Imperiumby Sam ColeChaptersUser InterfaceWaypoint: GriffonyWaypoint: MosCowUser: FluttershyUser InterfaceImperium By Sam Cole Chapter 1: User Interface Nothing compares to the world of dreams. Nothing could ever hope too. Dreams are where you are in control. Where you are alive. Where you’re safe. So what happens when that all changes? What happens when your most privileged time is robbed from you by unwanted eyes? [Subject online. Systems nominal. Please identify system] “What? Who said that? Giant book, was that you?” Twilight muttered to the nearly three ton tome in front of her. [Invalid inquiry. Please identify system] “Are- are you asking who I am?” Twilight asked of the odd voice. She could have sworn it sounded almost mechanical. But the mare was having issues placing it. [Affirmative. Please identify system] “I- I’m Twilight. Twilight Sparkle…” [Searching… Match found. Twilight Sparkle, House of Star. System calibrated] “I have no idea what you’re talking about, mysterious voice,” Twilight demanded of the voice as politely as she could. “What is going on?” [Valid inquiry. System: Master Control has uploaded new software patch to existing hardware {TWILIGHT}] “What?” [System has been prepared. Time is 0800. Wake up sequence initiated] “Wait-” Twilight began till the loud ringing cut through her unconscious. With a start, Twilight jerked up from her bed, eyes wide as she threw her gaze around the room. “Wait!” “Wha… Wait for what?” Spike groaned from his bed. “The… the… oh thank goodness, it was just a dream.” Twilight sighed in relief as she shut off her alarm. “I just had the weirdest dream, Spike.” Twilight smiled as she awaited a response, but her expectations were cut short as she heard the dragon begin to snore again. Figures. Twilight wasted no time on the slumbering drake as she got up and attended to her day. It was pre scheduled as per-protocol, and a very simple day at that. She was planning to run an experiment in botany today, namely finally initiating a small flower garden. After a nice shower and morning nutrition intake, Twilight set out on her mission. She started to walk out the front door but stopped. “Hmm. Primary Objective: initiate flower garden. Sub-Objectives: acquire seeds and tools.” She paused. With a hum and a few rapid blinks, she continued. “Secondary objective, be polite and cordial to all life forms. Begin sequence.” Twilight happily told to no pony as she set out her door with a smile on her face. Twilight smiled for all the life forms she passed, waved at friends, and enjoyed the day. It was a beautiful day after all, and everything was in the green , operating smoothly and at peak efficiency. Twilight was happy for planning to enjoy it outdoors for once. She arrived at WAYPOINT: Market at 0900 hours and began looking for Daisy. She had placed an order for daisies to transplant in her small flower garden the day prior. But she was stopped by a familiar voice as she initiated the search. “Well hey Twilight! How ya doin sugarcube?” Applejack greeted as Twilight trotted through the market. “Hello Applejack. I’m doing great, how are you?” “Doin just fine, thank ye. Say, Ah just got in a fresh harvest of red delicious. Want some?” “Error, request does not meet preassigned prerogative. Cannot deviate from task list.” Twilight said in a clear monotone, her expression blank. “Perogo what?” Applejack chuckled. “Twi, if yer gonna stay up all night reading physics books again, give me a warnin.” “Request registered.” Twilight said in a manner equal to her first. “Thanks. Take care sugarcube,” Applejack laughed as her friend said her peace and trotted away. Once her friend was clear from the stall, Applejack let a sigh. “Sometimes Ah don’t get that mare…” Twilight though was unphased, carrying on as if nothing had happened. It was such a nice day, and all data points were once again in the clear, no longer plagued by conversation or social cues. “Oh, hello Darling!” Rarity called out as Twilight was passing her home. “Where are you off to this morning?” “Hello Rarity. I’m picking up supplies to make a flower garden today.” Twilight smiled her friendly smile. “That sounds lovely, dear. Would you mind if I tag along?” “Please.” Twilight chuckled. “Excellent, let me just grab my purse,” Rarity smiled as she stepped back from her door. “Error, cannot wait. Carry on with sequence.” Twilight said in her cold voice once more. Before she could step off though, a voice stopped her. “I will only take a second. Surely you can be polite enough to wait?” Rarity said in a mock polite voice. “Request registered. In line with Secondary objective. System waiting.” Twilight said in her even tone to the slight confusion of the white mare. “Twilight? Are you alright?” “I’m great Rarity. How are you today?” Twilight smiled warmly. “I’m fine… Thank you…” Rarity muttered as she levitated over her bit purse. “Shall we be off?” “Acknowledged.” Twilight smiled as she and Rarity set out, though Rarity kept looking to Twilight, trying to figure out what was up with the poor girl. “Soooo… How have you been?” Rarity asked lamely. “Since last we saw each other 14 hours ago, I have slept, showered, brushed my teeth, utilized the-” “Okay Twilight, too much information,” Rarity nervously chuckled. “What has gotten into you? Did you lose a bet with Pinkie?” “I was unaware something was ‘in.’” Twilight chuckled back. But something was off. Call it timing, or flow, or cadence. Something about her, about that sentence itself really, was incorrect. “Twilight, something is not right here. What is going on?” Rarity urged as she tried to stop Twilight’s walking. But the lavender mare would not have it. “Error, cannot interrupt sequence. I’m sorry Rarity.” “Twilight, stop this!” Rarity demanded. And so Twilight did. A complete halt on all system actions. Twilight slumped to the ground, her stare blank and unmoving. “Twilight!” Rarity shrieked as she rushed forward, grabbing the mare in her mana to look at her. “Twilight, speak to me!” “Command registered. Hello Rarity. Are you the primary user for this unit?” “What the hay does that mean?” “Are you the sole user for system C: TWILIGHT?” “Twilight, what has gotten into you? What is going on?” “Invalid query. That information is restricted to admin only.” “What? Listen Twilight, I’m your friend, and I care about you. So please tell me what is going on,” Rarity said as softly as she could manage, bringing Twilight to her chest to help calm the lavender mare. “Request invalid. That informat-” “Damn it, Twilight! Just tell me. I have the right to know as somepony that loves you, alright?!” “Processing… Request granted. Admin status applied to Grace, Rarity Ann.” “Twilight, you’re scaring me.” Rarity sobbed as she held the mare close. “Tell me what’s going on. What happened to you?” “System C: TWILIGHT was activated today at 0000 hours. At 0755, unit software patch was enabled. System has yet to establish default admin. Is this you, Grace, Rarity Ann?” “Activated? What do you mean by that?” “Invalid query. That in-” “Yes, damn it. I’m the default admin!” Rarity screamed as she gathered a crowd of curious onlookers. “If that’s what it takes to get through to you, I am the default admin.” “C: TWILIGHT. Admin: Grace, Rarity Ann.” “Stop calling me that. Just call me-,” Rarity pleaded with her still limp friend. “Miss Rarity, is she alright?” “Name set, Miss Rarity.” Twilight informed with her thousand yard stare. “I don’t think so. Please help me get her to the hospital,” Rarity urged as she lifted Twilight up and onto another’s back. “You’re going to be fine dear.” “Request acknowledged.” Today had started out so nicely for the white mare. She had a nice workout, a good breakfast, and shipped out the last large order she had been working on. Today was going to be her first day off in quite some time actually, and Rarity was looking forward to it. So it fit that all of those plans would be ruined by something like this. It was just bound to happen that some insanity would inject itself into her life as if it belonged there all along. So now, after a great morning, Rarity found herself sitting around the waiting room of Ponyville General, tapping her hooves unsteadily as she tried to remain calm. “Yo, who’s