      Somber, sir, I dearly hope that you'll be alright... I had been planning to post and say how much of an inspiration you've been and what it means to me, but for it to be timed now... Maybe it's fate?

      If it hadn't been for you, Somber, I most likely would have given up completely on trying to draw ponies, after the rather dismal reception of my first attempt at drawing Homage. You, and the wonderful story you have created, are what made me pick up my pencil and try again because I wanted to create something that would honor the effort you have put in to something that makes my life worth living.

      For some solid numbers, sir, so far because of how much you inspire me I have created: 73 drawings (and more planned) and written 40,708 words (93 pages) worth of commentary.

      Even all those words are not enough to properly express my gratitude for what you share with us. You deserve a better life, for how kind and wonderful of a person you are, and I wish with all my heart that I could give it to you.

      Please take care of yourself sir, you mean a lot to me, to all of us.

      ReplyDelete
    89. AnonymousMay 4, 2012 at 10:26 PM

      @Sindri
      OK, you're talking about the orb when Deus gets the order to go to Stable 2. So it was well before the Robomination. Huh.

      By the way, correction, Ch. 18:
      "Only one region hadn’t been enhanced and free of pain."
      Only one region had been unenhanced and free of pain.

      ReplyDelete
    90. AnonymousMay 4, 2012 at 10:32 PM

      @Sindri
      ...
      ...
      ...as Steelhooves would say, "Definitely a vice."
      Could I get a copy, Wavemaster? [email protected]

      ReplyDelete
    91. theBSDudeMay 4, 2012 at 10:36 PM

      @silentcarto
      ""Only one region hadn’t been enhanced and free of pain."
      Only one region had been unenhanced and free of pain."

      Eh, I think "Only one region hadn’t been enhanced and was free of pain" is better, since "had been unenhanced" doesn't actually make sense.

      ReplyDelete
    92. O. HindsMay 4, 2012 at 10:48 PM

      @silentcarto
      Ah, thank you. And to return the favor in kind, I believe that you meant Stable 99, not Stable 2. :)

      @theBSDude:
      No, Silentcarto's version works well, I think.

      ReplyDelete
    93. AnonymousMay 4, 2012 at 10:52 PM

      @O. Hinds
      Yeah, that one! XD

      ReplyDelete
    94. SteveMay 4, 2012 at 11:00 PM

      @O. Hinds, Sindri

      What about logging in with Twitter, as much as I hate to use mine? I really don't want to have to make Yet Another Account.

      ReplyDelete
    95. WavemasterRyxMay 4, 2012 at 11:08 PM

      @Kim
      My apologies, for whatever reason I simply have a terrible time of remembering to reply to you... Sindri's explanation is accurate.

      @silentcarto
      My apologies as well, I painted over the files and then deleted them. The only version of the picture that exists now is the physical copy, which I almost burned... but decided instead to keep at the back of my art book, so I'll never forget how terrible I am. So I can't send it to you, sorry.

      ReplyDelete
    96. GuarddogjrMay 5, 2012 at 1:05 AM

      @Somber
      Like wave said, you sir are a true inspiration. I really hope you begin to feel better soon. You desereve to feel as much joy as you have given us, if not more. You are truly an amazing person. *hugs* Get well soon, everyone here cares about you.

      ReplyDelete
    97. MichaelJAWMay 5, 2012 at 2:53 AM

      So what IS the IRC? I need to discover if I'm able to access it (running through a university proxy).
      I also approve the motion to leave important information on the front page of the new comments thread.

      ReplyDelete
    98. Random BlankMay 5, 2012 at 3:44 AM

      IRC - Internet Relay Chat - the first and best of "Internet Chats". Usually you use a dedicated client program, though there's IRC extension for Firefox (Chatzilla) and there are online java clients you can use from within a browser.

      IRC is divided into networks, servers and channels. And apparently FoE has a channel.

      Now where's that IRC? The link is somewhere near the middle of the first extra comments thread...

      ReplyDelete
    99. KatarnMay 5, 2012 at 4:29 AM

      @Random Blank
      Somewhere here?
      http://fallout-equestria.com/chat

      ReplyDelete
    100. SomberMay 5, 2012 at 9:21 AM

      Sorry... I didn't mean to worry anyone... I'm just sorry. I don't know what else to say. thank you for your kind words. I hope that somehow I can someday deserve them. Anyway, no 44 this weekend, but now that Hinds is out of classes, we can brush chapters midweek. So... yay?

      ReplyDelete
    101. KatarnMay 5, 2012 at 9:56 AM

      @Somber
      Yay~
      Hope, some day, you'll understand, that you deserve every kind words, that we giving to you.

