Moon over White Cliff-Side
1: Luna Under Tension
By Thomas Michael "Codes and Ponies" Hood
Saturday, July 2nd, 2016...
Luna had just gotten her new computer set up. It was a Dell Extreme Performance System One 27 inch All-in-1 Desktop Personal Computer with all the trimmings.
"Now that I've got everything transferred to my new computer," said the goddess of the night, to nopony in particular, "I'm going to see if there are any games that might pique my interest."
As she was searching the Internet for interesting games, 1 item in particular caught her eye.
She read out loud: "White Cliff-Side remakes VALVe Software Corporation's first title, Half-Life 1, in 21st century, current-generation, Source Game Engine glory, bringing the game to modern standards in the process.
"It was born out of the belief that VALVe Software Corporation's official Source Port of Half-Life 1 didn't do the game the justice it could have.
"8 years in the making, the 1st public release was let out on September 14, 2012, including everything except the "Hazard Course" training level (which was removed officially because they felt it was a waste of development time, so they used HUD notes to alert players how to use weapons upon picking up the weapon in question for the first time. Some players on the official forum remade it out of nostalgia, however), the Xen levels (which the development team were putting so much effort into-so as to avoid "Xen Syndrome" as the first-person shooter portion of the video game industry calls it-that they had to push it back into the 2nd release) & the online multiple-player component (same reasons as the Xen levels, except without the "Xen Syndrome" aspect). These were added later on.
"Game-play was also made to be more challenging & realistic.
"This mod puts a whole new perspective on the world that started the Half-Life continuum & introduced the world to Gordon Freestallion, the gun-toting, crowbar-swinging, grenade-throwing, armor-wearing PhD in theoretical physics."
After finishing reading the item, Luna was ecstatic. "How did a Half-Life nut such as myself have not hear about this?" she said. "& it completely revamps everything. She downloaded the appropriate files to her computer. She decided to check out the community forums while she was at it, & found 5 plugins that piqued her interest:
-On a Rail Uncut
-On a Rail: Loop Modification
-Surface Tension Uncut
-Community Project: Hazard Course Remake
-White Cliff-Side: Uplink
After her copy of the main White Cliff-Side application finished installing, she added the above mods (it was a painstaking process, including a few code scripts to integrate White Cliff-Side: Uplink into the storyline in much the same way Half-Life: Uplink Add-on did with the official Half-Life: Uplink), putting all the mod files into the appropriate sub-folders, & what not. After finishing that, the Princess of Gamers & the Night cheated a few cheat scripts into the game to tweak the weapons.
After doing those cheats, Luna set all of the game's graphical settings all the way up, bound all controls that weren't bound by default to keys while keeping all the default key controls, set the game world volume & the music volume all the way up, turned on full closed captions, set her in-game microphone volume all the way up, & set the game-play/dynamic lights/shading systems all the way up.
After making sure all the game's settings were how she wanted them, she put on her "game-sync headset" that allowed her to physically enter the game world via mental projection & dynamically interact with non-player characters. Finally, Luna made sure she had Source Software Development Kit Base 2007 properly installed, as she needed a copy of that on her computer to play White Cliff-Side. When the royal gamer saw everything was a-okay, she started her play session.
As she was getting ready, a beige Earth pony with glasses, brown eyes, a messy brown mane, a straight brown tail, a fez, a black Doctor Whooves t-shirt, & a laptop keyboard cutie mark smirked when he caught sight of her.
So, Princess Luna's finally playing the greatest mod of all to its full potential, thought this Earth Pony, who went by the name of "Cluster Writing Brain". After an incident destroyed his house (none of the possessions of any of the residents or visitors were in the house at the time, thank Celestia), he brought every earthly possession he owned at the time with him on the go, until he arrived at Canterlot needing a place to crash. Fortunately, Celestia & Luna took him in.
Brainy went to go find Celestia, so he'd have somepony to talk to while Luna was lost in her game. Sure enough, he bumped into said Celestia while looking for her.
"Oh, hello, your majesty," said the stallion. "I was actually just looking for you,"
"Greetings, Cluster Writing Brain," said the Alicorn. "what would you like to talk about?"