here for the coo-coo one?” One stallion with a limp and cain demand. “I am sir. Are you one of her doctors?” “No, I just like walking around hospitals shouting random things like your friend there. Of course I’m her doctor. Call me Horse.” “Dr Horse, is she going to be alright?” Rarity stammered. “Perfectly healthy,” Horse nodded. “As crazy as the Everfree Forest, but otherwise she’s good.” “Can I- can I see her?” Rarity asked. Horse shrugged and pointed her toward her friend. Rarity took off at a gallop, finding the room easily thanks to Twilight sitting inside demanding to be released. “System has encountered an error in operation of sequence: Flower Garden. Please allow this program to be completed.” “Twilight?” Rarity nervously asked from the doorway. “May- May I come in?” “Miss Rarity, welcome back,” Twilight smiled. “Would you like me to continue to perform task: Flower Garden?” “No Twilight, the garden can wait,” Rarity whispered as she cautiously approached her friend. “Acknowledged.” “Twilight, what happened to you? Yesterday you were normal?” Rarity sobbed as she reached out and took her friends hoof. “All systems are well within operational conditions,” Twilight said nonplussed. “Twilight, please. They think you’re crazy. Please just speak normally for them. Prove you’re not insane.” “Of course,” Twilight said in a tone rich with concern and care. Rarity jerked up upon hearing her friend so clearly, sure this was all now some sort of joke. “I’ll do as you ask, Miss Rarity.” “And there we have the crazy again,” Rarity muttered. “Twilight, what happened?” “I was activated last night,” Twilight said plainly. “Some system settings are still being transferred. DNA can store so much information, well over one terabyte per strand.” “Why do you only respond to me?” Rarity pleaded, not wanting to question Twilight on DNA in case the mare decided to lecture her. “Because you’re my default user!” Twilight smiled as Rarity glared at her. “My master, if you prefer that title.” “A- Are you messing with me?” Rarity snorted in anger, dropping Twilight’s hoof as she folded her forelegs over her chest. “No. I am incapable of lying to you, Miss Rarity. You’re my user, after all.” Twilight smiled. It was a somewhat dorky smile. A smile that could only be called Twilight’s. “Twilight, please. Do you remember anything that could help me right now. The last normal thing you can remember?” “My last memory, pre update, is of a dream I had last night. I was reading a giant book, when this odd voice spoke to me. I was asked to identify, which I complied with. When I woke up, I began to run my new operating system with optimal efficiency!” “Twilight, you’re not making any sense,” Rarity groaned, taking one of the lavender hooves between her own again in a very fickle grasp. “I’m sorry, Miss Rarity.” Twilight said with what should have been concern. It sounded like concern. But Rarity could tell it was empty, hollow, artificial. “Is the real Twilight even still in there?” Rarity managed to ask while tears welled up in her eyes. “Of course,” Twilight happily sang. “All memories and system settings are being transferred over to the new operation system as we speak.” “You really believe you are a computer now, don’t you?” Rarity asked, stifling a sob. “Because I am.” Twilight smiled. “No, you’re not!” Rarity cracked, squeezing Twilight’s hoof hard. “You’re my best friend! You like to read books and practice magic, and spend time with your friends! You are a living, breathing pony, Twilight! Not a cold, heartless machine!” “Miss Rarity, I am fully aware of my organic nature and conditions that comes with.” Twilight stated for a matter of fact. “If you would like me to replicate my vocal response settings and user interface settings to mirror those of my previous operating system to best aid in your transition, I can do that for you.” “I… sure, why not?” Rarity sighed, giving up hope. “Okay!” Twilight smiled in a very cheerful way. “All systems are now running at peak efficiency. Would you like to register your WINRAR license at this time?” “What does that even mean?” Rarity groaned. “I don’t understand the question... Would you like to-” “No Twilight. I do not want to register anything.” “Understood.” Twilight nodded as her stomach began to rumble. “I’m hungry. Would you like to get lunch, Miss Rarity?” “But you’re in the hospital, Twilight,” Rarity urged. “Problem located. Dr Horse, I wish to check myself out seeing as I am not in any physical pain or a danger to myself or others at this time due to my condition.” “You’re crazy six ways to Sunday, lady. But, you said all I needed to hear to let ya go.” Horse shrugged. “Miss Rarity, right? I’ll release her into your custody.” “Yes, thank you doctor.” Rarity smiled. She wasn’t sure why, but seeing Twilight handle that situation as such was rather uplifting for the mare. Maybe Twilight was going to be alright. “Hello ladies, what can I get for you today?” The waiter greeted as he came around to Twilight and Rarity’s table, two glasses of water in tow. “I’ll have the romaine salad please,” Rarity smiled as she closed her menu and handed it over. “A fine choice. And for you Twilight?” “Miss Rarity, I cannot at this time select a meal. Would you please make a selection on my behalf?” Twilight muttered looking down to the table. “Twilight, you eat here all the time. What’s the matter?” “I cannot make the decision. There are too many logical choices, all well within-” “Oh crap, Twilight,” The waiter finally sighed, “Not this again…” “Just get her what I’m having,” Rarity sighed. “You got it,” The waiter muttered as he trotted off, Twilight’s demeanor stripping away his professionalism. Again. “Twilight,” Rarity urged when she was sure the stallion was gone, “What’s the matter? You always eat here. You’ve never asked me to make a meal selection for you before.” “You have discovered a bug in my decision process. Would you like to modify this with a new command prompt?” Twilight asked with a tilt of her head. “If left unresolved, this problem could result in less than optimal system performance.” “Sure. Why not,” Rarity sighed. “How would I do that, exactly?” “It is quite simple.” Twilight smiled. “Just give me an option to run upon encountering the same error again.” “Fine, if you insist.” Rarity groaned. “How about if you are at a well known establishment like this, and you encounter this error again… I don’t know, order what you usually order?” “Processing. My most common order is raspberry tea. This is insufficient for my daily caloric intake needs.” “Then order your most common dish, Twilight,” Rarity growled. “The dish I order most would be raspberry tea, cucumber and apple salad, with a slice of toffee cake for dessert.” Twilight recited. “See, that’s not a bad order at all,” Rarity smiled. “Order set. Please name file,” Twilight smiled as Rarity groaned and let her head meet the table with a resounding thud. “I’m sorry, I couldn’t help but overhear, but what is going on over here?” A, to say it politely, nerdy looking stallion inquired. “My friend has gone crazy,” Rarity muttered into the table. “Negative. My mental faculties are operating at 95% efficiency. Well above the national average. A virus scan has shown no signs of mental illness, malware, spyware, or viruses.” “See?” Rarity pleaded of the colt, who turned his chair to better face Twilight. “Interesting. I’m a computer programmer actually. I could aide you in talking to her, maybe help you get through?” “Please?!” Rarity almost squealed in delight. “Twilight, does this sound alright to you?” “Technological assistance would be useful to improve user interface,” Twilight nodded. “Excellent. Come over to my shop when you all finish your lunch,” The colt smiled. “My name’s Gizmo by the way.” He nodded as he set his business card on the corner of the table. “Thank you kind sir. We’ll be right over.” Sitting inside the store Software Rx , Rarity and Twilight took stock of the surroundings. Rarity seemed hopefully, looking at all the properly functioning computers, that this colt knew what he was doing. Twilight though was scared for some reason. “A computer programmer,” Twilight shuddered. “Something is triggering a biological feedback. In response, he