      ReplyDelete
    102. KippershyMay 5, 2012 at 11:35 AM

      @Somber

      I seriously wish I could plug you into the AI BJ was strapped into, plug myself into a node, and just fucking rip through everything with you until you're all cured.

      You deserve everything and more. I promise.

      ReplyDelete
    103. O. HindsMay 5, 2012 at 11:41 AM

      Three paragraphs have been added to Chapter 11; during brushing of part of 44, it was realized that Blackjack never actually learned what happened to Canterlot and just sort of knew. Our brains were apparently skipping over the hole without telling us.

      re IRC:
      http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/06/temporary-chat-embed.html
      There's a link button on the EQD sidebar.

      ReplyDelete
    104. ketchup504May 5, 2012 at 12:23 PM

      @Somber
      Don't worry, bi-weekly chapters are fine. But, having Hinds able to brush during the weekdays may allow midweek releases, yes?

      ReplyDelete
    105. RoboRedMay 5, 2012 at 1:55 PM

      @Somber
      "Ripping off"? Hardly. Star Trek and MASH are some damn good inspirations.

      @Sindri
      (Wavemaster/KKat incident)
      Ah, so that's what happened. Yeah, I don't remember anything about that at all.

      @WavemasterRyx
      You really shouldn't worry be too hard on yourself. It sounds like it was just the fault of trolls, not your own. :(

      @Somber
      Glad to hear you're okay. Don't worry about it, we're used to this now. Take all the time you need.

      And remember, you always deserve a little kindness.

      ReplyDelete
    106. RoboRedMay 5, 2012 at 1:56 PM

      @RoboRed
      (That link was supposed to start the video at 6:47...no idea why it won't...)

      ReplyDelete
    107. Jacky2734May 5, 2012 at 2:09 PM

      I know I'm a little late on this, but I just got inspired.
      Villain Monologue: Note: Sounds best when read with a deep, echo-e, even voice.

      "You cast my kind into the hellfire oceans of Tartarus, commanded that dog Cerberus to guard its gates against our evil, and then what do you do?
      You destroy the very world you sought to protect from us. You killed millions, murdered your living gods, poisoned the land, blotted out the sky, and created abomination that make even I cringe.
      Then, when all the fires subsided, when the maws of death had had its fill, did you come together? Did you try to rebuild?
      No.
      You fell deeper into the darkness. You forsook the very teachings that had made your kind great. Dividing yourself among races and beliefs. You raped, pillaged, and murdered. You tear down those who seek a better tomorrow and perpetuate this grand Hell on Earth that your ancestors created.
      Before you judge me, child, before you call me a beast, take a look at your past, look closely at the atrocities committed by your kind for the sake of peace, and then ask yourself one single question.
      Who are truly the monsters?"

      ReplyDelete
    108. Jacky2734May 5, 2012 at 2:17 PM

      @RoboRed

      The link worked for me. Also, why isn't there more fanart out there involving Fluttershy with the manticore licked mane?

      ReplyDelete
    109. RoboRedMay 5, 2012 at 2:20 PM

      @Jacky2734
      Guess Firefox or Youtube (or both) hate me right now.

      Good question.

      ReplyDelete
    110. TheLastDefenderMay 5, 2012 at 2:27 PM

      @RoboRed
      Youtube will save where you left off sometimes. It's kinda annoying when your trying to test links.

      ReplyDelete
    111. WavemasterRyxMay 5, 2012 at 4:09 PM

      @Somber
      We just worry because we care about you, sir. You definitely deserve every kind word and more, and please take whatever time you need, we'll be here.
      *hugs*

      @Kippershy
      Hey, if you ever find Happyhorn Gardens could you save me a seat too?

      @RoboRed
      Trolls may have made the incident worse, yes, but the fault still lies with me for causing it in the first place.

      ReplyDelete
    112. RoboRedMay 5, 2012 at 5:36 PM

      @WavemasterRyx
      But all you did was create a piece of fanart featuring Littlepip, and it was never intended as an attack, correct?

      ReplyDelete
    113. Jack DorkingsMay 6, 2012 at 7:49 AM

      I hope you feel better soon Somber. you do amazing work and you should be proud of it.
      Those two sources of inspiration for this chapter were good, taking elements of something you saw work well and weaving them into the story can't be a bad thing. Of course plagurism is bad but I think you're a long, long way off of that here.

      I can't actually remember that TNG episode, I'll have to see if I have it lying around somewhere and watch it.

