Chronicles of Luna: Future Past Equation

Chapter 8: Correlation

“Woooow” Pinkie exclaimed, wide eyed.

Luna herself was less enthused but equally impressed.

Clearly this had been in the works for some time, but likely haven’t had an Alicorn available, not until Luna that is, to fine-tune the track.

Compared to old track Luna had been previously, the stark white and gray walls, with accompanying white flooring, all dust free and nearly over lit, gave the all too apparent impression of the newest in testing the abilities of the extremely rare Alicorn species.

“ Alright, Platinum Gladiola, you have my complete and undivided attention.” Luna announced, not needing confirmation of Gladiola’s electronic presence.

She received it anyway.

“ Good, then I should be able to get clear and viable data on this inaugural test run. Oh, I’ve had a fair idea on the physical and magical capabilities of Alicorns, but you are proving to be most helpful in piecing together…”

“I Solved It!” Pinkie exclaimed from the other side of the test chamber.

And sure enough, she had. All the proper checkpoints had been cleared, allowing the exit door to open.

Luna smiled, realizing, and remembering, exactly what she had.

“Gladiola, I don’t think you two have been properly introduced. She is Pinkamena Diane Pie, baker and party pony, Element of Laughter for the Elements of Harmony, and unfortunately for you, an unparalleled external influence of the data you wish to collect. A defiance and deviation to every logical process you hold close. And the kind of friend I need in a situation like this.”

Pinkie took Luna’s speech in stride.

After frustrating Twilight’s endeavors to scientifically understand Her Pinkie sense, the fact that other ponies have had to accept her unique capabilities came to the forefront of Pinkie’s attention.

Well for a week anyway.

Now, however, the very thing that made many ponies think she was a silly, and weird, pony was now proving extremely useful to Princess Luna.

Pinkie had to be happy about that, but it was clear she would have to talk to the princess about what happened earlier.

*****

This was unacceptable.

That was the primary thought going through Gladiola’s mind.

Standard deviation was one thing, but that pink pony was ruining any viable data.

Never mind that her sister being forced into continuing the testing on the new track, which was a personal matter.

The possibility of attaining full scientific testing data on Alicorns had just gone out the window.

The baseline data Gladiola got from earlier may have given a far clearer estimate as to their abilities, but with only four to choose from, this would have been a monumental achievement for the scientific community.

This Pinkamena Pie, regardless of what she was, would be no easy problem to solve.

Inkabeth and herself would have to have a long conversation over her sister when this was over.

****

“Okay, it looks like power’s up to 20%, sir. That restores a majority of internal communications, certain modular wall hydraulics, some lights. Most of that revolves around the current main test track, alongside ventilation, and primary power functions.” One of the maintenance staff relayed to Lead Balloon, via the facilities external analytics network.

The hundreds of ponies evacuated from the complex had slowly been leaving for their homes; it was apparent that nothing was going to be figured out until tomorrow morning.

It did help quell the massive number of rumors that had accumulated since the alarm and order to evacuate had been given.

The drama concerning Gladiola, her sister, and Princess Luna, had continued with out their tuning in, but developments weren’t forthcoming, with no communications outside the complex walls.

As he reflected on this, a new commotion started with the staff.

After clearing out the crowd he saw what it was all about: Mobius Chain, Velvet Violet, and two differently aged gray mares exiting through the main doors.

Notably absent was Princess Luna, signifying nothing hopeful.
*****

Pinkie was having a grand ol’ time with Princess Luna.

Between the two of them these rooms were getting done lickety split.

They were already on the seventh Test track.

That Gladiola pony hadn’t said a word to them after Luna’s speech, but Pinkie knew she was watching; she could feel her eyes in every camera, and she wasn’t happy.

It was too bad really; these test cambers thingies really pretty fun.

About the only thing that would have made them better was if they had a snack cart in between the tracks, She was really starting to get hungry.

Luna looked like she could use a serious snack as well, her eyes had a drawn out look to them.

Not helping was the time; Luna was probably used to staying up all night, and Pinkie had spent numerous nights partying and playing until the sun came up, but this was very different. There was punch and cookies and cake and dancing and games all those other times.

*****

Sunflower’s progress had been more brisk this time around.

She really didn’t have any choice in the matter; Gladiola had made sure that she kept pace this time around.

Between the modular floor and wall paneling pushing her forward, and her sister’s severe goading and browbeating infuriating her, it was clear that Sunflower wasn’t going to talk her way out of this.

Gladiola’s previous crack about Sunflower being worse than a shark as she entered her most recent test chamber had really upset her.

It had helped push Sunflower into finishing the room as fast as possible, but it was clear she was slowing down.

As she pushed the cube onto another large button on the floor, her vision was starting to blur, a sign she needed to be asleep long ago.

Sunflower wasn’t sure exactly what hour it was, or even how much time had passed since this all started.

She would have to hide between the test track exit and elevator and hope Gladiola wouldn’t notice long enough for her to get some much needed rest.

*****

Luna had been taken by surprise when Pinkie had simply fallen over and went to sleep.

Luna hadn’t realized immediately but should have at least suspected, that even a pony like Pinkie Pie had to stop sometime.

Stopping at this point was the only option for either of them; a much-needed break was in order.

Luna also had the inkling that Gladiola was very near the same point, if not asleep already: she may have the mannerisms of a machine, but she was still a living, breathing pony like so many others.

Besides, there was so much more Luna could do at this point: She did after all have the ability, and duty, to enter the dreams of ponies throughout all of Equestria, and as such could make her argument much more convincingly; when she had the capacity to interpret a ponies dreams and make them face their problems in a clear fashion.

Scootaloo had been one of the more recent, and surprisingly easy examples. It did Luna good to know that the outcome of her intervention had come with such positive results.

Hopefully similar results would occur.

Luna closed her eyes, summoned the spell with her mind as her horn glowed, and prepared to enter the realm of dreams.