only has system authorization to use my interface. He is not allowed administrative status.” “Twilight, why do you say that?” Rarity chuckled as Gizmo grabbed a reference book and looked over a few notes. “This network is not secure to this location alone. I have logged onto the wireless with his password and discovered he is linked to several off site units.” Twilight whispered. “How can you tell? Can you even use wireless? You’re a pony.” “Wireless internet can be detected by magic,” Twilight muttered. “Despite the internet connection, he is setup for file sharing with several others only identified as Control 6, Control 4, and Admin: Payroll.” “How did you learn to do that?” “The instructions are in my latest update. You could learn this as well, Miss Rarity. Any unicorn can be updated with my nanite operating system.” “I’ll pass. But pray tell, how long have you known that, dear?” Rarity asked in a hushed tone. “I didn’t. It’s an active note on the network…” “Gizmo, how long has your store been in business here?” Rarity called over to the muttering stallion. Though Rarity didn’t believe a word of Twilight’s, she had that gut instinct to follow her. Twilight may be mentally ill right now, but she had never willingly lead Rarity astray before. “I just got the funding about two weeks ago. Why do you ask?” “I’m just curious…” Rarity dismissed. She turned slightly to Twilight, fear in her eyes. “I have a bad feeling about this place Twilight. How can I make it so all changes he wants to make have to be approved by me?” “As the system admin, you would have the option to choose all users and monitor all user accounts.” “Move me from default admin to system admin. No, all admin positions, if that is alright with you dear?” “Admin status updated. Thank you, Miss Rarity,” Twilight muttered looking to the white mare. “For protecting me. For some reason, this hardware is issuing an alert to be on guard.” “It’s called fear Twilight. Your hardware is really smart. You should listen to it.” “Request acknowledged. Now accepting emotional input into computational data.” Twilight nodded. “Miss Rarity, I believe I am scared now.” “You’re scared?” Gizmo asked as he pushed his rolling chair over, spinning to look at the mare with a notebook in his lap. “That doesn’t sound very computery?” He asked with a chuckle. “Well, who wouldn’t be?” Rarity shrugged. “This is a computer graveyard,” Twilight said looking around. “There, you have taken out the HDD of that unit. I have calculated the possibility that you may need to do the same to me. It has triggered a biological response that Miss Rarity assured me was normal.” “Well the survival instinct is the strongest,” Gizmo nodded as he set his book on the counter. “Okay, so I’m just going to ask you some questions Twilight. You have nothing to fear.” “What’s in the notes, dear?” Rarity asked pointing a hoof. “A theory I wrote years ago for an artificial intelligence interface. I feel she may act more like that than a normal OS, and I would love the chance to check my theories against her delusions. Gauge how to best help her, so to say,” Gizmo nodded. “Ah,” Rarity smiled, though inside it felt off. The more time she spent here, the more they talked, the more Rarity came to trust Twilight over this ‘happy coincidence’ stranger. For one very observant mare, the signs of a lie were all over the colt. The notes were not in his hoof writing whatsoever for starters. “So Twilight, when did you start to… feel different, we’ll say?” Gizmo asked. “I was updated at 0000 last night. I became active at 0755 this morning, and just received a new update from your wireless network within the last five minutes.” Twilight nodded. “My wireless,” Gizmo chuckled. “That’s a new one. But, I hate to burst your bubble. There’s no way you guessed my-” “S0ftwar3RX,” Twilight dismissed. Gizmo stared at her for a second before bolting from his seat. He was instantly derailed by Rarity though, as the white mare tackled him, pinning him down with a foreleg bar. “Now why do you see the need to run, darling?” Rarity asked as politely as one usually does while pinning another to the floor. “Please, they’ll kill me! I have to get out of here. I just blew everything!” Gizmo cried, pushing back against the white mare, to no advantage. “Miss Rarity, I have discovered a file named ‘Imperium.’” “What is Imperium?” Rarity asked kindly of the colt as she pushed a little harder on the colt’s foreleg, threatening to pop it out of socket. “It is latin for power to command,” Twilight recited from memory, making Rarity groan before she continued. “The program details plans to convert several unicorns into drones for use in a coup d'état to overthrow the Princesses. I was the alpha run for strand 1103268-2,” Twilight finished. “And they’ll kill me for letting you get that info,” Gizmo cried. Sobbing, wet heavy cries. The cries of a stallion not held by social law anymore, but instead one crying out of true despair. “I never wanted to, but they made me. Said they would torture me! Please!” Gizmo sobbed. “You are an active member in high standing according to the pay roll,” Twilight informed. “They send me money to run my lab here and monitor your-” “Along with a photo of you at the collective’s Hearth's Warming Eve party.” Twilight finished. “Aww nuts.” Gizmo sighed as his ruse fell apart. “Is it at least a good pic?” “Focus, darling.” Rarity cooed as she ratcheted up the limb she held. “Tell me everything, now.” “Ah! Ah! Okay! I’m part of an organization aiming to overthrow the government,” Gizmo sighed. “Twilight was selected as our testing ground for the newest strain of nanites. Her designator was TOC1.” “I’m sorry, what?” Rarity asked as she furrowed her brow. “I was to be used a drone command base. I would be the tactical rally point and overseer of all combat ops. A fitting role,” Twilight nodded. “Rarity, I find at this time I must update you to my design. I am an integrated intelligence drone command unit, as it were.” “A- a drone…” Rarity muttered as she continued to hold down Gizmo. “You sick bastard! That’s my best friend!” “I did what I must! Sic semper tyrannis!” Gizmo cried as he flicked his tongue over a false tooth, snapping it in his mouth. His eyes were defiant, then defeated. “Aww man, that’s not poison…” “Then what is it?” Rarity asked. “Tastes like salt… Yep, it’s a roofie,” Gizmo smiled as his head met the floor with a resounding smack. “Why would he drug himself?” Rarity asked as she let go of the now limp limb. “He is too valuable to kill. The drug was intended to act much faster, leading to a false analysis of death,” Twilight surmised. “Units in place throughout town would have insured his removal, and a new cover identity. Units are likely already on their way. We cannot risk taking him with us.” “How do you hide fashion sense that bad though?” Rarity gawked as she stepped back from the colt. “Anyways, what do you want to do, Twilight?” “You seem to have an error, Miss Rarity. You are my User, and all purpose Admin now. You are essentially my master, so that choice is yours to make,” Twilight informed as Rarity turned to her. “System update and data transfer complete. Unit is now fully operational. I am yours to command, Miss Rarity.” “Buck me…” Rarity groaned. “Request acknowledged,” Twilight nodded as she turned and kicked Rarity. This was not a good day after all. “Spike!” Rarity screamed as she stormed into the Golden Oaks Library. “We have a slight issue here!” “Rarity?!” Spike cried upon spying the white unicorn, and proceeding to rip off his apron and stow it behind him. “W-what brings you over?” “Her,” Rarity snarled at the lavender mare smiling behind Rarity. “Twilight has… been infected we’ll say.” “Infected!?” Spike shrieked. “Twilight, what’s the matter? Are you sick? Well of course you are, Rarity said that. But what happened? Do you want any soup? A book?” “Miss Rarity, I was unaware of my viral infection,” Twilight said in what could pass for a sad tone, had she possessed the emotions to feel sad. "Spike, I only want to explain this once, so go out now and gather everypony else, alright?” Rarity asked after a steadying breath. “You got it, Rarity,” Spike nodded. He took off out the door as the white mare