      With the comment section rapidly filling up, my only concern in the length of the pags with the new commenting system. With the volume of comments this recieves if you leave it a while you'll vey rapidly get lost, wheras here if you check back every day or so normally at worst its just moved forward one page, not half a dozen or more.

      ReplyDelete
    114. KimMay 6, 2012 at 8:26 AM

      @O. Hinds Hum, okay. I was rather sure they were like Fallout's ghouls, just different. Since it was caused by radiation and part balefire (necrotic). Since the ones that "survived" the radiation long enough to "transform" became the ghouls. Otherwise you could raise dead ponies with the balefire. Otherwise there's be A LOT more ghouls around. At least I think so.

      @Sindri: True... true... xP

      And ah, okay. I never saw that picture. I take it as it's something either easy to see, or now completely neigh impossible? Heh. (yeah, read the reply down bellow now, neigh impossible. xP So it'd either be asking someone that would have kept it, or ask for a description.)

      @O. Hinds (somber) I better stay out of the whole thing, I tend to only make things worse when I try to help with emotional matters.

      @Everypony: There's a new comment system? ... I guess I can see the last part, I've been thinking some of my longer comments have seen a bit... long.

      Also, woo! Dunno if I mentioned before, but I actually managed to feel bad over what I've recently written. (fic wise) I seem to still have some morality left ^^

      @Wave: It's okay, only thing I got a bit bummed over comment wise was that I picked such a bad time to post something I had wanted to get off my chest and discuss for weeks, leaving it completely unanswered. And ah, I see.

      @Somber: As said, tbh, I prefer a chapter ~every other week. It's much more bearable for most I think... I hope at least.

      @Wave: (trolls) People have a knack for blowing shit out of proportion. I've made some questionable things in my past, but trolls and haters manage to ramp it up several notches. I noticed some managed to write it as I had done something worse than it was.

      ReplyDelete
    115. AnonymousMay 6, 2012 at 8:34 AM

      @Kim
      Well, FOE ghouls explicitly don't need to eat, sleep, or breathe, while Fallout ghouls do. You can't use balefire to bring a dead body back to life, but it can convert a living body to unlife (which then goes to 'fully dead' with sufficient damage.) It's one of the advantages of using actual factual magic rather than pseudo-science, I guess.

      ReplyDelete
    116. GuarddogjrMay 6, 2012 at 8:50 AM

      @Kim(comment system)

      It is the Intense Debate system that EqD is using now. The new thread is already up all of the comments on it so far are just clarifying account names and some rules about the reply and editing systems.

      @Somber
      That's fine, even if the chapter did come out this weekend I wouldn't have been able to read til about Friday since my finals are this week. And if you go to a bi-weekly update that's fine take whatever time you need.

      @Kippershy(Happyhorn)
      if you find it, could I tag along possibly?

      ReplyDelete
    117. KatarnMay 6, 2012 at 9:02 AM

      @Guarddogjr
      @Happyhorn
      I think most of us need Happyhorn facilities in one way or another.

      P.S.
      Reserve me one pod too -.-

      ReplyDelete
    118. RoboRedMay 6, 2012 at 9:10 AM

      Not sure how I'd feel being plugged into what is essentially the Matrix...

      But no arguments here - I think all of us here could use Happyhorn in one way or another.

      ReplyDelete
    119. MelMay 6, 2012 at 10:14 AM

      @RoboRed

      Though we could probably do without a tank and a small army for an alarm clock.

      ReplyDelete
    120. RoboRedMay 6, 2012 at 10:29 AM

      @Mel
      Yeah. I could definitely do without the pant-wetting "OHJESUSSHITRUNOHGODFUCKJESUSRUNFUCKSHITRUN" reaction from an enemy tank suddenly appearing.

      ReplyDelete
    121. KippershyMay 6, 2012 at 11:01 AM

      @WavemasterRyx

      You and Somber get premier seats.
      I care about you both and want you both to see how amazing you really are.
      So yes, I'll make sure I'm there to hold your hand too.
      (I become the AI because I'm so fucked up I'm okay, and therefore replace the qualified doctor.)

      ReplyDelete
    122. KippershyMay 6, 2012 at 11:02 AM

      @Guarddogjr

      Oops, meant to reply to you as well.
      of course! seats for everyone! I'll be your guide!

      ReplyDelete
    123. TheLastDefenderMay 6, 2012 at 11:25 AM

      @Kippershy
      Does that still count as group therapy? Because we may have to change our new member welcome.

