Deus Equestria: Ascensionby HarmonicaJayChaptersChapter 1: A Lovely NightChapter 3: A Simple Business TripChapter 4: A Friendly VisitChapter 5: Plans and DreamsChapter 6: The Big NightChapter 7: Shield.EXEPrologues Parts 1 & 2Chapter 2: Old Friends in a New AgeChapter 1: A Lovely NightChapter 1 A Lovely Night “The Future is Now! Equality made Mechanical!” - Spokes-Pony of Equestrian Augmentations and Technology Sweet Apple Acres Midnight had descended on the Apple Family Farm as Fluttershy checked on her children for what was probably the third time that night. The yellow coated Pegasus Pony couldn't help herself. She had to know that Appleseed and Zephyr were sleeping like the little angels they were. She left Zephyr's nursery on tip-hoof so as not to wake her up. She made her way down the hallway and peered into her eldest son's room to see him sleeping soundly in the moonlight. While the colt was only four years old and had inherited his mother's wings, he already had so much of his father in him, right down to the speech pattern. While Zephyr had inherited her mother's pink mane and her father's red coat, Appleseed had inherited his mother's yellow coat and his father's sandy blonde mane. She gave a soft smile and crept back to the master bedroom. As she entered the bedroom, she looked upon her husband, Big McIntosh. Their relationship had been an odd one, as observed by others. Before the War, Fluttershy and Big Mac, as was his nickname, hadn't really paid each other a second's thought. Fluttershy had always been a shy pony before meeting her five friends, but even after learning to be more socially open, Fluttershy had never been open to dating. That changed during the War. Even though Fluttershy was head of the Field Medical Ponies, she did promise Applejack that she would personally tend to Big Mac when his front legs were injured in battle. When she had time between surgery and tending the wounded, she would tend to Big Mac and take care of his bandages. They didn't talk very often, which was another trait they had in common. Whenever Fluttershy would ask a question about Big Mac, he would usually reply with a “eeyup” or a “nnope”. Their conversations eventually became more detailed as Big Mac began to open up to her more and more. By the end of the War, Fluttershy and Big Mac had become closer than they ever thought possible. It wasn't until two years later that they began to see each other more and after three years of dating, Big Mac finally proposed. In order to humor him, Fluttershy had responded with a quiet, “eeyup”. The ceremony had been one of the biggest held at the farm in Apple Family History since the last Apple Family Reunion before the war. The whole Apple family attended and even her family showed up to the ceremony (though they were pretty quiet in comparison to the loud and wild Apples). All her friends had shown up and Twilight Sparkle was her Mare of Honor. The gifts from the family were wonderful. Granny Smith gave her and “Big Mac” a plot of land to build their house on. The move had been hard on the animals, especially Angel, her pet bunny, but they made it work. A few months after moving in, Fluttershy was pregnant and soon Appleseed was born and three years later, Zephyr followed suit. It wasn't easy of course, raising two children while juggling her job at the hospital and Mac's duties at the orchard, but they worked at it. Appleseed would help his daddy at the orchard and Zephyr would accompany her mommy at the hospital. It wasn't easy, but as Granny Smith had assured her, “Parenting never is”. As she slid under the covers, Fluttershy gasped as she came into contact with Mac's augmented leg prosthetics. While she had done all that she could for Mac, the injuries to his legs had been severe; eventually becoming gangrenous and leaving surgeons no choice but to amputate. The drastic move hadn't meant Mac would be left disabled. Eager to be mobile and independent again, Mac had insisted that E.A.T. fit him for implants as soon as possible. Fluttershy would always be thankful to the implants, although it did take some time to get used to them. Appleseed kept asking why more stallions didn't have legs like Mac did. It was difficult to explain to the colt that, “Daddy is a very special stallion.” Appleseed once asked, “Will I get legs like Daddy's when I grow up?” All Fluttershy could say was, “I certainly hope you never have to.” Mac and her had talked about whether or not to tell him the truth and they both agreed that he and Zephyr would be told when they were old enough to understand. Fluttershy often thought about what Appleseed would have been like growing up during the Civil War. Would he have turned out as innocent as he is now? Would he have become as hardened as many young bucks and fillies that survived the raids and the fire fights? It scared her to imagine her baby in such a way. Another reason why the present was so wonderful. For whatever time they had, Equestria was enjoying a time of peace. And it was bliss. She snuggled up to her husband and drifted to sleep. Ministry of Magi-Technology, Ponyville Sunny Dale was feeling cautious that night as she left the Ministry of Magi-Technology for the night. The bright yellow Unicorn was not her usual cheery self as she looked left and right down the streets. Why did she have to pull that late shift? Why did the contact have to send things to her in the dead of night instead of two in the afternoon? Why couldn't this corporate espionage stuff be easy? ...Or safe? As she adjusted her saddlebags, Sunny Dale's eyes darted to the clock in her leg implant where her left foreleg used to be. 12:36 in the morning, nine hours to go before she had to be back at work. Another drawback of working overtime, more sleep lost in the gain of money. Typical of life in the fast lane. As Sunny trotted down the street, she glanced behind her to make sure she was not being followed by anypony. The normal bright and cheery haven that was daytime Ponyville was only visible through dimly lit streetlamps that were just large enough to cast shadows. Shadows that blended together upon the building walls to create haunting and unsettling images that were indiscernible to the naked eye. Sunny couldn't let herself be frightened. She wasn't a little filly anymore. She was a fully grown mare. A mare with a promise to keep. If one were to look at Sunny Dale, one would not think much of her. She was an ordinary Unicorn working at a normal job at the Ministry, the second biggest pioneer in Magi-technology in all of Equestria, right behind Equestrian Augmentations and Technology. One would not suspect her to be involved with a spy in E.A.T. Then again, until a month ago, she would not have suspected herself either. She had been working on her terminal when an anonymous message had been sent to her. It was coded so, of course, it took a while for her to decode it. When she finished it turned out to have been sent by someone inside of E.A.T. The pony who sent it had been brief in his or her message. He or she wrote that there were sinister goings on inside of E.A.T. and that pony needed someone who was close to the Ministry of Magi-Technology and Princess Twilight Sparkle. Someone who could get as much information as he or she could to the Princess without being caught. The contact asked for one thing: for the pony who decoded the message to reply “yes” or “no” in order to insure cooperation between them. If yes, then the contact would send her all the information from the Equestrian Augmentations and Technology mainframe as he could find. If no, then it would be the last that Sunny Dale would hear from the contact. It had been Sunny's eagerness to be noticed by Princess Twilight Sparkle that had sealed the deal. If she could get as much information as she could to the Princess, it might elevate her position in the Ministry and put her in favor. She replied “yes”. The contact, replying as “Pony X” stated that he would only be able to send small bits of crucial company information to Sunny and that she was not to move with this information until Pony X gave her the ok. He warned that if Sunny moved too early than his cover would be blown and both of them would be in trouble. Sunny promised to wait until the time was right. That had been a month ago. Every two to five days, Pony X would send information to her terminal, always ending his messages with the word's, “not just yet”. When would be the time, Sunny Dale thought. When? She had learned about shady financial transactions, secret meetings with members of the Canterlot Military, shipments from the Zebra Homeland that were off the record and even weapons testing, but nothing that would incriminate E.A.T. in anything illegal or unscrupulous. Tonight however, everything had changed. Pony X had sent her an encrypted file along with a short message, “Make sure she gets it”. This was the reason Sunny had stayed extra hours. She realized now that she could have done it on her terminal back home, but she had been so excited after receiving it that she worked long past her shift was over. She had gotten halfway done when she realized the time. She made sure to stash it on her neural implant as well as to copy it onto a miniature drive, which she hid in a compartment in her desk. She just had to get home to finish decrypting it and she could get it to the Princess the next morning. This gave her a new sense of confidence as she trotted home. It also caused her to let her guard down. Sunny was feeling so renewed in her endeavor that she didn't notice the four heavily augmented Ponies surrounding her. When she did notice them, she froze, fear seeping into her heart. Each of the Ponies had a specific implant to separate them from the rest from having their legs replaced with cybernetic limbs to having metal plates upon their backs and heads. The lead Pony was so modified that he looked more machine than pony. His eyes had been replaced by optical implants that glowed red behind shades that seemed to be coming out of slots on either side of his eyes. His forelegs had been replaced by jet black prosthetics with bright red lines outlining the circuitry. His hooves in turn were bright red as well with star shaped designs on the front. His saddlebags seemed to have been made into compartments that were fused into his lower half. A pair of red and white stars on his hind quarters signified his cutie-mark. His back had a metallic plate placed in the center that did not seem to fit with what remained of his flesh. He had patches of bare skin where future augmentations could take place over his brown coat. His mane had been shaved in a way that made him look... alien. He also had a sickening grin on his face. “Well, well, fillies and gentlecolts, look what we got here,” he said nodding towards his cohorts. “A little lost mare? I think we better help her out.” Sunny Dale backed away, keeping towards the open streets where she had plenty of room to run. She gave a weak smile. “Oh, no, no. I'm fine. Really, I don't need any help. Thank you for the offer though.” “Hey, when Star-Metal offers you help, I think it is only polite to take it,” a blue Aug Unicorn with metallic spikes upon her hooves chimed in. “Besides, Augs are safe among Augs.” Star-Metal's eyes began to turn from bright red to what Sunny could only discern as infrared. “Thank you very much, Comrade. However, I believe that this particular pony is the one we have been waiting for. And while I normally wouldn't have you waste your energy on a simple leg aug and neural implant, we do have a contract to fulfill.” He turned to a gray pony with a left ocular implant, a white lab coat, and two foreleg implants. “Doc, prepare for surgery. Harvesters, restrain the patient in the alley.” That was it for Sunny Dale. She dashed for safety as fast as her hooves could carry her. As she reached the street corner, another Harvester Pony stepped out in front of her, a Rifle Augmentation implanted on her back. She skidded to a halt and turned to the right. She ran towards across the street only to be blocked by yet another Harvester, this time a green Pegasus. Having no choice, Sunny turned right again and this time, against all better judgment, ran back towards the alleyway. There had to be an exit on the other side. She couldn't die here, not when she had come so damn far. Not here, not alone. Not like this. If she could find shelter, a public place like a nightclub, then she could find sanctuary. As she entered the alleyway, she heard the Harvesters behind her. They were following her every move, but she was the faster pony. Then she saw it: light on the other side of the tunnel. She was going to make it. She was going to be safe. That is when the shadow moved in front of the light. Out of the other end came another pony. The glare from the streetlamps blanketed the pony in shadow so that any significant details were kept from Sunny. As she skidded to a halt, she heard the Harvesters behind her do the same. She realized why they hadn't caught her. She never had a chance to escape. They had covered all exits. She was doomed. “We had this covered,” Star-Metal's voice said from behind her. “We don't need your help with this one.” “I'm insuring the recovery of our property,” the pony said in a Mare's voice. “I assure you, my employer had the utmost confidence in your abilities to handle this.” “Really? Then you won't mind if we extract the device our way?” “Of course not. Just make sure the neural implant remains intact. My employer requires that stolen information be recovered safely and without harm to it. You are free to harvest the foreleg aug for yourself. It is Ministry tech so you might have trouble fencing it, but it is useful.” “Pleasure doing business with you, Ma'am. Harvesters, restrain the patient.” Sunny Dale felt herself shoved to the ground as the Doc made his way in front of her. When she was fully pinned to the floor, the Doc held up his right foreleg. A whirring sound came from the hoof as it began to split down the middle. The two halves retracted and retreated down the Doc's sleeve. A miniature buzz-saw extended outwards from the fore-hoof aug and began whirring at great speed. Sunny's eyes widened in horror as the Doc moved closer to her foreleg aug. “We will have to use the buzz-saw for the foreleg. I will need to use my other tools for the neural implant to avoid damage.” He looked into Sunny's eyes as he moved closer. For a moment, a look of sympathy came into his eyes. “I apologize, Miss. Please know that this is not personal in the slightest. It is just... business. Star-Metal, you might want to cover her eyes for this next part. We don't want to traumatize the patient any further than we already have.” As Sunny's eyes were covered, the last thing she felt before blacking out was intense pain unlike anything she had ever felt before as the buzz-saw made contact with her leg. Ponyville Police Department “Chief! Chief, wake up! There's been a disturbance!” Applejack awoke to banging on the door of her office. Her head shot up, pushing several papers to the ground. A bottle of hard cider clattered to the ground, the remaining drops of the drink spilling to the floor. She rubbed her head, moaning and nursing a splitting hangover. “Ah really gotta take it easy on the cider next time,” she said to herself. The knocking wasn't helping in the slightest. As she picked up the scattered papers, she called out to the pony at the door through a mouthful of papers, “Hang on, I'ma coming. And could ya turn down that racket for Celestia's sake?” After stacking the papers, Applejack looked around her office. She had been meaning to get it straightened out, but had never gotten around to it due to her schedule. Nopony gets much time to herself when she is Chief of Police. AJ knew of the stresses that came with the job, filing reports, interviewing new officers, overseeing cases, and the dozens of other duties. As if it was not enough responsibility, she also had to make weekly surveys of the family orchards at Sweet Apple Acres to make sure that Apple Bloom was taking care of things in her absence. Those check ups were the only time she got to see her family these days. Her naps were the only moments that she got to herself. Well... that and her “occasional” sips of hard cider. She didn't think it was a problem, though she knew that she was getting looks from her officers. She heard rumors that she drank 10 bottles of hard cider a day, that she had a problem, or that she was a simple drunk. They were not true of course. She only drank three bottles a day. Besides, it wasn't a problem and she could quit anytime she wanted. She just... needed them to help her sleep. The cider had a pleasant effect of chasing away the dreams she'd been have recently. They were mostly memories of the war. 10 years and she was still having them. She didn't know why. She hadn't told anypony about them, no need to trouble folks with her own problems. The knocking resumed with more energy behind it. “Chief, please! It's urgent!” “Be right wit ya, Officer!” Looking in a handy mirror that her best friend, Rarity had given her, she straightened out her mane and adjusted her badge. She took a moment to inspect herself. She noticed she was getting bags under her green eyes due to sleep deprivation and that her once bright blonde mane was losing some of its luster and shine. She breathed on her hoof and smelled. The stink of hard cider was still on her breath. She quickly got out a bottle of water and washed it down with a gulp. Better. Now she was a presentable example of an officer of the law. She trotted across the room and opened the door to reveal a blue Unicorn buck wearing a standard issue Ponyville Police Saddlebag that matched his coat. He was about to knock again when he noticed Applejack was standing right in front of him. He immediately snapped to attention and looked Applejack straight in the eye. “Officer Berry Blue reporting for duty, Chief. I apologize for disturbing you, but it was urgent.” Applejack rolled her eyes. A lot of her officers were veterans from the war and old habits were hard to break of course. She herself used to have desk inspections once the precinct had been established, but she seemed to have fallen out of the habit. When she was putting her Law Enforcement team together she had picked out bucks and mares she felt she could rely on to do their jobs well. Most of her initial choices were vets from the war, a majority from her old unit. She understood that the war had been their job for two years and that it was hard to find work. Boot Camp Training never went away. “At ease, Officer Blue. Tell me the situation.” “Harvesters, Chief.” That was all that needed to be said. Applejack motioned for Berry Blue and 3 other officers to follow her. “Are CSI and Equicide already there?” Berry Blue nodded. “Yes, Sir- Ma'am. Oh, and Chief? I know this isn't a good time, but we've been talking and the staff believes that a few new terminals would help us with crime reports and records.” Applejack was very practical and did not believe in the new fangled terminals that had been developed by the Ministry of Magic and Technology. She believed that the department was fine without a “crutch” as she called them. That didn't stop the staff from lobbying for terminals. She answered the same way she always did. “Ah'll take it under consideration.” The rise of Augmentations had not only given birth to new advances in Magi-technology, but also advances in crime. In the last few years, an organization of criminal “Augs”, as was the term for Ponies that chose to get augmented, that came to be known as “Harvesters” had taken to the streets of the major cities of Equestria. Unlike normal criminals that stole money and jewels, the Harvesters stole augmentations from other Ponies. What made the Harvesters worse than normal thieves wasn't that they stole them from company shipments, but that they usually stole them off of civilian Ponies. Applejack had seen a ton of victims during her time at the precinct. After the first attack, she had made it her goal to take the Harvesters down. Unfortunately, for every two steps forward, the investigation took three steps back. The Harvesters were good at what they did and at covering their tracks. For every Harvester hideout they found, the gang would relocate and every time, the leader would conveniently be someplace else. For all her troubles, all Applejack had uncovered was a name: Star-Metal. Applejack was determined to find him and end it once and for all. As the patrol made their way through the city, Applejack took some time to observe Ponyville in the morning light. The old home town certainly was not what it used to be. She had a hard time remembering when exactly Ponyville had begun to expand, but she figured that it started soon after Twilight Sparkle became a princess. During the build up to the war, many Ponies came to Ponyville to assist in the construction of the Ministry of Magic (and later technology). The new job market had opened the once normal sized town to expansion. New workers and citizens opened the door to new businesses which in turn led to more commerce for the city. While it was good for the city's economy, it made Applejack uncomfortable. For some reason, she felt as if it was not the same. Almost as if something was taken when they added all these frills, she would think to herself. Sometimes she felt that she couldn't even recognize it. It didn't help that nearly everywhere she looked there were as many Augs as there were normal Ponies. 'Tain't no business of mine if somepony chooses to get upgraded, but it just feels... unnatural. She shrugged it off as she and her officers arrived at the alley crime scene. She was glad that CSI had gotten here first. There were civilians surrounding the crime scene, of course, but the police had cordoned the area off so none could interfere with the investigation. The victim's corpse was in the middle of the alley, covered with a white sheet, though that didn't hide the dried blood from beneath it. Applejack gave a heavy sigh. She hated this. She hated seeing this time and again. She hated having to inspect the corpse and then having to contact the families. Her staff would repeatedly tell her that she didn't need to do all that, but she insisted that as head of the force, she was responsible for what went on in her city. This was her “war”. “We got an ID on the victim,” Applejack asked the CSI scientist kneeling beside the corpse. The CSI scientist, a chestnut colored mare, looked up at the Chief and stood to attention. “Yes, ma'am. Unicorn mare. Appears to be in her mid twenties. I ran a check on her cutie-mark,” she held up her right foreleg to show a leg aug with a built in scanner. “We've got a name: Sunny Dale. Ponyville resident, has family in Fillydelphia, single, and is... was an employee at the Ministry of Magi-Technology. She was found by the sanitation department during their early morning rounds. Appears to have had a neural implant stolen along with her foreleg aug. Do... do you want to see the body, Chief?” Applejack nodded. The scientist lifted the sheet and turned away with a look of disgust. “I never get used to these.” The victim, as far as Applejack could tell, had been a cute mare. Her left foreleg was gone, appearing to have been hacked off. The left half of her forehead had been cut open. Applejack's stomach began to turn when she realized that the Harvesters had... harvested a piece of her brain. She turned away before she could vomit. She gritted her teeth in anger. Nopony should die like this. Nopony. These damned butchers are going to pay for this... and for all the others. She took a few minutes to breathe in and out before turning back to the CSI Pony. “Have you alerted her place of work? Her family?” “Not yet, Chief. We were waiting until you got here.” “Good. Get the body to the morgue.” She turned to Berry Blue who looked as if he were about to vomit as well. “Officer Blue, I need you to contact Ms. Dale's next of kin.” “But Chief, aren't you going to do that? “Normally I would. But, I'll be the one to contact the Ministry this time. Besides it gives me a chance to catch up with an old friend." Chapter 3: A Simple Business TripChapter 3 A Simple Business Trip "It's just good business." -The businesspony's creed “Sir?” “What is it? I'm busy.” “We have reason to believe that we have been hacked.” “Hacked? By whom?” “Well, more like somepony in the company has been sending out confidential files.” “Do we know to whom? Or who it was? What have we lost?” “Not yet on both accounts, Sir. A few weapons testing reports. Shipping manifestos.” “Is that all? You are sure the culprit hasn't been found? Or that there are no hints to his or her identity?” “I am very sure, Sir.” “In that case, I want all terminals monitored. I will have a watchdog program written up. If this happens again, we will know it. Thank you for letting me know.” “Just doing my job, Sir.” Twilight Sparkle's Office, Ministry of Magi-Technology “Wait, you think E.A.T. did what?” Rainbow Dash asked. Twilight Sparkle rubbed her forehead as she repeated herself. “All I said was that I think that E.A.T. might have had something to do with Sunny Dale's death.” Rainbow Dash nodded, “I repeat my previous statement: Wait, what?” Applejack leaned back in her chair. “Twi, um, Your Highness, I'm inclined to agree with Dash. We've confirmed that the Harvesters were responsible for her death. Ah highly doubt that a multi-billion dollar corporation would associate themselves with a well known criminal organization. Just saying. It just might be a coincidence.” “I would think so as well, but then I had Sunny Dale's terminal checked out.” Twilight's horn glowed as a violet field enveloped her terminal. The metal block rotated to face Rainbow Dash and Applejack. On the screen were a group of open windows. One was labeled “Gilda Griffin's Wing Merc. Shipments,” while another was named “Typhoon bomb Schematics”. All of them bore the seal of E.A.T. Rainbow Dash and Applejack leaned in closer. Their full attention had been obtained “These are only a few of the files that I found on Sunny Dale's terminal. It seems that she has been in contact with a spy named 'Pony X' within E.A.T. for over a month. He or she has been sending her these files, always ending the message with the words 'not yet'. The last transmission was heavily encrypted. She only managed to decode the file halfway before she was sent home for the night. Her terminal's record says that the file was copied into her neural implant.” Applejack tapped a hoof to her chin. “So you think this 'Pony X' got found out and spilled the beans on Sunny Dale?” Twilight nodded. “Except for the mole being discovered. I do not believe Pony X would risk sending me a message if he or she were found out. E.A.T. could have found out about the transactions and contacted the Harvesters to ambush her.” “That's crazy,” Rainbow Dash said, rolling her good eye. “This could just be a huge coincidence. Maybe the Harvesters just happened to come across her and decided to pilfer her augmentations. You still don't know for sure that they were working with E.A.T.” “Actually, Twi could be onto something,” Applejack interjected. “Mah team has thoroughly mapped out Harvester territory for the past couple of years. Ah didn't think of it at first due to mah being... disoriented after last night's sleep, but this hit was made outside of Harvester territory. They usually hang out in the lower part of the city near the slums and the shipping yards. They stay out of the business districts due to the traffic and the definite witnesses that would be around here. The fact that they would come across the poor mare so close to the Ministry and so late at night cannot be anything close to coincidental.” Rainbow Dash narrowed her eyes. “Hmm, good point.” “They could have been staking out the place as well. Twi, do any of the files that were sent to her include any mention of the Harvesters?” Twilight shook her head. “None whatsoever. Those kinds of files could have been blacklisted. These were just general 'off the record' files. Nothing really illegal. Just stuff that didn't quite make it into the books. A lot of companies make military contracts these days. If we want to find proof of their connection with the Harvesters, we might need to go to the source.” Rainbow Dash straightened up at that. “Wait, are you saying that we are going to go to-” Twilight Sparkle nodded and smiled. “Captain Rainbow Dash, Chief Applejack. We are going on a little business trip to Equestrian Augmentations and Technology.” Applejack's jaw dropped. “You're serious? But... but Ah need a search-and-seizure warrant first. Ah may be Ponyville Chief, but Ah can't just saunter in all willy-nilly.” Twilight switched off her terminal with a nod and a horn glow. “Applejack, we're not storming the building. We're just making a business trip to inform Doctor August Rain of this terrible tragedy and to see if we can help find this mole within their company.” As she walked out the office door, Rainbow Dash and Applejack exchanged puzzled looks. Rainbow Dash just shrugged and followed Twilight out the door. Applejack shook her head and followed suit. She found Twilight talking to Spike at his desk. “Spike, have my carriage brought out front for me. Oh, and please contact Equestrian Augmentations and Technology and inform them that Princess Twilight Sparkle, Chief of Police Applejack, and Flight Commander Rainbow Dash are on their way to speak with Doctor August Rain. If they tell you he is unavailable, tell them that it is a matter of national security.” As she was leaving, Spike just nodded. “Umm, sure. It's as good as done.” He turned to Applejack. “What happened in there?” Applejack could only shrug. “Corporate subterfuge. Twilight's getting paranoid... again. So business as usual.” She wished that middle part wasn't true. She remembered the many adventures or mis-adventures they'd gone through simply because of Twilight Sparkle's anxiety and paranoia. Looking back, some of their mis-adventures were kind of funny, but this was bigger than Twilight missing a “friendship lesson” deadline. She was playing with fire with this theory of hers. She hoped that Twilight was wrong. She had heard stories about August Rain that were very different from the rumors of his “life-story”. Very different. Equestrian Augmentations and Technology Headquarters, Manehattan Twilight Sparkle was not ready for the immense size of the E.A.T. Skyscraper. Even from a distance, the building looked enormous. The building was 105 stories tall and that was not even taking the needle into account. This was the cumulation of one pony's dream and ambition. As the carriage flew in closer, Twilight got a better view of the building. Except for the windows, the building was covered in sheets of metallic silver. When they caught the sunlight, the reflecting shine made it seem that the building was on fire. As she looked closer, Twilight could see that the Skyscraper was connected to smaller buildings that were about the size of the Ministry surrounding it, each one most likely hosting its own company division. Due to these buildings, E.A.T. Headquarters took up the entire city block, front, back and across. She felt embarrassed when she thought about how much this company dwarfed the Ministry. As the carriage moved closer to the ground, Twilight noticed two more things. The first was the huge video screen on the front of the building. The screen currently displayed the E.A.T. company logo, a Unicorn with wings of fire, most likely an Alicorn now that she thought about it, soaring upwards. The screen changed to show the company motto, “Equality made mechanical”. Those words made her uncomfortable for some reason. It changed again to show the portrait of a bespectacled Earth Pony with a slicked back mane. He wore a small smile on his face that Twilight felt was halfway between genuine benevolence and smug-satisfaction. The captions beneath the portrait read, “Our founder and creator of this new era: Doctor August Rain.” The buck himself. The second thing that she noticed as the carriage pulled up was the throng of protesters. Twilight recognized them as the infamous “Ponies for Purity” group. Ponies that rejected Augmentations as unnatural and wrong. The group had made numerous demonstrations and protests all across Equestria, some of which ended in violence. Twilight herself had received pleas from “Ponies for Purity” members begging for her help in ending the “impurity that plagues our land”. She had turned these away, wanting to remain neutral. While she had no problem with ponies speaking their minds, she had heard and read interviews with group members that had made her uneasy. The mindset of these leaders bordered on religious fanaticism. One of the leaders, a Pegasus mare named Bright Wind, had publicly threatened August Rain's life in an interview, saying that if he did not dismantle his operations in Manehattan, he would live to regret it. She had, of course, been arrested. While August Rain had dropped the charges, the threat still remained in the public mind. Twilight could guess that there were some decent ponies among the crowd, but to follow a path where violence was almost certainly a result felt too reminiscent of the days before the war and the protests against her by the Equalists. She shook her head. Some things never changed. “Ah don't know about you, but I am not seeing a way to get through that mob out there,” Applejack said peering through the carriage window. “Not all of us got wings, ya know.” Twilight nodded. The crowd had the front entrance blocked off. How were they going to get in? As if in answer to their predicament, a large Earth Pony trotted around the crowd from an entrance in one of the lower buildings. As he got closer to the carriage, Twilight got a better look at him. He was pure white with a short cut mane and heavily augmented. Both of his eyes had been replaced with ocular implants and had shade implants in the place of glasses on either side of his eyes. His forelegs had been replaced with jet black cybernetic legs that seemed to clash with his white coat. On his right foreleg he wore a black band of jewelry with a small emerald that really seemed out of place. His ears had cochlear implants with visible speakers. His back had a battle saddle implanted on him with two visible compartments on the right and left sides of his back. Twilight guessed that if those compartments opened up, she would be able to see the concealed firearms beneath his back. She didn't even want to imagine what other 'upgrades' this pony had beyond the ones she could see. Twilight felt a churning in her stomach that dwarfed the feelings of unease that the protesters gave her. This buck was augmented for combat. He was dangerous, plain and simple. A predator. As he reached the carriage, the Earth Pony scanned it, starting with Twilight's carriage drawers, then Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and finally ending with Twilight herself. For what seemed like an eternity, he stared at Twilight, causing her to really feel uneasy. It was like he was staring into Twilight Sparkle's soul with those bright blue ocular implants. Twilight could have sworn she had seen a flash of red in them. It wasn't until Rainbow Dash spoke up that he broke his gaze with her. “Ummm, can we help ya, Sir? Or are you going to continue staring at the Princess?” The White Pony shook his head. When he spoke, it was in a flat toned voice. Barely any hints of emotion could be heard. “My apologies, Commander. I don't know what came over me. I am Mr. White, head of Security here at Equestrian Augmentations and Technology and Doctor Rain's personal bodyguard. I was personally asked by the good Doctor himself to escort you to his office.” Applejack gave a slight smile and raised an eyebrow. “Head of Security and the Doc's personal bodyguard? Wow, now that is a lengthy set of duties.” Mr. White nodded. “The Doctor is a very important pony, General. He is constantly under guard due to the numerous threats and attempts made against his life. He requires nothing short of the finest when it comes to his safety. Now if Your Highness and your friends will follow me, I will take you to the Doctor.” While exiting the carriage, Applejack turned to Twilight with a puzzled expression. “General?” Twilight shrugged. Maybe he is a veteran. Probably served under you during the war. Would explain why he is augmented to the teeth.” As they followed Mr. White around the crowd, Twilight was thankful that the complex was so large. It allowed them to give the protesters a wide berth and Twilight was not in the mood for public attention. She noticed some of the words on the picket signs the protesters were carrying though. “A pony's body is sacred”, “E.A.T. is EVIL”, and “Stop the desecration”. As they entered one of the smaller buildings, which turned out to be a laboratory, Twilight was impressed. Everything was, to put in a simple term, shiny. In contrast to the very office setting of the Ministry where everything, even the tech labs, was a bit dull in color, everything in the laboratory was as bright as the sun itself. The terminal consoles were bright silver as opposed to the dull gray ones at the Ministry. Ponies in lab coats were everywhere, moving at top speed, each Pony doing his or her duty. The supervising pony was barking out orders in every direction. Yet in all the apparent chaos, Twilight could tell that there was a sense of order here. Everypony here had a job to do and they were doing it, and from what she could see, they were doing it well. It made her envious in a way. Everything back at the