"Well," started the stallion, "Your sister is playing a game mod, Captain Armor just had some sense knocked into him after trying to kill my fillyfriend just because she was a Changeling (My fillyfriend wasn't even a member of the changeling species involved in that incident), Princess Mi Amore Cadenza just had a rage quit reaction from losing a game of Marathon Infinity: Blood Tides of Lh’owon Multiple-player due to incompetent allies again, Twilight broke Pinkie's brain again..."
"Wait," said the goddess of the Sun. "What mod?"
"From what I can tell, White Cliff-Side: Source," said Writing.
"Ah. She'll enjoy it" noted Celestia.
"You play?" queried Writing
"Yes.", said Celestia
"Okay," Just than, the sound of a magic-induced explosion happened.
Captain Shining Armor trotted by, mumbling like a perpetually annoyed sailor.
"Captain Armor, what's wrong?", asked Writing.
"Oh, hello sir Writing Brain. Just problems with a new recruit. He's not used to low-level law enforcement jobs, so he's having trouble with the ropes of being a royal guard trainee as it were. He accidentally damaged a training facility. You have no idea how many bits that's going to cost to fix. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to find my wife." Shining trotted off again, getting back to mumbling like a perpetually annoyed sailor.
Author's Note
This is more an introduction than anything, showing Luna setting up her copy before playing the game, so be nice (but brutally honest) while criticizing. This is also my 1st time writing for this universe.
I'm not gonna continue this story until the Development Team releases the next version of the mod with the Xen levels & online multiple-player levels, because I don't want to leave you with a prolonged cliffhanger after the chapter where Luna does Lambda Core.
I'm mostly writing this story because I have yet to see a "Luna is a gamer mare" thing involving Black Mesa.
The gaming Headset that Luna uses is based on the "IPV" headset from ChaoticNote's Luna Plays anthology.
Will Luna be able to complete the advanced Hazardous Environment Suit training with no problems? Find out in Chapter 2: When They say Hazard Course, They Mean It.. Coming once I play the Hazard Course remake plugin for Black Mesa: Source
2: White Cliffside Destined
Having just finished the Hazard Course the previous day (& having found out that they weren't kidding when they said it was a "Hazard Course"), Luna went onto her computer to play the game proper. She opened up the only main campaign chapter she had access to.
The Matron Goddess of Gamers put on her headset & felt her mind merge into the game...
"Oh, Geez. I'm LATE!" said Luna as she woke up in her avatar's body after the merge finished. Thanks to some custom third-person model work, she could see she was dressed in triple-pleated khakis, a blue work shirt, a red-and-black striped tie, penny loafers, a white lab coat, and the trademark glasses
"*Beep!* Good Morning, & Welcome to the White Cliffside Transit System."
"GAH! Oh, it's just the intercom."
"This automated train is provided for the security and convenience of the White Cliffside Research Facility personnel."
Luna saw Barney Calhoof pounding on the door and holding his flashlight & said "Ah-ha, looks like I'm not the only 1 who's late. Barney, you SUCKER, use your blue key-card!"
"The time is 8:47 A.M.-"
"OH ME! I forgot I was THAT late!"
"Current topside temperature is 93 degrees with an estimated high of 105. The White Cliffside compound is maintained at a pleasant 68 degrees at all times."
As she waited for the next map to load, Luna noted that the White Cliffside Research Facility looked much more alive and less bland.
"This train is inbound from level 3 dormitories to sector C test labs and control facilities. If your intended destination is a high security area beyond sector C, you will need to return to the central transit hub in area 9 and board a high security train."
Luna took notice of both the scientist replacing the forklift worker & the scientist supervising the soldering robot.
"Those ponies are new," she said.
"If you have not yet submitted your identity to the retinal clearance system, you must report to White Cliffside personnel for processing before you will be permitted into the high security branch of the transit system."
Due to the high toxicity of material routinely handled in the White Cliffside compound, no smoking, eating, or drinking are permitted within the White Cliffside transit system. Please keep your limbs inside the train at all times. Do not attempt to open the doors until the train has come to a complete halt at the station platform. In the event of an emergency, passengers are to remain seated and await further instruction. If it is necessary to exit the train, disabled personnel should be evacuated first. Please, stay away from electrified rails and proceed to an emergency station until assistance arrives."
