Sixty-Eighth Theory [Action]

[i_speak_softly]

[For the past few weeks, Don has spent an increasing amount of time staring out the windows of his winter room, watching for signs of spring. As comfortable as the room is, after two-plus months of living in it he really just wants to get out.]

[To that end, he has been packing for a camping trip, and today - not knowing that winter isn't yet done with Luceti - he shuts down all the systems in his room and leaves the house.]

[Anyone out and about in the village may see the Turtle, bundled in his snowsuit and carrying a duffel bag, heading out of town. He's not going anywhere in particular and isn't in a hurry, so he'd be happy to stop and talk.]

Comments

[fourthgenerationprincess]

Don-a-tell-o. It's nice to meet you! [ She glances at his bag again. ] So... are you going camping?

[i_speak_softly]

[He smiles at the guess.]

Yes. Have you ever gone?

[fourthgenerationprincess]

No, but I've read all about them! All we need is a tent, and s'mores, and a campfire, and spooky stories...

[i_speak_softly]

- Read about them?

[What kind of person pony reads about camping?]

[fourthgenerationprincess]

It's served me well so far! I came in fifth in a race once because I did my research. Ooh, I know the perfect story, I used it for a slumber party with Applejack and Rarity.

[i_speak_softly]

[Don stares at Twilight with a mixture of disbelief and respect, and finally says:]

Fifth out of how many?

[fourthgenerationprincess]

Lots of ponies! Half of Ponyville turned out. But most of them tired out before they got to the finish line, so I sprinted to the end.

[i_speak_softly]

You knew to pace yourself because you had researched how long the route was?

[fourthgenerationprincess]

Yeah, and I also researched good running strategies, prepared a nutritious breakfast, and stretched properly. Also, I wanted to spend plenty of time savoring the Running of the Leaves. It was my first time seeing the traditional Ponyville custom.

[i_speak_softly]

[Well. Don may have something of a kindred spirit in this purple pony.]

I'm impressed -- I didn't get your name.

[fourthgenerationprincess]

[ She stops and gives a small bow to him. ] Twilight Sparkle. Just Twilight is fine. [ Continuing to walk: ] Rainbow and Applejack were pretty surprised. They didn't think my strategy would work, either!

[i_speak_softly]

No one ever does.

[fourthgenerationprincess]

[ Laughing ] That sounds almost as if you have some experience with the strategy.

[i_speak_softly]

It's the only strategy I'm good at.

[fourthgenerationprincess]

So, do you spend a lot of time in the library, too? [ It feels sort of nice to have found a kindred spirit. ]

[i_speak_softly]

I would say I visit it often.

[fourthgenerationprincess]

I'm surprised I haven't seen you. I've been in there most of the last few days. [ Being a little more antisocial than she'd care to admit. ]

[i_speak_softly]

I haven't been there recently.

[fourthgenerationprincess]

Oh? So, what else is there to do around here?

[i_speak_softly]

[Casually dodging the fact that he hasn't been much of anywhere recently:]

The Battle Dome can be a good place to spend time.

[fourthgenerationprincess]

The Battle Dome? [ echo? ]

[i_speak_softly]

You can create simulations there, of anything you want. How are you with code?

[fourthgenerationprincess]

Uh... [ She shakes her head. ] I don't know what you're talking about.

[ Ponyville hasn't evolved that far yet. ]

[i_speak_softly]

[You poor pony.]

The Battle Dome runs off of powerful computers. Code is how you tell them what to do. Then they create holograms, illusions, based on the instructions you give them.

[fourthgenerationprincess]

Illusions, got it. I can make illusions, actually. Maybe I could help... What do you do there?