collapsed to the floor with a heavy sigh. “Buck me!” Rarity cried at the ceiling, though she had learned from last time. “No Twilight. Only an expression. I do not wish to be struck.” Twilight paused as she had readied another blow, now dropping the hoof and walking around front of Rarity to lay down in front of her, nose to nose almost. “I do not have adequate files at this time on modern contemporary love making to complete your request, Miss Rarity. Would you like me to search online for the missing programs?” “... For the love of the Queen, no.” Rarity sighed. “Request acknowledged. Supplementing previous information to task,” Twilight nodded, as she reached her face forward and rubbed her nose against Rarity’s. “Oh goddess, no…” Rarity groaned as Twilight frowned. “Task incomplete. Do you wish for me to-” “Twilight, just stop, please.” Rarity begged. “I’m tired, I’m scared, and I’m confused. I don’t need you to take everything I say so literally. What I need is my best friend back.” “Request acknowledged.” Twilight nodded as she scooted forward and hugged Rarity. “It will all be okay, Miss Rarity. I’m here for you, always.” “That was pretty convincing, Twilight.” Rarity choked back, a slight chuckle to her voice fueled by exhaustion and worry. “Thank you, Miss Rarity. But your claims of it being sarcasm are not correct. I am being most sincere right now.” Twilight frowned. “I am receiving the biological data to care for you and comfort you. Your mood affects my mood for unknown reasons…” “That’s the old Twilight telling you I’m your friend,” Rarity smiled, looking to the mare. “Your best friend.” A crash interrupted the pair, as a technicolor blur shot in through the westward window. “I came as fast as I co-uld… Um… Hi?” Rainbow Dash asked meekly as she spied her friends still in hug, laying on the floor, with Rarity looking up to Rainbow, but Twilight keeping her eyes on Rarity. It all clicked too fast for the white mare just how this must have looked. “I can explain.” “I hope so…” Rainbow chuckled while she watch her friends continue to hug. “I don’t think you need me on this one, I’ll just be-” “No, wait,” Rarity called out as she tried to stand, but found Twilight still holding her hug. “Twilight, please let me go.” “Request acknowledged.” Twilight smiled while she let go of Rarity, letting the lavender mare drop back to the floor with a pained grunt. Rainbow switched from a grin to a look of shock though as she did, the color draining from her face. “Rainbow, nothing is happening here, please…” Rarity begged as the multi colored mare watched the two of them. “I don’t know if I even want to know,” Rainbow managed. “Rarity, Spike said it was important, about Twilight. So what’s happening?” “I’ll explain everything when everyone gets here, I promise.” Rarity pleaded with the still somewhat standoffish Rainbow Dash. So with a small amount of reluctance, Rainbow sat down with the pair of unicorns, though she was less talkative than normal. “Miss Rainbow seems to be having an error,” Twilight noted for Rarity, who could only sigh as she gave up on trying to act like nothing had happened. “Rainbow, what’s wrong?” “You two are dating now, aren’t you?” Rainbow muttered, not meeting their eyes. “No, it’s nothing like that,” Rarity said with a small chuckle and sigh of relief. This seemed to have the negative effect on Rainbow Dash though, who drew a sharp breath, and began examining the high corner of the library. “Rainbow?” Before fate made the cyan mare reply, the rest of their friends arrived, all worried about Twilight. “Ah knew something was wrong earlier. Ah knew it! Ah shoulda been there to help ya, Rares,” Applejack pleaded. “Don’t worry darling, we’re all just fine here. So everypony, Spike, I have a few things I need to explain.” Rarity began till she felt Twilight tugging on her shoulder. “You seem to be delivering a speech, Miss Rarity. Would you like my assistance?” “No, sit down Twilight.” “Request acknowledged.” “Did Twilight just…” Pinkie asked awkwardly as she watched the lavender mare take a seat without a word otherwise. “Rarity, I’m confused.” With a sigh, Rarity shook her head as she had to explain this news to them all, rather randomly at that. “Twilight has been infected with a… What was it called again?” “Strand 110-” “Laypony terms,” Rarity growled. “... A nanite compound designed to boost my operating efficiency for use as a mobile command base for weaponized drone unicorns placed throughout Equestria.” Four friends sat about with shocked expressions, unsure of the news they had heard. One was crying already, not meeting any ones eyes. She was the last any had ever expected to see crying. “Rainbow Dash?” Fluttershy asked as she noted her friends odd behavior. “I- I’m so- I thought it was all a sick joke!” Rainbow cried out at last, throwing down her hooves. “I thought that nerd was just trying to flirt me up with some sick story! I thought he was just drunk! I never thought he was telling the truth! I swear!” Rainbow pleaded, crying in a manner none even knew she could accomplish. “What are you talkin about?” Applejack huffed, turning on her. It might have turned ugly, if not for Rarity. “Gizmo, correct?” “Yeah. Last night over at The Bale, he told me that soon this group he was in would- would do this to every unicorn in town, overthrow Celestia. I thought he was just a drunk nerd! I had a chance to stop this, and I walked away,” Rainbow sobbed, latching onto the first available pony to cry into them, much to Applejack’s protests. “I let this happen.” “Awe, jeez… There… there… Dash…” Applejack tried. “So girls, does this mean this is real?” “I believe so, yes,” Rarity nodded. “Twilight… are you gonna be okay?” Spike finally managed, his little chest rising and falling rapidly as his fear took stronger and stronger root. “Affirmative.” Twilight confirmed. “I have merely been upgraded. All systems are now operating at 225% previous operational values. Mage output has-” “Enough, Twilight.” Rarity groaned as Twilight stopped, smiling and waiting patiently for Rarity’s next instruction. “Why does Twi keep doing whatever you say?” Pinkie asked with a furrowed brow. “Miss Rarity is set as my System admin.” Twilight informed before Rarity could. ”That’s another thing. Why do you keep calling her Miss Rarity?” Pinkie asked. “The name was set today at 0932 hours, local time.” ”Oh… Okay!” Pinkie smiled, nodding greatly. “Wait! Backtrack, does this mean we can be made admin too?” “Negative,” Twilight supplied to a frown. “I set myself as her admin to protect her girls. I would also rather not make Twil-” “The proper term would be users,” Fluttershy interjected, zipping in front of Twilight with a large grin. “Twilight, set user: Fluttershy.” “User set. How may I help you, Fluttershy?” “Can you connect to the internet?” Fluttershy beamed. “Affirmative.” Twilight smiled. Apparently she deemed it worth a smile to tell her friends she was an unnatural computer simulation of a pony personality now. “Eeek!” Fluttershy squealed with glee. “Search online for my new ponyhoof page ‘Simple Cottage Animal Rescue!’” “Fluttershy!” Rarity snorted. “Twilight is still a pony! Don’t make her-” “Search for playmare!” Pinkie cried jumping onto Fluttershy’s back and leaning in over the mare. “Searching… I’m sorry, you are not authorized to access such content from this unit. Safesearch enabled.” Twilight informed. “Drat!” Pinkie pouted. “What about Red-” “Pinkie!” Rarity snapped. “Stop it this instant! Twilight is still Twilight! You will not, I repeat, will not treat her as such! I will not stand for it one bit! She is to be respected and treated equally, understand?!” “Wow… Go Rarity.” Applejack nodded in approval. “Command set. Sole user access limited to Miss Rarity,” Twilight smiled as she turned to her user. “Would you like to register your WINRAR license at this time?” “So what are y’all gonna do about her?” Applejack asked Rarity in the kitchen whilst they watched two of their friends continually try to abuse Rarity’s orders. Rainbow Dash was still broken over her fumble, and Spike was still just shell shocked. “I haven’t the slightest idea. I don’t even know if there is anything we can do…” Rarity muttered to the floor. “I just