Ministry was so ordered and neat that Twilight realized that it had become stale. When she got back, she would have to make some changes. As they exited the laboratory, they went through several more rooms until they finally came to the main lobby. To say that it put the Ministry's lobby to shame would be redundant at this point. Outside, Twilight could see the protesters, though now she could see a green Unicorn on a box and a megaphone levitating in front of him. Most likely the leader, she thought to herself. She turned to Mr. White. “Um, how long have they been out there?” “Since this morning,” he replied. “And everyday before. They won't leave and Dr. Rain will not allow us to force them to leave. Something about respecting everypony's right to protest and all that rubbish. If you ask me, they are a nuisance, especially that Unicorn out there. His name's Blue Note and he is possibly the biggest pain in my ass. A buck can take being called “evil” only one too many times just because of what he has attached to his body.” Rainbow Dash nodded spoke up. “I hear that. After I got augmented, I got so many dirty looks that I didn't leave my apartment for weeks. Even now, I swear that they are still whispering behind my back.” Mr. White stopped, turned, and looked her over. “You should have come to work here. Everypony on my security force is augmented. You won't find naysayers about your life choices here. You'd be one of us.” Rainbow Dash's eyes narrowed. “I didn't choose this. Besides, I already have a job.” Mr White's “eyes” flashed for a bit, probably an aug's version of surprise Twilight guessed. He looked at Twilight and Applejack who lowered their heads. He turned away and trotted towards the elevators. The ride up to the top floor was silent. Rainbow Dash had unwittingly ended all potential conversations they could have had on the way up. And all she had to do was bring up the elephant in the room that Twilight and Applejack had been careful to avoid. Those words, “I didn't choose this,” still rang in her ears. Twilight wished that Dr. Rain's office was on a lower floor so that the silence could just end. She hated it. After all these years, there were still problems between the friends. Nothing had really changed as she had hoped. When the elevator finally stopped, Twilight breathed a sigh of relief. Mr. White stepped out first and motioned for the Ponies to follow suit. He then reentered the elevator, nodded to Applejack and Rainbow Dash, and finally bowed to Twilight. “Dr. Rain's office is down the hall. If you will excuse me, I have work to do. Your Highness.” As the elevator doors closed, Twilight could have sworn Mr. White was... glaring at her. She shrugged it off and motioned for her friends to follow suit. The silent walk down the long hallway was broken by Applejack. “So was anyone else 'ere creeped out by Mr. White back there?” Twilight nodded. “He was definitely a soldier. He's seen battle and judging by his physical state... he still carries it with him. Applejack, did you ever have a 'Mr. White' under your command? He seemed familiar with you.” Applejack shook her head. “Naw, never seen him before today. Must have been in Big Mac's unit. I weren't the only General in the army you know, Twi.” “I know that, but the fact that he would call you 'General' after ten years is just odd to me. And he said it with such... familiarity.” It was Rainbow Dash's turn to speak up. “Maybe he hasn't grown out of the army mentality. Or he just has respect for you, AJ.” Twilight then asked something that had been gnawing at her since they had arrived. “Did either of you notice the way he was looking at me back at the carriage? And as he was leaving, I could swear that he was glaring at me.” “I did actually. Perhaps he couldn't believe that Princess Twilight Sparkle would think to come here.” “I don't know about that. It felt as though he... hated me. Like I had done something to him in the past.” Before they could continue with the conversation, they arrived at their destination. As they entered the waiting area, the secretary pony looked up from her terminal. She gave a smile and motioned at the double doors behind her desk. “Hello, Your Highness. Dr. Rain has been expecting you.” The doors opened onto an office that once again put Twilight to shame. Saying that it was huge would have been putting it lightly. It was the size of an apartment. The window took up the entire back wall, presenting a view of the entire city of Manehattan. There were leather couches against the walls and even a minibar. And in the center was a large circular desk, behind which, in a suit and tie, sat Doctor August Rain himself. In person, Rain certainly resembled the picture on the screen out front, but with a few minor differences. He certainly looked older than the picture, which had depicted a pony who wasn't much older than Twilight was. His slicked-back mane had flecks of gray in it. His green eyes had bags underneath them, as if he hadn't slept in days. However, he wore the same smile that the picture version of himself had, so there was an accuracy. As he looked up from his terminal, his eyes appeared to sparkle from behind his spectacles. His smile widened as he got up from his chair and moved to stand in front of Twilight. “Your Royal Highness,” he said bowing his head. “I cannot tell you how much of an honor it is to have the Princess and Keeper of Magic in my company. I have to tell you that I have been watching your career at the Ministry with great admiration. Oh, and I must commend you on the terminals. They are a fantastic. You have no idea how much of a convenience they have been to my company.” Twilight was taken aback by this. She had been envious of August Rain. She'd never expected that he was an admirer. “Umm, you're welcome, Doctor. I must say though that I have been envious of you for quite sometime with all that your company has accomplished.” “Oh, no, no, no, Your Highness. I am the one who should be envious. You are the quintessential example of the self-made Pony. Trained by Princess Celestia herself, studied and memorized practically every spell in the book, rediscovered the Elements of Harmony, defeated Nightmare Moon, defeated and tamed Discord himself, fought back a Changeling invasion, and you ascended to the level of Alicorn and made Royalty. I'm just a simple inventor and Doctor. My accomplishments cannot compare to your own.” Twilight was about to respond to all this when she heard an “ahem” behind her. She turned to Rainbow Dash and Applejack and realized she had forgotten them. She motioned to both of them. “I'm sorry, I believe you are familiar with my friends? This is Chief of Ponyville Police Applejack and Captain Rainbow Dash of the Wonderbolts.” August Rain looked at both of them and smiled. “Ah, of course I am familiar with them. How could I not be aware of two of Equestria's most decorated War Heroes.” He shook Applejack's hoof with vigor. “I must commend you on your victory at the Siege of Canterlot, General. Possibly one of the closest victories in Equestrian history. Your family must be very proud of you.” Applejack blushed as her eyes darted back and forth. “Umm, thank you kindly, Doc. Though it's just 'Chief' now. Ah'm not part of the military no more.” Rain nodded. “Oh, of course, Chief. I do apologize.” He turned to Rainbow Dash. “And Captain Rainbow Dash, creator of the Sonic Rainboom and keeper of the Element of Loyalty.” His eyes narrowed as if he had just now noticed her augmentations. He looked them over with a studious eye, inspecting each one closely, even tapping on Rainbow's cybernetic wing. “And I see that you are even a customer of mine. Now that is truly an honor. Which models are those? How do they feel? Do they function properly? If not I could have them given a tune up for you. It wouldn't cost you anything. Think of it as... a favor.” Rainbow Dash shook her head and stepped back a few paces. “Umm, no, they're fine. Really.” “Well if you say so,” Rain replied. “I must say that I did not expect Rainbow Dash of all ponies to be augmented. But as you can see,” he said while turning around to show his augmented left hind-leg, “I myself never expected to be my first customer. But, enough jibber-jabber from me. Tell me, Your Highness, to what do I owe this... extremely unexpected visit?” As he sat behind his desk, he motioned to three chairs. As they sat, Twilight gave him her answer. “Dr. Rain, I do apologize for interrupting your schedule, but I have some information that could greatly affect your company.” Rain raised an eyebrow. “Oh? How do you mean?” “This morning, one of my employees at the Ministry was murdered by the Harvesters. When her terminal was inspected, we discovered numerous files and schematics that had originated from your company. Apparently, she had been communicating with somepony inside of your company named 'Pony X'. Now, I first want to assure you that I had no idea this was happening under my nose. If I had known, I would have put a stop to it. Anyway, I think that her death might have been a separate inside job from within your company. I think that she might have been given something that was linked to the Harvesters and when their mole discovered the theft, informed them and had her killed.” August Rain narrowed his eyes and tapped his hooves together. “Hmmm, well, Your Highness, I do thank you for coming to me about this. To tell you the truth, one of my technicians did inform me that our company mainframe had been hacked. I've already had a watchdog spell program written up. The last file stolen had been from yesterday... the night before the murder. I am terribly sorry about that, by the way. Tell me, did you find anything on her terminal that could have been of value or identify the Harvesters' mole or this 'Pony X'?” Shook her head. “There was a transmission from yesterday as you said, but the file was corrupted so we were unable to get anything from it. We did find some shipping manifestos and some weapons schematics, but nothing that would call for her to be murdered. Pony X must have been waiting for something, because all of the messages kept ending with 'Not yet'. I can have the files returned to you at anytime, Doctor.” “Thank you, Your Highness.” He turned to Applejack. “Chief, have you found anything else about the Harvesters?” “Not yet, Doc. I have mah best officers on the case. If we find anything, Ah'll definitely let you know.” “Thank you, Chief.” He turned to Rainbow Dash. “And you, Captain?” Before Rainbow Dash could reply that she had no idea why she was even a part of this investigation, Twilight spoke up. “As Captain of the Wonderbolts, Equestria's elite task force and due to the threat level the Harvesters could pose with the information they have stolen, Captain Rainbow Dash will be aiding Chief Applejack in this investigation.” Rainbow Dash turned to Twlight, mouthing the word “What?”. Twilight just gave her a look that said “Trust me”. Doctor Rain didn't seem to notice the exchange and just nodded. “Well, Your Highness, thank you so much for coming to me about this. I want you to know that if you, the Ministry, or Chief Applejack need anything at all from my company, you contact me right away.” From under his desk, he drew out a business card. “My number if you ever need to contract me.” Twilight's horn glowed as she levitated the card towards her. She placed in a saddlebag and smiled. “I will definitely make sure to do so, Doctor Rain. It has been an honor to meet you.” August Rain smiled. “No, no. The honor was mine. Now, I would have Mr. White escort you out himself, but unfortunately he had other duties today, so I arranged to have his second-in-command escort you out herself. I apologize for the, um, rabble outside my building. I cannot legally force them off of my property. They have the right,” he said with a shrug. “My hooves are tied.” Twilight smiled. “I understand. And thank you, again, for being so cooperative.” As they got up to leave, the double doors opened. August Rain smiled. “Ah, here she is right now.” As Twilight turned to meet the security pony, she heard a “GASP!” from Rainbow Dash. When she got a good look at the security pony, she understood why. The security pony was an augmented Pegasus Mare with an opal green coat and a streaked gold-yellow mane. Despite the augmentations, she knew had met this Pegasus before and the lightning bolt shaped cutie-mark confirmed it. “Lightning Dust,” Rainbow Dash said in a flat tone. “Rainbow Dash,” Lightning Dust replied. The two Pegasi stared at each other before Lightning Dust broke the silence. “Your Highness, Chief, Captain, if you would just follow me.” As the doors closed behind them, Twilight heard Applejack whisper to Rainbow Dash. “Old flight-squadmate?” “You could say that,” Rainbow Dash replied. August Rain's office, Equestrian Augmentations and Technology As soon as the Princess and her companions had left, the smile that had been on August Rain's face disappeared. He immediately went to a button on his intercom. The flat voice of Mr. White emitted from it. “Are they gone?” “They are.” “What did they want?” “They had some information about the Unicorn Mare's murder. They offered an alliance with me to investigate the possibility of a 'Harvester Mole'. They told me that the file that was stolen last night was corrupted, though as we both know, that is a lie. I think they suspect something.” There was a brief pause. “Do you think they-” “No, no. I don't think they specifically suspect me. Why would they? Still... I want them monitored. Contact Star-Metal and inform him that there is a problem. I don't want to move against them just yet. Not unless they find out anything more about 'Project: Ascension.' This company is not going to fall. I won't let it happen.” Chapter 4: A Friendly VisitChapter 4 A Friendly Visit "The Earth Ponies farm the land. The Pegasi control the sky. What do the Unicorns do?" -“Soapbox” Sal “So... how was it seeing her again?” “It did not feel good if that's what you are thinking.” “How long as it been since the last time?” “Too long, Sir.” “Is this going to make things difficult for you?” “No, not at all, Sir.” “Good. Remain vigilant. The time will come.” Harvester Base, Ponyville Warehouse District If there was one thing that Star-Metal had learned over the years, backstory is everything. Nopony within the Harvesters knew the truth about Star-Metal's origin. Some believed that he was a mercenary that fought on both sides during the Civil War and was injured by the Loyalists after being discovered. Others said that he was a former Loyalist that had been betrayed during the war. Others believed that he had worked alongside General Salamander Red before killing him during the Siege of Canterlot. They were all false of course. All rumors that he had allowed to spread like wildfire. Star-Metal enjoyed them. They worked to build an image that he could use to his advantage in his construction of the Harvesters. All of them painted him as somepony that could use any opportunity that was presented to him in order to get ahead. And that was the truth. The invention of augmentations had given him the opportunity to truly make something of himself. And he had enjoyed it. As Star-Metal lay on the operating table, he bit his lip in anticipation of the inevitable pain that would follow the joining of his nerves to his brand new leg. He'd never gotten used to this. The Mechanic, an old grey mare, noticed him and rolled her eyes. “Don't worry, Boss. Two seconds and it will all be over.” Star-Metal looked at her, his eyes flashing red for a brief second. “I'm not scared. All right? I'm just cautious.” He laid his head back on the mat. “Nine years and they still haven't done a thing to fix the pain part.” The Mechanic kept her eyes on the leg as she inspected the wires. Sweat started to form on her brow. This was the most difficult part of the procedure. If one wire was disconnected or out of alignment during the bonding process of the implant and the nerves, then the implant would not function properly. Everything had to be perfect. There was no such thing as a “harmless mistake” in this business. She lifted her head and nodded to Star-Metal who in turn tilted his head away and breathed silently. The Mechanic's hooves split open to reveal a part of hooks that gripped the leg and aligned it with the metallic stump of Star-Metal's right foreleg. As she fitted the stump into the leg socket and twisted it until it locked into place, Star-Metal winced as electrical impulses flooded his shoulder and spread across his body. He hopped off the table and flexed his new leg. A souvenir from the Ministry job. He loved the perks. The door swung open as the spike-hoofed Unicorn trotted in. She stopped and saluted. Star-Metal returned the gesture. “What is it, Rain?” “We got a call from our... business partner. He's demanding to speak to you.” Her salute faltered as a worried look crossed her face. “And he sounds pissed.” Star-Metal sighed. This was the part of the job he hated: business negotiations. “Let's get on with it then.” As the two Harvesters marched through the base, Star-Metal allowed himself a feeling of pride. Seven years and this small-time group had turned into an empire. 3300 Ponies under Star-Metal's command. 3300 Harvesters across Equestria. He had eyes and ears everywhere. Whenever the law was on his tail, he was aware of it. Nopony could get the drop on him. Not even that Police Chief, Applejack. He'd be damned before allowing himself to be taken down by a country bumpkin like her. When they reached the terminal, Star-Metal could see that Rainy had left it on. The face of Doctor August Rain glowered at him. Star-Metal put on his business face and smiled. “What can I do for you, Doc?” “For starters, you can tell me why the Buck you and your Harvesters decided to hit the mare so close to the damned Ministry,” he barked. You couldn't have waited until she was closer to her home or out of the Business District?” Star-Metal shrugged. “The job got done didn't it? You got the stolen data back and I got this nifty new leg.” “The problem is that not only is the Ponyville Police investigating her death, but now the damned Princess is in on this! She actually visited my office to inform me of the possibility of somepony in the company working with you!” Star-Metal sneered. “That's not my problem nor part of our arrangement. Whatever happens to your company is your problem. Besides, they'll never trace it to us.” Rain's face moved closer to the screen. “Are you an idiot or are you just naïve? Think about it. If they investigate me and find anything, they will trace it to you. And I am sure the police will be willing to cooperate in exchange for information on the Harvesters and where they could possibly find them.” Star-Metal's eyes narrowed. “You wouldn't.” It was Rain's turn to sneer. “I go down so do you. Do not test me.” Star-Metal sighed. “What do you want?” “Stay off the streets for a while. Continue with your end of the project and for the love of Celestia, be more careful. You can afford to lay off the aug-jacking for a time.” Star-Metal nodded. “Got ya. But just so you know, this project is even more risky than aug-jacking. How many can disappear until somepony notices?” Rain's face receded back from the screen. He rolled his eyes. “Nopony will notice them. They are not important enough to be noticed. Just remember that the project hedges on your success. We need the data otherwise we cannot move forward. August Rain out.” The screen faded to black. Star-Metal growled. He hated this. The perks of working with E.A.T. were fine and all, but answering to that bastard wounded his pride. When the job was done, he'd better get his reward. He had more than earned it. Sweet Apple Acres “Appleseed, you come down here right now,” Fluttershy cried out in a voice a couple octaves higher than normal. The young pegasus ignored her and continued circling above the treetops. His only reply was a soft “Nnope.” An exasperated Fluttershy turned to her husband as he back-hoofed an apple tree, sending its contents into the carefully positioned baskets. “Would you please control your son?” Big Mac stopped for a second and gave her a puzzled look. “Let the young'n be. It's good for 'im to get some practice in now and then. Besides, if'n yer so worried about 'im, why don'cha just fly up and grab him yerself?” Fluttershy was taken aback by this comment as if Mac had asked her to strike him. “We can't use physical force. The book said that a parent must be assertive in order to establish authority. Force just sends the wrong message and will cause him to be afraid of that parent. And if they are afraid of us, that means they will avoid us. And that means they will fall in with a bad crowd, and then they will get arrested and put in juvenile hall and then their futures will be over! Is that what you want for our children?!” Her breathing became more and more erratic as her eye's widened. Big Mac shook his head. “Fluttershy, a lil' discipline never hurt no one. Just fly up and bring him down gently. Just... only do it if he does get himself into trouble. Don't pressure the colt. Let 'im have fun.” Fluttershy slowly took a deep breath and nodded in agreement. “Ok. All right. I'll... let him be.” She called upwards, “Just be careful, Ok, Sweetie?” Appleseed smiled and waved down at his mother. He began flying loop de loops until a shadow fell across the orchard field. The young colt halted in mid-flight in front of a violet Alicorn. She looked down at him and smiled. “Hello, Appleseed. I'm Princess Twilight Sparkle. Do you remember me?” The little colt, wings still flapping, lowered his head and nodded giving a tiny, “Eeyup,” in response. Twilight patted him on the head, still smiling. “You're doing great at flying. Keep it up. Soon you will be as good as your mother or Rainbow Dash.” Appleseed raised his head and gave a small smile. He turned and flew back to his parents, peeking from behind his mother. Twilight hovered down and gave Big Mac and Fluttershy each a big hug that they both happily returned. “I've missed you both so much.” Fluttershy gave a smile and hugged her best friend. “We've missed you too. You hardly ever visit anymore. In fact, I don't think you've ever been here since the wedding. How have you been? You must tell us. I'll make some lunch.” With Appleseed on her back, Fluttershy lead the way back to the cottage. When they got to the kitchen, it was a short time before Fluttershy had a meal of mixed vegetables and fruits on the table. After the meal was completed, Big Mac went upstairs with Appleseed to check on Zephyr while the mares stayed to chat. “How's the hospital doing, Fluttershy? “Oh, it's been wonderful. I thought it would be difficult to treat both Ponies and Animals, but thanks to my experience with the war, I've been able to balance out the workload. Between you and me, the schedule has been difficult on the kids. What you saw out there is one of the few times we've been able to spend time together as a family. I'm worried that Zephyr and I won't become too close because of it. Big McIntosh has had to balance working the orchard with Applebloom and the kids. It's been difficult. ...So, Twilight, tell me, how have things been with you?” “Well, the Ministry has been opening up relations with the Zebra Nation and we are looking to find a way to upgrade the Terminals nationwide without having the customers bring them into the stores. And... one of my employees was murdered by Harvesters.” Fluttershy covered her mouth in shock. “I'm so sorry, Twilight.” Twilight smiled. “Thanks. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and I have been investigating her murder and so far we've come up with a couple of leads. We believe that E.A.T. might be connected to it. But nothing's concrete.” Fluttershy gave a brief smile that quickly faded. “Ummm, Twilight? About Applejack... I've only seen her a couple of times over the past month, but... I've noticed the faint scent of hard-cider on her breath.” Twilight raised an eyebrow. “Wait. You think that Applejack's been drinking?” Fluttershy nodded. “You know how during the war, she was always on the front lines? I think that might have had a lasting impact on her. Oh, but don't tell her I told you. The last time I tried bringing it up... she yelled at me a bit.” “It's not her fault, Fluttershy. She's under a lot of stress. The Harvesters have been tearing Equestrians apart and they always seem to be ahead of her. If she drinks a little to relieve stress, then it's understandable.” Fluttershy shook her head. “I'm really worried about her, Twilight. She's not just my best friend, she's my sister-in-law. For Luna's sake, she's Appleseed's Godmother. Please, keep an eye on her.” Twilight smiled and extended a hoof forward. “I promise you, Fluttershy. I'll keep an eye on her. Now, I have a favor to ask. I have a plan to find out more about this case and I need your help. I need you to get me Pinkie Pie's and Rarity's communication numbers. Also, if you want some other work that will help you keep an eye on Applejack, I could get you some work with the Ponyville PD. That is, if you think you could make the time.” Fluttershy smiled. “I'd like that. Big Mac's been worried about her as well. You know, Twilight, I remember when we were younger, you had a lot of trouble with stress. You would always freak out over every little thing and almost faint after ranting about how things could go wrong. Now... you seem calm and collected. I'm impressed.” Twilight Sparkle blushed slightly. “Well, what can I say? I guess I... grew up. Now, do you have Pinkie's and Rarity's numbers?” Fluttershy nodded. “I'll see what I can do.” Twilight smiled. Things were starting to come together. She had a plan and she needed the help of Equestria's biggest fashion magnate and the Party Pony of Equestria. Cloudsdale As Rainbow Dash settled into her apartment, she switched on her terminal. She extended her cyberhoof's jack cable into the port. “Flight school,” she muttered. Almost at once, a stream of images flooded the screen, all of Rainbow Dash at the Wonderbolts Academy Flight School, the place that made her Captain of the Wonderbolts. She rolled her eyes and clarified. “Flight School, Lightning Dust.” The images disappeared and were replaced with fewer new ones. This time of her and Lightning Dust, her former wing-pony and... friend. Images of her, Lightning Dust and her other wing-ponies, her and Lightning Dust toasting their first night at Flight School, and finally just Lightning Dust. She sighed. What the buck was Lightning Dust doing at E.A.T.? First the washing out of flight school, joining the Equalists, and now this. What the Hell was she playing at? Chapter 5: Plans and DreamsChapter 5 Plans and Dreams "Equestrian Augmentations and Technology eliminates one of our most basic flaws: The flaw of envy." -Doctor August Rain “I don't like it, Boss.” “You don't like anything.” “This doesn't feel right.” “With what we do for a living this doesn't feel right?” “Our work is business. This is just... wrong.” “We have a business deal. We have to do our part.” “But, Boss-” “No. More. Questions. Just get the work done.” Ministry of Magic and Technology, Ponyville “Darling, it has been far too long,” Rarity said giving Twilight a big hug. “Really, I don't know what kept you from calling me, but we have to make up for lost time. You look fabulous, although those bags could definitely use makeup. Though I cannot blame you for them. It takes me ages to maintain this look in the morning.” Twilight smiled at her old friend, half-heartedly stroking the very apparent bags under her eyes that she had been hoping that no pony would notice. Then again, she was talking to Rarity, the biggest Fashion Pony in Equestria. Even after all these years, Rarity's snowy white coat still hadn't lost its shine and her mane hadn't lost its luster. From a young age, the beautiful Unicorn had been destined to become a fashion designer. By the time Twilight had met her, Rarity had been full of ambition, eager to prove herself one day. The surprising part had been when it turned out that Rarity herself had been chosen as the keeper of the Element of Generosity. On first glimpse of the white Unicorn, a pony would probably assume her to be nothing more than a vacuous, self-absorbed pony who cared more about tending to her indigo mane than anything else. And if they didn't bother to get to know her, they would probably be correct. She had thought so at first, but Rarity had proved her wrong many times over. One such occasion was during their first adventure when a river dragon, who was probably even vainer than Rarity, had part of his mustache lost and Rarity gave a lock of her own mane to replace it. And if you think that wasn't generous, you clearly never saw Rarity's devotion to making sure that her mane never even got wet without her say so. That was the kind of pony that Rarity was: Vacuous to those that didn't know her, but there were layers that only her truest friends knew about. “Really, Twilight, I know you are a Princess and all, but you should take some time to call your friends. It's not healthy to be so wrapped up in your work all the time.” Twilight sat back in her chair and grinned and rolled her eyes. “I know, Rarity, I know. You have no idea how many times Spike has been egging me on to contact you for a long time. He say's I'm starting to relapse into my Pre-Ponyville routine. I'm really glad to see you.” “Indeed, he is correct. It is very important to maintain a social life of your own. So, tell, tell, tell, how have things been treating the Princess of Magic? Is there a special somepony in your life,” Rarity asked with a wink. Twilight blushed. “No, no. There hasn't been time for stuff like that, Rarity. I'm busy. I have decisions to make. Ponies depend on me and my work. I don't have time for stuff like that.” This time Rarity rolled her eyes and scoffed. “Darling, if there is anypony deserving of a break, it is you. Besides, what's this talk of you needing to throw yourself in your work? Remember all the adventures we had even after you became a Princess?” Twilight sat back in her chair and gave a small smile. “Of course I remember. Why wouldn't I? But those days are gone. Equestria has been at peace for years. Even Discord has been quiet, Celestia knows why though.” Rarity's eyes narrowed. “That's not what I hear, Twilight. I do read the papers you know. I know about the horrible tragedy that befell your employee and your little 'business trip' to Equestrian Augmentations and Technology. Tell me, what is the 'mysterious' Doctor August Rain like? Is it true that he lives in his office, has a long beard and... ahem, keeps his leavings in jars?” Twilight laughed. “I thought you said you read the papers. Not the tabloids.” Rarity looked shocked and offended. “I don't know what you are implying. I read only the most reputable of news sources. It's not my fault if I hear a few rumors now and then. He's never seen in public nor social gatherings.” “Well, I can say that he is quite... well mannered. I'd say that, at first glance, a bit eccentric, but he is definitely a business pony. His accomplishments speak for themselves.” Rarity leaned forward. “So why the visit? Why bring Applejack and Rainbow Dash? What is going on, Twilight? I'm asking as a friend.” Twilight looked back and forth. She'd wanted to make sure that Rarity was involved as much as she needed to be for her plan. However, she also knew that if she told Rarity too much, it would put her in very probable danger. Rarity wasn't like Applejack or Rainbow Dash. She wasn't weak, but she was just a civilian, a fashion magnate. This was it. This was where she was about to cross the line. Rarity would not be backing down. “Ok. I think that... E.A.T. may be involved in criminal activity. With the Harvesters.” Rarity was shocked. “Really? Don't you think that's... cliched? I mean, why would they?” Twilight nodded. “I know, I know. It doesn't make sense, but my gut tells me that something is going on in that company. Something illegal and I have to figure it out.” Rarity tilted her head. “And you want my help with it?” Twilight lowered her gaze staring at her own four hooves. “Yes. Yes, I have a plan and I need your help. I need you to pay a visit to Doctor Rain at E.A.T. and plant a bug in his office. I need to listen in on his conversations and no, before you ask, this is in no way legal. At all. I am committing a crime that could get the Ministry itself into trouble, I fully admit it. You are fully within your rights to walk out of my office right now. What do you say, Rare?” For what seemed like the longest time, there was silence. Neither Rarity nor Twilight said a thing to each other nor made eye contact. Twilight had no idea what Rarity's response would be. She wouldn't blame her if she left. She really would not. She expected her to get up and say goodbye. What was said next, Twilight had not expected at all. “What should the objective of my visit be?” Twilight looked Rarity in the eyes and smiled. “You have a fashion show coming up, correct?” Rarity nodded. “I do indeed. We are still trying to book a place for it, but we do have just about everything we need. Pinkie Pie is even helping me out with the after party.” “Good. You will visit Doctor Rain as a friendly visit and a friend of the Princess. You will say that you gained his number from me and you would like to have luncheon with him. When you enter the office, I will take control of the electronic bug. It will look just like a normal house fly so hopefully it won't be squished.” “And when we have lunch?” “Use your charms on him. Get him to agree. It is important that he have the after party at E.A.T.” Rarity raised an eyebrow. “Any reason why it has to be at E.A.T.? What are you not telling me, Twilight Darling?” “You... you are not the full plan, Rarity. I'm sorry. There is more, but I cannot tell you. I just need you to trust me.” Rarity smiled. “Of course I trust you.” Twilight smiled back. “Great. I'll let you know when it is time to move forward with the plan.” Rarity nodded and as she departed Twilight's office, Twilight could hear Spike give a cute little, “Goodbye” to Rarity. She smiled at this. Since day one of arriving at Ponyville, Spike had always harbored a not so subtle crush on Rarity. Spike knew that Rarity thought of Spike like a little brother, but, of course, this did not deter his affections. She activated the intercom and waited for a few seconds. Silence. He was still pining. “Spike. Umm, Spike, we have work to do. I need you to contact Pinkie Pie on the double.” There was a brief moment of silence when Spike finally replied. “That might be a bit of a problem. You see...” The door burst open with a shower of confetti, the sound of trumpets playing and a red carpet rolled out and halted right in front of Twilight's desk. Twilight smiled and prepared herself for an introduction worthy of nopony, but Pinkie Pie, mistress of ceremony in Equestria. As she leaned back in her chair, she could hear the additional sound of multiple instruments coming from down the hallway. This was it. This was Pinkie's big entrance. Down the hall and through the door, wearing an assortment of many instruments, all connected by string, including a flute, a harmonica, a self-strumming violin, an oboe, a trumpet, a large bass drum, and a tuba, came Pinkie Pie. It is an interesting fact to note that Pinkie Pie was actually the very first Pony in Ponyville that Twilight Sparkle met upon arrival. Well, “met” is a bit too broad a statement as much as “said one word to her and got a frightened 'gasp' in return and then ran off.” In reality, Pinkie Pie had dashed off to plan a party at Twilight's then new home at the Ponyville library. The description “energetic” was too tame a word to describe Pinkie Pie. At times it seemed that Pinkie had so much energy that it appeared that she could be anywhere and everywhere at once, almost as if Pinkie could breach the boundaries of reality itself. “Happy” was also too tame a description for Pinkie Pie. To Twilight, it almost seemed that Pinkie Pie radiated joy wherever she went. Even the most cynical and bitter of Ponies could become happy just by being in the same proximity as Pinkie Pie. Twilight remembered when Pinkie made it her goal to cheer up a cynical donkey, even when he told her to bug off. Pinkie Pie would not be denied a smile from anypony. As Pinkie Pie entered, she tossed all the instruments aside and gave Twilight a big hug that nearly squeezed all the air out of Twilight's lungs. “OHMYGOSH! Twilight! It's been soooooooooooo long since we've hung out! 5 YEARS! You know how many weeks that is? 260 weeks. That's 1,825 days! That's 8,760 hours! How have you been?!” Twilight could barely get a reply out, much less breathe. “Pinkie.... You are.... choking me!” Pinkie Pie looked at Twilight's face as it slowly turned blue. She released her. “Oh. Sorry. I'm just sosososososo excited to see you!” “I know, Pinkie. I know. I'm happy to see you too. Look, I know that you are planning Rarity's after party for her fashion show.” Pinkie Pie nodded rapidly. “Uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh. It's going to be Pinkie Keen!” “Well we're just in the middle of securing a place. It's going to be at Equestrian Augmentations and Technologies and I need you for...” She paused, realizing what she was about to ask of Pinkie Pie. “I need you to do your 'other job' one last time for me.” Pinkie Pie didn't say a word as her bright smile slowly faded away. The “real job” that Pinkie Pie had done during the war. The cover of Party Pony and Morale Officer had been the perfect cover for her real job: Information Gathering and Espionage. After the war ended, Pinkie had made Twilight promise that she would never make her do another job again. And Twilight had kept her promise. She didn't like using Pinkie or any of her friends like this, but this would be the last time. As if she could read her mind, and in the back of her mind Twilight suspected she could, Pinkie Pie asked, “And this will be the very last, 'this time you mean it' job?” Twilight nodded. Pinkie's smile returned. “Excellent! What could go wrong?” Twilight wished Pinkie hadn't said that. A Bar across town, Ponyville “Got an extra stool open?” Applejack turned to see Rainbow Dash having walked in with a small smile on her face. Applejack put down her glass and motioned for her to sit down next her. As Dash sat down, Applejack motioned to the barkeep to pour an extra glass. The barkeep, an old unicorn, obliged. Rainbow Dash looked around the bar with her one good eye. “Haven't been ground-side in a while. I remember this place. This was where we would go to 'wind down' during the war. You still come here?” “Never left,” Applejack replied, taking another sip of hard cider. She looked at Rainbow Dash. “So why the visit?” “Just thought about catching up with an old friend. Really. We haven't done this in a long time. Plus, I noticed the smell of cider on your breath.” “You think Ah have a problem?” “Maybe. Maybe not. I know I have a problem with cider, but not as bad as you look.” “This bar's one of our customers. Gets me a discount.” “You mean, 'One of Applebloom and Big Mac's customers,'?” “Mah name's still 'Apple' ain't it? Long as it is, Ah'll be enjoying the fringe benefits.” As she raised her glass to take another swig, Rainbow Dash stopped her. “I think that's enough for tonight, AJ.” Applejack turned to Rainbow Dash, giving her a dark look. Rainbow Dash was able to see just how far her old friend/occasional friendly rival had gone. Applejack looked like she hadn't slept in days. Her eyes were bloodshot, with heavy bags underneath, and her eyelids saggy. Applejack looked as if she were about to say something, but instead she just tipped over, face planted on the ground, accompanied by snoring. Rainbow Dash shook her head, paid the bill, draped Applejack over her back and trotted out. “Let's get you home.” The Dreams As Rainbow Dash put Applejack to bed in her apartment, Applejack dreamed. Within Applejack's dreams, memories that had long been repressed crept back into her mind, and of course, they were not pleasant memories. The horrible thing was that these memories were not shown as separate, but as one horrendous, cruel memory. The memory of two years of war. Applejack stood in a field of bodies. Bodies that were her old squadmates and her enemies. Her mentor and instructor, Sargent-Major Drillbit, lay dead with his eyes to the ground. A young mare that had been a scout under her command at least had her eyes closed. There was no sign of anything else in the distance except for bodies as far as the eye could see. No cities, no towns. Nothing at all. Nothing but bodies. Applejack cantered through the bodies in an attempt to get away from it all. Even within a dream, she could smell them all, she could hear the flies buzzing all around her. Only flies, no voices, no groans. Nothing but flies. She halted and clapped her hooves over her ears to shut them all out. She closed her eyes, but she couldn't keep the smell away from her nostrils nor stop the tears from flowing. She was trying to wake up, but she couldn't. Then, she heard his voice. “Mah dear Applejack, whatever is the matter?” The accent was very similar to ponies from down south in Appleloosa. It was an accent that many ponies in her family had. She opened her eyes to see another corpse in front of her. The pony was male with a faded brown coat and a short white beard and mustache. He wore a green and brown military jacket with the outline of an Earth Pony rearing back in a whinny on his sleeve. The symbol of the Equalists. Next to his head, that had a bullet hole in it, was a red beret. His eyes were an unnatural faded red. Those eyes belonged to General Salamander Red, the dead leader of the Equalists. He was looking at her. “Why do ya cry, General Applejack? Granny didn't raise nopony to be crybabies. A soldier accepts death, even the deaths of those he or she causes.” “Yah ain't even here,” Applejack said through gritted teeth, attempting to shut him out. “Yer dead. Yah died at Canterlot. The war is over. It has been over for 10 years.” “Over?” He stood up on all fours and towered over her. “The war ain't over until all the leaders are dead on one side or both. He is still alive. She is still alive. Ah may be dead, but mah ideals still live on in the hearts of everypony that stood behind me in battle. This is not over.” He paused for a moment. “Yah should have joined me. Ah could have taken care of yah. The way they would have wanted.” Applejack stood up at that. She was livid. “Shut. The. Buck. UP!” At that, the dream stopped as if she were in a speeding carriage. A rush of breath slammed into her chest. She looked around her apartment, breathing heavily. Rainbow Dash was nowhere to be seen. A glass of water was on her bedside table with a note beside it. “You could use some water for a change. Get well. Dash.” As she drank it, she thought about the dream and Salamander Red's words. She shook her head. “No. Not the way they would have wanted. Never.” Equestrian Augmentations and Technology, Manehattan, Two days later Next to Canterlot, Manehattan was the biggest city in Equestria. Compared to Ponyville, which was still on the rise, even with the added benefit and business of the Ministry of Magi-Technology, Manehattan dwarfed it in sheer size and population. As Rarity's carriage traveled through the city, she had to marvel at it. This was the Equestrian dream. While Canterlot was the capital and devoted mostly to the upperclass, Manehattan was the city where anypony could make it if they had a dream and the means to make the dream happen. It was a mix of many different kinds of cities, each with its own populace and style. Hooflyn and Princesses were where the middle class ponies lived. The Bux where the lower class ponies dwelled, and the eponymous Manehattan where the businesses and upper class ponies were stationed. And it was here where Rarity was to meet the mysterious Doctor August Rain. As her carriage pulled in front of the building, she was met by the large stern buck Mr. White and the Pegasus mare, Lightning Dust. Mr. White nodded his head to her. “Ms. Rarity, I am Mr. White, bodyguard and head of security at Equestrian Augmentations and Technologies. Doctor Rain has arranged for lunch to be had on his office. He sent us to escort you inside.” Rarity smiled. “Why thank you very much, Mr. White. I am eager to meet your employer.” Mr. White didn't say a word nor even shed a complimentary smile toward her. He just turned and motioned for her to follow. When they entered the silver tower, Lightning Dust turned, saluted, and departed. As she left, Rarity got a closer look at her. Lightning Dust had metal plates grafted on her back. Her wings had been replaced with metallic ones. All four of her hooves had been augmented. Her ears had cochlear implants within them and she knew her eyes had been replaced. It made her uneasy. How much of the original Lightning Dust was left? She didn't really know the Pegasus that well, except from her brief meeting at Rainbow Dash's flight school when Lightning Dust's arrogance and need to prove herself had nearly gotten Rarity and her friends killed. Lightning Dust had been dismissed from the Wonderbolts of course for her reckless behavior. Rarity never paid her much heed then, so she had no clue why her presence made her uncomfortable now. As she followed Mr. White into the elevator, she shook off the unease and focused on her current goals: Plant the bug and arrange a deal with Doctor Rain. How hard could it really be? Doctor August Rain's Office Balcony, Equestrian Augmentations and Technologies “So, with the blackout, my father was completely at a loss as to how to restore power to our house. The fuses were blown and we didn't have any spares. So, using a modified version my potato battery school project and a huge sack of them, I was able to hook up a bunch of batteries to our generator and was able to provide power to our house. And that's how I got my cutie-mark.” Rarity smiled and wiped her mouth with a levitated napkin. She looked out the corner of her eye to where Twilight's Cyber-bug had planted itself. When she entered Doctor Rain's office, the bug had scurried out of her saddlebags and placed itself on a bookshelf. She had insisted that they begin lunch in order to take any attention away from the bug. Mr. White still remained in the office, insisting that he look after the Doctor, as was his duty. At first, she had put on the airs of being interested in Doctor Rain's stories, but over the past hour, Rarity had become genuinely interested in what he had to say. “Oh, interesting! And it really worked? A home powered by potato batteries?” Doctor Rain smiled and laughed. “No. It only worked for a minute before the lights went out again. I mean, a house cannot really be charged by potatoes. Though that would solve any future energy crises. Nevertheless, my parents said that this was my destiny. That if I could create such a thing for a brief period of time, I could do so much more. So obviously that meant I should be an electrician. But I felt I was meant for more. That the talents I had should not be kept stagnant in a simple blue-collar job. I wanted to help other ponies. So I decided to quit and I became a doctor and I just realized that I am reciting my interview with Ms. Vinyl Scratch, aren't I?” Rarity laughed. “Probably, but you do it well. You should have become a public speaker. Why didn't you?” Doctor Rain took a sip of his glass. “The thought never occurred to me, I guess. All my life I've wanted to help other ponies. And now, I've helped more ponies than I ever did as a medical Doctor. It's enough to give you a swelled head. But enough about me? How about you? How did you obtain your cutie-mark?” Rarity thought back. “Well, I was a young filly and I was in charge of designing costumes for a school play. The problem was that the original costumes were just awful. My teacher said they were fine, but I knew that I needed something to spice them up. To make them better. I needed something to decorate them with. While I was looking, I detected a large cache of gems within a giant bolder. Using them, I was able to decorate the gems and that is how I earned my cutie mark. The funny thing is that if it wasn't for my friend Rainbow Dash, I would never have found those gems or gotten my cutie mark.” Doctor Rain tapped his hooves together and squinted. “And you really just used the gems to decorate the costumes?” “What? You think that I was mistaken to?” “No, no, no. I think it is intriguing. Anypony would have probably kept that cache for themselves, but you, a filly, saw that fortune and just used it to enrich something that was probably just fine to begin with. Creativity, generosity, and the ability to bring out the luster in others. That is a grand gift.” Rarity blushed at this. “Oh, it's nothing. I was just doing my job.” She laughed for a moment, but upon spying Doctor Rain's cybernetic leg, she stopped. “Doctor Rain-” “Please, Ms. Rarity, call me August.” Rarity found this odd. “Umm, alright, August. I was wondering if I could ask you a personal question... about your leg.” August Rain's smile left his lips. He lowered his head down to gaze upon his cyberleg. “Of course. What would you like to know?” “You said you lost your leg due to a Pegasus mortar and that it was amputated in a medical base. Is that really true?” August Rain looked as if he was considering answering and for a second, it looked as if he were looking over Rarity's shoulder... towards the bookshelf. Rarity quickly glanced in his direction, but saw nothing. The bug was nowhere in sight. She quickly turned back to him, relieved that the plan hadn't been found out. Doctor Rain looked at her and Rarity could swear that he was about to cry. “Partially true. Partially. During the war, did you ever hear rumors about P.O.W. Camps run by Bloodmane that indulged in torture?” Rarity's eyes widened. “I did. I'd hoped that they were just that: Rumors. I know the war forced many ponies to do terrible things, but I never thought... torture could be considered one of them.” August Rain lowered his head. “Well, I am living proof of that. My squad was ambushed and my leg was injured. We were taken prisoner to one of the camps. We had the misfortune of that camp being run by Bloodmane himself.” Rarity gasped. “You... you actually saw General Bloodmane?” “I met him. He needed more medics and since I was one, he "re-recruited" me to work in the camp... keeping the prisoners alive after his "interrogations". However, my leg was becoming infected so I tried to use that as an excuse to not work for him. …He had my leg cut off and disinfected so I could work for him. He didn't use anesthetic while doing so. Said that they needed it for the patients, couldn't risk the doctors becoming addicted.” Rarity covered her mouth in horror. “How... how could anypony do that to another? It's sick. It's vile. It's... it's evil. Why didn't you tell anypony the truth?” “When the war ended, I was afraid that if I was revealed to have knowingly helped another pony torture other prisoners, I would be punished for it. I could lose my medical license for breaking the Hippocratic Oath. 'First do no harm.' I broke that oath. When we were rescued after the war, I kept my head low. I spent a year in that camp. I just... I didn't want to relive those memories.” Tears were beginning to flow down his cheeks. “I'm sorry. I'm sorry.” Rarity reached forward and took his hoof in hers. “No. Don't be. You were as much a victim of that... that creature as those other ponies were.” August Rain looked up and smiled at her. “Thank you. I've practiced that other version in my head for so long, I started to believe it. But... enough about that. Your original proposal for wanting to meet me here? Your 'fashion show after-party'?” Rarity was taken aback by this change in attitude. She had forgotten about the original point of the plan was. “Oh, yes. Yes. Of course. I was wondering if you would consider allowing us to use your building for the after-party. It is for charity and I know that seems a bit silly, but everywhere else is booked up and-” “That sounds wonderful,” Doctor Rain said. “What... what did you say?” Rarity was shocked. It couldn't be this easy. “I said it sounds wonderful. It really helps us both. It helps you with your show, and it helps my company with publicity. Luna knows we could use it with the smear campaign “Ponies for Purity” is waging against us. So, I accept your offer.” Rarity didn't know what to say to this. She didn't think that it could be so easy. She hadn't expected him to be so open to it. “It would all be for charity you understand. The company would not gain anything from the proceeds.” August laughed. “Oh, publicity is all that would be needed in exchange. Money is only a short term solution and we are financially stable enough as it is. So, I accept your offer. Send me your party planner's contact info and I will go over things with her. Your planner is Ms. Pinkie Pie, correct?” Rarity started to feel more confident in this plan. She levitated Pinkie Pie's business card out of her saddlebag and placed it in front of Doctor Rain. “Yes. She is. Thank you so much, August. This really helps me.” She was about to continue on when an “Ahem” came from behind her. She turned to see Mr. White standing in the doorway. “Doctor, I believe that you have an appointment in a few minutes with Software development. I believe that it is time for Ms. Rarity to leave.” August was about to protest when he glanced at the clock. “Oh, Mr. White, you are correct. I'm sorry, Rarity. We will have to conclude our business some other time. But, thank you for dropping by. You have no idea how much it means to be able to eat with another pony for a change.” He took up Rarity's right fore-hoof and kissed it. “You... you are welcome, Doctor.” “Mr. White, would you have one of your staff escort Ms. Rarity out safely?” Mr. White nodded. “Of course, Doctor.” 10 Minutes Later After Rarity departed, Mr. White returned to Doctor Rain on the balcony. “A party? Really? Project: Ascension under development and you want to throw a party?!” Rain looked Mr. White in the cyber-eyes. “Look. The project is making headway and I believe that I am entitled to a little bit of fun for the first time in years. Besides-” “You like her. Is that it? You want to risk it all for some Unicorn that you know is good friends with the Princess?” “You think I don't know about that? This is a good way to keep an eye on her and her plans.” Mr. White rolled his eyes. “Really? That sounds like a poor excuse.” “Would you just let me have this?” Mr. White said nothing for a minute and then finally nodded. “Fine. You're the boss. Don't blame me when this blows up in your face.” Rain glowered at him. “This won't. Trust me. I know what I'm doing.” Chapter 6: The Big NightChapter 6 The Big Night “When going to war, you must be prepared to get your hooves dirty.” -General Salamander Red When Rarity rendezvoused at Twilight's office that evening, she was surprised to not only find Twilight, but Applejack, Pinkie, and Rainbow Dash there as well, all looking in her direction. “So, how did your date go,” Rainbow asked, a sly smile on her face. Rarity raised her nose to this with a huff. “For your information, Rainbow, it was not a date. It was a friendly lunch/business deal and it went well. Dr. Rain is quite the gentlepony. Oh, and Twilight, the plan went off without a hitch. The bug planted itself and we have access to the main building for the after party.” Twilight smiled. “Perfect, Rarity. Now that we have access, we can begin the next phase of the plan.” She turned to Pinkie Pie. “Do you think you will be able to handle your part?” Pinkie nodded. “Oh, yes, yes, yes! I cannot wait. This is going to be a great party! When we are done with that hall, nopony that works there is going to recognize it!” Twilight looked at Applejack first, Rarity next, and finally Rainbow Dash, all with puzzled looks on their faces. “Umm, yeah. Of course, Pinkie. But...” Pinkie grinned. “Oh, don't worry. I haven't forgotten the super-special-ultra-secret plan. Don't you fret. Old Pinkie Pie's got this in the bag.” Twilight shook her head. She really hoped that was true. Pinkie was a great friend, but she had her own method of doing things. And that's what worried her. This job was too important to leave to chance. There were only three weeks to go before the fashion expo. Then it would begin. Over the next three weeks, Rarity spent most of her time at E.A.T. and with Dr. Rain. They spent most of their time supervising the decorations, so almost none of their conversations were recorded. In the evenings, he would personally drop her off at her residence at the Carousel Boutique. When Rarity wasn't there, Dr. Rain spent his spare time in his office. Twilight was frustrated that almost nothing he said was incriminating enough to get any dirt on him or had anything to do with the mysterious Project: Ascension that Mr. White had mentioned. To add insult to injury, Twilight was having less luck decrypting the file that had been recovered from Sunny Dale's terminal. It was so advanced to the point that whenever she made a mistake, the file would go on lock up for 24 hours and she would have to start again from scratch. It was driving her up the wall. It's ok, she thought to herself. After this operation, I will have what I need to nail them. I know I will. “Do you know how late it is?” Twilight looked up to see Spike at her office door. The purple dragon was leaning against the door frame, arms crossed, an eyebrow raised. “I need more time, Spike. I am so close to cracking this code. I need time.” Spike shook his head. “You need sleep. Come on. Listen to your number one assistant. The fashion show is tomorrow. You need to focus on that before you finish this.” Twilight stood upright in her chair. “The fashion show! I forgot! OHMIGOSH! If I'm not ready for tomorrow, then I won't be prepped for the job! And if I'm not prepped for the job, then I won't be able to coordinate with Pinkie Pie for the operation! And then everything will go wrong! And if everything goes wrong then ALL OF EQUESTRIA WILL BE DOOMED!!!” Spike walked behind the desk and looked Twilight in the eyes and slapped her across the face. It was one thing if Twilight was too tired, but it was another when she was wound up. When Twilight was in this state of mind, she was no use to anypony. Just one of the many duties as the Princess of Magic's Number One Assistant. Twilight shook her head. “Thanks, Spike. I don't know what came over me.” “You need sleep. Let's go, Your Highness.” Spike lifted her on his shoulders and carried Twilight out of the office to the secret bedroom Twilight kept around for late nights. One of the many perks of being a dragon, with growth came strength. He laid her on the bed and draped the covers over Twilight. She laid her head on the pillow and drifted off. “Big day tomorrow, Twi. Sleep well.” The next night would be a night nopony would ever forget. At the same time, across Equestria in the high towers of the capital city of Canterlot, Twilight's former mentor and now fellow Princess, Celestia also slept. While her sister, Princess Luna, kept watch over the night and all that slept, Celestia rested in her royal bedchambers. When it was time, she would rise with the dawn and resume her duties as Princess and watcher of Equestria's daytimes. Unlike Ponyville, a town on the rise to becoming a true city or Manehattan, a city where anypony could make it, Canterlot was purely upperclass. It was the city where the crème de la crème made roost. Ivory towers filled with snobs born with silver spoons in their mouths. Old money was the only way a pony could succeed here if they wanted to be something. In this city, augmentations had become more of a fashion statement. With Canterlot staying out of harm's way for most of the war, except for when the siege began, there were few ponies that were gravely injured, save for a bruised foreleg. But, when augmentations came around, suddenly it was the latest fashion trend as well as a brand new form of physical therapy. Though the former was the most utilized. This trend had also been the spark that lit the flame that attracted the Harvesters to Canterlot. Star-Metal, from his nest in Ponyville, had seen the opportunity and took it. Next to Ponyville, Canterlot was his golden goose and it was ripe for the plucking. As Celestia tossed and turned in her sleep, her new terminal, a gift from Twilight, switched itself on. It bathed the room in a sickly green glow, accompanied by a sharp and constant beep. After a few minutes, Celestia finally stirred. She opened one eye to see a “you got mail” sign flashing on the terminal screen. After dragging herself out of bed and hobbling over to the desk, Celestia opened the message. “I normally wouldn't do this, but things are getting too urgent. My associates have ordered no direct contact between our parties, but this bares a partnership. Warning: Keep an eye on the local Harvesters. I have been monitoring Canterlot Police Reports. Attacks have been getting less frequent in the Capital. Reason: they are beginning to move out. Not a good sign despite what you may think. New management is calling the shots. Something big is going down. Civil War big. Your protege is also in deep with E.A.T. My associates are keeping an eye on her, so no need to worry. I will keep in touch. Do not call me, I will call you. With love, Mr. Glory.” Celestia's eyes widened. The Harvesters were a problem, but it was a problem she and Luna felt best left to Law Enforcement. She had stayed on top of reports when it became clear this was not a problem that was going away anytime soon. Looking back, she realized that the Harvesters really had been getting quiet. Too quiet now that she thought of it. Now Twilight was involved in something at Equestrian Augmentations and Technologies. Whoever this Mr. Glory was, he was connected. Too connected. Celestia didn't like this. In the morning, she would have to talk with Luna about this before she turned in. Celestia had to know. She had to know if her country and her people were truly in danger. The night of the fashion show, the after party went off without a hitch. True to Pinkie's word, it was, in a word, amazing. The normally crowded main hall of the building was transformed from an office complex into the ballroom of a magnificent palace. The floor of the main hall had been replaced with a discotheque dance floor with flashing lights. There were sterling steel statues of Princess Celestia, Luna, and Twilight along the sides of the hall, multicolored lights all over the ceiling, and dance music blared out of the speakers in the ceilings replacing the muzak that the company usually played to give the building some atmosphere. In the center was a life sized ice statue of Celestia, or at least an Alicorn that looked like Celestia. Upon closer inspection, Twilight recognized it as the Alicorn on the logo of the building. At the back of the room, a large stage had been erected with a large sign behind it with the word, “Equality” written in large metallic letters. Among the many ponies, Twilight could distinguish a few notable faces, including Filthy Rich, a landowner/business pony, Vinyl Scratch, or as some called her, DJ Pon-3, and Photo Finish, the most famous fashion photographer in all of Equestria. She could also see a few of her friends. Fluttershy and Big Mac, having left the kids in the capable care of Granny Smith, were conversing with a group of ponies while Rarity toured around the room with Dr. Rain. She heard Spike give a grumble as they passed. Pinkie was no where in sight and that was perfect. As long as nopony noticed, the operation would not be jeopardized in any way. Rainbow had elected not to attend and Applejack was at the bar. Twilight sighed as she realized that it was an open bar as well. She was about to go to her when she heard the sound of feedback over the speakers. She turned to see Dr. Rain in the center of the hall with a microphone in front of him. He tapped it twice to make sure it was on. “Ahem, Mares and Gentlestallions, members of Equestria's social elite, thank you for attending tonight. I know we would not be here had it not been for the initiative of this lovely lady beside me: Ms. Rarity.” The spotlight focused on Rarity, who blushed and took a bow as the ponies in the room gave a polite applause. “Now, I would like to announce the following, this night is also for another purpose. In the weeks it took to prepare this, Ms. Rarity and I were in conference and we have decided to add an additional benefit to this night. As you might know, there are many ponies that have had terrible integration problems with my augmentations. Even with the distributed vaccine, they are still suffering problems. That is why this ball will double as a charity that I encourage you to contribute to. Now, I am not saying I am going to strong arm you into contributing, but all I ask is that you give a little to aid those that did not escape the war as unscathed as others did. Thank you all and enjoy the party.” A ring of polite applause sounded out from the gathered crowd and the guests went back to their revelry. As Twilight made her way to the bar, she heard an “Ahem” right beside her. She turned to see Mr. White wearing a black bowtie, giving a small smile at her. This was the first time she had seen him do that and Twilight felt uncomfortable at the sight of it. She wasn't sure if she preferred the stone faced Mr. White more. “Nice party, isn't it?” Twilight looked up at Spike who looked at her, shrugging. Was Mr. White trying to make small talk with her? “Umm, yeah. Nice. It is a nice party.” “Your friend really did keep her word. I hardly recognize the place.” “That's what I thought myself,” Twilight said. “Great minds think alike, wouldn't you say?” Mr. White raised an eyebrow. “By the way, speaking of your friend, Pinkie Pie, I haven't seen her around. You wouldn't happen to know where she is, would you?” Twilight swallowed. “Oh, Pinkie? She said that she would be late getting here. She had another party across town she had to work on. She'll probably be here later tonight. She wouldn't miss this for anything.” “Funny, she didn't mention another party when she was here.” Mr. White paused for a moment as if considering. “Eh, probably didn't feel the need to mention. Doesn't matter. Enjoy the party, Your Highness.” He nodded over towards Applejack at the bar. “Oh, and tell the General to go easy on the Apple Schnapps. This may be a charity party, but the company is still footing the bill.” Twilight raised an eyebrow. “I've wondered, why do you call her “General”?” Mr. White shrugged. “It's what she is. Right?” Twilight shook her head. “She was, but not anymore. The war's over.” A look of surprise came over Mr. White's face. “Oh, right. Sorry. Hard to turn it off sometimes. Still got soldier's instincts in me. I see authority, I must salute.” “What were you during the war?” “A soldier. What else?” White gave her a cyber-wink that made Twilight shudder. The red glow from his eyes was unsettling. “Do the augmentations hurt,” Spike asked, looking over Mr. White. “At times, but I'm one of the lucky ones not to experience integration problems. Only problems I get are aching or itching joints. For a while I had phantom limb syndrome, but I got through it. Now if you will excuse me, Your Highness, Dragon.” Mr. White looked up at Spike, nodded, and trotted off into the crowd. Spike bent down to Twilight's ear. “I don't like him. I don't know why, but I just don't like him.” “I know what you mean.” Twilight and Spike trotted over to Applejack at the bar. Applejack was on her fourth glass of Schnapps and it looked like she was about to tip out of her seat. She noticed Twilight coming up and gave a drunken smile. “Hey, Twi, Spike. How the heck are y'all doin'? Great party ain't it?” She reached for another glass and instead sent it tipping over the bar with a crash. “Oops. Sawry. Butterhooves.” She let out a drunken chuckle and banged on the bar. “Barkeep. Another. And keep 'em comin'!” Twilight shook her head at the barkeep and nudged Spike in Applejack's direction. Spike nodded and in one motion, picked up Applejack and swung her over his shoulder. Applejack's chuckle turned into a guffaw. “Come ooooooon, Twilight. Ah can handle myself just fine. Besides, it's a party! Everypony have fun! HOOOEEEE!” Twilight facehooved. No need for Pinkie when Applejack was in the house. Now there was a sentence she never thought she would ever have to say. Spike took Applejack to Fluttershy and Big Mac and explained the situation to them. Mac just motioned and Spike draped AJ over her big brother's back. The three ponies made their way out of the hall, Applejack singing all the way. With a drunken “Goodnight, Y'all!” they departed. Twilight realized something with a jolt. Pinkie! She'd forgotten to contact her in order to sync up. As she activated her concealed earpiece, she hoped Pinkie was in position by now. She hoped the plan was going well. Chapter 7: Shield.EXEChapter 7 Shield.EXE At the same time that Twilight was having her conversation with Mr. White, Pinkie Pie was making her way through the hallways of the E.A.T. building. Clad in a black stealth suit, custom made by Twilight for her, Pinkie Pie tip-hoofed her way, being careful not to make a sound. As she rounded a corner, she took a peek to make sure there were no guards. She gave a grin to herself when she saw it empty and touched her hoof to her ear. Underneath the mask that concealed all but her large eyes, Pinkie spoke into a microphone attached to the stealth suit that was also in her ear socks. “Twilight, this is Pinkie. I am in.” “Pinkie, I know,” Twilight responded, exasperated. “You've been doing that every 5 minutes. I cannot keep doing this. Only alert me if you have made it to Rain's office. Please.” “Gotcha, Twi. By the way, how's the party going? Everything ship shape? Everypony like the food?” “Oh, yeah. Applejack loved the bar.” “I knew she would. She have any fun?” Pinkie heard a sigh. “Oh, yeah, she loved it so much that Fluttershy and Big Mac had to carry her home.” “OMG! Big Mac and Fluttershy were there?! Were the kids there? I've wanted to see them for a loooong time!” “Pinkie, they left them with Granny Smith.” “Awwww, I wanted to meet them-” “Pinkie,” Twilight cut in, her voice going up in volume. “Focus! I need you to get to Doctor Rain's office. I need you to access his personal files on his terminal. Please! Focus! I need you to do this. Can I count on you?” Pinkie stood still for a few moments. She hadn't meant to annoy Twilight. She just wanted to know how the party was going. She wasn't in her element unless she was at a party. At least that's how it used to be before the war. During the war, Pinkie had been the morale officer. It had been her job to go from camp to camp in order to entertain the troops with her musical shows so that the fear of the impending battles could be lifted from the troops' minds. While the troops were entertained by the Pinkie Pie Orchestra Rock Band, Pinkie commenced her real work as the Official Black Ops Agent of the Solar/Lunar Kingdom by infiltrating the enemy camps. It was thanks to the help of Pinkie that the Loyalists were able to stay two steps ahead of the Equalist Army. Many victories had been won thanks to Pinkie's work. The only time Pinkie's intel had been wrong was the timing for the attempted invasion of Canterlot near the end of the war. It had turned out that the intel that Pinkie had found, which led the Loyalists to believe that the Equalists would attack the capital at sundown on the Summer Solstice, was planted by the Generals for the Loyalist Spies to find. The attack came a week early at sunrise, leading to the Siege of Canterlot. While the Loyalists had won the battle, and by extension the war, Pinkie had sworn never to let her friends down again. Ever. She took a few moments to consider Twi's question before responding. She touched her hoof to her communicator and gave her answer. “Yes, Twilight. You can count on your old pal Pinkie. Enjoy the party.” She shut off the communicator and got back to the mission. She made her way through the halls, making her way towards the work area where she would have to find the main elevator that went up to Dr. Rain's office. As she rounded another corner, Pinkie found herself facing the back of two security ponies who were chatting while navigating the cubicles. One of them, a stallion, spoke up first. “I don't know why the Boss wants us up here. For Equestria's sake, nopony is going to leave that party to come up here in the middle of the night.” His partner, a mare, answered back. “Look, I don't wanna be up here anymore than you do. But the Boss gave us all strict orders to remain on the levels and that's what we are going to do. Besides, we aren't the only ponies on duty. Hey! What was that?” The mare spun around, her headlights illuminating the spot where Pinkie's hoof had touched down. Pinkie pressed her body against the cubicle wall, her chest heaving, all the while taking quick, silent breaths. She didn't dare peek around the corner to see if the mare had gone back to patrol. She did see the light pan back and forth as it scanned the walkway between the cubicle rows. A faint metallic whir grew into a constant whine of turning gears. Magi-tech weaponry. After a few seconds, just as the light was starting to come into contact with Pinkie, the stallion finally spoke up. “Lay off, Stone. It was probably just a mouse. I swear, those enhancements are making you twitchy.” The light retreated from Pinkie's sight as the mare called Twitch turned to face her partner, her voice indignant. “I am not being “twitchy”, Pad. My ears could hear a speck of dust hit the floor. I know I heard something... or somepony...” Pad spoke up. “Come on, Stone. It was probably just a mouse. This place is due for a sweep anyway. Let's go. We have to finish patrolling the floor. Come on. I don't wanna be here all night while you try to gun down a mouse. Besides, any property damage comes out of our paychecks.” A minute passed by while Pinkie waited for Stone to make her move. Finally, Stone relented and the whir of magi-tech gun barrels died down. As the two security ponies left, Pinkie held her position, not daring to breathe. When she heard the sound of a door closing in the distance, Pinkie let out a long sigh of relief. She made her way to the elevator on tip-hoof, making sure to glance right, left, forward, behind, up, down, and even diagonally so as she would not be surprised again. As she reached the elevator, Pinkie held out her hoof and extended it toward a port below the elevator button. As it neared the port, Pinkie sent a mental command through the neural implant that connected her to her stealth suit, allowing her to activate certain functions, as was Twilight's design. From the sleeve, a wire emerged and snaked its way into the port. As Pinkie waited, on guard, the hacker program worked its proverbial magic on the elevator. After a few seconds, a quiet ding was heard in the elevator shaft as the doors slid open. As Pinkie entered and pressed the office