      ReplyDelete
    124. SindriMay 6, 2012 at 11:46 AM

      @Katarn
      Count me out of the Happyhorn expedition. I'm crazy, but in an entirely non-crippling way so it doesn't really need to be fixed...
      And if crazy is part of who I am, and you remove the crazy, who am I?

      ReplyDelete
    125. Le HarrysonMay 6, 2012 at 11:50 AM

      Does anyone have a the current wordcount ? would be cool to know how long PH is currently

      We are >800k words in (i think) and we still dont know what project horizons in

      i see this as a huge win

      ReplyDelete
    126. SindriMay 6, 2012 at 11:53 AM

      @Le Harryson
      809209

      http://nallar.me/fics/ has current wordcounts of every gdocs based fic on EqD.

      ReplyDelete
    127. GuarddogjrMay 6, 2012 at 11:56 AM

      @Sindri
      The trip to Happyhorn doesn't have to be to fix your crazy, you could just go to help. I wanted to go to try and help, plus I bet there are a bunch psychology books and other interesting things to read!

      ReplyDelete
    128. SindriMay 6, 2012 at 12:02 PM

      @Guarddogjr
      Tell you what, I'll stand watch outside and maybe help the security system while everypony else plugs in. As we saw a couple days ago, mixing me and psychology is not the best of ideas.

      ReplyDelete
    129. GuarddogjrMay 6, 2012 at 12:10 PM

      @Sindri
      That works we can even have shifts or something. Just watch out for tanks. We really don't need to have that kind of wake up call

      ReplyDelete
    130. Jacky2734May 6, 2012 at 12:13 PM

      Why do you all want to go to a cyber shrink anyways?

      Everybody's crazy in some way, that's what makes us sane. It's the ones who think they're sane that are truly crazy.

      ReplyDelete
    131. TheLastDefenderMay 6, 2012 at 12:39 PM

      Unfortunately all the psychiatry nodes appear to be down. No matter I'm sure you can use some of the equipment to come up with a fun simulation.

      ReplyDelete
    132. KatarnMay 6, 2012 at 12:48 PM

      @TheLastDefender
      I hope hordes of chinese soldiers isn't included with this. :D

      ReplyDelete
    133. Overlong Analysis CobaltMay 6, 2012 at 1:50 PM

      @Jacky2734
      Well, mostly it's 'cos having frequent bouts of self-hatred and self-destructive behavior is really not all that enjoyable. Even if you don't mind pain, it's still not fun times. One can keep some of one's craziness - the kinds that make up one's morality and core beliefs, perhaps - but a healthy person doesn't try to do certain things. Unfortunately, one is not always in the right mindset to realize this, or else simply feels worse for knowing it. It would be wise for a person to want to be fixed of these problems, even if such a fix is not practical at this time. Wanting is not the same thing as being capable of having. But one oughtn't wax all maudlin.

      And yes, using only the third person/hypothetical when talking about this stuff in order to maintain a vague veneer of deniability is ridiculous. =P

      ReplyDelete
    134. Jacky2734May 6, 2012 at 2:42 PM

      By the way, what did you guys think of my villain monologue?

      ReplyDelete
    135. RoboRedMay 6, 2012 at 2:44 PM

      @TheLastDefender
      Hmm...good point.

      Okay, we can keep the story discussion on the room on the left, random discussions on the one on the right, and restrooms in the back...maybe we could make an annex room for the Happyhorn simulations and move the group therapy discussions there.

      And we still gotta do something about that damn shed.

      Also, do we have a coffee/break room? I don't recall.

      @Jacky2734
      I dunno about everyone else, but for me It's less about crazy (actually, it has nothing to do with crazy, becasue I'm not) and more about deep-seated, unresolved issues.

      @Overlong Analysis Cobalt
      Well said.

      ReplyDelete
    136. RoboRedMay 6, 2012 at 2:44 PM

      This comment has been removed by the author.

      ReplyDelete
    137. Jacky2734May 6, 2012 at 2:53 PM

      @RoboRed

      Don't you remember? We tore down the shed and put up the shrine to the Whiskey Queen.

      Oh, and we need a room for orientation... That reminds me, we need to get the supplies for the orientation room. Somebody go get an uncomfortable chair, a crate of duck tape, a TV, a DVD player with a loop feature, and a DVD copy of the entire Barney series, OH, and a banana.

      ReplyDelete
    138. RoboRedMay 6, 2012 at 3:05 PM

      @Jacky2734
      Ah, yes. That's right.

      ...Dare I inquire of the purpose of said banana?...

      ReplyDelete
    139. TheLastDefenderMay 6, 2012 at 3:10 PM

      @Jacky2734
      Honestly we probably should of just kept the shed. It would of saved us caps on the orientation supplies.