want to help her so damned badly. Is that so wrong? Why must this happen to her?” “Good ol’ Rarity,” Applejack chuckled to an angry stare from the alabaster mare. “Always puttin others before yerself. Ah have faith that with somepony that cares as much about protecting her like y’all do, she’ll be just fine.” “Thank you, dear,” Rarity smiled. “Twilight? Come here please.” “Yes Miss Rarity. How may I assist you?” Twilight asked as she basically snubbed her two friends still trying to use her as internet access. “How many ponies are affected by this… curse, shall we say…” Rarity asked as delicately as she could. “I do not have that information at this time.” Twilight nodded. “The delivery system is still unknown to me, housed on a different server of the Collectives I am yet to gain access too. But it would appear the spread was 90% effective in Ponyville. I am reading several units in town that are yet to be activated.” “Yet to be… Oh holly berries, no.” Rarity swore. “Is Sweetie Belle infected? Am I…?” “Negative. The strain is only active in adults here in Ponyville. Also, it is to be noted that you possess no nanites at this time, Miss Rarity.” Twilight smiled. “Alternately, would you like to-” “I don’t want to register anything at this time, Twilight!” Rarity snapped. “I was not asking you such a question.” Twilight corrected as Rarity blushed and apologized profusely. “I was asking if you would like to learn more about the units infected?” “Yes, please!” Rarity nodded. “The nanite stream was initially designed to interact with all creatures in Equestria that have or are capable of using magic. This limitation was modified by the Collective for reasons unknown at this time. The original design was theorized by Dr Hans Olo, head of molecular genetics engineering at the University of Beaklin, Griffony.” “Dr Olo?” Spike asked, hurt. “I- I thought he was our friend, Twi. How could he do this to you?” “Dr Olo merely theorized the strain used.” “So why does this Collective only want to target unicorns?” Rarity asked, stumped. “Hypothesis: 72% of the Canterlot Population as of now is Unicorn. If the strain was marked for all races with magic, there would be many more errors. Knowing what we know of their plan so far, the group only needs these unicorn soldiers to accomplish their goals.” “So it was removing unwanted accessories,” Rarity surmised in thought. “Getting rid of the excess allows for easier use more than likely.” “The conclusion is sound, Miss Rarity.” “Ah’m lost…” Applejack admitted. “What are y’all sayin about Griffons and what not?” “The creator!” Rarity snapped as Applejack reminded her. “Twilight, you said the doctor at the university made the strain in you, correct?” “Negative. His work in the field is still strictly theoretical.” “Well, shoot. But he is still our best choice. Spike, come here and take a letter. We need to alert the Prin-” “Don’t!” Fluttershy screamed, throwing herself between Rarity and the quite overwhelmed dragon. “Princess Celestia is surrounded by unicorns! If they get wind their cover is blown…” “They’ll go on the offensive!” Rarity anguished. “Oh heavens…” “Why was Fluttershy the one to think of that…?” Rainbow began to question as the yellow mare jammed a pack into Rarity’s hooves. “Miss Rarity, the next train out of town leaves in 20 minutes,” Twilight informed. “I have already purchased two tickets for us.” “Two?” Pinkie asked as she trotted over. “What about the rest of us?” “Yeah, we wanna come with!” Applejack snorted as their friends gathered around, showing their support. But Twilight was unfazed. “Twilight? Our friends wish to come with us.” Rarity said in what she hoped was a tone conveying that they were to come along. “I cannot allow this, Miss Rarity. It is easier to create false travel documents for only two ponies rather than six, along with a young dragon. They would raise too much suspicion to our true objectives.” “What do you mean, Twilight?” Rarity asked sharply. “The Collective is wide spread as we have seen already, Miss Rarity. I cannot confirm the presence of your friends would not compromise your safety.” “But-” Rarity began, but found Twilight’s cold gaze was cutting her short. “Alright Twilight. I don’t like this, but I don’t have your insight on this group either, so I’ll trust you. But what about Spike?” Rarity asked as the dragon looked hopeful. “He can’t just stay here alone! No, that will not do. Spike, go stay with my parents please.” “Damn it.” Spike muttered. “Um, sugarcube, yer folks are unicorns. They might be… infected, already…” Applejack pointed out. “Spike should stay with me. That way y’all can communicate with us secretly at the very least if we can't go with. Can you send messages to Spike there, Twilight?” “Invalid In-” “Twilight, answer.” Rarity ordered. “Affirmative, Miss Rarity.” Twilight smiled. The ponies began to head out, trying to look nonchalant as they all took up points just out the door. “Twilight, be safe, okay?” Spike pleaded with Twilight, tears brimming his eyes. “I love you, big sis.” “Command registered.” Twilight nodded coldly. “Twilight, tell him you love him. The real you, not the computed version.” Rarity whispered to the mare. “Spike, I love you too. Always.” Twilight said with what looked a genuine sad smile, one of regret. But it was brief. “Miss Rarity, there are new updates for the Imperium strand. Would you like to restart your system?” “No! No new updates Twilight!” Rarity ordered. “As your admin, I order that all updates must be approved by me in order to be utilized. Understood? Those updates, regardless of whatever they tell you, do not have the proper clearance!” “Miss Rarity, this is in conflict with my-” “Twilight, I do not take any joy out of giving you orders as such, but you leave me no choice. Those files are not allowed per my command. They may very well be trying to turn you against me for learning all of this. Or worse, they could be trying to control your mind. Destroy what’s left of the real Twilight…” “Miss Rarity, the update contains several important security details I will need in order to remain at-” “They might hurt you!” Rarity pleaded, taking Twilight’s hoof in her own. “To remain at the tactical advantage. I will not run or install the updates, but will search them from a remote server system.” Twilight pouted rather meekly. “I was only attempting to follow your orders. Please forgive my incom-” “I’m sorry!” Rarity interrupted with a hug. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you, or order you around so. I’m so sorry, darling…” “Miss Rarity, our train leaves in one minute.” Twilight interjected. “We need to run now.” So it was now with a gallop and a wave, the girls were off, striding headlong into town to make their date with destiny. It would take all their luck, but these two had to try. Waypoint: GriffonyChapter 2 Waypoint: Griffony The steady clicks alone marked their travels now as the pair raced on through no pony’s land to Griffony. Rarity was busy catching up on the sleep she thought was owed to her by this point, even if it was not exactly restful. But the same was not true of Systems: Twilight. “Miss Rarity.” The mare pleaded, tugging at the sheets of her friend. “Miss Rarity, there is an urgent matter that has arisen. Please wake up to clear conflict error.” “Mmhumph.” Rarity grunted in her sleep, not moving as Twilight began twisting in pain. “Miss Rarity, I am in error. Please.” But there was no reply. Rarity was secretly the heaviest sleeper ever it would appear. “Miss Rarity, my system is in pain. Please.” “Huh?” Rarity asked as she rolled over. Some things in the universe could pierce even her slumber. “You’re in pain, darling?” “You’re fine.” Twilight sighed in relief till her face contorted with pain. “I-I-I… The error has- has passed…” Twilight sniffed as her eyes watered. Rarity looked to her questioningly, attempting to rise to care for her friend. But a lavender hoof stopped her. “I must ask you do not step out of your bed, Miss Rarity. There was a spill here that needs to be seen too…” “A spill? Twilight, are you alright?” Rarity asked sternly, not wanting to beat around the bush. “I do apologize, Miss Rarity.” Twilight sniffed again as Rarity realized all too fast