penthouse button, she hummed to herself and gazed out the glass window of the elevator. The sight of the city of Manehattan at night from a great height took her breath away. She had never seen a view like this before. The tower dwarfed all the surrounding buildings in Manehattan. It was like a forest of metal. And it was magnificent. Just as she was getting used to the view, Pinkie heard a ding behind her. She turned to see that the elevator had reached the top floor. As she tip-hoofed to the office door, Pinkie hummed her theme song to herself while looking right and left for signs of a possible ambush. Finding none, she opened the door to August Rain's office. As she looked around the room, Pinkie spotted her prize: August Rain's personal terminal. The final part of her mission to find and extract data from August Rain's terminal could begin. As Pinkie settled into the office recliner, she placed one end of a two headed wire jack into a small file drive from her pocket , the other end into the terminal port, the drive on the desk, and began the hacking process. The screen lit up as the hacking program activated the terminal, bypassing the password screen, the firewall, and opening all the files. Pinkie leaned back and waited for the hacking program to copy and download all the files from the terminal's drive. Almost immediately, however, the screen went black. Pinkie's eyes widened in alarm and she leaned forward to whack the screen a couple times. When that did nothing, she started to shake the screen back and forth. Finally, the screen lit up and a sentence in italics appeared on the screen. Greetings. I am Security program Shield.EXE. I am programmed to protect the Equestrian Augmentations and Technology mainframe from all that would attempt to do harm to it. Please state your name and intentions for attempting to hack into Dr. Rain's terminal. Pinkie raised an eyebrow as she stared at the screen for a few seconds, contemplating what to make of this. Finally, she gave a wide smile as she typed out a response in capitals. MY NAME IS PINKIE PIE. IT'S NICE TO MEET YOU, SHIELD.EXE. There was no response for about a minute. Afterwards, another response appeared onscreen. ...And you as well, Ms. Pinkie Pie. However, I must ask your reasons for attempting to hack Dr. Rain's terminal before I contact the authorities. WHY DO YOU WANT TO KNOW? WHY NOT CALL THEM NOW? There was a long pause before Shield.EXE answered Pinkie. Because nopony has ever tried doing so before and I am curious as to your motivations. Please answer before I fulfill my programming and report you to the authorities. DID YOU SAY YOU WERE “CURIOUS”? Yes, it is an odd thing. I must ask Dr. Rain to analyze my programming the next time he is here. I am not programmed to be curious. I am only programmed to be a security program. And to engage in conversation with Dr. Rain when he is lonely. Odd as well. I must ask him “why” as well. I am not meant to be anything more. Now, Ms. Pinkie, I must ask you: Why are you attempting to hack Dr. Rain's terminal? Pinkie pondered lying to Shield.EXE about her mission, but given that Shield.EXE was going to alert the authorities and she would be caught and eventually be traced to Twilight. Neither she nor Twi had anticipated a program of this caliber. The mission was a scrub. She had given her name, her past would be dug up. Ten years of hiding it and it took a program to get her. All she could do was smile and type. She didn't mind it. Besides, she kinda liked Shield.EXE. He... It was quite polite. She typed her response. I WAS ORDERED TO DO THIS BY PRINCESS TWILIGHT SPARKLE. WE BELIEVE THAT DOCTOR RAIN IS UP TO NO GOOD AND WE NEED HIS FILES. WE THINK THEY HAVE SOMETHING THAT COULD PUT ALL OF EQUESTRIA AT RISK. The response was not what she expected. Did you say “Princess Twilight Sparkle”? YEP! SHE'S MY BESTEST FRIEND IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD! ….I will copy and download the files to your file drive. I will make sure that you do not run into any security personnel on your way out. I will have to give a report to Dr. Rain and Security Chief Mr. White, of course, but your name and motive will be omitted. You have my word on that. WHY ARE YOU HELPING ME? You say that the files could contain information that is risky to Equestrian Security. I believe that the company itself is at risk as well as the country. I am programmed to protect and your mission is to protect this country. I cannot allow you to be caught. There was a brief beeping sound. File copy and transfer complete. You must hurry. Get out of here. Now. Get to Princess Twilight. Get that file drive to her. It will take a while for you to decrypt those files, but they contain valuable information for this company. Hurry. Now. Pinkie took the wire jack out of the port and the other end out of the file drive as the terminal shut down. She placed the drive in her pocket and bolted for the door. On her way out, the doors shut on her hair. She had let it down after relaxing the chair. It wasn't tight enough to pull her back, but it was enough to pull a few strand of her bouncy cotton candy colored hair out. As she reached the main elevator, an alarm sounded. For a moment, she was worried that Shield.EXE had betrayed her. That idea was disproven when the intercom blared out, “Armed Intruders in the Main Hall! Armed Intruders in the Main Hall! All security personnel protect the Main Hall!” Pinkie swallowed as she realized something awful. “Twilight! Rarity!” She pressed the elevator buttons with rapid succession. She hoped she could make it to the Main Hall in time to do something. Prologues Parts 1 & 2Prologue 1 Concerning Equestrian History as documented by Royal Scribe and Historian Penn Inkwell 15 years ago, the people of Equestria saw a glorious development in our history: The bestowing of the title of Princess to the newly ascended Alicorn, Twilight Sparkle. However, while some greeted this special occasion with happiness, others looked upon it with growing suspicion. Many Earth Ponies were suspicious of the former student of Princess Celestia and whether or not this would become a growing trend. Whether or not more Unicorns had the capability of becoming like Twilight Sparkle... whether or not this was the start of a sinister Unicorn plot to take all of Equestria. Paranoia spread like wildfire among many non-magical ponies including a group of Pegasus Separatists. Protests against Twilight Sparkle taking up the crown and title of Guardian of Magic began to take place. At first they were peaceful with hardly any incident. As time went on though, the protesters felt they were not being heard and resorted to more desperate measures under the guidance of their leader, Soapbox Sal. Riots started to break out across Equestria with cries of “Dethrone the False Princess” and “Equality in Equestria” being heard across the land. Even when Twilight Sparkle tried to appeal to the herds of protesters she was shot down and called an abomination and a freak. Sometimes when she tried to help, she was called a blasphemer that had stolen the image of the “Goddesses”. Even the attempts of Twilight Sparkle's companions to end the riots failed. Ms. Fluttershy and Ms. Rainbow Dash tried to calm the Pegasus Separatists and dissuade their fears of being “invaded” by legions of Unicorns lead by Twilight Sparkle, but nothing helped. Ms. Pinkie Pie and Applejack appealed to the Earth Pony Equalists, as they called themselves, that Twilight Sparkle represented the hopes and dreams of all of Equestria, but they were shot down by Soapbox Sal as conspirators with the “False-Princess”. At the same time, the Royal Army of Equestria began to build up their defenses and arsenals. New types of weapons were created as if in preparation for a battle that was just on the horizon. News of a new technology being developed by the Ministry of Magi-Technology was released to the public. It was called “a firearm”. It had the ability to shoot projectiles utilizing gem magic and could be used by Unicorns, Pegasi, and Earth Ponies. These “firearms” were made in various types, from “pistols” to “rifles”. When word reached the public of this new development, tensions rose even higher. Rumors of a Unicorn Coup D'etat began to spread and the riots became more violent. Eventually, things got just much more worse. It had been three years since the protests had started when the final nail was driven into the coffin. At a rally, Soapbox Sal was assassinated by what appeared to be a Unicorn Magi-Tech weapon. This was the final spark on the powder keg. Cries for war were made and soon the Earth Pony Equalists and the Pegasus Separatists formed the First Equalist Army of Equestria and war began. For the next 2 years, Equestria was torn apart as family fought family. Lives were lost as the Equalists pushed forward across Equestria lead by three Separatist Generals, General Stormhoof, a Pegasus Mare, Former head of the Earth Pony Division of the Royal Army, General Salamander Red, and General Bloodmane, an Earth Pony and Salamander Red's apprentice. The 6 Heroines of Equestria and keepers of the Six Elements of Harmony soon found themselves embroiled in the War Effort with Princess Twilight Sparkle directing the Royal Canterlot Army, General Applejack and Flight Commander Rainbow Dash leading the Earth Pony and Pegasus armies, Ms. Rarity as the designer and taylor of Army Uniforms and armors, Ms. Pinkie Pie as Moral Officer and PR Pony, and Ms. Fluttershy as Head Medical Pony. It seemed as if the war would always continue. It was not until the Siege of Canterlot that the war saw an end in sight. Though armed with Zebra Shield Charms, fatigue and the lack of the ability to use proper magic were the causes of the Equalists' defeat. During the chaos, General Salamander Red was killed and General Bloodmane retreated. General Stormhoof surrendered to the three Princesses. The Equalist troops were granted amnesty while Stormhoof was put on trial and found guilty of treason against the Equestrian Government. She was imprisoned for life in the Canterlot Prison, where she remains to this day. Efforts have been made to find General Bloodmane so he may be brought to justice for rumored war crimes against Prisoners of War, but sadly he has not been found. Ten years have passed since the end of the War and Equestria is at peace. Though the scars on the land may heal, it is clear that the scars of war will never heal inside the hearts of ponies. Still, with the Six Elements of Friendship in our hearts and minds, we carry on towards the unknown. Penn Inkwell-Royal Scribe. Prologue pt 2 DJ Vinyl Scratch Radio Interview with Equestrian Augmentation and Technology Founder Doctor August Rain “GOOOOOOD AFTERNOON, EQUESTRIA! This is DJ Vinyl Scratch with News Updates morning, noon, and night to keep you little ponies up to speed with what is happening in the world! Today we have a special treat for you. For what is probably his first public interview, we here at Vinyl Scratch Radio have been graced with the presence of Equestrian Augmentation and Technology's Founder...” Snare Drum Roll “Doctor August Rain!” Studio Audience cheers “Doctor, it is quite an honor to have one of the most revered and respected ponies in all of Equestria here with us today.” “Thank you, Ms. Scratch. It is a pleasure to be here today, especially since it gets me out of that office of mine. I must say that your voice does nothing to compliment your loveliness.” “Tee-hee… Oh, stop it, Doctor. We are here to interview you today and my little ponies would love to get to know the stallion behind the commercials and the gossip columns. So, if you could answer some questions, I think they’d appreciate that. “Well, who am I to deny the public? Well, Ms. Scratch, fire away.” “First off, Doc: your cutie-mark. What’s it mean?” “Oh, this old thing. Well, as you know very well, a cutie-mark is what defines a pony's virtue. It is what shapes his or her destiny. What he or she is meant to be. Mine is a light bulb. My parents thought that this meant I was to be an electrician. That I was meant to work in a power plant or fix broken wiring. Well, I for one did not believe that was my destiny. I began to analyze my mark and then I realized that it meant so much more. It is a symbol of inspiration and knowledge. Of the will to make a dream become reality. To make a fantasy fact. This is what my cutie-mark symbolizes, at least to me it does. Anything else, Ms. Scratch?” “Well yeah, I do have some more questions to ask. You were an inventor before founding E.A.T. yet there are rumors that before the war, you were a medical pony. Tell me, are they true?” “Indeed they are. I realized that I would need a job before embarking on my dream, so I decided that if I was going to create a device that would aid ponies, I would need to learn the basics of medicine. So I quit my job as an electrician, my parents were not overly fond of that, and entered into medical school. I had just graduated in the studies of prostheses and was planning to take my idea to the patent office when it was announced that the Equalists had declared war upon the kingdom. I was drafted, of course, and sent to the front line as a medic. Obviously, I did not have time to work on my project in the medical tents. Eventually, I was wounded during a skirmish. My left hind leg was torn apart by a Pegasus mortar and was beyond repair. The bones were shattered and would have eventually caused the wounds to turn gangrene, so amputation was the only way to go. After the war, I had no clue what to do with my life until I realized that because of my idea, I could be my first patient. With a bit of funding from my family I was able to build my first prototype leg augmentation. With some fine tuning, I was not only able to build it, but was able to integrate it with my nervous system so that it would move and function like a normal leg, unlike a normal prosthetic leg. I took it to the patent office and eventually the Equestrian Science Council. They were so impressed that they gave me a grant to perfect my design, which you now see here today. I was able to create my own clinic that would aid veterans that had suffered the effects of war as I had. Two years later, I had expanded my single story clinic in Manehattan into a full building. Three years after that, my augmentation clinic had become an industry that serviced ponies with bad limbs, faulty organs, or those that simply wanted a... shall we say an upgrade. Artificial limbs, wings, organs; E.A.T. has it all. We even took steps to insure that nopony would have a problem with the implants, like my joint venture with VersaLife Pharmaceuticals to create a serum to combat the integration problems. We have even expanded into the Griffon Market by making augmented claws and paws. Even the Ministry of Magic and Technology has jumped onto the Augmentation Assembly train. But... I guess to answer your original question, I was a medical pony and in many ways, I still am.” “Very interesting, Doc. Very interesting indeed. Now tell me, what are your opinions of the recent protests by the group known as “Ponies for Purity”? “Ah, of course. The “terrorists” as the newspapers have dubbed them. They are nothing more than a group of protestors that see my inventions as “impure” or “evil devices that desecrate our bodies”. I do feel bad for their denouncement of my creation's true potential. The number of lives that they have saved are incalculable and if they are going to dwell on the negatives of my inventions, such as the integration problems, instead of focusing on the vast number of positives they have brought then I do not know what to do for them.” “Strong words, Doctor. Now before we sign off, I have a question: Is there a special somepony in your life? A nice mare, or a handsome stallion?” “Ha-ha-ha! It seems you are doing the tabloid's job for them, Ms. Scratch. I thought this was a 'news' show.” “Obligatory question, Doc. No offense” “None taken, Ms. Scratch.” “Well that is all the time we have, Doctor Rain. Thank you for your time. This has been very enlightening, getting to know the real you.” “It has been my pleasure, Ms. Scratch. I must admit that I am a bit of a fan of yours. This was a definite pleasure, but my head of security is waiting for me and he is a stickler for schedules. Same as me.” “That was Doctor August Rain, my little ponies, Owner and Founder of Equestrian Augmentations and Technology, the company that helped pull Equestria out of the ashes of war. Now sit back and relax to the lovely voice of Sweetie Belle, Equestria's Number One Song Idol!” Chapter 2: Old Friends in a New AgeChapter 2 Old Friends in a New Age "Equestria Forever!" -Loyalists Battle Cry. “Do you have the implant? Does it have the file on it?” “Yes on both fronts, Sir.” “Were there any problems?” “None, Sir. She tried to run, but I made sure she did not get away.” “Perfect. Now are you sure that implant is the only possible place she could have the file?” “I believe so, Sir.” “You believe or you are positively certain? We need to make sure.” “I did not think to question her, Sir. And I don't think it will be possible to question her now.” “Well then just pray to Celestia and Luna we have the only copy. Because if that is not the only copy we are going to have a lot of problems and we cannot afford to raid the Ministry itself.” “I apologize then, Sir.” “*Sigh* Don't. Just hope that this is the last time we here about this incident.” Skies above Ponyville It was a lovely morning for flying. At least that's how it felt for Twilight Sparkle as she soared above Ponyville. How many times had she seen Rainbow Dash flying from below before becoming an Alicorn? Too many times to count. As the wind whipped through her mane, Twilight savored the moments of freedom before she had to get to work at the Ministry. She dived low towards the ground, picking up speed with a smile on her face. This was her morning ritual, utilizing the gift that she was given when Princess Celestia made her a princess. The gift of wings. The gift of flight. The gift of true freedom. Just before she collided with the ground, Twilight arched her body upwards and put on an extra burst of speed, flying straight up into the sky. Her wings beating against the winds furiously, Twilight began to laugh uproariously. This was true freedom. She would have to thank Rainbow Dash for the flying lessons the next time she saw her... whenever that was. She paused in mid-flight, hovering in the air, a look of regret on her face. Was it her fault she and her friends had drifted apart? It had been five years since Fluttershy's wedding, the last time the gang had been together. Even before that, they hadn't talked very much. The build up to the wedding the most the six of them had spent together since the war. Spike, her dragon friend and “number one assistant”, had been continuously pestering her to, “Call Applejack. Call Rarity. Call Fluttershy. Anypony. You need to get out again. Just like the old days.” And she would always reply, “That's the thing, Spike. I'm a Princess now. The old days... are gone.” She hated thinking that. “Spike's right,” she thought aloud. “When it comes to things like this, he is always right. I can never figure out how, but he is. When I get to work, I'll call Rainbow Dash. Yeah. I'll call her and see if she is free for a race. I bet I can surprise her, I have been practicing.” She smiled as she flew towards the Ministry of Magic and Technology building. It looked like a violet colored pillar of glass and steel reaching towards the sky, as if defying the very Earth itself. It was the tallest building in the city of Ponyville, though she read articles that the headquarters of E.A.T. in Manehattan was much taller than this. She was surprised that in the years since the building was erected and expanded, she hadn't visited it for herself. Work keeping her busy she guessed. As she landed in front of the Ministry building, she took a moment to admire it. How far had it come? First it was a place to monitor, study, and expand upon the practicing of magic. Now it was so much more. The monitoring and creation of their own augmentations. Magi-technology. A brand new field of expertise. The research staff was made of the finest minds in all of Equestria, scientist ponies, mages, and even newly discovered techno-mages. The creation of the terminal computer console had elevated Equestria further than it had been before. Probably as much as the invention of the augmentation. The ability to record, exchange and store information. It was one of her proudest creations. Before heading in, Twilight smoothed out her mane in case it had gotten messed up during the flight. She straightened her medallion, upon which was her cutie-mark: a six pointed star against a violet background. She then reached into her saddlebags and took out her tiara. The facade was complete. Time to get into character for the day. As she entered the main hall, the receptionist stood up and bowed. “Your Highness. How are you this morning?” “I'm well, Bon-Bon. Thank you. Any calls this morning?” “As a matter of fact, yes. The Zebra Nation Ambassador would like to schedule a meeting to discuss Magi-tech trade shipments. The Royal Army has also requested a confirmation on a new weapons demonstration for later this week. We have also received notice from the leader of Ponies for Purity that the demonstrations around the city will not cease until our augmentation productions are shut down. Also, the Chief of Ponyville Police is here to speak with you concerning an... incident as she put it.” Twilight's ears perked up at the mention of the Chief of Police. “Here? As in right now?” Bon-Bon nodded. “She is in your office waiting for you. I told her that you would be busy, but she insisted that it was urgent. I apologize for the short notice, Your Highness.” “No, no. It is fine. I will see her immediately.” As she entered the elevator to her office, Twilight's mind was racing. Applejack was here. She was so happy. One of her best friends. She hoped they would have time to catch up. It would be so great to find out what AJ was up to. When she got to her office, she saw that Spike had already arrived before her. Even after all these years, it still amazed her how much Spike had grown. The once tiny purple dragon was now nearly twice the size of a full grown pony. Not nearly full grown, but for his age he was pretty big. “Good morning, Spike,” she smiled. “And how is my number one assistant doing this morning?” Spike gave a toothy grin. “Feeling good. You have a visitor.” He smiled. “AJ's waiting for you.” Twilight nodded. “Thanks. I need you to put my appointments on hold for now.” Spike nodded in turn. “You got it, Boss.” She smiled, adjusted her tiara, and entered her office. Applejack was waiting next to Twilight's desk, tapping her hoof on the ground impatiently. Twilight gave a grin. “Been waiting long, Chief? Or would you prefer to be called 'Sheriff'?” “Ah'd prefer to be called 'Applejack' or 'AJ', Twi.” Applejack spun around, surprising Twilight with her haggard looks. The once healthy and hearty mare looked like she hadn't slept in a long time. She would have to talk to her about that, but for now it was just good to see a friend again. She wrapped her wings around Applejack in a big hug that Applejack returned, showing Twilight that her strength had not changed either. “Been too long, Sugar Cube. Seems like yesterday this buildin' was being erected. Heck, seems like yesterday that we were at Fluttershy and Big Mac's weddin'.” “I know, I know. I have been meaning to contact you guys, but I have been busy... being a Princess and keeper of magic and all. But enough about me. What about you?” She sat behind her desk. “Ah've been fine, Twi. Been busy myself, what with the Harvesters and all.” “Yeah, I've been reading about them in the Ponyville Gazette. Didn't Princess Celestia send consultants to aid in the investigations?” “She did, but nothing was turned up. They eventually gave up and left the investigation to us. Good riddance Ah say. Actually the Harvesters are why I came here to see ya. There was another Harvester attack... and the victim was one of yer employees.” Twilight was taken aback. “Who... who was it?” “Her name is... was Sunny Dale. Unicorn. Had a neural and foreleg implant stolen. It happened last night. I only just learned of it this mornin'. I thought it best that I let you know about her instead of sending one of my officers.” Twilight sunk back into her chair rubbing her forehead. “I see. Thank you, Applejack. Have you alerted her family?” “Not yet. I left that duty to one of my officers. Why do ya ask?” “I will be the one to let her family know of her death. I am her employer. I should be the one to let them know.” Applejack nodded. “I'll let my officer know. Is there anything else you need to know?” Twilight shook her head. “No. I understand perfectly. Thank you, AJ.” Applejack smiled and got to her hooves. “Well, glad to be of service, Citizen,” she said with a smile. “Let me know if you need anything else.” She turned to leave. “Wait, Applejack. It... was good to see you again.” Applejack turned and smiled. “It was good to see ya too, Twi. Have you really not contacted the gang over the past five years?” Twilight lowered her head and nodded. “Ya really should. Fluttershy's young'ns are pretty darn cute. Ah know she and Big Mac would love to hear from ya. Oh, have ya seen Princess Cadence recently?” Twilight lowered her head at the mention of that name. “...No. Not since the... funeral.” Applejack was silent for a moment before her eyes widened. “Oh, right. I'm so sorry, Twi. I don't know how I could have forgotten about that. I'm... I'm sorry.” Twilight shook her head. “It's ok, AJ. Really. It's been ten years. I've moved on. I've just been busy. I am a princess after all.” She smiled, hoping that would be enough to end the conversation. Applejack just stared at her for a moment. She narrowed her eyes as if she were unconvinced of Twilight's explanation. Finally, she nodded and turned away simply saying, “When you're ready, Ah'm here for ya. Also, call the gang up, especially Dash. She ain't been the same since... well I don't gotta tell you. I think she needs someone like you to talk to. Ah'll keep you updated on the investigation, Ah promise.” “Thanks. Good luck with it.” As Applejack closed the door while saying goodbye to Spike, Twilight Sparkle sunk back in her chair. This is heavy. That poor mare. I have to find out more about this. She straightened herself up and activated her intercom. “Spike, I need you to help me with a couple of things.” “Sure thing, Twilight. What do you need?” “I need you to contact Sunny Dale's family for me. Tell them everything that has happened and that the authorities are looking into it as we speak.” “Sure thing, Twilight. I'll get right on that. Anything else?” “No, no. It's all right. I have a few things to work on. Oh, and remind me to contact Rainbow Dash later.” “Oh, sure. ...Any particular reason why?” “No, no. I just think that I need to get in contact with an old friend. Just to check up.” There was a moment's pause before Spike's voice came back over the intercom. “I understand, Twilight. I'll remind you later. I promise.” “Thanks, Spike.” Twilight switched off the intercom and turned to her terminal to begin the day's work. Her horn glowed and the screen flickered on, giving the complimentary “Good Morning, Princess Twilight Sparkle” in bright green text. It would be hard to get into focus after all that had been piled onto her, but Twilight Sparkle had dealt with hardships before and she had always come through. Even before coming to Ponyville, Twilight Sparkle had been known as a workaholic and a bookworm. She had been studious and shut off from the outside world with Spike being her only constant companion and friend, all the while trying to prove to her mentor and teacher, Princess Celestia. Looking back on those years, Twilight realized how lonely she had really been without friends beyond Spike. She had initially been against going to Ponyville, seeing it only as Princess Celestia not taking her warnings about the impending return of her fallen sister, Princess Luna, seriously. However, Ponyville had become the best thing to have ever happen to her. Thanks to the assignment, she had met her future friends-for-life, found the mystical Elements of Harmony, restore Princess Luna from her Nightmare Moon persona, and was able to find a true home in Ponyville. And that had only been the start of her adventures with her friends. So many adventures indeed. A journey to remove a great dragon, the arduous task of Winter Wrap-up, the disastrous Grand Galloping Gala, and her big brother's wedding-turned Changeling Invasion. Her brother... Twilight shook her head and went back to her terminal to look through the hundreds of messages. There would be time for trots down memory lane later. For now, she had responsibilities to the ministry and to Equestria. As she sifted through the messages, she found a mixed bag. Most of them were department reports, reminders of upcoming company inspections, and a few “spam” messages. Twilight swore that she would one day track the pony down that had created these messages and find a way to prosecute him or her. She had opened one and it infected her terminal with a virus. She'd had to reboot the system to purge it. She was not going to fall for the Zebra Prince Inheritance scam again. After deleting the last spam message, Twilight found a very unfamiliar message. It wasn't a report, a reminder, nor an invitation from a dignitary. It was simply marked, “Do not reply- Pony X”. She scanned it with her virus detection spell and found nothing. She opened it to find a simple message. I am sorry for the loss of your employee. Do not let the file be lost. It is the fate of Equestria. Do not reply. Do not contact. Beware. They are watching. -Pony X. Twilight's jaw dropped in surprise. There was more to the murder after all. She had to contact Applejack right away. Her hoof went straight to her intercom and turned it on. “Spike,” she said, her voice filled with urgency. “Spike, are you still there?” “Twilight? Yeah, of course I am here. What's wrong?” “Have you contacted Sunny Dale's family with the bad news?” “I just got off the communicator with her mother. ...She didn't take it well. Understandable really.” “Good. ...That you contacted them I mean. Spike, I need you to call Applejack and tell her I have something for her. Then I need you to contact Sunny Dale's supervisor and have all the data files from her terminal downloaded and secured. I want her work desk thoroughly searched. I want everything that is found to be brought to me as soon as possible. Then I need you to put me through to Rainbow Dash.” “Rainbow Dash? Why do you want to contact her?” “I got a message. I think Sunny Dale was in contact with somepony. I think that it got her killed. The message said that the file that got her killed was the fate of Equestria. If that is true this is a matter of national security. I need everypony I can trust. ...That includes Flight Commander Rainbow Dash. Do you understand me, Spike?” For what seemed to be an eternity there was silence. Twilight began to think that Spike had left. After a few moments, Spike's voice came back on the intercom. “I understand, Twilight. It will be done... Your Highness.” That last word struck Twilight Sparkle hard. Had her tone really been that commanding? She hadn't thought so. She was just giving out an urgent request. It was her job after all. “Thank you, Spike. Let me know when you get replies from Applejack, Sunny Dale's supervisor, and Rainbow Dash. That will be all.” She slumped back in her chair. What had she gotten herself into? What was going on? Elsewhere Fire. The Capital was on fire. Canterlot was burning. The buildings were crumbling as fire and explosions erupted all around them. Civilians and soldiers alike were screaming in agony. Their bodies were either burning to a crisp or were torn apart from the blasts. And there was nothing that Rainbow Dash could do about it. She hovered in the air, a look of despair upon her face. She knew that she had to do something, but she could not move. She tried pushing forward, but her body was held in place as if she were tied up. She tried calling for her friends to come and help her, but no words were spoken. She could only look and watch as the Capital of Equestria, the once proud city and symbol of the country's strength, was destroyed. Rainbow Dash felt tears form in her eyes. Tears of despair and helplessness. It was over. There was nothing she could do except watch. Then a scream came from below her. She looked down to see the horrific sight of the bodies of her five best friends strewn about the city streets. Pinkie Pie was dead with a gunshot would to the head, her tongue hanging from her mouth as blood soaked into her bright pink coat. Rarity was impaled upon her own horn, as if a soldier had ripped it off her forehead and stabbed her with it. Applejack's body was beaten and crushed beyond recognition with only her three apple cutie-mark giving any hint to her identity. Fluttershy's head had been severed and was several feet from her body which lay twitching. Twilight Sparkle was still barely alive with a spear right through her middle. The scream had come from her. Her wings had been cut off, leaving bloodied stumps. She looked at Rainbow Dash, her mouth full of blood. No words came out, but her eyes seemed to ask, “Why? Why couldn't you help us?” Rainbow Dash tried to reply, but she couldn't say anything. Twilight's eyes rolled back in her head as she slumped to the ground, a gurgle of blood spurting from her mouth. The tears became a river as Rainbow Dash sobbed. She had failed. Failed her home, her friends, and herself. It was over. “It hurts doesn't it, Commander?” Rainbow Dash spun around to see a horrific sight. It looked like an Alicorn that was covered head to hoof in blood. At least it looked like an Alicorn. It was larger than Princess Celestia or Princess Luna by only a few inches with a long horn extending from its forehead. Bat-like wings flapped in the wind, sending out drops of blood in all directions. The voice was deep and masculine. However, it was the eyes that got her attention though. Unlike the rest of its body, the eyes were pale white. White as the clouds in Cloudsdale. No pupils or irises. Just white. It then smiled at Dash. “Seeing all that you loved and fought for destroyed. Seeing your dear, dear friends killed like animals. It hurts doesn't it?” Rainbow Dash could only nod somberly as she closed her eyes. “Then perhaps I should relieve you of your suffering.” It raised its front hooves to show that it didn't have hooves at all, but claws and talons like that of a Griffin. One claw grabbed Rainbow Dash and held her in place as it raised its other one high into the air. She didn't struggle. It was the end. The claw came sweeping down across her face, taking out her left eye. The Alicorn laughed uproariously. Rainbow Dash screamed as a constant piercing sound came out of nowhere. Her right eye snapped open. With a jolt, Rainbow Dash sat up in her bed and looked around her room. She looked around for the source of the noise until she found her alarm clock. She shut it off and began panting furiously. It was just a dream. She was safe in Cloudsdale. The war was over. They had won. She looked in her mirror to confirm it. Her left eye was still gone with an ocular implant in its place. She lifted her cybernetic right foreleg as if to check if it were still there. She flexed her wings, checking on the left cyber wing to make sure it hadn't been damaged during the night. The sky blue Pegasus was, for better and for worse, still in one piece. Former Flight Commander Rainbow Dash looked over the majestic city of Cloudsdale. Floating high above the cities of the Earth Ponies and Unicorns, the literal city of clouds was a testament to the ingenuity of Pegasus Ponies. While the three races could interact on the land, Cloudsdale was solely a sanctuary for the Pegasi. It was the central hub and source of the weather of Equestria where the Pegasi worked around the clock to plan out the weather for each day. It was nothing less than a privilege and a Pegasus' duty to ensure that the weather was made possible. Rainbow Dash straightened out her eponymous colored mane as she made her way into the kitchen. As she got out some Orange Juice, she took a moment to look at herself in the mirror again. Five years later and she still had a difficult recognizing herself in the mirror. Even with the augmentations, she still felt like something was missing. She understood why her friends had commissioned E.A.T. to help her and she certainly did not prefer to go back to the times after the war when she was an invalid. It all just felt... unnatural to her. I never asked for all this, she thought to herself. Then again, none of us did. She shook her head and poured a glass of juice. Just before she could take a drink, a ringing sound erupted from her terminal. She switched it on to find the smiling face of Twilight Sparkle. “Hey, Rainbow Dash. It's been a while, hasn't it,” Twilight asked, her eyes darting back and forth as if she were attempting to avoid eye contact with Rainbow's cybernetic eye. “It certainly has, Twilight. So, to what do I owe the 'honor' of being contacted by the Princess and Keeper of Magic?” Twilight's gaze finally centered and took on a more serious look. “Rainbow, we have a situation. I think that Equestria is in danger... again. I need you to meet me at the Ministry of Magi-Technology today. I have something to show you and Applejack.”