After the the next map loaded, the infamous expository text appeared:
SUBJECT:
Gordon Freestallion
Male, Age 27
EDUCATION:
Philosophiae Doctoriae, Maresachussets Institute of Technology, Theoretical Physics
POSITION:
Research Associate
"A reminder: that the White Cliffside Hazard Course decathlon will commence this evening at 1900 hours in the Level 3 facility. The semi-finals for high security personnel will be announced in a separate secure access transmission. Remember: more lives than yours may depend on your fitness."
CLEARANCE:
Level 3
"Do you have a friend or relative who would make a valuable addition to the White Cliffside Team? Immediate openings are available in the areas of: materials handling, and low clearance security. Please contact White Cliffside personnel for further information."
ADMINISTRATIVE SPONSOR:
Classified
DISASTER RESPONSE PRIORITY:
Discretionary
"If you have an associate with a background in the areas of: theoretical physics, biotechnology, or other high-tech disciplines, please contact our civilian recruiting division. The White Cliffside Facility is an equal opportunity employer."
The Gamer Princess noticed that both the diesel tram & the Loader's box were absent.
"A reminder to all White Cliffside personnel: regular radiation and biohazard screenings are a requirement of continued employment in the White Cliffside Research Facility. Missing a scheduled urinalysis or radiation checkup is grounds for immediate termination. If you feel you have been exposed to radioactive or other hazardous materials in the course of your duties, contact your radiation safety officer immediately. Work safe, work smart. Your future depends on it."
Luna looked to her left & saw the business-suited Alicorn known as the G-Stallion. He was missing his briefcase, and Luna's tram didn't stop so she could take time to notice him. She also snickered at the scientists trying to run from the radioactive waste, seeing it as a nice touch.
"Now arriving at Sector C Test Labs and control facilities. Please stand back from the automated door, and wait for the security officer to verify your identity. Before exiting the train, be sure to check your area for personal belongings. Thank you, and have a very safe and productive day."
Once the "end-of-chapter" load point completed, Luna logged out of her game & went to get some snack mix.
In the Castle's recreation room, an old friend of Brainy, alongside Brainy himself, were listening to the radio.
"Sources have confirmed the news company's fears that a tribe of Changelings are headed towards Equestria, intending to take over it. We now turn to our insider agent, Kunai Machete, who has invaded the hive in hopes of getting more information on this. Take it away, Chet."
"Thank you, Val." said Kunai, as she explained everything. Being a Tsuchigumo, she was able to disguise herself as a Changeling to gather this data.
After she explained everything, the perspective cut back to Val.
"That concludes today's presentation of the 7:00 News. & Now, Albionian Broadcasting Corporation Radio Equestria will explode."
Sure enough, the radio rumbled & exploded with a shower of bits.
"Well, Erie. I guess we'll have to watch the tube."
"Yes." said Erie.
"Erie" (Full name "Spiritus Sapientiae", Pegalatin for "Spirit of Wisdom") was an Alicorn mare in her twenties, who was a friend of Brainy's in high school. They also had a brief relationship, but that never went anywhere since she was immortal & he wasn't. She had a blond coat, a purple mane, & black glasses. Her Cutie Mark was a pony brain, optic nerve, eyes, & glasses 3d-graphical model.
As they positioned themselves to watch the television, Erie noticed something odd.
"C.W., what's that on the Tube then?" she asked.
"Looks like a Lost Soul"
On the TV set there was indeed a Lost Soul. It sat contentedly looking at them in a stuffed sort of way. There was nothing on the screen.
"I DIDN'T MEAN WHAT'S THAT SITTING ON TOP OF THE TELEVISION SET, I MEANT WHAT PROGRAM IS CURRENTLY AIRING THAT WE'D WANNA WATCH!!!" screamed Erie.
"Oh." squeaked Brainy.
Brainy went to the TV, switched it on and returned to his chair. The set took a long time to warm up and produce a picture. During this pause the following conversation took place:
"It's funny that Lost Soul being there innit? What's it doing there?" asked Brainy.
"Floating." answered Erie.
"I can see that!" Brainy yelled.
"If it lays an egg, it will fall down the back of the television set." quipped Erie. She said it in a quite matter-of-fact way.