what just transpired. “You just… Oh dear. Twilight, you don’t ever need my permission to relieve yourself or attend to personal matters like that, dear.” “I am sorry, Miss Ra-” Twilight began till she felt the warm embrace of her friends hug wrap her up. “Don’t. I should have realized these sick freaks would not write in a bathroom code for their pony slaves.” “No, there are bathroom protocol, Miss Rarity.” Twilight corrected. “I overrode them to protect you.” “Protect me? Goodness, from what?” Rarity asked as dread washed over her delicate features. “In your sleep cycle, your breathing had become quite irregular and even shallow at times.” Twilight frowned. “Oh?” Rarity inquired. “You were talking as well…” Twilight nodded. “I could not let this pass without checking on you. You seemed to be in great distress in your slumber.” “What was I saying dear?” Rarity asked as she sat up more properly. “To quote,” Twilight hummed, before she shocked her friend, imitating her voice perfectly. “No... Twilight, Sweetie Belle. Don’t hurt her… Don’t change her… Take me instead... Spare her… Spare them.” “I guess I was having a nightmare,” Rarity frowned, looking away from her friend. “Your condition is now being called into question, Miss Rarity. Does this happen to you frequently?” Twilight asked. “No,” Rarity sighed. “Just when I’m scared… Here, let me help you.” “How, Miss Rarity?” Twilight asked till she felt the white unicorns magic take hold of her, running over her in a warm embrace of sorts. “Fur cleaning spell,” Rarity smiled weakly. “I have to sometimes get a lot of… messy things, out of client’s clothing. It’s not much of a stretch to clean it out of fur and carpets.” “I was unaware the boutique ran as a dry cleaning service as well, Miss Rarity.” Twilight smiled warmly for her friend’s lack of any. “Oh darling, I’m the best seamstress in town.” Rarity chuckled at long last. “It just became expected of me to offer dry cleaning, alterations, laundry, repairs, and fitting services. It’s how I keep afloat in a rural town actually…” “Miss Rarity…” “Hmm, yes Twilight?” Rarity asked gently as she looked back to her friend. To those old eyes she had studied many a time before during a debate, or a conversation, or a game of cards. No matter what, Twilight was impeccable about eye contact when she spoke, and Rarity was always thankful for the respect. “Would you like to register your WINRAR license at this time?” With a snort, Rarity patted the bed next to her. “Not a chance. Now sit with me, please? I don’t feel like being left alone.” “Of course, Miss Rarity.” Twilight nodded. Before Rarity could say anything though, before her mind could spin out of control, Twilight stopped her. It was just a simple gesture of taking the white hoof between Twilight’s own as Rarity had done several times to Twilight. That was probably where Twilight had learned to do this actually, but it was more than enough for the emotionally strained mare right now. Rarity broke down that night as she grabbed a hold of Twilight, and wept. With a hiss of steam and a grind of brakes, the train ended its run to arrive in Beaklin, Griffony. Not a bag between them beyond just the bare necessities, Rarity and Twilight set off the train into the new world ahead of them. “I must admit, this is the first time I’ve ever left Equestria, now that I think about it.” Rarity noted as she tracked down a tourist center to find directions. “What would you like to do after we see the doctor, Twilight?” “Error, I am-” Twilight began till Rarity glared at her. “If you tell me you are my property again, I’ll hurt you. Do you understand?” “Understood, Miss Rarity.” Twilight nodded. “Good, now which way to the university?” Rarity thought aloud as she wandered over to a tourist information kiosk. “The university is 3.5 miles southeast of us currently, Miss Rarity.” Twilight informed. “Did you search online for that information?” Rarity chuckled as she rejoined Twilight and exited the station into the warm Griffony embrace of early autumn, twisting and turning down streets and alleyways that Twilight knew like the back of her hoof. “Negative, Miss Rarity. I remember the directions from the last time I was a guest speaker at the university.” Twilight smiled. “What? You were a guest speaker at the university?” Rarity stammered, almost falling over herself in her bewilderment. “I have been a guest speaker at several universities, Miss Rarity.” Twilight smiled kindly. “I am a leading expert in quantum magic after all.” “I- I never knew, darling…” “I do not like to brag about it, Miss Rarity.” Twilight nodded. But the lavender mare looked away, distant. For a second Rarity saw images flash in her mind of a young Twilight, bright and top of her class, locking herself away in her own ivory tower with each passing day. “You were a different pony back then Twilight. It’s alright. Now you have friends who would love to share in your victories with you.” Rarity kindly assured with a caring touch. “That has nothing to due with my disclusion of the information. I merely found it to be trivial was all,” Twilight noted as if asked for the time as the pair walked down another alley. “Trivial?” Rarity asked, dumbstruck. “How often would you be a guest speaker at these sort of events?” “Three times a week on average for the better part of seven years.” Twilight dutifully informed. “We are not alone, Miss Rarity.” “Three times a week? For seven bloody years?” Rarity muttered to herself as Twilight paced around the mare, keeping her eyes outward. “Seven years?” “Miss Rarity, there are two active agents closing in on our location.” Twilight snorted. “You are in danger.” “I’m sorry, what?” Rarity asked. “Engage security protocol.” Twilight growled, digging her hooves in and charging her horn. “Twilight, not here.” Rarity urged. “We’re in a back alley with only one entrance and one exit. We need to blend in to escape.” “We are out of time!” Twilight snapped. “Security Protocol 1: Engaged. Protect user.” Rarity felt a cold sweat break out over her despite the perfect weather. How had the collective discovered the pair so soon? What had given them awa- “And then she said that she was not flirting with Vector, and I was just being a total primadonna!” A youngish unicorn mare snorted as she walked past with another filly her age and race. “No way. That skank!” The other mare gasped as they exited the alley and turned the corner, leaving the pair alone once more. “... They’re infected…” Rarity muttered. “Advise a course of action, Miss Rarity.” Twilight commanded sternly. “They're just fillies… Barely older than Sweetie Belle…” Rarity muttered. “Miss Rarity, I need a directive!” Twilight commanded. “You are potentially in danger!” “Huh? I am?” Rarity asked, trudged out of her thoughts. “From them? Twilight, they’re only foals. They’re probably just infected but inactive.” “Miss Rarity, if you are sure of your safety, then I shall follow your lead.” Twilight nodded, though she looked none too happy. “Oh, quit pouting Twilight.” Rarity scoffed. “I’m know your heart is in the right place. Here, why don’t you share some more of your teaching stories with me? I would love to hear some more.” Even advanced with a digital brain and a cold, hard logic, Twilight was not immune to hubris. “I do not wish to brag… but if you insist, Miss Rarity. The last time I spoke here, I was lecturing about now the lunar gravitational pull affected magnus flow through the body and could potentially boost a unicorns power during a full moon, thus leading to the legend of Night Walkers.” “Really?” Rarity delighted, following her friend once more toward the university. Though in their wake, trouble stirred. “Recon 1187-2 to Base.” The unicorn filly from seconds ago spoke. “TOC1 is in area, Oscar Mike To Olo1. Advise on next…” “Follow at distance of fifteen meters. RCO 3048-7, stay with Recon 1187-2. Advise on Target course.” “Understood, Base. Sic Semper Tyrannis.” The pair nodded as they began to follow the pair to the university. A soft knock rang out as the good professor stirred from his most important of tasks, an afternoon nap in his office when he should be grading papers. “Huh? Vas ist dis?” “Professor Olo?” Rarity softly called out. “I’m Rarity Grace. I’m here with an old friend of yours, Twilight Sparkle.” “Tvilight? Bitte, bitte, kommt in!” The griffon called as he hauled himself out of his comfy chair. He quickly tried to straighten up several pieces on his desk, attempting to look tidy for that little filly that had endeared to him years ago. But as the two mares strode into his office, he lost all sight of that, as he only let his eyes fall on the closest he ever had to a daughter. “Tvily, just look at how you’ve grown.” “Hallo Herr Professor. Wie geht es dir?”