Chapter 1: A Lovely NightChapter 1 A Lovely Night “The Future is Now! Equality made Mechanical!” - Spokes-Pony of Equestrian Augmentations and Technology Sweet Apple Acres Midnight had descended on the Apple Family Farm as Fluttershy checked on her children for what was probably the third time that night. The yellow coated Pegasus Pony couldn't help herself. She had to know that Appleseed and Zephyr were sleeping like the little angels they were. She left Zephyr's nursery on tip-hoof so as not to wake her up. She made her way down the hallway and peered into her eldest son's room to see him sleeping soundly in the moonlight. While the colt was only four years old and had inherited his mother's wings, he already had so much of his father in him, right down to the speech pattern. While Zephyr had inherited her mother's pink mane and her father's red coat, Appleseed had inherited his mother's yellow coat and his father's sandy blonde mane. She gave a soft smile and crept back to the master bedroom. As she entered the bedroom, she looked upon her husband, Big McIntosh. Their relationship had been an odd one, as observed by others. Before the War, Fluttershy and Big Mac, as was his nickname, hadn't really paid each other a second's thought. Fluttershy had always been a shy pony before meeting her five friends, but even after learning to be more socially open, Fluttershy had never been open to dating. That changed during the War. Even though Fluttershy was head of the Field Medical Ponies, she did promise Applejack that she would personally tend to Big Mac when his front legs were injured in battle. When she had time between surgery and tending the wounded, she would tend to Big Mac and take care of his bandages. They didn't talk very often, which was another trait they had in common. Whenever Fluttershy would ask a question about Big Mac, he would usually reply with a “eeyup” or a “nnope”. Their conversations eventually became more detailed as Big Mac began to open up to her more and more. By the end of the War, Fluttershy and Big Mac had become closer than they ever thought possible. It wasn't until two years later that they began to see each other more and after three years of dating, Big Mac finally proposed. In order to humor him, Fluttershy had responded with a quiet, “eeyup”. The ceremony had been one of the biggest held at the farm in Apple Family History since the last Apple Family Reunion before the war. The whole Apple family attended and even her family showed up to the ceremony (though they were pretty quiet in comparison to the loud and wild Apples). All her friends had shown up and Twilight Sparkle was her Mare of Honor. The gifts from the family were wonderful. Granny Smith gave her and “Big Mac” a plot of land to build their house on. The move had been hard on the animals, especially Angel, her pet bunny, but they made it work. A few months after moving in, Fluttershy was pregnant and soon Appleseed was born and three years later, Zephyr followed suit. It wasn't easy of course, raising two children while juggling her job at the hospital and Mac's duties at the orchard, but they worked at it. Appleseed would help his daddy at the orchard and Zephyr would accompany her mommy at the hospital. It wasn't easy, but as Granny Smith had assured her, “Parenting never is”. As she slid under the covers, Fluttershy gasped as she came into contact with Mac's augmented leg prosthetics. While she had done all that she could for Mac, the injuries to his legs had been severe; eventually becoming gangrenous and leaving surgeons no choice but to amputate. The drastic move hadn't meant Mac would be left disabled. Eager to be mobile and independent again, Mac had insisted that E.A.T. fit him for implants as soon as possible. Fluttershy would always be thankful to the implants, although it did take some time to get used to them. Appleseed kept asking why more stallions didn't have legs like Mac did. It was difficult to explain to the colt that, “Daddy is a very special stallion.” Appleseed once asked, “Will I get legs like Daddy's when I grow up?” All Fluttershy could say was, “I certainly hope you never have to.” Mac and her had talked about whether or not to tell him the truth and they both agreed that he and Zephyr would be told when they were old enough to understand. Fluttershy often thought about what Appleseed would have been like growing up during the Civil War. Would he have turned out as innocent as he is now? Would he have become as hardened as many young bucks and fillies that survived the raids and the fire fights? It scared her to imagine her baby in such a way. Another reason why the present was so wonderful. For whatever time they had, Equestria was enjoying a time of peace. And it was bliss. She snuggled up to her husband and drifted to sleep. Ministry of Magi-Technology, Ponyville Sunny Dale was feeling cautious that night as she left the Ministry of Magi-Technology for the night. The bright yellow Unicorn was not her usual cheery self as she looked left and right down the streets. Why did she have to pull that late shift? Why did the contact have to send things to her in the dead of night instead of two in the afternoon? Why couldn't this corporate espionage stuff be easy? ...Or safe? As she adjusted her saddlebags, Sunny Dale's eyes darted to the clock in her leg implant where her left foreleg used to be. 12:36 in the morning, nine hours to go before she had to be back at work. Another drawback of working overtime, more sleep lost in the gain of money. Typical of life in the fast lane. As Sunny trotted down the street, she glanced behind her to make sure she was not being followed by anypony. The normal bright and cheery haven that was daytime Ponyville was only visible through dimly lit streetlamps that were just large enough to cast shadows. Shadows that blended together upon the building walls to create haunting and unsettling images that were indiscernible to the naked eye. Sunny couldn't let herself be frightened. She wasn't a little filly anymore. She was a fully grown mare. A mare with a promise to keep. If one were to look at Sunny Dale, one would not think much of her. She was an ordinary Unicorn working at a normal job at the Ministry, the second biggest pioneer in Magi-technology in all of Equestria, right behind Equestrian Augmentations and Technology. One would not suspect her to be involved with a spy in E.A.T. Then again, until a month ago, she would not have suspected herself either. She had been working on her terminal when an anonymous message had been sent to her. It was coded so, of course, it took a while for her to decode it. When she finished it turned out to have been sent by someone inside of E.A.T. The pony who sent it had been brief in his or her message. He or she wrote that there were sinister goings on inside of E.A.T. and that pony needed someone who was close to the Ministry of Magi-Technology and Princess Twilight Sparkle. Someone who could get as much information as he or she could to the Princess without being caught. The contact asked for one thing: for the pony who decoded the message to reply “yes” or “no” in order to insure cooperation between them. If yes, then the contact would send her all the information from the Equestrian Augmentations and Technology mainframe as he could find. If no, then it would be the last that Sunny Dale would hear from the contact. It had been Sunny's eagerness to be noticed by Princess Twilight Sparkle that had sealed the deal. If she could get as much information as she could to the Princess, it might elevate her position in the Ministry and put her in favor. She replied “yes”. The contact, replying as “Pony X” stated that he would only be able to send small bits of crucial company information to Sunny and that she was not to move with this information until Pony X gave her the ok. He warned that if Sunny moved too early than his cover would be blown and both of them would be in trouble. Sunny promised to wait until the time was right. That had been a month ago. Every two to five days, Pony X would send information to her terminal, always ending his messages with the word's, “not just yet”. When would be the time, Sunny Dale thought. When? She had learned about shady financial transactions, secret meetings with members of the Canterlot Military, shipments from the Zebra Homeland that were off the record and even weapons testing, but nothing that would incriminate E.A.T. in anything illegal or unscrupulous. Tonight however, everything had changed. Pony X had sent her an encrypted file along with a short message, “Make sure she gets it”. This was the reason Sunny had stayed extra hours. She realized now that she could have done it on her terminal back home, but she had been so excited after receiving it that she worked long past her shift was over. She had gotten halfway done when she realized the time. She made sure to stash it on her neural implant as well as to copy it onto a miniature drive, which she hid in a compartment in her desk. She just had to get home to finish decrypting it and she could get it to the Princess the next morning. This gave her a new sense of confidence as she trotted home. It also caused her to let her guard down. Sunny was feeling so renewed in her endeavor that she didn't notice the four heavily augmented Ponies surrounding her. When she did notice them, she froze, fear seeping into her heart. Each of the Ponies had a specific implant to separate them from the rest from having their legs replaced with cybernetic limbs to having metal plates upon their backs and heads. The lead Pony was so modified that he looked more machine than pony. His eyes had been replaced by optical implants that glowed red behind shades that seemed to be coming out of slots on either side of his eyes. His forelegs had been replaced by jet black prosthetics with bright red lines outlining the circuitry. His hooves in turn were bright red as well with star shaped designs on the front. His saddlebags seemed to have been made into compartments that were fused into his lower half. A pair of red and white stars on his hind quarters signified his cutie-mark. His back had a metallic plate placed in the center that did not seem to fit with what remained of his flesh. He had patches of bare skin where future augmentations could take place over his brown coat. His mane had been shaved in a way that made him look... alien. He also had a sickening grin on his face. “Well, well, fillies and gentlecolts, look what we got here,” he said nodding towards his cohorts. “A little lost mare? I think we better help her out.” Sunny Dale backed away, keeping towards the open streets where she had plenty of room to run. She gave a weak smile. “Oh, no, no. I'm fine. Really, I don't need any help. Thank you for the offer though.” “Hey, when Star-Metal offers you help, I think it is only polite to take it,” a blue Aug Unicorn with metallic spikes upon her hooves chimed in. “Besides, Augs are safe among Augs.” Star-Metal's eyes began to turn from bright red to what Sunny could only discern as infrared. “Thank you very much, Comrade. However, I believe that this particular pony is the one we have been waiting for. And while I normally wouldn't have you waste your energy on a simple leg aug and neural implant, we do have a contract to fulfill.” He turned to a gray pony with a left ocular implant, a white lab coat, and two foreleg implants. “Doc, prepare for surgery. Harvesters, restrain the patient in the alley.” That was it for Sunny Dale. She dashed for safety as fast as her hooves could carry her. As she reached the street corner, another Harvester Pony stepped out in front of her, a Rifle Augmentation implanted on her back. She skidded to a halt and turned to the right. She ran towards across the street only to be blocked by yet another Harvester, this time a green Pegasus. Having no choice, Sunny turned right again and this time, against all better judgment, ran back towards the alleyway. There had to be an exit on the other side. She couldn't die here, not when she had come so damn far. Not here, not alone. Not like this. If she could find shelter, a public place like a nightclub, then she could find sanctuary. As she entered the alleyway, she heard the Harvesters behind her. They were following her every move, but she was the faster pony. Then she saw it: light on the other side of the tunnel. She was going to make it. She was going to be safe. That is when the shadow moved in front of the light. Out of the other end came another pony. The glare from the streetlamps blanketed the pony in shadow so that any significant details were kept from Sunny. As she skidded to a halt, she heard the Harvesters behind her do the same. She realized why they hadn't caught her. She never had a chance to escape. They had covered all exits. She was doomed. “We had this covered,” Star-Metal's voice said from behind her. “We don't need your help with this one.” “I'm insuring the recovery of our property,” the pony said in a Mare's voice. “I assure you, my employer had the utmost confidence in your abilities to handle this.” “Really? Then you won't mind if we extract the device our way?” “Of course not. Just make sure the neural implant remains intact. My employer requires that stolen information be recovered safely and without harm to it. You are free to harvest the foreleg aug for yourself. It is Ministry tech so you might have trouble fencing it, but it is useful.” “Pleasure doing business with you, Ma'am. Harvesters, restrain the patient.” Sunny Dale felt herself shoved to the ground as the Doc made his way in front of her. When she was fully pinned to the floor, the Doc held up his right foreleg. A whirring sound came from the hoof as it began to split down the middle. The two halves retracted and retreated down the Doc's sleeve. A miniature buzz-saw extended outwards from the fore-hoof aug and began whirring at great speed. Sunny's eyes widened in horror as the Doc moved closer to her foreleg aug. “We will have to use the buzz-saw for the foreleg. I will need to use my other tools for the neural implant to avoid damage.” He looked into Sunny's eyes as he moved closer. For a moment, a look of sympathy came into his eyes. “I apologize, Miss. Please know that this is not personal in the slightest. It is just... business. Star-Metal, you might want to cover her eyes for this next part. We don't want to traumatize the patient any further than we already have.” As Sunny's eyes were covered, the last thing she felt before blacking out was intense pain unlike anything she had ever felt before as the buzz-saw made contact with her leg. Ponyville Police Department “Chief! Chief, wake up! There's been a disturbance!” Applejack awoke to banging on the door of her office. Her head shot up, pushing several papers to the ground. A bottle of hard cider clattered to the ground, the remaining drops of the drink spilling to the floor. She rubbed her head, moaning and nursing a splitting hangover. “Ah really gotta take it easy on the cider next time,” she said to herself. The knocking wasn't helping in the slightest. As she picked up the scattered papers, she called out to the pony at the door through a mouthful of papers, “Hang on, I'ma coming. And could ya turn down that racket for Celestia's sake?” After stacking the papers, Applejack looked around her office. She had been meaning to get it straightened out, but had never gotten around to it due to her schedule. Nopony gets much time to herself when she is Chief of Police. AJ knew of the stresses that came with the job, filing reports, interviewing new officers, overseeing cases, and the dozens of other duties. As if it was not enough responsibility, she also had to make weekly surveys of the family orchards at Sweet Apple Acres to make sure that Apple Bloom was taking care of things in her absence. Those check ups were the only time she got to see her family these days. Her naps were the only moments that she got to herself. Well... that and her “occasional” sips of hard cider. She didn't think it was a problem, though she knew that she was getting looks from her officers. She heard rumors that she drank 10 bottles of hard cider a day, that she had a problem, or that she was a simple drunk. They were not true of course. She only drank three bottles a day. Besides, it wasn't a problem and she could quit anytime she wanted. She just... needed them to help her sleep. The cider had a pleasant effect of chasing away the dreams she'd been have recently. They were mostly memories of the war. 10 years and she was still having them. She didn't know why. She hadn't told anypony about them, no need to trouble folks with her own problems. The knocking resumed with more energy behind it. “Chief, please! It's urgent!” “Be right wit ya, Officer!” Looking in a handy mirror that her best friend, Rarity had given her, she straightened out her mane and adjusted her badge. She took a moment to inspect herself. She noticed she was getting bags under her green eyes due to sleep deprivation and that her once bright blonde mane was losing some of its luster and shine. She breathed on her hoof and smelled. The stink of hard cider was still on her breath. She quickly got out a bottle of water and washed it down with a gulp. Better. Now she was a presentable example of an officer of the law. She trotted across the room and opened the door to reveal a blue Unicorn buck wearing a standard issue Ponyville Police Saddlebag that matched his coat. He was about to knock again when he noticed Applejack was standing right in front of him. He immediately snapped to attention and looked Applejack straight in the eye. “Officer Berry Blue reporting for duty, Chief. I apologize for disturbing you, but it was urgent.” Applejack rolled her eyes. A lot of her officers were veterans from the war and old habits were hard to break of course. She herself used to have desk inspections once the precinct had been established, but she seemed to have fallen out of the habit. When she was putting her Law Enforcement team together she had picked out bucks and mares she felt she could rely on to do their jobs well. Most of her initial choices were vets from the war, a majority from her old unit. She understood that the war had been their job for two years and that it was hard to find work. Boot Camp Training never went away. “At ease, Officer Blue. Tell me the situation.” “Harvesters, Chief.” That was all that needed to be said. Applejack motioned for Berry Blue and 3 other officers to follow her. “Are CSI and Equicide already there?” Berry Blue nodded. “Yes, Sir- Ma'am. Oh, and Chief? I know this isn't a good time, but we've been talking and the staff believes that a few new terminals would help us with crime reports and records.” Applejack was very practical and did not believe in the new fangled terminals that had been developed by the Ministry of Magic and Technology. She believed that the department was fine without a “crutch” as she called them. That didn't stop the staff from lobbying for terminals. She answered the same way she always did. “Ah'll take it under consideration.” The rise of Augmentations had not only given birth to new advances in Magi-technology, but also advances in crime. In the last few years, an organization of criminal “Augs”, as was the term for Ponies that chose to get augmented, that came to be known as “Harvesters” had taken to the streets of the major cities of Equestria. Unlike normal criminals that stole money and jewels, the Harvesters stole augmentations from other Ponies. What made the Harvesters worse than normal thieves wasn't that they stole them from company shipments, but that they usually stole them off of civilian Ponies. Applejack had seen a ton of victims during her time at the precinct. After the first attack, she had made it her goal to take the Harvesters down. Unfortunately, for every two steps forward, the investigation took three steps back. The Harvesters were good at what they did and at covering their tracks. For every Harvester hideout they found, the gang would relocate and every time, the leader would conveniently be someplace else. For all her troubles, all Applejack had uncovered was a name: Star-Metal. Applejack was determined to find him and end it once and for all. As the patrol made their way through the city, Applejack took some time to observe Ponyville in the morning light. The old home town certainly was not what it used to be. She had a hard time remembering when exactly Ponyville had begun to expand, but she figured that it started soon after Twilight Sparkle became a princess. During the build up to the war, many Ponies came to Ponyville to assist in the construction of the Ministry of Magic (and later technology). The new job market had opened the once normal sized town to expansion. New workers and citizens opened the door to new businesses which in turn led to more commerce for the city. While it was good for the city's economy, it made Applejack uncomfortable. For some reason, she felt as if it was not the same. Almost as if something was taken when they added all these frills, she would think to herself. Sometimes she felt that she couldn't even recognize it. It didn't help that nearly everywhere she looked there were as many Augs as there were normal Ponies. 'Tain't no business of mine if somepony chooses to get upgraded, but it just feels... unnatural. She shrugged it off as she and her officers arrived at the alley crime scene. She was glad that CSI had gotten here first. There were civilians surrounding the crime scene, of course, but the police had cordoned the area off so none could interfere with the investigation. The victim's corpse was in the middle of the alley, covered with a white sheet, though that didn't hide the dried blood from beneath it. Applejack gave a heavy sigh. She hated this. She hated seeing this time and again. She hated having to inspect the corpse and then having to contact the families. Her staff would repeatedly tell her that she didn't need to do all that, but she insisted that as head of the force, she was responsible for what went on in her city. This was her “war”. “We got an ID on the victim,” Applejack asked the CSI scientist kneeling beside the corpse. The CSI scientist, a chestnut colored mare, looked up at the Chief and stood to attention. “Yes, ma'am. Unicorn mare. Appears to be in her mid twenties. I ran a check on her cutie-mark,” she held up her right foreleg to show a leg aug with a built in scanner. “We've got a name: Sunny Dale. Ponyville resident, has family in Fillydelphia, single, and is... was an employee at the Ministry of Magi-Technology. She was found by the sanitation department during their early morning rounds. Appears to have had a neural implant stolen along with her foreleg aug. Do... do you want to see the body, Chief?” Applejack nodded. The scientist lifted the sheet and turned away with a look of disgust. “I never get used to these.” The victim, as far as Applejack could tell, had been a cute mare. Her left foreleg was gone, appearing to have been hacked off. The left half of her forehead had been cut open. Applejack's stomach began to turn when she realized that the Harvesters had... harvested a piece of her brain. She turned away before she could vomit. She gritted her teeth in anger. Nopony should die like this. Nopony. These damned butchers are going to pay for this... and for all the others. She took a few minutes to breathe in and out before turning back to the CSI Pony. “Have you alerted her place of work? Her family?” “Not yet, Chief. We were waiting until you got here.” “Good. Get the body to the morgue.” She turned to Berry Blue who looked as if he were about to vomit as well. “Officer Blue, I need you to contact Ms. Dale's next of kin.” “But Chief, aren't you going to do that? “Normally I would. But, I'll be the one to contact the Ministry this time. Besides it gives me a chance to catch up with an old friend."
Chapter 3: A Simple Business TripChapter 3 A Simple Business Trip "It's just good business." -The businesspony's creed “Sir?” “What is it? I'm busy.” “We have reason to believe that we have been hacked.” “Hacked? By whom?” “Well, more like somepony in the company has been sending out confidential files.” “Do we know to whom? Or who it was? What have we lost?” “Not yet on both accounts, Sir. A few weapons testing reports. Shipping manifestos.” “Is that all? You are sure the culprit hasn't been found? Or that there are no hints to his or her identity?” “I am very sure, Sir.” “In that case, I want all terminals monitored. I will have a watchdog program written up. If this happens again, we will know it. Thank you for letting me know.” “Just doing my job, Sir.” Twilight Sparkle's Office, Ministry of Magi-Technology “Wait, you think E.A.T. did what?” Rainbow Dash asked. Twilight Sparkle rubbed her forehead as she repeated herself. “All I said was that I think that E.A.T. might have had something to do with Sunny Dale's death.” Rainbow Dash nodded, “I repeat my previous statement: Wait, what?” Applejack leaned back in her chair. “Twi, um, Your Highness, I'm inclined to agree with Dash. We've confirmed that the Harvesters were responsible for her death. Ah highly doubt that a multi-billion dollar corporation would associate themselves with a well known criminal organization. Just saying. It just might be a coincidence.” “I would think so as well, but then I had Sunny Dale's terminal checked out.” Twilight's horn glowed as a violet field enveloped her terminal. The metal block rotated to face Rainbow Dash and Applejack. On the screen were a group of open windows. One was labeled “Gilda Griffin's Wing Merc. Shipments,” while another was named “Typhoon bomb Schematics”. All of them bore the seal of E.A.T. Rainbow Dash and Applejack leaned in closer. Their full attention had been obtained “These are only a few of the files that I found on Sunny Dale's terminal. It seems that she has been in contact with a spy named 'Pony X' within E.A.T. for over a month. He or she has been sending her these files, always ending the message with the words 'not yet'. The last transmission was heavily encrypted. She only managed to decode the file halfway before she was sent home for the night. Her terminal's record says that the file was copied into her neural implant.” Applejack tapped a hoof to her chin. “So you think this 'Pony X' got found out and spilled the beans on Sunny Dale?” Twilight nodded. “Except for the mole being discovered. I do not believe Pony X would risk sending me a message if he or she were found out. E.A.T. could have found out about the transactions and contacted the Harvesters to ambush her.” “That's crazy,” Rainbow Dash said, rolling her good eye. “This could just be a huge coincidence. Maybe the Harvesters just happened to come across her and decided to pilfer her augmentations. You still don't know for sure that they were working with E.A.T.” “Actually, Twi could be onto something,” Applejack interjected. “Mah team has thoroughly mapped out Harvester territory for the past couple of years. Ah didn't think of it at first due to mah being... disoriented after last night's sleep, but this hit was made outside of Harvester territory. They usually hang out in the lower part of the city near the slums and the shipping yards. They stay out of the business districts due to the traffic and the definite witnesses that would be around here. The fact that they would come across the poor mare so close to the Ministry and so late at night cannot be anything close to coincidental.” Rainbow Dash narrowed her eyes. “Hmm, good point.” “They could have been staking out the place as well. Twi, do any of the files that were sent to her include any mention of the Harvesters?” Twilight shook her head. “None whatsoever. Those kinds of files could have been blacklisted. These were just general 'off the record' files. Nothing really illegal. Just stuff that didn't quite make it into the books. A lot of companies make military contracts these days. If we want to find proof of their connection with the Harvesters, we might need to go to the source.” Rainbow Dash straightened up at that. “Wait, are you saying that we are going to go to-” Twilight Sparkle nodded and smiled. “Captain Rainbow Dash, Chief Applejack. We are going on a little business trip to Equestrian Augmentations and Technology.” Applejack's jaw dropped. “You're serious? But... but Ah need a search-and-seizure warrant first. Ah may be Ponyville Chief, but Ah can't just saunter in all willy-nilly.” Twilight switched off her terminal with a nod and a horn glow. “Applejack, we're not storming the building. We're just making a business trip to inform Doctor August Rain of this terrible tragedy and to see if we can help find this mole within their company.” As she walked out the office door, Rainbow Dash and Applejack exchanged puzzled looks. Rainbow Dash just shrugged and followed Twilight out the door. Applejack shook her head and followed suit. She found Twilight talking to Spike at his desk. “Spike, have my carriage brought out front for me. Oh, and please contact Equestrian Augmentations and Technology and inform them that Princess Twilight Sparkle, Chief of Police Applejack, and Flight Commander Rainbow Dash are on their way to speak with Doctor August Rain. If they tell you he is unavailable, tell them that it is a matter of national security.” As she was leaving, Spike just nodded. “Umm, sure. It's as good as done.” He turned to Applejack. “What happened in there?” Applejack could only shrug. “Corporate subterfuge. Twilight's getting paranoid... again. So business as usual.” She wished that middle part wasn't true. She remembered the many adventures or mis-adventures they'd gone through simply because of Twilight Sparkle's anxiety and paranoia. Looking back, some of their mis-adventures were kind of funny, but this was bigger than Twilight missing a “friendship lesson” deadline. She was playing with fire with this theory of hers. She hoped that Twilight was wrong. She had heard stories about August Rain that were very different from the rumors of his “life-story”. Very different. Equestrian Augmentations and Technology Headquarters, Manehattan Twilight Sparkle was not ready for the immense size of the E.A.T. Skyscraper. Even from a distance, the building looked enormous. The building was 105 stories tall and that was not even taking the needle into account. This was the cumulation of one pony's dream and ambition. As the carriage flew in closer, Twilight got a better view of the building. Except for the windows, the building was covered in sheets of metallic silver. When they caught the sunlight, the reflecting shine made it seem that the building was on fire. As she looked closer, Twilight could see that the Skyscraper was connected to smaller buildings that were about the size of the Ministry surrounding it, each one most likely hosting its own company division. Due to these buildings, E.A.T. Headquarters took up the entire city block, front, back and across. She felt embarrassed when she thought about how much this company dwarfed the Ministry. As the carriage moved closer to the ground, Twilight noticed two more things. The first was the huge video screen on the front of the building. The screen currently displayed the E.A.T. company logo, a Unicorn with wings of fire, most likely an Alicorn now that she thought about it, soaring upwards. The screen changed to show the company motto, “Equality made mechanical”. Those words made her uncomfortable for some reason. It changed again to show the portrait of a bespectacled Earth Pony with a slicked back mane. He wore a small smile on his face that Twilight felt was halfway between genuine benevolence and smug-satisfaction. The captions beneath the portrait read, “Our founder and creator of this new era: Doctor August Rain.” The buck himself. The second thing that she noticed as the carriage pulled up was the throng of protesters. Twilight recognized them as the infamous “Ponies for Purity” group. Ponies that rejected Augmentations as unnatural and wrong. The group had made numerous demonstrations and protests all across Equestria, some of which ended in violence. Twilight herself had received pleas from “Ponies for Purity” members begging for her help in ending the “impurity that plagues our land”. She had turned these away, wanting to remain neutral. While she had no problem with ponies speaking their minds, she had heard and read interviews with group members that had made her uneasy. The mindset of these leaders bordered on religious fanaticism. One of the leaders, a Pegasus mare named Bright Wind, had publicly threatened August Rain's life in an interview, saying that if he did not dismantle his operations in Manehattan, he would live to regret it. She had, of course, been arrested. While August Rain had dropped the charges, the threat still remained in the public mind. Twilight could guess that there were some decent ponies among the crowd, but to follow a path where violence was almost certainly a result felt too reminiscent of the days before the war and the protests against her by the Equalists. She shook her head. Some things never changed. “Ah don't know about you, but I am not seeing a way to get through that mob out there,” Applejack said peering through the carriage window. “Not all of us got wings, ya know.” Twilight nodded. The crowd had the front entrance blocked off. How were they going to get in? As if in answer to their predicament, a large Earth Pony trotted around the crowd from an entrance in one of the lower buildings. As he got closer to the carriage, Twilight got a better look at him. He was pure white with a short cut mane and heavily augmented. Both of his eyes had been replaced with ocular implants and had shade implants in the place of glasses on either side of his eyes. His forelegs had been replaced with jet black cybernetic legs that seemed to clash with his white coat. On his right foreleg he wore a black band of jewelry with a small emerald that really seemed out of place. His ears had cochlear implants with visible speakers. His back had a battle saddle implanted on him with two visible compartments on the right and left sides of his back. Twilight guessed that if those compartments opened up, she would be able to see the concealed firearms beneath his back. She didn't even want to imagine what other 'upgrades' this pony had beyond the ones she could see. Twilight felt a churning in her stomach that dwarfed the feelings of unease that the protesters gave her. This buck was augmented for combat. He was dangerous, plain and simple. A predator. As he reached the carriage, the Earth Pony scanned it, starting with Twilight's carriage drawers, then Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and finally ending with Twilight herself. For what seemed like an eternity, he stared at Twilight, causing her to really feel uneasy. It was like he was staring into Twilight Sparkle's soul with those bright blue ocular implants. Twilight could have sworn she had seen a flash of red in them. It wasn't until Rainbow Dash spoke up that he broke his gaze with her. “Ummm, can we help ya, Sir? Or are you going to continue staring at the Princess?” The White Pony shook his head. When he spoke, it was in a flat toned voice. Barely any hints of emotion could be heard. “My apologies, Commander. I don't know what came over me. I am Mr. White, head of Security here at Equestrian Augmentations and Technology and Doctor Rain's personal bodyguard. I was personally asked by the good Doctor himself to escort you to his office.” Applejack gave a slight smile and raised an eyebrow. “Head of Security and the Doc's personal bodyguard? Wow, now that is a lengthy set of duties.” Mr. White nodded. “The Doctor is a very important pony, General. He is constantly under guard due to the numerous threats and attempts made against his life. He requires nothing short of the finest when it comes to his safety. Now if Your Highness and your friends will follow me, I will take you to the Doctor.” While exiting the carriage, Applejack turned to Twilight with a puzzled expression. “General?” Twilight shrugged. Maybe he is a veteran. Probably served under you during the war. Would explain why he is augmented to the teeth.” As they followed Mr. White around the crowd, Twilight was thankful that the complex was so large. It allowed them to give the protesters a wide berth and Twilight was not in the mood for public attention. She noticed some of the words on the picket signs the protesters were carrying though. “A pony's body is sacred”, “E.A.T. is EVIL”, and “Stop the desecration”. As they entered one of the smaller buildings, which turned out to be a laboratory, Twilight was impressed. Everything was, to put in a simple term, shiny. In contrast to the very office setting of the Ministry where everything, even the tech labs, was a bit dull in color, everything in the laboratory was as bright as the sun itself. The terminal consoles were bright silver as opposed to the dull gray ones at the Ministry. Ponies in lab coats were everywhere, moving at top speed, each Pony doing his or her duty. The supervising pony was barking out orders in every direction. Yet in all the apparent chaos, Twilight could tell that there was a sense of order here. Everypony here had a job to do and they were doing it, and from what she could see, they were doing it well. It made her envious in a way. Everything back at the Ministry was so ordered and neat that Twilight realized that it had become stale. When she got back, she would have to make some changes. As they exited the laboratory, they went through several more rooms until they finally came to the main lobby. To say that it put the Ministry's lobby to shame would be redundant at this point. Outside, Twilight could see the protesters, though now she could see a green Unicorn on a box and a megaphone levitating in front of him. Most likely the leader, she thought to herself. She turned to Mr. White. “Um, how long have they been out there?” “Since this morning,” he replied. “And everyday before. They won't leave and Dr. Rain will not allow us to force them to leave. Something about respecting everypony's right to protest and all that rubbish. If you ask me, they are a nuisance, especially that Unicorn out there. His name's Blue Note and he is possibly the biggest pain in my ass. A buck can take being called “evil” only one too many times just because of what he has attached to his body.” Rainbow Dash nodded spoke up. “I hear that. After I got augmented, I got so many dirty looks that I didn't leave my apartment for weeks. Even now, I swear that they are still whispering behind my back.” Mr. White stopped, turned, and looked her over. “You should have come to work here. Everypony on my security force is augmented. You won't find naysayers about your life choices here. You'd be one of us.” Rainbow Dash's eyes narrowed. “I didn't choose this. Besides, I already have a job.” Mr White's “eyes” flashed for a bit, probably an aug's version of surprise Twilight guessed. He looked at Twilight and Applejack who lowered their heads. He turned away and trotted towards the elevators. The ride up to the top floor was silent. Rainbow Dash had unwittingly ended all potential conversations they could have had on the way up. And all she had to do was bring up the elephant in the room that Twilight and Applejack had been careful to avoid. Those words, “I didn't choose this,” still rang in her ears. Twilight wished