      ReplyDelete
    140. Jacky2734May 6, 2012 at 3:12 PM

      @RoboRed

      If I told you, it would spoil the orientation.
      I will say this though: In the hands of an expert, a banana has 1001 uses, and to survive the orientation, the one being oriented has to discover at least five of the said uses.

      ReplyDelete
    141. Jacky2734May 6, 2012 at 3:22 PM

      @TheLastDefender
      Bah. We don't have to worry about saving caps, that's what the cap press is fo - Um, I mean what cap press? we don't have a secret cap press hidden in the back room that we use to make counterfeit caps. Nosire, not at all. We're an honest nonprofit organization. Yep, that's my story and I'm sticking to it. Yep, no counterfeit caps here.

      ReplyDelete
    142. Admiral Stoic "Crusader" RumMay 6, 2012 at 3:35 PM

      just flood posting for number 3

      ReplyDelete
    143. TheLastDefenderMay 6, 2012 at 3:51 PM

      @Jacky2734
      Should of known where else would you get the caps for a fresh banana? Unless it's the kind that gives you holes in your brain....it's the kind that give you holes in the brain isn't it?

      ReplyDelete
    144. SindriMay 6, 2012 at 3:55 PM

      Hey Katarn, we need that picture again...

      ReplyDelete
    145. CommanderRYMay 6, 2012 at 4:02 PM

      @Somber

      Hello Somber,
      So Ch 43 scared the hell out of me, just when I though I had the plot sequences down and was completely comfortable with the story you slap me in the face and made me question the reality of the story itself. I don't know how to stress this enough but...
      THANK YOU. not only did you find an effective way to connect the reader to how Blackjack felt/was feeling but you completely refreshed the story. Brought it back to life, not that it was dying, but now its 120% more alive. You have rejuvenated the little kid in me that fell in love with this story last year, don't know how or why, but thank you.
      Now I haven't really been following the threads closely but the depression is hard to miss. I'm not going to pretend to know more then I do, and there isn't much to say that most everyone else hasn't said already. But I will say this, I'm a 17 year old College Freshmen with planes for a military career. Your writing has not only brought me immense joy but in many ways reignited my imagination. You have without a doubt affected my life for the better.
      So again, Thank You, and I look forward to Ch 44.
      - CommanderRY

      ReplyDelete
    146. WavemasterRyxMay 6, 2012 at 4:20 PM

      @RoboRed
      No, "fanart" isn't the right word at all...
      I know what I thought I intended, but I was so far out of touch with rational thought I don't even know what I really intended any more.

      @Kim
      I'm sorry, half the time I end up skimming the comments just because people here talk so much, and it goes over my head a lot of the time. I really hope you're okay and... I'll try to go back and look at your messages later (I'll make a note of it to make sure and remember) and see if there's anything I can say about it.

      @Kippershy
      *hugs* Thank you.

      @Sindri
      You could still plug in and visit, I'm sure the program wouldn't mind leaving you alone - though having you as a guard would be nice too.

      ReplyDelete
    147. AoneeMay 6, 2012 at 4:59 PM

      @WavemasterRyx
      Hey, don't worry, I'll stand guard too. I'll also go get the Gauss Cannon, so you don't get shells for alarm clocks.

      ReplyDelete
    148. RoboRedMay 6, 2012 at 5:04 PM

      @WavemasterRyx
      *sigh*..I guess I won't pursue the issue further...

      I just hate to see someone beating themselves up over something that seems to me is not their fault.

      ReplyDelete
    149. Free CoffeeMay 6, 2012 at 5:12 PM

      @Kippershy
      Kip, you're always creepy in the most endearing way

      ReplyDelete
    150. SindriMay 6, 2012 at 5:14 PM

      @WaffleSmart
      What do you mean?
      /人◕‿‿◕人\

      ReplyDelete
    151. RoboRedMay 6, 2012 at 5:18 PM

      @Admiral Stoic "Crusader" Rum
      Your Rummy Admiralship, I seek insight.

      I've been thinking of another kind of booze to enjoy during my Sunday Cat & Mouse games. I recently learned of Malibu Red, and was wondering if you've ever tried it before. (not sure if rum and tequila is a good idea...)

      (In an unimportant note, that's me in the flying Bugatti at 0:25 that sent the orange Honda Fit flying into outer space.)

      ReplyDelete
    152. RoboRedMay 6, 2012 at 5:18 PM

      LAST POST BITCHEZ. GAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

      ReplyDelete

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