* Twilight smiled kindly, though the professor’s smile faltered. “Niet. Something is off.” The griffon chidded. He looked between the pair as he clicked his beak, though soon the humored sigh broke through. “Du came to introduce me to your girlfriend, didn’t du?” “Her what?” Rarity recoiled harshly. “Nien, Herr. Rarity und Ish...das ist eine lange Geschichte…”* Twilight explained. “Twilight, you know Griffon?” Rarity asked in a hushed tone. “What did you just say?” “I’ll explain later, Miss Rarity.” Twilight informed before turning back to the professor. “It’s great to see you again.” “Indeed. Your lover seems quite off put.” The old griffon chuckled. “You didn’t come here though to see me for old times sake, did you?” “Negative.” Twilight frowned at last. “I’m here because of a nanite infection. Code named: Imperium.” “I vas afraid of that.” The griffon sighed, returning to Canterlot Commons. “So, my research has been used against the vorld now, eh?” “Indeed.” Twilight nodded. “I am among the infected, designation TOC1.” “Tactical Operations Center? Vell, they know vhat they’re doing.” Olo spat. “Who ist behind this tragedy?” “We do not know, sir…” Rarity said, stepping forward. “We came to you hoping you could enlighten us, so to speak.” “I’m afraid this ist the first I’ve heard about this, myself.” Olo supplied. “I just can’t believe it.” “Do you have any ideas on how they might be spreading the infection?” Rarity pressed. “Any insight could prove vital.” “Vell, it can’t be food or vasserborne, due to the delicate protein compound zat vould makes up ze nanites, du see? It has to be directly administered to the subject, like a shot or medicine.” “A shot?” Rarity quivered. “I hate needles.” “Tell me, has there been any large vaccination in your area lately?” Olo pressed. “Nothing.” Rarity informed. “The flu shots administered last week in Ponyville.” Twilight spoke up. “The platform of delivery fits the system requirements, and the flu shot has the highest turnout of participants per year. For this strain to be effectively administered, the flu shot would be perfect.” “The flu shot? Really?” Olo asked in awe. “Clever. The effects of the vaccine vould mask the nanite infection, allowing the users to be upgraded vhile just thinking they vere under the flu remedy.” “How did you avoid the strain then, Miss Rarity?” Twilight asked as she turned to her friend. “Ah haha. Um, yes… I, well…” “Du never took the flu shot?” Olo asked. “But you’ll get sick!” “I’d rather spend a week in bed sick than get a shot and spend a week in bed sick anyways. The flu shot always makes me sick…” Rarity complained. Twilight though took interest in her surroundings for a change and began to watch the door, but just for a moment. Wasting no time, Twilight interrupted the exchange between her old scholar and her friend. “Professor, this compound was modified to only work in unicorns. Where could one do such delicate work?” “Any germ lab.” The old griffon sighed. “The nanites are just encoded RNA und proteins. At least, in theory.” “Wait, how could proteins do this to Twilight?” Rarity asked, looking from griffon to friend. “The proteins are ze carriers of the specific RNA strain. The RNA encodes a small section of Tvilight’s DNA, so her brain vill either receive certain chemicals in larger or smaller amounts, or alter the neural connections made, thus causing Tvilight to think und act exactly as they see fit, by controlling how her brain responds to it’s own chemicals.” The doctor explained. It was overly simplified, true, but still effective in getting the point across. “By the gods, that’s-” “Thank you Professor. Miss Rarity, we should be going now.” Twilight interrupted, turning to her proper once more. “What’s wrong, Twilight?” “The units from earlier have just entered my sensory range along with two other active units.” Twilight frowned as Rarity gasped. “I can now access their detailed schematics. They are a Radio Control Operator, a Recon Drone, and two Capture units programed for hoof to hoof combat.” “Das ist ein problem.” The professor whistled. “Oh bloody hell!” Rarity swore. “Professor, how can we all get out of here? Fire escape, secret room, anything?” “Vell, there is the back door…” The old griffon noted as he pointed out the obvious. “Of course, the door.” Rarity groaned. She moved over to the desk, collecting papers and anything that looked important as she looked around for a briefcase or work bag. “Um, excuse me professor, but I can’t seem to find your case…” “That’s okay.” The griffon chuckled. “I don’t need these things. Kommest.” The old griffon lead the pair around to the door, opening it as he ushered them through. But that was the end of the griffon’s journey. As soon as Twilight and Rarity were clear, the door clicked close as the lock popped into place. Rarity spun around as she banged against the door. “Professor! What are you doing?! You need to come with us!” “Neit, my dear. Du must protect Tvily now. I’ll do my part to hold them off here for you two.” The professor said through the door. “Like hell you will!” Rarity swore as she pulled on the door magically. “Twilight, help me get into the room, please!” “Affirmative, Miss-” “Nien! Tvily, obey your elders, protect your girlfriend, und finish dis!” “Understood. Request within operational parameters.” Twilight nodded. “Thank you for all your assistance.” “Goodbye, little filly.” The griffon sighed as he heard Twilight begin to drag a screaming Rarity down the hall. The old griffon took a seat at his desk as he pulled out a hidden bottle of Kirsch, pouring himself a drink as the door to his office opened for four ponies. “Can I help du?” One of the stallions looked around the room, letting his eyes fall on the back door at last. “That way.” “Ah, hold on now.” The professor chided as the group tried to cross his office. “I think you’re forgetting something here.” “Subject: Professor Han Solo. Danger, minimal.” The stallion surmised. “That’s Hans Olo!” The griffon screeched. “Quit confusing me for that scruffy-looking nerf-herder!” “Information registered.” The stallion nodded. “Assessment hol-” The stallion never did get to finish as he was thrown across the office, slamming against the wall hard enough to damage the drywall considerably. “Did du think only ponies could do magic?” The griffon chuckled, his talons ripe with mana. “Assessment corrected. Unit 2281-4, proceed with mission.” The other stallion ordered as his comrades exited through the door. “Eliminating resistance.” “To quote mein Vater, Ich bin ein Beakliner!” The griffon cried as he raised his glass over his head. The glass came down quickly, the contents just meeting beak... “No, Twilight! We have to-” Rarity fought, trying everything in her power to stop the mare. Though for first time since her world was cascaded upon by the evils of this infection, her orders fell on deaf ears. As Rarity continued her protests though, she was cut off as a sudden cry echoed down the corridor. Last words of defiance, from the sound of things. Rarity couldn’t stop herself as she let the lavender pony drag her away now. No, now there was no sound, no sensation. There was only the white mare bawling hard into that purple fur as her newest friend made his exit unjustly. “Twilight, I hope you're ready to see this thing through!” Rarity sobbed as she felt a certain weightless feeling. Literally, as Twilight had taken to jumping out a window, carrying Rarity no less. “Because now there is no turning back! Do you hear me?! No turning back!” Rarity screamed at the other three drones she could see looking out the window at the retreating pair. “Miss Rarity, please do not antagonize the opposition.” Twilight