that Dr. Rain's office was on a lower floor so that the silence could just end. She hated it. After all these years, there were still problems between the friends. Nothing had really changed as she had hoped. When the elevator finally stopped, Twilight breathed a sigh of relief. Mr. White stepped out first and motioned for the Ponies to follow suit. He then reentered the elevator, nodded to Applejack and Rainbow Dash, and finally bowed to Twilight. “Dr. Rain's office is down the hall. If you will excuse me, I have work to do. Your Highness.” As the elevator doors closed, Twilight could have sworn Mr. White was... glaring at her. She shrugged it off and motioned for her friends to follow suit. The silent walk down the long hallway was broken by Applejack. “So was anyone else 'ere creeped out by Mr. White back there?” Twilight nodded. “He was definitely a soldier. He's seen battle and judging by his physical state... he still carries it with him. Applejack, did you ever have a 'Mr. White' under your command? He seemed familiar with you.” Applejack shook her head. “Naw, never seen him before today. Must have been in Big Mac's unit. I weren't the only General in the army you know, Twi.” “I know that, but the fact that he would call you 'General' after ten years is just odd to me. And he said it with such... familiarity.” It was Rainbow Dash's turn to speak up. “Maybe he hasn't grown out of the army mentality. Or he just has respect for you, AJ.” Twilight then asked something that had been gnawing at her since they had arrived. “Did either of you notice the way he was looking at me back at the carriage? And as he was leaving, I could swear that he was glaring at me.” “I did actually. Perhaps he couldn't believe that Princess Twilight Sparkle would think to come here.” “I don't know about that. It felt as though he... hated me. Like I had done something to him in the past.” Before they could continue with the conversation, they arrived at their destination. As they entered the waiting area, the secretary pony looked up from her terminal. She gave a smile and motioned at the double doors behind her desk. “Hello, Your Highness. Dr. Rain has been expecting you.” The doors opened onto an office that once again put Twilight to shame. Saying that it was huge would have been putting it lightly. It was the size of an apartment. The window took up the entire back wall, presenting a view of the entire city of Manehattan. There were leather couches against the walls and even a minibar. And in the center was a large circular desk, behind which, in a suit and tie, sat Doctor August Rain himself. In person, Rain certainly resembled the picture on the screen out front, but with a few minor differences. He certainly looked older than the picture, which had depicted a pony who wasn't much older than Twilight was. His slicked-back mane had flecks of gray in it. His green eyes had bags underneath them, as if he hadn't slept in days. However, he wore the same smile that the picture version of himself had, so there was an accuracy. As he looked up from his terminal, his eyes appeared to sparkle from behind his spectacles. His smile widened as he got up from his chair and moved to stand in front of Twilight. “Your Royal Highness,” he said bowing his head. “I cannot tell you how much of an honor it is to have the Princess and Keeper of Magic in my company. I have to tell you that I have been watching your career at the Ministry with great admiration. Oh, and I must commend you on the terminals. They are a fantastic. You have no idea how much of a convenience they have been to my company.” Twilight was taken aback by this. She had been envious of August Rain. She'd never expected that he was an admirer. “Umm, you're welcome, Doctor. I must say though that I have been envious of you for quite sometime with all that your company has accomplished.” “Oh, no, no, no, Your Highness. I am the one who should be envious. You are the quintessential example of the self-made Pony. Trained by Princess Celestia herself, studied and memorized practically every spell in the book, rediscovered the Elements of Harmony, defeated Nightmare Moon, defeated and tamed Discord himself, fought back a Changeling invasion, and you ascended to the level of Alicorn and made Royalty. I'm just a simple inventor and Doctor. My accomplishments cannot compare to your own.” Twilight was about to respond to all this when she heard an “ahem” behind her. She turned to Rainbow Dash and Applejack and realized she had forgotten them. She motioned to both of them. “I'm sorry, I believe you are familiar with my friends? This is Chief of Ponyville Police Applejack and Captain Rainbow Dash of the Wonderbolts.” August Rain looked at both of them and smiled. “Ah, of course I am familiar with them. How could I not be aware of two of Equestria's most decorated War Heroes.” He shook Applejack's hoof with vigor. “I must commend you on your victory at the Siege of Canterlot, General. Possibly one of the closest victories in Equestrian history. Your family must be very proud of you.” Applejack blushed as her eyes darted back and forth. “Umm, thank you kindly, Doc. Though it's just 'Chief' now. Ah'm not part of the military no more.” Rain nodded. “Oh, of course, Chief. I do apologize.” He turned to Rainbow Dash. “And Captain Rainbow Dash, creator of the Sonic Rainboom and keeper of the Element of Loyalty.” His eyes narrowed as if he had just now noticed her augmentations. He looked them over with a studious eye, inspecting each one closely, even tapping on Rainbow's cybernetic wing. “And I see that you are even a customer of mine. Now that is truly an honor. Which models are those? How do they feel? Do they function properly? If not I could have them given a tune up for you. It wouldn't cost you anything. Think of it as... a favor.” Rainbow Dash shook her head and stepped back a few paces. “Umm, no, they're fine. Really.” “Well if you say so,” Rain replied. “I must say that I did not expect Rainbow Dash of all ponies to be augmented. But as you can see,” he said while turning around to show his augmented left hind-leg, “I myself never expected to be my first customer. But, enough jibber-jabber from me. Tell me, Your Highness, to what do I owe this... extremely unexpected visit?” As he sat behind his desk, he motioned to three chairs. As they sat, Twilight gave him her answer. “Dr. Rain, I do apologize for interrupting your schedule, but I have some information that could greatly affect your company.” Rain raised an eyebrow. “Oh? How do you mean?” “This morning, one of my employees at the Ministry was murdered by the Harvesters. When her terminal was inspected, we discovered numerous files and schematics that had originated from your company. Apparently, she had been communicating with somepony inside of your company named 'Pony X'. Now, I first want to assure you that I had no idea this was happening under my nose. If I had known, I would have put a stop to it. Anyway, I think that her death might have been a separate inside job from within your company. I think that she might have been given something that was linked to the Harvesters and when their mole discovered the theft, informed them and had her killed.” August Rain narrowed his eyes and tapped his hooves together. “Hmmm, well, Your Highness, I do thank you for coming to me about this. To tell you the truth, one of my technicians did inform me that our company mainframe had been hacked. I've already had a watchdog spell program written up. The last file stolen had been from yesterday... the night before the murder. I am terribly sorry about that, by the way. Tell me, did you find anything on her terminal that could have been of value or identify the Harvesters' mole or this 'Pony X'?” Shook her head. “There was a transmission from yesterday as you said, but the file was corrupted so we were unable to get anything from it. We did find some shipping manifestos and some weapons schematics, but nothing that would call for her to be murdered. Pony X must have been waiting for something, because all of the messages kept ending with 'Not yet'. I can have the files returned to you at anytime, Doctor.” “Thank you, Your Highness.” He turned to Applejack. “Chief, have you found anything else about the Harvesters?” “Not yet, Doc. I have mah best officers on the case. If we find anything, Ah'll definitely let you know.” “Thank you, Chief.” He turned to Rainbow Dash. “And you, Captain?” Before Rainbow Dash could reply that she had no idea why she was even a part of this investigation, Twilight spoke up. “As Captain of the Wonderbolts, Equestria's elite task force and due to the threat level the Harvesters could pose with the information they have stolen, Captain Rainbow Dash will be aiding Chief Applejack in this investigation.” Rainbow Dash turned to Twlight, mouthing the word “What?”. Twilight just gave her a look that said “Trust me”. Doctor Rain didn't seem to notice the exchange and just nodded. “Well, Your Highness, thank you so much for coming to me about this. I want you to know that if you, the Ministry, or Chief Applejack need anything at all from my company, you contact me right away.” From under his desk, he drew out a business card. “My number if you ever need to contract me.” Twilight's horn glowed as she levitated the card towards her. She placed in a saddlebag and smiled. “I will definitely make sure to do so, Doctor Rain. It has been an honor to meet you.” August Rain smiled. “No, no. The honor was mine. Now, I would have Mr. White escort you out himself, but unfortunately he had other duties today, so I arranged to have his second-in-command escort you out herself. I apologize for the, um, rabble outside my building. I cannot legally force them off of my property. They have the right,” he said with a shrug. “My hooves are tied.” Twilight smiled. “I understand. And thank you, again, for being so cooperative.” As they got up to leave, the double doors opened. August Rain smiled. “Ah, here she is right now.” As Twilight turned to meet the security pony, she heard a “GASP!” from Rainbow Dash. When she got a good look at the security pony, she understood why. The security pony was an augmented Pegasus Mare with an opal green coat and a streaked gold-yellow mane. Despite the augmentations, she knew had met this Pegasus before and the lightning bolt shaped cutie-mark confirmed it. “Lightning Dust,” Rainbow Dash said in a flat tone. “Rainbow Dash,” Lightning Dust replied. The two Pegasi stared at each other before Lightning Dust broke the silence. “Your Highness, Chief, Captain, if you would just follow me.” As the doors closed behind them, Twilight heard Applejack whisper to Rainbow Dash. “Old flight-squadmate?” “You could say that,” Rainbow Dash replied. August Rain's office, Equestrian Augmentations and Technology As soon as the Princess and her companions had left, the smile that had been on August Rain's face disappeared. He immediately went to a button on his intercom. The flat voice of Mr. White emitted from it. “Are they gone?” “They are.” “What did they want?” “They had some information about the Unicorn Mare's murder. They offered an alliance with me to investigate the possibility of a 'Harvester Mole'. They told me that the file that was stolen last night was corrupted, though as we both know, that is a lie. I think they suspect something.” There was a brief pause. “Do you think they-” “No, no. I don't think they specifically suspect me. Why would they? Still... I want them monitored. Contact Star-Metal and inform him that there is a problem. I don't want to move against them just yet. Not unless they find out anything more about 'Project: Ascension.' This company is not going to fall. I won't let it happen.”
Chapter 4: A Friendly VisitChapter 4 A Friendly Visit "The Earth Ponies farm the land. The Pegasi control the sky. What do the Unicorns do?" -“Soapbox” Sal “So... how was it seeing her again?” “It did not feel good if that's what you are thinking.” “How long as it been since the last time?” “Too long, Sir.” “Is this going to make things difficult for you?” “No, not at all, Sir.” “Good. Remain vigilant. The time will come.” Harvester Base, Ponyville Warehouse District If there was one thing that Star-Metal had learned over the years, backstory is everything. Nopony within the Harvesters knew the truth about Star-Metal's origin. Some believed that he was a mercenary that fought on both sides during the Civil War and was injured by the Loyalists after being discovered. Others said that he was a former Loyalist that had been betrayed during the war. Others believed that he had worked alongside General Salamander Red before killing him during the Siege of Canterlot. They were all false of course. All rumors that he had allowed to spread like wildfire. Star-Metal enjoyed them. They worked to build an image that he could use to his advantage in his construction of the Harvesters. All of them painted him as somepony that could use any opportunity that was presented to him in order to get ahead. And that was the truth. The invention of augmentations had given him the opportunity to truly make something of himself. And he had enjoyed it. As Star-Metal lay on the operating table, he bit his lip in anticipation of the inevitable pain that would follow the joining of his nerves to his brand new leg. He'd never gotten used to this. The Mechanic, an old grey mare, noticed him and rolled her eyes. “Don't worry, Boss. Two seconds and it will all be over.” Star-Metal looked at her, his eyes flashing red for a brief second. “I'm not scared. All right? I'm just cautious.” He laid his head back on the mat. “Nine years and they still haven't done a thing to fix the pain part.” The Mechanic kept her eyes on the leg as she inspected the wires. Sweat started to form on her brow. This was the most difficult part of the procedure. If one wire was disconnected or out of alignment during the bonding process of the implant and the nerves, then the implant would not function properly. Everything had to be perfect. There was no such thing as a “harmless mistake” in this business. She lifted her head and nodded to Star-Metal who in turn tilted his head away and breathed silently. The Mechanic's hooves split open to reveal a part of hooks that gripped the leg and aligned it with the metallic stump of Star-Metal's right foreleg. As she fitted the stump into the leg socket and twisted it until it locked into place, Star-Metal winced as electrical impulses flooded his shoulder and spread across his body. He hopped off the table and flexed his new leg. A souvenir from the Ministry job. He loved the perks. The door swung open as the spike-hoofed Unicorn trotted in. She stopped and saluted. Star-Metal returned the gesture. “What is it, Rain?” “We got a call from our... business partner. He's demanding to speak to you.” Her salute faltered as a worried look crossed her face. “And he sounds pissed.” Star-Metal sighed. This was the part of the job he hated: business negotiations. “Let's get on with it then.” As the two Harvesters marched through the base, Star-Metal allowed himself a feeling of pride. Seven years and this small-time group had turned into an empire. 3300 Ponies under Star-Metal's command. 3300 Harvesters across Equestria. He had eyes and ears everywhere. Whenever the law was on his tail, he was aware of it. Nopony could get the drop on him. Not even that Police Chief, Applejack. He'd be damned before allowing himself to be taken down by a country bumpkin like her. When they reached the terminal, Star-Metal could see that Rainy had left it on. The face of Doctor August Rain glowered at him. Star-Metal put on his business face and smiled. “What can I do for you, Doc?” “For starters, you can tell me why the Buck you and your Harvesters decided to hit the mare so close to the damned Ministry,” he barked. You couldn't have waited until she was closer to her home or out of the Business District?” Star-Metal shrugged. “The job got done didn't it? You got the stolen data back and I got this nifty new leg.” “The problem is that not only is the Ponyville Police investigating her death, but now the damned Princess is in on this! She actually visited my office to inform me of the possibility of somepony in the company working with you!” Star-Metal sneered. “That's not my problem nor part of our arrangement. Whatever happens to your company is your problem. Besides, they'll never trace it to us.” Rain's face moved closer to the screen. “Are you an idiot or are you just naïve? Think about it. If they investigate me and find anything, they will trace it to you. And I am sure the police will be willing to cooperate in exchange for information on the Harvesters and where they could possibly find them.” Star-Metal's eyes narrowed. “You wouldn't.” It was Rain's turn to sneer. “I go down so do you. Do not test me.” Star-Metal sighed. “What do you want?” “Stay off the streets for a while. Continue with your end of the project and for the love of Celestia, be more careful. You can afford to lay off the aug-jacking for a time.” Star-Metal nodded. “Got ya. But just so you know, this project is even more risky than aug-jacking. How many can disappear until somepony notices?” Rain's face receded back from the screen. He rolled his eyes. “Nopony will notice them. They are not important enough to be noticed. Just remember that the project hedges on your success. We need the data otherwise we cannot move forward. August Rain out.” The screen faded to black. Star-Metal growled. He hated this. The perks of working with E.A.T. were fine and all, but answering to that bastard wounded his pride. When the job was done, he'd better get his reward. He had more than earned it. Sweet Apple Acres “Appleseed, you come down here right now,” Fluttershy cried out in a voice a couple octaves higher than normal. The young pegasus ignored her and continued circling above the treetops. His only reply was a soft “Nnope.” An exasperated Fluttershy turned to her husband as he back-hoofed an apple tree, sending its contents into the carefully positioned baskets. “Would you please control your son?” Big Mac stopped for a second and gave her a puzzled look. “Let the young'n be. It's good for 'im to get some practice in now and then. Besides, if'n yer so worried about 'im, why don'cha just fly up and grab him yerself?” Fluttershy was taken aback by this comment as if Mac had asked her to strike him. “We can't use physical force. The book said that a parent must be assertive in order to establish authority. Force just sends the wrong message and will cause him to be afraid of that parent. And if they are afraid of us, that means they will avoid us. And that means they will fall in with a bad crowd, and then they will get arrested and put in juvenile hall and then their futures will be over! Is that what you want for our children?!” Her breathing became more and more erratic as her eye's widened. Big Mac shook his head. “Fluttershy, a lil' discipline never hurt no one. Just fly up and bring him down gently. Just... only do it if he does get himself into trouble. Don't pressure the colt. Let 'im have fun.” Fluttershy slowly took a deep breath and nodded in agreement. “Ok. All right. I'll... let him be.” She called upwards, “Just be careful, Ok, Sweetie?” Appleseed smiled and waved down at his mother. He began flying loop de loops until a shadow fell across the orchard field. The young colt halted in mid-flight in front of a violet Alicorn. She looked down at him and smiled. “Hello, Appleseed. I'm Princess Twilight Sparkle. Do you remember me?” The little colt, wings still flapping, lowered his head and nodded giving a tiny, “Eeyup,” in response. Twilight patted him on the head, still smiling. “You're doing great at flying. Keep it up. Soon you will be as good as your mother or Rainbow Dash.” Appleseed raised his head and gave a small smile. He turned and flew back to his parents, peeking from behind his mother. Twilight hovered down and gave Big Mac and Fluttershy each a big hug that they both happily returned. “I've missed you both so much.” Fluttershy gave a smile and hugged her best friend. “We've missed you too. You hardly ever visit anymore. In fact, I don't think you've ever been here since the wedding. How have you been? You must tell us. I'll make some lunch.” With Appleseed on her back, Fluttershy lead the way back to the cottage. When they got to the kitchen, it was a short time before Fluttershy had a meal of mixed vegetables and fruits on the table. After the meal was completed, Big Mac went upstairs with Appleseed to check on Zephyr while the mares stayed to chat. “How's the hospital doing, Fluttershy? “Oh, it's been wonderful. I thought it would be difficult to treat both Ponies and Animals, but thanks to my experience with the war, I've been able to balance out the workload. Between you and me, the schedule has been difficult on the kids. What you saw out there is one of the few times we've been able to spend time together as a family. I'm worried that Zephyr and I won't become too close because of it. Big McIntosh has had to balance working the orchard with Applebloom and the kids. It's been difficult. ...So, Twilight, tell me, how have things been with you?” “Well, the Ministry has been opening up relations with the Zebra Nation and we are looking to find a way to upgrade the Terminals nationwide without having the customers bring them into the stores. And... one of my employees was murdered by Harvesters.” Fluttershy covered her mouth in shock. “I'm so sorry, Twilight.” Twilight smiled. “Thanks. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and I have been investigating her murder and so far we've come up with a couple of leads. We believe that E.A.T. might be connected to it. But nothing's concrete.” Fluttershy gave a brief smile that quickly faded. “Ummm, Twilight? About Applejack... I've only seen her a couple of times over the past month, but... I've noticed the faint scent of hard-cider on her breath.” Twilight raised an eyebrow. “Wait. You think that Applejack's been drinking?” Fluttershy nodded. “You know how during the war, she was always on the front lines? I think that might have had a lasting impact on her. Oh, but don't tell her I told you. The last time I tried bringing it up... she yelled at me a bit.” “It's not her fault, Fluttershy. She's under a lot of stress. The Harvesters have been tearing Equestrians apart and they always seem to be ahead of her. If she drinks a little to relieve stress, then it's understandable.” Fluttershy shook her head. “I'm really worried about her, Twilight. She's not just my best friend, she's my sister-in-law. For Luna's sake, she's Appleseed's Godmother. Please, keep an eye on her.” Twilight smiled and extended a hoof forward. “I promise you, Fluttershy. I'll keep an eye on her. Now, I have a favor to ask. I have a plan to find out more about this case and I need your help. I need you to get me Pinkie Pie's and Rarity's communication numbers. Also, if you want some other work that will help you keep an eye on Applejack, I could get you some work with the Ponyville PD. That is, if you think you could make the time.” Fluttershy smiled. “I'd like that. Big Mac's been worried about her as well. You know, Twilight, I remember when we were younger, you had a lot of trouble with stress. You would always freak out over every little thing and almost faint after ranting about how things could go wrong. Now... you seem calm and collected. I'm impressed.” Twilight Sparkle blushed slightly. “Well, what can I say? I guess I... grew up. Now, do you have Pinkie's and Rarity's numbers?” Fluttershy nodded. “I'll see what I can do.” Twilight smiled. Things were starting to come together. She had a plan and she needed the help of Equestria's biggest fashion magnate and the Party Pony of Equestria. Cloudsdale As Rainbow Dash settled into her apartment, she switched on her terminal. She extended her cyberhoof's jack cable into the port. “Flight school,” she muttered. Almost at once, a stream of images flooded the screen, all of Rainbow Dash at the Wonderbolts Academy Flight School, the place that made her Captain of the Wonderbolts. She rolled her eyes and clarified. “Flight School, Lightning Dust.” The images disappeared and were replaced with fewer new ones. This time of her and Lightning Dust, her former wing-pony and... friend. Images of her, Lightning Dust and her other wing-ponies, her and Lightning Dust toasting their first night at Flight School, and finally just Lightning Dust. She sighed. What the buck was Lightning Dust doing at E.A.T.? First the washing out of flight school, joining the Equalists, and now this. What the Hell was she playing at?
Chapter 5: Plans and DreamsChapter 5 Plans and Dreams "Equestrian Augmentations and Technology eliminates one of our most basic flaws: The flaw of envy." -Doctor August Rain “I don't like it, Boss.” “You don't like anything.” “This doesn't feel right.” “With what we do for a living this doesn't feel right?” “Our work is business. This is just... wrong.” “We have a business deal. We have to do our part.” “But, Boss-” “No. More. Questions. Just get the work done.” Ministry of Magic and Technology, Ponyville “Darling, it has been far too long,” Rarity said giving Twilight a big hug. “Really, I don't know what kept you from calling me, but we have to make up for lost time. You look fabulous, although those bags could definitely use makeup. Though I cannot blame you for them. It takes me ages to maintain this look in the morning.” Twilight smiled at her old friend, half-heartedly stroking the very apparent bags under her eyes that she had been hoping that no pony would notice. Then again, she was talking to Rarity, the biggest Fashion Pony in Equestria. Even after all these years, Rarity's snowy white coat still hadn't lost its shine and her mane hadn't lost its luster. From a young age, the beautiful Unicorn had been destined to become a fashion designer. By the time Twilight had met her, Rarity had been full of ambition, eager to prove herself one day. The surprising part had been when it turned out that Rarity herself had been chosen as the keeper of the Element of Generosity. On first glimpse of the white Unicorn, a pony would probably assume her to be nothing more than a vacuous, self-absorbed pony who cared more about tending to her indigo mane than anything else. And if they didn't bother to get to know her, they would probably be correct. She had thought so at first, but Rarity had proved her wrong many times over. One such occasion was during their first adventure when a river dragon, who was probably even vainer than Rarity, had part of his mustache lost and Rarity gave a lock of her own mane to replace it. And if you think that wasn't generous, you clearly never saw Rarity's devotion to making sure that her mane never even got wet without her say so. That was the kind of pony that Rarity was: Vacuous to those that didn't know her, but there were layers that only her truest friends knew about. “Really, Twilight, I know you are a Princess and all, but you should take some time to call your friends. It's not healthy to be so wrapped up in your work all the time.” Twilight sat back in her chair and grinned and rolled her eyes. “I know, Rarity, I know. You have no idea how many times Spike has been egging me on to contact you for a long time. He say's I'm starting to relapse into my Pre-Ponyville routine. I'm really glad to see you.” “Indeed, he is correct. It is very important to maintain a social life of your own. So, tell, tell, tell, how have things been treating the Princess of Magic? Is there a special somepony in your life,” Rarity asked with a wink. Twilight blushed. “No, no. There hasn't been time for stuff like that, Rarity. I'm busy. I have decisions to make. Ponies depend on me and my work. I don't have time for stuff like that.” This time Rarity rolled her eyes and scoffed. “Darling, if there is anypony deserving of a break, it is you. Besides, what's this talk of you needing to throw yourself in your work? Remember all the adventures we had even after you became a Princess?” Twilight sat back in her chair and gave a small smile. “Of course I remember. Why wouldn't I? But those days are gone. Equestria has been at peace for years. Even Discord has been quiet, Celestia knows why though.” Rarity's eyes narrowed. “That's not what I hear, Twilight. I do read the papers you know. I know about the horrible tragedy that befell your employee and your little 'business trip' to Equestrian Augmentations and Technology. Tell me, what is the 'mysterious' Doctor August Rain like? Is it true that he lives in his office, has a long beard and... ahem, keeps his leavings in jars?” Twilight laughed. “I thought you said you read the papers. Not the tabloids.” Rarity looked shocked and offended. “I don't know what you are implying. I read only the most reputable of news sources. It's not my fault if I hear a few rumors now and then. He's never seen in public nor social gatherings.” “Well, I can say that he is quite... well mannered. I'd say that, at first glance, a bit eccentric, but he is definitely a business pony. His accomplishments speak for themselves.” Rarity leaned forward. “So why the visit? Why bring Applejack and Rainbow Dash? What is going on, Twilight? I'm asking as a friend.” Twilight looked back and forth. She'd wanted to make sure that Rarity was involved as much as she needed to be for her plan. However, she also knew that if she told Rarity too much, it would put her in very probable danger. Rarity wasn't like Applejack or Rainbow Dash. She wasn't weak, but she was just a civilian, a fashion magnate. This was it. This was where she was about to cross the line. Rarity would not be backing down. “Ok. I think that... E.A.T. may be involved in criminal activity. With the Harvesters.” Rarity was shocked. “Really? Don't you think that's... cliched? I mean, why would they?” Twilight nodded. “I know, I know. It doesn't make sense, but my gut tells me that something is going on in that company. Something illegal and I have to figure it out.” Rarity tilted her head. “And you want my help with it?” Twilight lowered her gaze staring at her own four hooves. “Yes. Yes, I have a plan and I need your help. I need you to pay a visit to Doctor Rain at E.A.T. and plant a bug in his office. I need to listen in on his conversations and no, before you ask, this is in no way legal. At all. I am committing a crime that could get the Ministry itself into trouble, I fully admit it. You are fully within your rights to walk out of my office right now. What do you say, Rare?” For what seemed like the longest time, there was silence. Neither Rarity nor Twilight said a thing to each other nor made eye contact. Twilight had no idea what Rarity's response would be. She wouldn't blame her if she left. She really would not. She expected her to get up and say goodbye. What was said next, Twilight had not expected at all. “What should the objective of my visit be?” Twilight looked Rarity in the eyes and smiled. “You have a fashion show coming up, correct?” Rarity nodded. “I do indeed. We are still trying to book a place for it, but we do have just about everything we need. Pinkie Pie is even helping me out with the after party.” “Good. You will visit Doctor Rain as a friendly visit and a friend of the Princess. You will say that you gained his number from me and you would like to have luncheon with him. When you enter the office, I will take control of the electronic bug. It will look just like a normal house fly so hopefully it won't be squished.” “And when we have lunch?” “Use your charms on him. Get him to agree. It is important that he have the after party at E.A.T.” Rarity raised an eyebrow. “Any reason why it has to be at E.A.T.? What are you not telling me, Twilight Darling?” “You... you are not the full plan, Rarity. I'm sorry. There is more, but I cannot tell you. I just need you to trust me.” Rarity smiled. “Of course I trust you.” Twilight smiled back. “Great. I'll let you know when it is time to move forward with the plan.” Rarity nodded and as she departed Twilight's office, Twilight could hear Spike give a cute little, “Goodbye” to Rarity. She smiled at this. Since day one of arriving at Ponyville, Spike had always harbored a not so subtle crush on Rarity. Spike knew that Rarity thought of Spike like a little brother, but, of course, this did not deter his affections. She activated the intercom and waited for a few seconds. Silence. He was still pining. “Spike. Umm, Spike, we have work to do. I need you to contact Pinkie Pie on the double.” There was a brief moment of silence when Spike finally replied. “That might be a bit of a problem. You see...” The door burst open with a shower of confetti, the sound of trumpets playing and a red carpet rolled out and halted right in front of Twilight's desk. Twilight smiled and prepared herself for an introduction worthy of nopony, but Pinkie Pie, mistress of ceremony in Equestria. As she leaned back in her chair, she could hear the additional sound of multiple instruments coming from down the hallway. This was it. This was Pinkie's big entrance. Down the hall and through the door, wearing an assortment of many instruments, all connected by string, including a flute, a harmonica, a self-strumming violin, an oboe, a trumpet, a large bass drum, and a tuba, came Pinkie Pie. It is an interesting fact to note that Pinkie Pie was actually the very first Pony in Ponyville that Twilight Sparkle met upon arrival. Well, “met” is a bit too broad a statement as much as “said one word to her and got a frightened 'gasp' in return and then ran off.” In reality, Pinkie Pie had dashed off to plan a party at Twilight's then new home at the Ponyville library. The description “energetic” was too tame a word to describe Pinkie Pie. At times it seemed that Pinkie had so much energy that it appeared that she could be anywhere and everywhere at once, almost as if Pinkie could breach the boundaries of reality itself. “Happy” was also too tame a description for Pinkie Pie. To Twilight, it almost seemed that Pinkie Pie radiated joy wherever she went. Even the most cynical and bitter of Ponies could become happy just by being in the same proximity as Pinkie Pie. Twilight remembered when Pinkie made it her goal to cheer up a cynical donkey, even when he told her to bug off. Pinkie Pie would not be denied a smile from anypony. As Pinkie Pie entered, she tossed all the instruments aside and gave Twilight a big hug that nearly squeezed all the air out of Twilight's lungs. “OHMYGOSH! Twilight! It's been soooooooooooo long since we've hung out! 5 YEARS! You know how many weeks that is? 260 weeks. That's 1,825 days! That's 8,760 hours! How have you been?!” Twilight could barely get a reply out, much less breathe. “Pinkie.... You are.... choking me!” Pinkie Pie looked at Twilight's face as it slowly turned blue. She released her. “Oh. Sorry. I'm just sosososososo excited to see you!” “I know, Pinkie. I know. I'm happy to see you too. Look, I know that you are planning Rarity's after party for her fashion show.” Pinkie Pie nodded rapidly. “Uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh. It's going to be Pinkie Keen!” “Well we're just in the middle of securing a place. It's going to be at Equestrian Augmentations and Technologies and I need you for...” She paused, realizing what she was about to ask of Pinkie Pie. “I need you to do your 'other job' one last time for me.” Pinkie Pie didn't say a word as her bright smile slowly faded away. The “real job” that Pinkie Pie had done during the war. The cover of Party Pony and Morale Officer had been the perfect cover for her real job: Information Gathering and Espionage. After the war ended, Pinkie had made Twilight promise that she would never make her do another job again. And Twilight had kept her promise. She didn't like using Pinkie or any of her friends like this, but this would be the last time. As if she could read her mind, and in the back of her mind Twilight suspected she could, Pinkie Pie asked, “And this will be the very last, 'this time you mean it' job?” Twilight nodded. Pinkie's smile returned. “Excellent! What could go wrong?” Twilight wished Pinkie hadn't said that. A Bar across town, Ponyville “Got an extra stool open?” Applejack turned to see Rainbow Dash having walked in with a small smile on her face. Applejack put down her glass and motioned for her to sit down next her. As Dash sat down, Applejack motioned to the barkeep to pour an extra glass. The barkeep, an old unicorn, obliged. Rainbow Dash looked around the bar with her one good eye. “Haven't been ground-side in a while. I remember this place. This was where we would go to 'wind down' during the war. You still come here?” “Never left,” Applejack replied, taking another sip of hard cider. She looked at Rainbow Dash. “So why the visit?” “Just thought about catching up with an old friend. Really. We haven't done this in a long time. Plus, I noticed the smell of cider on your breath.” “You think Ah have a problem?” “Maybe. Maybe not. I know I have a problem with cider, but not as bad as you look.” “This bar's one of our customers. Gets me a discount.” “You mean, 'One of Applebloom and Big Mac's customers,'?” “Mah name's still 'Apple' ain't it? Long as it is, Ah'll be enjoying the fringe benefits.” As she raised her glass to take another swig, Rainbow Dash stopped her. “I think that's enough for tonight, AJ.” Applejack turned to Rainbow Dash, giving her a dark look. Rainbow Dash was able to see just how far her old friend/occasional friendly rival had gone. Applejack looked like she hadn't slept in days. Her eyes were bloodshot, with heavy bags underneath, and her eyelids saggy. Applejack looked as if she were about to say something, but instead she just tipped over, face planted on the ground, accompanied by snoring. Rainbow Dash shook her head, paid the bill, draped Applejack over her back and trotted out. “Let's get you home.” The Dreams As Rainbow Dash put Applejack to bed in her apartment, Applejack dreamed. Within Applejack's dreams, memories that had long been repressed crept back into her mind, and of course, they were not pleasant memories. The horrible thing was that these memories were not shown as separate, but as one horrendous, cruel memory. The memory of two years of war. Applejack stood in a field of bodies. Bodies that were her old squadmates and her enemies. Her mentor and instructor, Sargent-Major Drillbit, lay dead with his eyes to the ground. A young mare that had been a scout under her command at least had her eyes closed. There was no sign of anything else in the distance except for bodies as far as the eye could see. No cities, no towns. Nothing at all. Nothing but bodies. Applejack cantered through the bodies in an attempt to get away from it all. Even within a dream, she could smell them all, she could hear the flies buzzing all around her. Only flies, no voices, no groans. Nothing but flies. She halted and clapped her hooves over her ears to shut them all out. She closed her eyes, but she couldn't keep the smell away from her nostrils nor stop the tears from flowing. She was trying to wake up, but she couldn't. Then, she heard his voice. “Mah dear Applejack, whatever is the matter?” The accent was very similar to ponies from down south in Appleloosa. It was an accent that many ponies in her family had. She opened her eyes to see another corpse in front of her. The pony was male with a faded brown coat and a short white beard