"We'll have to watch that. Unless it's a male." snarked Brainy.
"Ooh, I never thought of that." Erie realized.
"Yes, looks fairly butch." said Brainy.
"Maybe it came from next door," said Erie
"LOST SOULS DON'T COME FROM NEXT DOOR, THEY COME FROM TARTARUS!!!" screamed Brainy.
"Burma!" said the bespectacled Alicorn mare.
"Huh?"
"I panicked".
"Oh. Perhaps it's from the Administrative areas." realized Brainy.
"Which section?" quipped Erie
"How should I know which section? I'm not King Háides." snapped Brainy.
"How does King Háides know which section it came from?" pondered Erie
"He knows everything that goes on there." said Brainy
"Oooh, I wouldn't like that, that'd take all the mystery out of afterlife. Anyway, if it came from Tartarus' Administrative areas, it would have 'property of Tartarus' Administrative Areas' stamped on it." trolled Erie.
"No it wouldn't. They don't stamp demons 'property of Tartarus'. You can't stamp a full-grown Taraxippos." argued Brainy.
"They stamp them when they're small." said Erie.
"What happens when they molt?" remarked Brainy.
"Taraxippoi don't molt." corrected Erie.
"No, but Lost Souls do. There, I've run rings around you logically." boasted Brainy.
"Oh, intercourse the Lost Soul." snarked Erie.
As the 2 friends finished watching Entertainment Tonight a random news alert happened.
"Our friends at Albionian Broadcasting Corporation Radio Equestria have alerted us that the Changeling tribe has just started heading this way. What data we have shows they plan on using the following cities as major hubs:
-Manehatten, New Yoke
-Stable Island, New Yoke
-Bucklyn, New Yoke
-Seaddle, Washington
-Las Pegases, Coltifornia
-Sacramarento, Coltifornia
-Roswell, New Mexicolt
-Phoenix, Marezona
-Hoople, North Dacolta
-Ponyville, Auverginia
-In General, we have information that all of the Economically significant areas in Equestria are planned to be used as major takeover hubs. It has just gone 8:00 & it it time for the Lost Soul on your television set to explode"
BOOM!!!
"How did he know that would happen?" asked Brainy.
"It was an inspired guess & now, time for The Big Bang Theory." said the news stallion.
Meanwhile, Luna was in her & Brainy's room (Brainy was serving as Luna's roommate since the guest rooms were under repair). She saw a copy of an equine skin-bound tome of Papyrus, written in pony blood.
"What would an Earth Pony be doing with the Necronomicon Ex Mortis? It's probably just a replica that took the 'get every detail correct' thing too far."
She read an incantation from it. 3 hours later, Brainy booted the living room door open & asked "OKAY YOUR MAJESTY, WHERE IS SHE??? & who's the red-maned alicorn?"
Also Visiting was a tall Alicorn mare with blue eyes, a shoulder-length red mane, a red tail, & an inkwell-&-quill Cutie Mark.
"If you mean Luna, I have no idea. & the red-maned Alicorn is my mom."
"AGH! Sorry for not recognizing you, One Above All!" said the Stallion as he panicked
"Tia, I'll be right back." said the mare.
The One Above All found the room Luna happened to be in. Said Luna saw the angry look on her mom's face, & got an "Oh manure, I'm busted" look on her snout.
"Hi Mom." said Luna.
"Young Mare, look outside the window & tell me what you see."
Luna saw tentacled cosmic monsters covering the sky.
"How was I supposed to know it was an actual instance!? I thought it was a disturbingly good replica. I didn't think an Earth Pony would carry an actual working copy. I didn't think I would summon the Elder Gods!"
"Is Brainy okay?" asked Erie as she came in, her question being answered in the process.
"Hi, Erie."
"You're on informal terms with this Alicorn?" Asked the Queen of Ponykind.
"We went to high school together" the 2 old friends answered in unison.
"So not only do we have another Changeling Invasion-I heard it on the News in case you're wondering-But we have summoned Old Ones to stop."
Author's Note
For those who are wondering, "Albion" & "Loegria" are poetic names for England. In my ficverse for this show, "Albion" refers to their version of the United Kingdom in general, & "Loegria" refers to their version of England specifically.