and mustache. He wore a green and brown military jacket with the outline of an Earth Pony rearing back in a whinny on his sleeve. The symbol of the Equalists. Next to his head, that had a bullet hole in it, was a red beret. His eyes were an unnatural faded red. Those eyes belonged to General Salamander Red, the dead leader of the Equalists. He was looking at her. “Why do ya cry, General Applejack? Granny didn't raise nopony to be crybabies. A soldier accepts death, even the deaths of those he or she causes.” “Yah ain't even here,” Applejack said through gritted teeth, attempting to shut him out. “Yer dead. Yah died at Canterlot. The war is over. It has been over for 10 years.” “Over?” He stood up on all fours and towered over her. “The war ain't over until all the leaders are dead on one side or both. He is still alive. She is still alive. Ah may be dead, but mah ideals still live on in the hearts of everypony that stood behind me in battle. This is not over.” He paused for a moment. “Yah should have joined me. Ah could have taken care of yah. The way they would have wanted.” Applejack stood up at that. She was livid. “Shut. The. Buck. UP!” At that, the dream stopped as if she were in a speeding carriage. A rush of breath slammed into her chest. She looked around her apartment, breathing heavily. Rainbow Dash was nowhere to be seen. A glass of water was on her bedside table with a note beside it. “You could use some water for a change. Get well. Dash.” As she drank it, she thought about the dream and Salamander Red's words. She shook her head. “No. Not the way they would have wanted. Never.” Equestrian Augmentations and Technology, Manehattan, Two days later Next to Canterlot, Manehattan was the biggest city in Equestria. Compared to Ponyville, which was still on the rise, even with the added benefit and business of the Ministry of Magi-Technology, Manehattan dwarfed it in sheer size and population. As Rarity's carriage traveled through the city, she had to marvel at it. This was the Equestrian dream. While Canterlot was the capital and devoted mostly to the upperclass, Manehattan was the city where anypony could make it if they had a dream and the means to make the dream happen. It was a mix of many different kinds of cities, each with its own populace and style. Hooflyn and Princesses were where the middle class ponies lived. The Bux where the lower class ponies dwelled, and the eponymous Manehattan where the businesses and upper class ponies were stationed. And it was here where Rarity was to meet the mysterious Doctor August Rain. As her carriage pulled in front of the building, she was met by the large stern buck Mr. White and the Pegasus mare, Lightning Dust. Mr. White nodded his head to her. “Ms. Rarity, I am Mr. White, bodyguard and head of security at Equestrian Augmentations and Technologies. Doctor Rain has arranged for lunch to be had on his office. He sent us to escort you inside.” Rarity smiled. “Why thank you very much, Mr. White. I am eager to meet your employer.” Mr. White didn't say a word nor even shed a complimentary smile toward her. He just turned and motioned for her to follow. When they entered the silver tower, Lightning Dust turned, saluted, and departed. As she left, Rarity got a closer look at her. Lightning Dust had metal plates grafted on her back. Her wings had been replaced with metallic ones. All four of her hooves had been augmented. Her ears had cochlear implants within them and she knew her eyes had been replaced. It made her uneasy. How much of the original Lightning Dust was left? She didn't really know the Pegasus that well, except from her brief meeting at Rainbow Dash's flight school when Lightning Dust's arrogance and need to prove herself had nearly gotten Rarity and her friends killed. Lightning Dust had been dismissed from the Wonderbolts of course for her reckless behavior. Rarity never paid her much heed then, so she had no clue why her presence made her uncomfortable now. As she followed Mr. White into the elevator, she shook off the unease and focused on her current goals: Plant the bug and arrange a deal with Doctor Rain. How hard could it really be? Doctor August Rain's Office Balcony, Equestrian Augmentations and Technologies “So, with the blackout, my father was completely at a loss as to how to restore power to our house. The fuses were blown and we didn't have any spares. So, using a modified version my potato battery school project and a huge sack of them, I was able to hook up a bunch of batteries to our generator and was able to provide power to our house. And that's how I got my cutie-mark.” Rarity smiled and wiped her mouth with a levitated napkin. She looked out the corner of her eye to where Twilight's Cyber-bug had planted itself. When she entered Doctor Rain's office, the bug had scurried out of her saddlebags and placed itself on a bookshelf. She had insisted that they begin lunch in order to take any attention away from the bug. Mr. White still remained in the office, insisting that he look after the Doctor, as was his duty. At first, she had put on the airs of being interested in Doctor Rain's stories, but over the past hour, Rarity had become genuinely interested in what he had to say. “Oh, interesting! And it really worked? A home powered by potato batteries?” Doctor Rain smiled and laughed. “No. It only worked for a minute before the lights went out again. I mean, a house cannot really be charged by potatoes. Though that would solve any future energy crises. Nevertheless, my parents said that this was my destiny. That if I could create such a thing for a brief period of time, I could do so much more. So obviously that meant I should be an electrician. But I felt I was meant for more. That the talents I had should not be kept stagnant in a simple blue-collar job. I wanted to help other ponies. So I decided to quit and I became a doctor and I just realized that I am reciting my interview with Ms. Vinyl Scratch, aren't I?” Rarity laughed. “Probably, but you do it well. You should have become a public speaker. Why didn't you?” Doctor Rain took a sip of his glass. “The thought never occurred to me, I guess. All my life I've wanted to help other ponies. And now, I've helped more ponies than I ever did as a medical Doctor. It's enough to give you a swelled head. But enough about me? How about you? How did you obtain your cutie-mark?” Rarity thought back. “Well, I was a young filly and I was in charge of designing costumes for a school play. The problem was that the original costumes were just awful. My teacher said they were fine, but I knew that I needed something to spice them up. To make them better. I needed something to decorate them with. While I was looking, I detected a large cache of gems within a giant bolder. Using them, I was able to decorate the gems and that is how I earned my cutie mark. The funny thing is that if it wasn't for my friend Rainbow Dash, I would never have found those gems or gotten my cutie mark.” Doctor Rain tapped his hooves together and squinted. “And you really just used the gems to decorate the costumes?” “What? You think that I was mistaken to?” “No, no, no. I think it is intriguing. Anypony would have probably kept that cache for themselves, but you, a filly, saw that fortune and just used it to enrich something that was probably just fine to begin with. Creativity, generosity, and the ability to bring out the luster in others. That is a grand gift.” Rarity blushed at this. “Oh, it's nothing. I was just doing my job.” She laughed for a moment, but upon spying Doctor Rain's cybernetic leg, she stopped. “Doctor Rain-” “Please, Ms. Rarity, call me August.” Rarity found this odd. “Umm, alright, August. I was wondering if I could ask you a personal question... about your leg.” August Rain's smile left his lips. He lowered his head down to gaze upon his cyberleg. “Of course. What would you like to know?” “You said you lost your leg due to a Pegasus mortar and that it was amputated in a medical base. Is that really true?” August Rain looked as if he was considering answering and for a second, it looked as if he were looking over Rarity's shoulder... towards the bookshelf. Rarity quickly glanced in his direction, but saw nothing. The bug was nowhere in sight. She quickly turned back to him, relieved that the plan hadn't been found out. Doctor Rain looked at her and Rarity could swear that he was about to cry. “Partially true. Partially. During the war, did you ever hear rumors about P.O.W. Camps run by Bloodmane that indulged in torture?” Rarity's eyes widened. “I did. I'd hoped that they were just that: Rumors. I know the war forced many ponies to do terrible things, but I never thought... torture could be considered one of them.” August Rain lowered his head. “Well, I am living proof of that. My squad was ambushed and my leg was injured. We were taken prisoner to one of the camps. We had the misfortune of that camp being run by Bloodmane himself.” Rarity gasped. “You... you actually saw General Bloodmane?” “I met him. He needed more medics and since I was one, he "re-recruited" me to work in the camp... keeping the prisoners alive after his "interrogations". However, my leg was becoming infected so I tried to use that as an excuse to not work for him. …He had my leg cut off and disinfected so I could work for him. He didn't use anesthetic while doing so. Said that they needed it for the patients, couldn't risk the doctors becoming addicted.” Rarity covered her mouth in horror. “How... how could anypony do that to another? It's sick. It's vile. It's... it's evil. Why didn't you tell anypony the truth?” “When the war ended, I was afraid that if I was revealed to have knowingly helped another pony torture other prisoners, I would be punished for it. I could lose my medical license for breaking the Hippocratic Oath. 'First do no harm.' I broke that oath. When we were rescued after the war, I kept my head low. I spent a year in that camp. I just... I didn't want to relive those memories.” Tears were beginning to flow down his cheeks. “I'm sorry. I'm sorry.” Rarity reached forward and took his hoof in hers. “No. Don't be. You were as much a victim of that... that creature as those other ponies were.” August Rain looked up and smiled at her. “Thank you. I've practiced that other version in my head for so long, I started to believe it. But... enough about that. Your original proposal for wanting to meet me here? Your 'fashion show after-party'?” Rarity was taken aback by this change in attitude. She had forgotten about the original point of the plan was. “Oh, yes. Yes. Of course. I was wondering if you would consider allowing us to use your building for the after-party. It is for charity and I know that seems a bit silly, but everywhere else is booked up and-” “That sounds wonderful,” Doctor Rain said. “What... what did you say?” Rarity was shocked. It couldn't be this easy. “I said it sounds wonderful. It really helps us both. It helps you with your show, and it helps my company with publicity. Luna knows we could use it with the smear campaign “Ponies for Purity” is waging against us. So, I accept your offer.” Rarity didn't know what to say to this. She didn't think that it could be so easy. She hadn't expected him to be so open to it. “It would all be for charity you understand. The company would not gain anything from the proceeds.” August laughed. “Oh, publicity is all that would be needed in exchange. Money is only a short term solution and we are financially stable enough as it is. So, I accept your offer. Send me your party planner's contact info and I will go over things with her. Your planner is Ms. Pinkie Pie, correct?” Rarity started to feel more confident in this plan. She levitated Pinkie Pie's business card out of her saddlebag and placed it in front of Doctor Rain. “Yes. She is. Thank you so much, August. This really helps me.” She was about to continue on when an “Ahem” came from behind her. She turned to see Mr. White standing in the doorway. “Doctor, I believe that you have an appointment in a few minutes with Software development. I believe that it is time for Ms. Rarity to leave.” August was about to protest when he glanced at the clock. “Oh, Mr. White, you are correct. I'm sorry, Rarity. We will have to conclude our business some other time. But, thank you for dropping by. You have no idea how much it means to be able to eat with another pony for a change.” He took up Rarity's right fore-hoof and kissed it. “You... you are welcome, Doctor.” “Mr. White, would you have one of your staff escort Ms. Rarity out safely?” Mr. White nodded. “Of course, Doctor.” 10 Minutes Later After Rarity departed, Mr. White returned to Doctor Rain on the balcony. “A party? Really? Project: Ascension under development and you want to throw a party?!” Rain looked Mr. White in the cyber-eyes. “Look. The project is making headway and I believe that I am entitled to a little bit of fun for the first time in years. Besides-” “You like her. Is that it? You want to risk it all for some Unicorn that you know is good friends with the Princess?” “You think I don't know about that? This is a good way to keep an eye on her and her plans.” Mr. White rolled his eyes. “Really? That sounds like a poor excuse.” “Would you just let me have this?” Mr. White said nothing for a minute and then finally nodded. “Fine. You're the boss. Don't blame me when this blows up in your face.” Rain glowered at him. “This won't. Trust me. I know what I'm doing.”
Chapter 6: The Big NightChapter 6 The Big Night “When going to war, you must be prepared to get your hooves dirty.” -General Salamander Red When Rarity rendezvoused at Twilight's office that evening, she was surprised to not only find Twilight, but Applejack, Pinkie, and Rainbow Dash there as well, all looking in her direction. “So, how did your date go,” Rainbow asked, a sly smile on her face. Rarity raised her nose to this with a huff. “For your information, Rainbow, it was not a date. It was a friendly lunch/business deal and it went well. Dr. Rain is quite the gentlepony. Oh, and Twilight, the plan went off without a hitch. The bug planted itself and we have access to the main building for the after party.” Twilight smiled. “Perfect, Rarity. Now that we have access, we can begin the next phase of the plan.” She turned to Pinkie Pie. “Do you think you will be able to handle your part?” Pinkie nodded. “Oh, yes, yes, yes! I cannot wait. This is going to be a great party! When we are done with that hall, nopony that works there is going to recognize it!” Twilight looked at Applejack first, Rarity next, and finally Rainbow Dash, all with puzzled looks on their faces. “Umm, yeah. Of course, Pinkie. But...” Pinkie grinned. “Oh, don't worry. I haven't forgotten the super-special-ultra-secret plan. Don't you fret. Old Pinkie Pie's got this in the bag.” Twilight shook her head. She really hoped that was true. Pinkie was a great friend, but she had her own method of doing things. And that's what worried her. This job was too important to leave to chance. There were only three weeks to go before the fashion expo. Then it would begin. Over the next three weeks, Rarity spent most of her time at E.A.T. and with Dr. Rain. They spent most of their time supervising the decorations, so almost none of their conversations were recorded. In the evenings, he would personally drop her off at her residence at the Carousel Boutique. When Rarity wasn't there, Dr. Rain spent his spare time in his office. Twilight was frustrated that almost nothing he said was incriminating enough to get any dirt on him or had anything to do with the mysterious Project: Ascension that Mr. White had mentioned. To add insult to injury, Twilight was having less luck decrypting the file that had been recovered from Sunny Dale's terminal. It was so advanced to the point that whenever she made a mistake, the file would go on lock up for 24 hours and she would have to start again from scratch. It was driving her up the wall. It's ok, she thought to herself. After this operation, I will have what I need to nail them. I know I will. “Do you know how late it is?” Twilight looked up to see Spike at her office door. The purple dragon was leaning against the door frame, arms crossed, an eyebrow raised. “I need more time, Spike. I am so close to cracking this code. I need time.” Spike shook his head. “You need sleep. Come on. Listen to your number one assistant. The fashion show is tomorrow. You need to focus on that before you finish this.” Twilight stood upright in her chair. “The fashion show! I forgot! OHMIGOSH! If I'm not ready for tomorrow, then I won't be prepped for the job! And if I'm not prepped for the job, then I won't be able to coordinate with Pinkie Pie for the operation! And then everything will go wrong! And if everything goes wrong then ALL OF EQUESTRIA WILL BE DOOMED!!!” Spike walked behind the desk and looked Twilight in the eyes and slapped her across the face. It was one thing if Twilight was too tired, but it was another when she was wound up. When Twilight was in this state of mind, she was no use to anypony. Just one of the many duties as the Princess of Magic's Number One Assistant. Twilight shook her head. “Thanks, Spike. I don't know what came over me.” “You need sleep. Let's go, Your Highness.” Spike lifted her on his shoulders and carried Twilight out of the office to the secret bedroom Twilight kept around for late nights. One of the many perks of being a dragon, with growth came strength. He laid her on the bed and draped the covers over Twilight. She laid her head on the pillow and drifted off. “Big day tomorrow, Twi. Sleep well.” The next night would be a night nopony would ever forget. At the same time, across Equestria in the high towers of the capital city of Canterlot, Twilight's former mentor and now fellow Princess, Celestia also slept. While her sister, Princess Luna, kept watch over the night and all that slept, Celestia rested in her royal bedchambers. When it was time, she would rise with the dawn and resume her duties as Princess and watcher of Equestria's daytimes. Unlike Ponyville, a town on the rise to becoming a true city or Manehattan, a city where anypony could make it, Canterlot was purely upperclass. It was the city where the crème de la crème made roost. Ivory towers filled with snobs born with silver spoons in their mouths. Old money was the only way a pony could succeed here if they wanted to be something. In this city, augmentations had become more of a fashion statement. With Canterlot staying out of harm's way for most of the war, except for when the siege began, there were few ponies that were gravely injured, save for a bruised foreleg. But, when augmentations came around, suddenly it was the latest fashion trend as well as a brand new form of physical therapy. Though the former was the most utilized. This trend had also been the spark that lit the flame that attracted the Harvesters to Canterlot. Star-Metal, from his nest in Ponyville, had seen the opportunity and took it. Next to Ponyville, Canterlot was his golden goose and it was ripe for the plucking. As Celestia tossed and turned in her sleep, her new terminal, a gift from Twilight, switched itself on. It bathed the room in a sickly green glow, accompanied by a sharp and constant beep. After a few minutes, Celestia finally stirred. She opened one eye to see a “you got mail” sign flashing on the terminal screen. After dragging herself out of bed and hobbling over to the desk, Celestia opened the message. “I normally wouldn't do this, but things are getting too urgent. My associates have ordered no direct contact between our parties, but this bares a partnership. Warning: Keep an eye on the local Harvesters. I have been monitoring Canterlot Police Reports. Attacks have been getting less frequent in the Capital. Reason: they are beginning to move out. Not a good sign despite what you may think. New management is calling the shots. Something big is going down. Civil War big. Your protege is also in deep with E.A.T. My associates are keeping an eye on her, so no need to worry. I will keep in touch. Do not call me, I will call you. With love, Mr. Glory.” Celestia's eyes widened. The Harvesters were a problem, but it was a problem she and Luna felt best left to Law Enforcement. She had stayed on top of reports when it became clear this was not a problem that was going away anytime soon. Looking back, she realized that the Harvesters really had been getting quiet. Too quiet now that she thought of it. Now Twilight was involved in something at Equestrian Augmentations and Technologies. Whoever this Mr. Glory was, he was connected. Too connected. Celestia didn't like this. In the morning, she would have to talk with Luna about this before she turned in. Celestia had to know. She had to know if her country and her people were truly in danger. The night of the fashion show, the after party went off without a hitch. True to Pinkie's word, it was, in a word, amazing. The normally crowded main hall of the building was transformed from an office complex into the ballroom of a magnificent palace. The floor of the main hall had been replaced with a discotheque dance floor with flashing lights. There were sterling steel statues of Princess Celestia, Luna, and Twilight along the sides of the hall, multicolored lights all over the ceiling, and dance music blared out of the speakers in the ceilings replacing the muzak that the company usually played to give the building some atmosphere. In the center was a life sized ice statue of Celestia, or at least an Alicorn that looked like Celestia. Upon closer inspection, Twilight recognized it as the Alicorn on the logo of the building. At the back of the room, a large stage had been erected with a large sign behind it with the word, “Equality” written in large metallic letters. Among the many ponies, Twilight could distinguish a few notable faces, including Filthy Rich, a landowner/business pony, Vinyl Scratch, or as some called her, DJ Pon-3, and Photo Finish, the most famous fashion photographer in all of Equestria. She could also see a few of her friends. Fluttershy and Big Mac, having left the kids in the capable care of Granny Smith, were conversing with a group of ponies while Rarity toured around the room with Dr. Rain. She heard Spike give a grumble as they passed. Pinkie was no where in sight and that was perfect. As long as nopony noticed, the operation would not be jeopardized in any way. Rainbow had elected not to attend and Applejack was at the bar. Twilight sighed as she realized that it was an open bar as well. She was about to go to her when she heard the sound of feedback over the speakers. She turned to see Dr. Rain in the center of the hall with a microphone in front of him. He tapped it twice to make sure it was on. “Ahem, Mares and Gentlestallions, members of Equestria's social elite, thank you for attending tonight. I know we would not be here had it not been for the initiative of this lovely lady beside me: Ms. Rarity.” The spotlight focused on Rarity, who blushed and took a bow as the ponies in the room gave a polite applause. “Now, I would like to announce the following, this night is also for another purpose. In the weeks it took to prepare this, Ms. Rarity and I were in conference and we have decided to add an additional benefit to this night. As you might know, there are many ponies that have had terrible integration problems with my augmentations. Even with the distributed vaccine, they are still suffering problems. That is why this ball will double as a charity that I encourage you to contribute to. Now, I am not saying I am going to strong arm you into contributing, but all I ask is that you give a little to aid those that did not escape the war as unscathed as others did. Thank you all and enjoy the party.” A ring of polite applause sounded out from the gathered crowd and the guests went back to their revelry. As Twilight made her way to the bar, she heard an “Ahem” right beside her. She turned to see Mr. White wearing a black bowtie, giving a small smile at her. This was the first time she had seen him do that and Twilight felt uncomfortable at the sight of it. She wasn't sure if she preferred the stone faced Mr. White more. “Nice party, isn't it?” Twilight looked up at Spike who looked at her, shrugging. Was Mr. White trying to make small talk with her? “Umm, yeah. Nice. It is a nice party.” “Your friend really did keep her word. I hardly recognize the place.” “That's what I thought myself,” Twilight said. “Great minds think alike, wouldn't you say?” Mr. White raised an eyebrow. “By the way, speaking of your friend, Pinkie Pie, I haven't seen her around. You wouldn't happen to know where she is, would you?” Twilight swallowed. “Oh, Pinkie? She said that she would be late getting here. She had another party across town she had to work on. She'll probably be here later tonight. She wouldn't miss this for anything.” “Funny, she didn't mention another party when she was here.” Mr. White paused for a moment as if considering. “Eh, probably didn't feel the need to mention. Doesn't matter. Enjoy the party, Your Highness.” He nodded over towards Applejack at the bar. “Oh, and tell the General to go easy on the Apple Schnapps. This may be a charity party, but the company is still footing the bill.” Twilight raised an eyebrow. “I've wondered, why do you call her “General”?” Mr. White shrugged. “It's what she is. Right?” Twilight shook her head. “She was, but not anymore. The war's over.” A look of surprise came over Mr. White's face. “Oh, right. Sorry. Hard to turn it off sometimes. Still got soldier's instincts in me. I see authority, I must salute.” “What were you during the war?” “A soldier. What else?” White gave her a cyber-wink that made Twilight shudder. The red glow from his eyes was unsettling. “Do the augmentations hurt,” Spike asked, looking over Mr. White. “At times, but I'm one of the lucky ones not to experience integration problems. Only problems I get are aching or itching joints. For a while I had phantom limb syndrome, but I got through it. Now if you will excuse me, Your Highness, Dragon.” Mr. White looked up at Spike, nodded, and trotted off into the crowd. Spike bent down to Twilight's ear. “I don't like him. I don't know why, but I just don't like him.” “I know what you mean.” Twilight and Spike trotted over to Applejack at the bar. Applejack was on her fourth glass of Schnapps and it looked like she was about to tip out of her seat. She noticed Twilight coming up and gave a drunken smile. “Hey, Twi, Spike. How the heck are y'all doin'? Great party ain't it?” She reached for another glass and instead sent it tipping over the bar with a crash. “Oops. Sawry. Butterhooves.” She let out a drunken chuckle and banged on the bar. “Barkeep. Another. And keep 'em comin'!” Twilight shook her head at the barkeep and nudged Spike in Applejack's direction. Spike nodded and in one motion, picked up Applejack and swung her over his shoulder. Applejack's chuckle turned into a guffaw. “Come ooooooon, Twilight. Ah can handle myself just fine. Besides, it's a party! Everypony have fun! HOOOEEEE!” Twilight facehooved. No need for Pinkie when Applejack was in the house. Now there was a sentence she never thought she would ever have to say. Spike took Applejack to Fluttershy and Big Mac and explained the situation to them. Mac just motioned and Spike draped AJ over her big brother's back. The three ponies made their way out of the hall, Applejack singing all the way. With a drunken “Goodnight, Y'all!” they departed. Twilight realized something with a jolt. Pinkie! She'd forgotten to contact her in order to sync up. As she activated her concealed earpiece, she hoped Pinkie was in position by now. She hoped the plan was going well.
Chapter 7: Shield.EXEChapter 7 Shield.EXE At the same time that Twilight was having her conversation with Mr. White, Pinkie Pie was making her way through the hallways of the E.A.T. building. Clad in a black stealth suit, custom made by Twilight for her, Pinkie Pie tip-hoofed her way, being careful not to make a sound. As she rounded a corner, she took a peek to make sure there were no guards. She gave a grin to herself when she saw it empty and touched her hoof to her ear. Underneath the mask that concealed all but her large eyes, Pinkie spoke into a microphone attached to the stealth suit that was also in her ear socks. “Twilight, this is Pinkie. I am in.” “Pinkie, I know,” Twilight responded, exasperated. “You've been doing that every 5 minutes. I cannot keep doing this. Only alert me if you have made it to Rain's office. Please.” “Gotcha, Twi. By the way, how's the party going? Everything ship shape? Everypony like the food?” “Oh, yeah. Applejack loved the bar.” “I knew she would. She have any fun?” Pinkie heard a sigh. “Oh, yeah, she loved it so much that Fluttershy and Big Mac had to carry her home.” “OMG! Big Mac and Fluttershy were there?! Were the kids there? I've wanted to see them for a loooong time!” “Pinkie, they left them with Granny Smith.” “Awwww, I wanted to meet them-” “Pinkie,” Twilight cut in, her voice going up in volume. “Focus! I need you to get to Doctor Rain's office. I need you to access his personal files on his terminal. Please! Focus! I need you to do this. Can I count on you?” Pinkie stood still for a few moments. She hadn't meant to annoy Twilight. She just wanted to know how the party was going. She wasn't in her element unless she was at a party. At least that's how it used to be before the war. During the war, Pinkie had been the morale officer. It had been her job to go from camp to camp in order to entertain the troops with her musical shows so that the fear of the impending battles could be lifted from the troops' minds. While the troops were entertained by the Pinkie Pie Orchestra Rock Band, Pinkie commenced her real work as the Official Black Ops Agent of the Solar/Lunar Kingdom by infiltrating the enemy camps. It was thanks to the help of Pinkie that the Loyalists were able to stay two steps ahead of the Equalist Army. Many victories had been won thanks to Pinkie's work. The only time Pinkie's intel had been wrong was the timing for the attempted invasion of Canterlot near the end of the war. It had turned out that the intel that Pinkie had found, which led the Loyalists to believe that the Equalists would attack the capital at sundown on the Summer Solstice, was planted by the Generals for the Loyalist Spies to find. The attack came a week early at sunrise, leading to the Siege of Canterlot. While the Loyalists had won the battle, and by extension the war, Pinkie had sworn never to let her friends down again. Ever. She took a few moments to consider Twi's question before responding. She touched her hoof to her communicator and gave her answer. “Yes, Twilight. You can count on your old pal Pinkie. Enjoy the party.” She shut off the communicator and got back to the mission. She made her way through the halls, making her way towards the work area where she would have to find the main elevator that went up to Dr. Rain's office. As she rounded another corner, Pinkie found herself facing the back of two security ponies who were chatting while navigating the cubicles. One of them, a stallion, spoke up first. “I don't know why the Boss wants us up here. For Equestria's sake, nopony is going to leave that party to come up here in the middle of the night.” His partner, a mare, answered back. “Look, I don't wanna be up here anymore than you do. But the Boss gave us all strict orders to remain on the levels and that's what we are going to do. Besides, we aren't the only ponies on duty. Hey! What was that?” The mare spun around, her headlights illuminating the spot where Pinkie's hoof had touched down. Pinkie pressed her body against the cubicle wall, her chest heaving, all the while taking quick, silent breaths. She didn't dare peek around the corner to see if the mare had gone back to patrol. She did see the light pan back and forth as it scanned the walkway between the cubicle rows. A faint metallic whir grew into a constant whine of turning gears. Magi-tech weaponry. After a few seconds, just as the light was starting to come into contact with Pinkie, the stallion finally spoke up. “Lay off, Stone. It was probably just a mouse. I swear, those enhancements are making you twitchy.” The light retreated from Pinkie's sight as the mare called Twitch turned to face her partner, her voice indignant. “I am not being “twitchy”, Pad. My ears could hear a speck of dust hit the floor. I know I heard something... or somepony...” Pad spoke up. “Come on, Stone. It was probably just a mouse. This place is due for a sweep anyway. Let's go. We have to finish patrolling the floor. Come on. I don't wanna be here all night while you try to gun down a mouse. Besides, any property damage comes out of our paychecks.” A minute passed by while Pinkie waited for Stone to make her move. Finally, Stone relented and the whir of magi-tech gun barrels died down. As the two security ponies left, Pinkie held her position, not daring to breathe. When she heard the sound of a door closing in the distance, Pinkie let out a long sigh of relief. She made her way to the elevator on tip-hoof, making sure to glance right, left, forward, behind, up, down, and even diagonally so as she would not be surprised again. As she reached the elevator, Pinkie held out her hoof and extended it toward a port below the elevator button. As it neared the port, Pinkie sent a mental command through the neural implant that connected her to her stealth suit, allowing her to activate certain functions, as was Twilight's design. From the sleeve, a wire emerged and snaked its way into the port. As Pinkie waited, on guard, the hacker program worked its proverbial magic on the elevator. After a few seconds, a quiet ding was heard in the elevator shaft as the doors slid open. As Pinkie entered and pressed the office penthouse button, she hummed to herself and gazed out the glass window of the elevator. The sight of the city of Manehattan at night from a great height took her breath away. She had never seen a view like this before. The tower dwarfed all the surrounding buildings in Manehattan. It was like a forest of metal. And it was magnificent. Just as she was getting used to the view, Pinkie heard a ding behind her. She turned to see that the elevator had reached the top floor. As she tip-hoofed to the office door, Pinkie hummed her theme song to herself while looking right and left for signs of a possible ambush. Finding none, she opened the door to August Rain's office. As she looked around the room, Pinkie spotted her prize: August Rain's personal terminal. The final part of her mission to find and extract data from August Rain's terminal could begin. As Pinkie settled into the office recliner, she placed one end of a two headed wire jack into a small file drive from her pocket , the other end into the terminal port, the drive on the desk, and began the hacking process. The screen lit up as the hacking program activated the terminal, bypassing the password screen, the firewall, and opening all the files. Pinkie leaned back and waited for the hacking program to copy and download all the files from the terminal's drive. Almost immediately, however, the screen went black. Pinkie's eyes widened in alarm and she leaned forward to whack the screen a couple times. When that did nothing, she started to shake the screen back and forth. Finally, the screen lit up and a sentence in italics appeared on the screen. Greetings. I am Security program Shield.EXE. I am programmed to protect the Equestrian Augmentations and Technology mainframe from all that would attempt to do harm to it. Please state your name and intentions for attempting to hack into Dr. Rain's terminal. Pinkie raised an eyebrow as she stared at the screen for a few seconds, contemplating what to make of this. Finally, she gave a wide smile as she typed out a response in capitals. MY NAME IS PINKIE PIE. IT'S NICE TO MEET YOU, SHIELD.EXE. There was no response for about a minute. Afterwards, another response appeared onscreen. ...And you as well, Ms. Pinkie Pie. However, I must ask your reasons for attempting to hack Dr. Rain's terminal before I contact the authorities. WHY DO YOU WANT TO KNOW? WHY NOT CALL THEM NOW? There was a long pause before Shield.EXE answered Pinkie. Because nopony has ever tried doing so before and I am curious as to your motivations. Please answer before I fulfill my programming and report you to the authorities. DID YOU SAY YOU WERE “CURIOUS”? Yes, it is an odd thing. I must ask Dr. Rain to analyze my programming the next time he is here. I am not programmed to be curious. I am only programmed to be a security program. And to engage in conversation with Dr. Rain when he is lonely. Odd as well. I must ask him “why” as well. I am not meant to be anything more. Now, Ms. Pinkie, I must ask you: Why are you attempting to hack Dr. Rain's terminal? Pinkie pondered lying to Shield.EXE about her mission, but given that Shield.EXE was going to alert the authorities and she would be caught and eventually be traced to Twilight. Neither she nor Twi had anticipated a program of this caliber. The mission was a scrub. She had given her name, her past would be dug up. Ten years of hiding it and it took a program to get her. All she could do was smile and type. She didn't mind it. Besides, she kinda liked Shield.EXE. He... It was quite polite. She typed her response. I WAS ORDERED TO DO THIS BY PRINCESS TWILIGHT SPARKLE. WE BELIEVE THAT DOCTOR RAIN IS UP TO NO GOOD AND WE NEED HIS FILES. WE THINK THEY HAVE SOMETHING THAT COULD PUT ALL OF EQUESTRIA AT RISK. The response was not what she expected. Did you say “Princess Twilight Sparkle”? YEP! SHE'S MY BESTEST FRIEND IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD! ….I will copy and download the files to your file drive. I will make sure that you do not run into any security personnel on your way out. I will have to give a report to Dr. Rain and Security Chief Mr. White, of course, but your name and motive will be omitted. You have my word on that. WHY ARE YOU HELPING ME? You say that the files could contain information that is risky to Equestrian Security. I believe that the company itself is at risk as well as the country. I am programmed to protect and your mission is to protect this country. I cannot allow you to be caught. There was a brief beeping sound. File copy and transfer complete. You must hurry. Get out of here. Now. Get to Princess Twilight. Get that file drive to her. It will take a while for you to decrypt those files, but they contain valuable information for this company. Hurry. Now. Pinkie took the wire jack out of the port and the other end out of the file drive as the terminal shut down. She placed the drive in her pocket and bolted for the door. On her way out, the doors shut on her hair. She had let it down after relaxing the chair. It wasn't tight enough to pull her back, but it was enough to pull a few strand of her bouncy cotton candy colored hair out. As she reached the main elevator, an alarm sounded. For a moment, she was worried that Shield.EXE had betrayed her. That idea was disproven when the intercom blared out, “Armed Intruders in the Main Hall! Armed Intruders in the Main Hall! All security personnel protect the Main Hall!” Pinkie swallowed as she realized something awful. “Twilight! Rarity!” She pressed the elevator buttons with rapid succession. She hoped she could make it to the Main Hall in time to do something.
Prologues Parts 1 & 2Prologue 1 Concerning Equestrian History as documented by Royal Scribe and Historian Penn Inkwell 15 years ago, the people of Equestria saw a glorious development in our history: The bestowing of the title of Princess to the newly ascended Alicorn, Twilight Sparkle. However, while some greeted this special occasion with happiness, others looked upon it with growing suspicion. Many Earth Ponies were suspicious of the former student of Princess Celestia and whether or not this would become a growing trend. Whether or not more Unicorns had the capability of becoming like Twilight Sparkle... whether or not this was the start of a sinister Unicorn plot to take all of Equestria. Paranoia spread like wildfire among many non-magical ponies including a group of Pegasus Separatists. Protests against Twilight Sparkle taking up the crown and title of Guardian of Magic began to take place. At first they were peaceful with hardly any incident. As time went on though, the protesters felt they were not being heard and resorted to more desperate measures under the guidance of their leader, Soapbox Sal. Riots started to break out across Equestria with cries of “Dethrone the False Princess” and “Equality in Equestria” being heard across the land. Even when Twilight Sparkle tried to appeal to the herds of protesters she was shot down and called an abomination and a freak. Sometimes when she tried to help, she was called a blasphemer that had stolen the image of the “Goddesses”. Even the attempts of Twilight Sparkle's companions to end the riots failed. Ms. Fluttershy and Ms. Rainbow Dash tried to calm the Pegasus Separatists and dissuade their fears of being “invaded” by legions of Unicorns lead by Twilight Sparkle, but nothing helped. Ms. Pinkie Pie and Applejack appealed to the Earth Pony Equalists, as they called themselves, that Twilight Sparkle represented the hopes and dreams of all of Equestria, but they were shot down by Soapbox Sal as conspirators with the “False-Princess”. At the same time, the Royal Army of Equestria began to build up their defenses and arsenals. New types of weapons were created as if in preparation for a battle that was just on the horizon. News of a new technology being developed by the Ministry of Magi-Technology was released to the public. It was called “a firearm”. It had the ability to shoot projectiles utilizing gem magic and could be used by Unicorns, Pegasi, and Earth Ponies. These “firearms” were made in various types, from “pistols” to “rifles”. When word reached the public of this new development, tensions rose even higher. Rumors of a Unicorn Coup D'etat began to spread and the riots became more violent. Eventually, things got just much more worse. It had been three years since the protests had started when the final nail was driven into the coffin. At a rally, Soapbox Sal was assassinated by what appeared to be a Unicorn Magi-Tech weapon. This was the final spark on the powder keg. Cries for war were made and soon the Earth Pony Equalists and the Pegasus Separatists formed the First Equalist Army of Equestria and war began. For the next 2 years, Equestria was torn apart as family fought family. Lives were lost as the Equalists pushed forward across Equestria lead by three Separatist Generals, General Stormhoof, a Pegasus Mare, Former head of the Earth Pony Division of the Royal Army, General Salamander Red, and General Bloodmane, an Earth Pony and Salamander Red's apprentice. The 6 Heroines of Equestria and keepers of the Six Elements of Harmony soon found themselves embroiled in the War Effort with Princess Twilight Sparkle directing the Royal Canterlot Army, General Applejack and Flight Commander Rainbow Dash leading the Earth Pony and Pegasus armies, Ms. Rarity as the designer and taylor of Army Uniforms and armors, Ms. Pinkie Pie as Moral Officer and PR Pony, and Ms. Fluttershy as Head Medical Pony. It seemed as if the war would always continue. It was not until the Siege of Canterlot that the war saw an end in sight. Though armed with Zebra Shield Charms, fatigue and the lack of the ability to use proper magic were the causes of the Equalists' defeat. During the chaos, General Salamander Red was killed and General Bloodmane retreated. General Stormhoof surrendered to the three Princesses. The Equalist troops were granted amnesty while Stormhoof was put on trial and found guilty of treason against the Equestrian Government. She was imprisoned for life in the Canterlot Prison, where she remains to this day. Efforts have been made to find General Bloodmane so he may be brought to justice for rumored war crimes against Prisoners of War, but sadly he has not been found. Ten years have passed since the end of the War and Equestria is at peace. Though the scars on the land may heal, it is clear that the scars of war will never heal inside the hearts of ponies. Still, with the Six Elements of Friendship in our hearts and minds, we carry on towards the unknown. Penn Inkwell-Royal Scribe. Prologue pt 2 DJ Vinyl Scratch Radio Interview with Equestrian Augmentation and Technology Founder Doctor August Rain “GOOOOOOD AFTERNOON, EQUESTRIA! This is DJ Vinyl Scratch with News Updates morning, noon, and night to keep you little ponies up to speed with what is happening in the world! Today we have a special treat for you. For what is probably his first public interview, we here at Vinyl Scratch Radio have been graced with the presence of Equestrian Augmentation and Technology's Founder...” Snare Drum Roll “Doctor August Rain!” Studio Audience cheers “Doctor, it is quite an honor to have one of the most revered and respected ponies in all of Equestria here with us today.” “Thank you, Ms. Scratch. It is a pleasure to be here today, especially since it gets me out of that office of mine. I must say that your voice does nothing to compliment your loveliness.” “Tee-hee… Oh, stop it, Doctor. We are here to interview you today and my little ponies would love to get to know the stallion behind the commercials and the gossip columns. So, if you could answer some questions, I think they’d appreciate that. “Well, who am I to deny the public? Well, Ms. Scratch, fire away.” “First off, Doc: your cutie-mark. What’s it mean?” “Oh, this old thing. Well, as you know very well, a cutie-mark is what defines a pony's virtue. It is what shapes his or her destiny. What he or she is meant to be. Mine is a light bulb. My parents thought that this meant I was to be an electrician. That I was meant to work in a power plant or fix broken wiring. Well, I for one did not believe that was my destiny. I began to analyze my mark and then I realized that it meant so much more. It is a symbol of inspiration and knowledge. Of the will to make a dream become reality. To make a fantasy fact. This is what my cutie-mark symbolizes, at least to me it does. Anything else, Ms. Scratch?” “Well yeah, I do have some more questions to ask. You were an inventor before founding E.A.T. yet there are rumors that before the war, you were a medical pony. Tell me, are they true?” “Indeed they are. I realized that I would need a job before embarking on my dream, so I decided that if I was going to create a device that would aid ponies, I would need to learn the basics of medicine. So I quit my job as an electrician, my parents were not overly fond of that, and entered into medical school. I had just graduated in the studies of prostheses and was planning to take my idea to the patent office when it was announced that the Equalists had declared war upon the kingdom. I was drafted, of course, and sent to the front line as a medic. Obviously, I did not have time to work on my project in the medical tents. Eventually, I was wounded during a skirmish. My left hind leg was torn apart by a Pegasus mortar and was beyond repair. The bones were shattered and would have eventually caused the wounds to turn gangrene, so amputation was the only way to go. After the war, I had no clue what to do with my life until I realized that because of my idea, I could be my first patient. With a bit of funding from my family I was able to build my first prototype leg augmentation. With some fine tuning, I was not only able to build it, but was able to integrate it with my nervous system so that it would move and function like a normal leg, unlike a normal prosthetic leg. I took it to the patent office and eventually the Equestrian Science Council. They were so impressed that they gave me a grant to perfect my design, which you now see here today. I was able to create my own clinic that would aid veterans that had suffered the effects of war as I had. Two years later, I had expanded my single story clinic in Manehattan into a full building. Three years after that, my augmentation clinic had become an industry that serviced ponies with bad limbs, faulty organs, or those that simply wanted a... shall we say an upgrade. Artificial limbs, wings, organs; E.A.T. has it all. We even took steps to insure that nopony would have a problem with the implants, like my joint venture with VersaLife Pharmaceuticals to create a serum to combat the integration problems. We have even expanded into the Griffon Market by making augmented claws and paws. Even the Ministry of Magic and Technology has jumped onto the Augmentation Assembly train. But... I guess to answer your original question, I was a medical pony and in many ways, I still am.” “Very interesting, Doc. Very interesting indeed. Now tell me, what are your opinions of the recent protests by the group known as “Ponies for Purity”? “Ah, of course. The “terrorists” as the newspapers have dubbed them. They are nothing more than a group of protestors that see my inventions as “impure” or “evil devices that desecrate our bodies”. I do feel bad for their denouncement of my creation's true potential. The number of lives that they have saved are incalculable and if they are going to dwell on the negatives of my inventions, such as the integration problems, instead of focusing on the vast number of positives they have brought then I do not know what to do for them.” “Strong words, Doctor. Now before we sign off, I have a question: Is there a special somepony in your life? A nice mare, or a handsome stallion?” “Ha-ha-ha! It seems you are doing the tabloid's job for them, Ms. Scratch. I thought this was a 'news' show.” “Obligatory question, Doc. No offense” “None taken, Ms. Scratch.” “Well that is all the time we have, Doctor Rain. Thank you for your time. This has been very enlightening, getting to know the real you.” “It has been my pleasure, Ms. Scratch. I must admit that I am a bit of a fan of yours. This was a definite pleasure, but my head of security is waiting for me and he is a stickler for schedules. Same as me.” “That was Doctor August Rain, my little ponies, Owner and Founder of Equestrian Augmentations and Technology, the company that helped pull Equestria out of the ashes of war. Now sit back and relax to the lovely voice of Sweetie Belle, Equestria's Number One Song Idol!”
Chapter 2: Old Friends in a New AgeChapter 2 Old Friends in a New Age "Equestria Forever!" -Loyalists Battle Cry. “Do you have the implant? Does it have the file on it?” “Yes on both fronts, Sir.” “Were there any problems?” “None, Sir. She tried to run, but I made sure she did not get away.” “Perfect. Now are you sure that implant is the only possible place she could have the file?” “I believe so, Sir.” “You believe or you are positively certain? We need to make sure.” “I did not think to question her, Sir. And I don't think it will be possible to question her now.” “Well then just pray to Celestia and Luna we have the only copy. Because if that is not the only copy we are going to have a lot of problems and we cannot afford to raid the Ministry itself.” “I apologize then, Sir.” “*Sigh* Don't. Just hope that this is the last time we here about this incident.” Skies above Ponyville It was a lovely morning for flying. At least that's how it felt for Twilight Sparkle as she soared above Ponyville. How many times had she seen Rainbow Dash flying from below before becoming an Alicorn? Too many times to count. As the wind whipped through her mane, Twilight savored the moments of freedom before she had to get to work at the Ministry. She dived low towards the ground, picking up speed with a smile on her face. This was her morning ritual, utilizing the gift that she was given when Princess Celestia made her a princess. The gift of wings. The gift of flight. The gift of true freedom. Just before she collided with the ground, Twilight arched her body upwards and put on an extra burst of speed, flying straight up into the sky. Her wings beating against the winds furiously, Twilight began to laugh uproariously. This was true freedom. She would have to thank Rainbow Dash for the flying lessons the next time she saw her... whenever that was. She paused in mid-flight, hovering in the air, a look of regret on her face. Was it her fault she and her friends had drifted apart? It had been five years since Fluttershy's wedding, the last time the gang had been together. Even before that, they hadn't talked very much. The build up to the wedding the most the six of them had spent together since the war. Spike, her dragon friend and “number one assistant”, had been continuously pestering her to, “Call Applejack. Call Rarity. Call Fluttershy. Anypony. You need to get out again. Just like the old days.” And she would always reply, “That's the thing, Spike. I'm a Princess now. The old days... are gone.” She hated thinking that. “Spike's right,” she thought aloud. “When it comes to things like this, he is always right. I can never figure out how, but he is. When I get to work, I'll call Rainbow Dash. Yeah. I'll call her and see if she is free for a race. I bet I can surprise her, I have been practicing.” She smiled as she flew towards the Ministry of Magic and Technology building. It looked like a violet colored pillar of glass and steel reaching towards the sky, as if defying the very Earth itself. It was the tallest building in the city of Ponyville, though she read articles that the headquarters of E.A.T. in Manehattan was much taller than this. She was surprised that in the years since the building was erected and expanded, she hadn't visited it for herself. Work keeping her busy she guessed. As she landed in front of the Ministry building, she took a moment to admire it. How far had it come? First it was a place to monitor, study, and expand upon the practicing of magic. Now it was so much more. The monitoring and creation of their own augmentations. Magi-technology. A brand new field of expertise. The research staff was made of the finest minds in all of Equestria, scientist ponies, mages, and even newly discovered techno-mages. The creation of the terminal computer console had elevated Equestria further than it had been before. Probably as much as the invention of the augmentation. The ability to record, exchange and store information. It was one of her proudest creations. Before heading in, Twilight smoothed out her mane in case it had gotten messed up during the flight. She straightened her medallion, upon which was her cutie-mark: a six pointed star against a violet background. She then reached into her saddlebags and took out her tiara. The facade was complete. Time to get into character for the day. As she entered the main hall, the receptionist stood up and bowed. “Your Highness. How are you this morning?” “I'm well, Bon-Bon. Thank you. Any calls this morning?” “As a matter of fact, yes. The Zebra Nation Ambassador would like to schedule a meeting to discuss Magi-tech trade shipments. The Royal Army has also requested a confirmation on a new weapons demonstration for later this week. We have also received notice from the leader of Ponies for Purity that the demonstrations around the city will not cease until our augmentation productions are shut down. Also, the Chief of Ponyville Police is here to speak with you concerning an... incident as she put it.” Twilight's ears perked up at the mention of the Chief of Police. “Here? As in right now?” Bon-Bon nodded. “She is in your office waiting for you. I told her that you would be busy, but she insisted that it was urgent. I apologize for the short notice, Your Highness.” “No, no. It is fine. I will see her immediately.” As she entered the elevator to her office, Twilight's mind was racing. Applejack was here. She was so happy. One of her best friends. She hoped they would have time to catch up. It would be so great to find out what AJ was up to. When she got to her office, she saw that Spike had already arrived before her. Even after all these years, it still amazed her how much Spike had grown. The once tiny purple dragon was now nearly twice the size of a full grown pony. Not nearly full grown, but for his age he was pretty big. “Good morning, Spike,” she smiled. “And how is my number one assistant doing this morning?” Spike gave a toothy grin. “Feeling good. You have a visitor.” He smiled. “AJ's waiting for you.” Twilight nodded. “Thanks. I need you to put my appointments on hold for now.” Spike nodded in turn. “You got it, Boss.” She smiled, adjusted her tiara, and entered her office. Applejack was waiting next to Twilight's desk, tapping her hoof on the ground impatiently. Twilight gave a grin. “Been waiting long, Chief? Or would you prefer to be called 'Sheriff'?” “Ah'd prefer to be called 'Applejack' or 'AJ', Twi.” Applejack spun around, surprising Twilight with her haggard looks. The once healthy and hearty mare looked like she hadn't slept in a long time. She would have to talk to her about that, but for now it was just good to see a friend again. She wrapped her wings around Applejack in a big hug that Applejack returned, showing Twilight that her strength had not changed either. “Been too long, Sugar Cube. Seems like yesterday this buildin' was being erected. Heck, seems like yesterday that we were at Fluttershy and Big Mac's weddin'.” “I know, I know. I have been meaning to contact you guys, but I have been busy... being a Princess and keeper of magic and all. But enough about me. What about you?” She sat behind her desk. “Ah've been fine, Twi. Been busy myself, what with the Harvesters and all.” “Yeah, I've been reading about them in the Ponyville Gazette. Didn't Princess Celestia send consultants to aid in the investigations?” “She did, but nothing was turned up. They eventually gave up and left the investigation to us. Good riddance Ah say. Actually the Harvesters are why I came here to see ya. There was another Harvester attack... and the victim was one of yer employees.” Twilight was taken aback. “Who... who was it?” “Her name is... was Sunny Dale. Unicorn. Had a neural and foreleg implant stolen. It happened last night. I only just learned of it this mornin'. I thought it best that I let you know about her instead of sending one of my officers.” Twilight sunk back into her chair rubbing her forehead. “I see. Thank you, Applejack. Have you alerted her family?” “Not yet. I left that duty to one of my officers. Why do ya ask?” “I will be the one to let her family know of her death. I am her employer. I should be the one to let them know.” Applejack nodded. “I'll let my officer know. Is there anything else you need to know?” Twilight shook her head. “No. I understand perfectly. Thank you, AJ.” Applejack smiled and got to her hooves. “Well, glad to be of service, Citizen,” she said with a smile. “Let me know if you need anything else.” She turned to leave. “Wait, Applejack. It... was good to see you again.” Applejack turned and smiled. “It was good to see ya too, Twi. Have you really not contacted the gang over the past five years?” Twilight lowered her head and nodded. “Ya really should. Fluttershy's young'ns are pretty darn cute. Ah know she and Big Mac would love to hear from ya. Oh, have ya seen Princess Cadence recently?” Twilight lowered her head at the mention of that name. “...No. Not since the... funeral.” Applejack was silent for a moment before her eyes widened. “Oh, right. I'm so sorry, Twi. I don't know how I could have forgotten about that. I'm... I'm sorry.” Twilight shook her head. “It's ok, AJ. Really. It's been ten years. I've moved on. I've just been busy. I am a princess after all.” She smiled, hoping that would be enough to end the conversation. Applejack just stared at her for a moment. She narrowed her eyes as if she were unconvinced of Twilight's explanation. Finally, she nodded and turned away simply saying, “When you're ready, Ah'm here for ya. Also, call the gang up, especially Dash. She ain't been the same since... well I don't gotta tell you. I think she needs someone like you to talk to. Ah'll keep you updated on the investigation, Ah promise.” “Thanks. Good luck with it.” As Applejack closed the door while saying goodbye to Spike, Twilight Sparkle sunk back in her chair. This is heavy. That poor mare. I have to find out more about this. She straightened herself up and activated her intercom. “Spike, I need you to help me with a couple of things.” “Sure thing, Twilight. What do you need?” “I need you to contact Sunny Dale's family for me. Tell them everything that has happened and that the authorities are looking into it as we speak.” “Sure thing, Twilight. I'll get right on that. Anything else?” “No, no. It's all right. I have a few things to work on. Oh, and remind me to contact Rainbow Dash later.” “Oh, sure. ...Any particular reason why?” “No, no. I just think that I need to get in contact with an old friend. Just to check up.” There was a moment's pause before Spike's voice came back over the intercom. “I understand, Twilight. I'll remind you later. I promise.” “Thanks, Spike.” Twilight switched off the intercom and turned to her terminal to begin the day's work. Her horn glowed and the screen flickered on, giving the complimentary “Good Morning, Princess Twilight Sparkle” in bright green text. It would be hard to get into focus after all that had been piled onto her, but Twilight Sparkle had dealt with hardships before and she had always come through. Even before coming to Ponyville, Twilight Sparkle had been known as a workaholic and a bookworm. She had been studious and shut off from the outside world with Spike being her only constant companion and friend, all the while trying to prove to her mentor and teacher, Princess Celestia. Looking back on those years, Twilight realized how lonely she had really been without friends beyond Spike. She had initially been against going to Ponyville, seeing it only as Princess Celestia not taking her warnings about the impending return of her fallen sister, Princess Luna, seriously. However, Ponyville had become the best thing to have ever happen to her. Thanks to the assignment, she had met her future friends-for-life, found the mystical Elements of Harmony, restore Princess Luna from her Nightmare Moon persona, and was able to find a true home in Ponyville. And that had only been the start of her adventures with her friends. So many adventures indeed. A journey to remove a great dragon, the arduous task of Winter Wrap-up, the disastrous Grand Galloping Gala, and her big brother's wedding-turned Changeling Invasion. Her brother... Twilight shook her head and went back to her terminal to look through the hundreds of messages. There would be time for trots down memory lane later. For now, she had responsibilities to the ministry and to Equestria. As she sifted through the messages, she found a mixed bag. Most of them were department reports, reminders of upcoming company inspections, and a few “spam” messages. Twilight swore that she would one day track the pony down that had created these messages and find a way to prosecute him or her. She had opened one and it infected her terminal with a virus. She'd had to reboot the system to purge it. She was not going to fall for the Zebra Prince Inheritance scam again. After deleting the last spam message, Twilight found a very unfamiliar message. It wasn't a report, a reminder, nor an invitation from a dignitary. It was simply marked, “Do not reply- Pony X”. She scanned it with her virus detection spell and found nothing. She opened it to find a simple message. I am sorry for the loss of your employee. Do not let the file be lost. It is the fate of Equestria. Do not reply. Do not contact. Beware. They are watching. -Pony X. Twilight's jaw dropped in surprise. There was more to the murder after all. She had to contact Applejack right away. Her hoof went straight to her intercom and turned it on. “Spike,” she said, her voice filled with urgency. “Spike, are you still there?” “Twilight? Yeah, of course I am here. What's wrong?” “Have you contacted Sunny Dale's family with the bad news?” “I just got off the communicator with her mother. ...She didn't take it well. Understandable really.” “Good. ...That you contacted them I mean. Spike, I need you to call Applejack and tell her I have something for her. Then I need you to contact Sunny Dale's supervisor and have all the data files from her terminal downloaded and secured. I want her work desk thoroughly searched. I want everything that is found to be brought to me as soon as possible. Then I need you to put me through to Rainbow Dash.” “Rainbow Dash? Why do you want to contact her?” “I got a message. I think Sunny Dale was in contact with somepony. I think that it got her killed. The message said that the file that got her killed was the fate of Equestria. If that is true this is a matter of national security. I need everypony I can trust. ...That includes Flight Commander Rainbow Dash. Do you understand me, Spike?” For what seemed to be an eternity there was silence. Twilight began to think that Spike had left. After a few moments, Spike's voice came back on the intercom. “I understand, Twilight. It will be done... Your Highness.” That last word struck Twilight Sparkle hard. Had her tone really been that commanding? She hadn't thought so. She was just giving out an urgent request. It was her job after all. “Thank you, Spike. Let me know when you get replies from Applejack, Sunny Dale's supervisor, and Rainbow Dash. That will be all.” She slumped back in her chair. What had she gotten herself into? What was going on? Elsewhere Fire. The Capital was on fire. Canterlot was burning. The buildings were crumbling as fire and explosions erupted all around them. Civilians and soldiers alike were screaming in agony. Their bodies were either burning to a crisp or were torn apart from the blasts. And there was nothing that Rainbow Dash could do about it. She hovered in the air, a look of despair upon her face. She knew that she had to do something, but she could not move. She tried pushing forward, but her body was held in place as if she were tied up. She tried calling for her friends to come and help her, but no words were spoken. She could only look and watch as the Capital of Equestria, the once proud city and symbol of the country's strength, was destroyed. Rainbow Dash felt tears form in her eyes. Tears of despair and helplessness. It was over. There was nothing she could do except watch. Then a scream came from below her. She looked down to see the horrific sight of the bodies of her five best friends strewn about the city streets. Pinkie Pie was dead with a gunshot would to the head, her tongue hanging from her mouth as blood soaked into her bright pink coat. Rarity was impaled upon her own horn, as if a soldier had ripped it off her forehead and stabbed her with it. Applejack's body was beaten and crushed beyond recognition with only her three apple cutie-mark giving any hint to her identity. Fluttershy's head had been severed and was several feet from her body which lay twitching. Twilight Sparkle was still barely alive with a spear right through her middle. The scream had come from her. Her wings had been cut off, leaving bloodied stumps. She looked at Rainbow Dash, her mouth full of blood. No words came out, but her eyes seemed to ask, “Why? Why couldn't you help us?” Rainbow Dash tried to reply, but she couldn't say anything. Twilight's eyes rolled back in her head as she slumped to the ground, a gurgle of blood spurting from her mouth. The tears became a river as Rainbow Dash sobbed. She had failed. Failed her home, her friends, and herself. It was over. “It hurts doesn't it, Commander?” Rainbow Dash spun around to see a horrific sight. It looked like an Alicorn that was covered head to hoof in blood. At least it looked like an Alicorn. It was larger than Princess Celestia or Princess Luna by only a few inches with a long horn extending from its forehead. Bat-like wings flapped in the wind, sending out drops of blood in all directions. The voice was deep and masculine. However, it was the eyes that got her attention though. Unlike the rest of its body, the eyes were pale white. White as the clouds in Cloudsdale. No pupils or irises. Just white. It then smiled at Dash. “Seeing all that you loved and fought for destroyed. Seeing your dear, dear friends killed like animals. It hurts doesn't it?” Rainbow Dash could only nod somberly as she closed her eyes. “Then perhaps I should relieve you of your suffering.” It raised its front hooves to show that it didn't have hooves at all, but claws and talons like that of a Griffin. One claw grabbed Rainbow Dash and held her in place as it raised its other one high into the air. She didn't struggle. It was the end. The claw came sweeping down across her face, taking out her left eye. The Alicorn laughed uproariously. Rainbow Dash screamed as a constant piercing sound came out of nowhere. Her right eye snapped open. With a jolt, Rainbow Dash sat up in her bed and looked around her room. She looked around for the source of the noise until she found her alarm clock. She shut it off and began panting furiously. It was just a dream. She was safe in Cloudsdale. The war was over. They had won. She looked in her mirror to confirm it. Her left eye was still gone with an ocular implant in its place. She lifted her cybernetic right foreleg as if to check if it were still there. She flexed her wings, checking on the left cyber wing to make sure it hadn't been damaged during the night. The sky blue Pegasus was, for better and for worse, still in one piece. Former Flight Commander Rainbow Dash looked over the majestic city of Cloudsdale. Floating high above the cities of the Earth Ponies and Unicorns, the literal city of clouds was a testament to the ingenuity of Pegasus Ponies. While the three races could interact on the land, Cloudsdale was solely a sanctuary for the Pegasi. It was the central hub and source of the weather of Equestria where the Pegasi worked around the clock to plan out the weather for each day. It was nothing less than a privilege and a Pegasus' duty to ensure that the weather was made possible. Rainbow Dash straightened out her eponymous colored mane as she made her way into the kitchen. As she got out some Orange Juice, she took a moment to look at herself in the mirror again. Five years later and she still had a difficult recognizing herself in the mirror. Even with the augmentations, she still felt like something was missing. She understood why her friends had commissioned E.A.T. to help her and she certainly did not prefer to go back to the times after the war when she was an invalid. It all just felt... unnatural to her. I never asked for all this, she thought to herself. Then again, none of us did. She shook her head and poured a glass of juice. Just before she could take a drink, a ringing sound erupted from her terminal. She switched it on to find the smiling face of Twilight Sparkle. “Hey, Rainbow Dash. It's been a while, hasn't it,” Twilight asked, her eyes darting back and forth as if she were attempting to avoid eye contact with Rainbow's cybernetic eye. “It certainly has, Twilight. So, to what do I owe the 'honor' of being contacted by the Princess and Keeper of Magic?” Twilight's gaze finally centered and took on a more serious look. “Rainbow, we have a situation. I think that Equestria is in danger... again. I need you to meet me at the Ministry of Magi-Technology today. I have something to show you and Applejack.”