corrected. “That will only make my process that much more difficult.” “What?” Rarity asked as she felt the mare beneath her leap again, taking to the rooftops. “I will protect my user at all costs, Miss Rarity.” Twilight nodded. Rarity couldn’t tell if this was part of Twilight grieving, or just carrying out orders. The white mare prefered to think it was the former. “Twilight?” “Yes, Miss Rarity?” Twilight asked as she vaulted from rooftop to rooftop, her own augmented ability shining through. “I have an order for you.” Rarity muttered, tears staining her cheeks. “I can only hope I’m wrong, but I think the Professor didn’t make it. So please, darling, don’t forget the Professor’s sacrifice. Please.” “Command registered.” Twilight nodded. But as soon as her hooves met roof again, she stopped, a touch violently for Rarity’s taste too. “Danger, Miss Rarity.” “Why did you st-” Rarity began until a young colt landed right where they should have been. Just a teenaged colt, only a few years younger than Rarity when she had first open her business, was now looming over the pair, threatening to become the author of their obituaries. “TOC1 located. Begin unit reclamation. Eliminate resistance.” The colt noted in a pure monotone. There was no emotion, no passion, no soul. There was just mechanical precision and cold logic. “Miss Rarity, take cover. I will protect my user as within my operational parameters.” Twilight said as she let go of Rarity, finally letting the poor mare stand again. “Twilight, tell me about this unit.” Rarity commanded as she took a step back. “Hoof Soldier. Recently modified for drone tracking. Standard upgrades: increased strength and agility. Tactical ability: None. Instructed fighting styles: None.” “So, they really do have an army then.” Rarity growled as she watched Twilight spring forward. It was a valiant attack, and quite unexpected. Strategically, it was sound, the tried and true sucker punch. So it came as a shock for the bookish mare when the colt recovered from the hit and countered, striking her hard. His unyielding assault made the mare grunt and lose her grip on the boy, but relentlessly he carried on. “Twilight!” Rarity gasped, watching from her spot, paralyzed with fear. “No pony hurts my friend!” The white mare rallied as she lunged forward, letting her elbow find a new home in her target’s stomach. The target drone was quick to recover though, coming at Rarity with what was in her opinion a very overly telegraphed haymaker. The boy had no skill. But what he lacked in technique, he made up for in augmented strength. “Twilight, I could use some assistance!” Rarity pleaded as she dipped and dodged, but felt herself rapidly running out of roof. Rarity’s hoof met the edge, and her options were now fight back, or fall. The colt raised it’s hooves for the final blow, and Rarity figured she could strike hard before that, but it would be a waste of her only opportunity. No, her only option was to tell Twilight to seek cover. To get as far away as possible. Rarity would grab the colt and take him with her. Maybe with that, she could buy her friend just enough time to- “Error. Error. Error. Systems compromised. Reboot sequence activated.” The colt muttered while it slumped forward onto a protesting Rarity. “Miss Rarity, are you alright?” Twilight asked as she grabbed the colt with one hoof and tossed him aside. “What the buck just happened?!” Rarity asked breathlessly. “Was- was that you?” “Indeed, Miss Rarity.” Twilight smiled, almost proud of herself. “I overclocked the unit’s processors as I attempted to designate a new target and command prompt. A task implemented to induce an overload failure.” “But- but how?” Rarity anguished at last. “I fail to see your error, Miss Rarity. This is one of my tasks as the Tactical Operations Center, to be able to directly interface with any ground units active in my area of operations.” “To think somepony thought this was a good idea at one point…” Rarity muttered while she moved over to the rebooting assailant. “Twilight, we need to interrogate him. Magically bind him, then see what you can find by doing that interface thingy, please?” “I have already accessed all relevant information through interface, Miss Rarity.” Twilight informed, but still followed through with binding spells. “He is not a key strategic element, and has limited knowledge of troop movements or goals.” “Darling, trust me on this. Any enemy can be valuable for interrogation.” Rarity chuckled while she sat down next to the colt, lightly tapping him to awake the poor colt. “Hi there. I’m Miss Rarity, as you well know, I’m sure.” The lovely lady smiled to the prisoner. “Error. Targets have evaded capture/ shut down. Alert reinforcements.” The colt stated calmly. “Sorry, Twilight here disabled your communications. Isn’t that right, Twilight?” “Correct, Miss Rarity. Thirty seconds till unit must make contact with base.” “Oh, I despise time limits.” Rarity huffed. “So we had better be fast. You, what happened to Dr. Olo?” “Dr. Olo is no longer a threat to the collective.” The colt informed coldly. “So, Dr. Olo is dead then…” Rarity muttered. She had been holding onto so much hope. So foolishly holding on, but in the end, it mattered not. “I had just met that griffon. And you know what, I will never forget him. I will remember his smile till the end of time…” Rarity growled as she slipped her hooves around her captive’s neck. “I will remember him as one of my dearest friends, because in the end, that’s what he was! He gave everything to save Twilight and I! And-” “Miss Rarity, you seem to be having difficulty interrogating your subject.” Twilight stated while noticing the colt had indeed passed out. “I must question your training in interrogation techniques at this time for future reference.” “Training? I saw that in an old spy movie.” Rarity confessed as she backed off the colt, only to circle around and lunge at him again with a feral cry. Had it not been for Twilight, she would have done more harm to the colt. “Miss Rarity, you are emotionally estranged. You are now ineffective for intelligence gathering operations.” “Of course I’m estranged! These bastards killed my friend! Your friend! Twilight, you’ve known that gentlebeak years longer than I have! Why are you so cold?!” Rarity screamed in protest as Twilight grabbed her up again and bounded across the roof tops again, much to Rarity’s growing protests. “Miss Rarity, nothing matters except for your safety.” Twilight informed as she landed on a longer roof and picked up speed. “This unit will carry on, as long as my user is safe.” “Twilight, you are not just some unit though.” Rarity bawled as she buried her face in the lavender mane. “You’re my best friend. And I’m afraid there’s not much left of the real you in there! Please, just give me a sign the real Twilight is still in there!” “The real Twilight is still in here.” Twilight nodded, mechanically as if she could muster how funny that was of her. “Twilight, stop jumping around now, please..." Rarity groaned, distant in her thoughts. The mares touched down on a new roof as Rarity noticed Twilight breathing hard, struggling to stay on her hooves. “There are- no active units- in range now… Miss Rarity.” Twilight gasped and panted, but doing her best to hold her herself upright. “Twilight, are you alright?” Rarity asked as she tried to check her friend. “You don’t look hurt…” Twilight shook her head, but her ragged breath spoke different tales. “I am just processing slowly, Miss Rarity. I will be fully operational in less than two minutes.” “No, you’re exhausted.” Rarity huffed, taking in every detail. “You wore yourself out jumping around like that.” Twilight looked crestfallen, avoiding her user’s gaze. “This unit has encountered an error with it’s physical augmentations. I do not possess nearly the strength reserves or recovery capacities previously reported.” Rarity sighed, shaking her head. “Of course. You were never meant for combat. Your strength is a last ditch effort, I presume.” “The conclusion is sound, Miss Rarity.” Twilight nodded, drawing up more properly. “I am ready to carry with the mission when needed.” “In a minute.” Rarity nodded, making the elusive eye contact with Twilight at long last. “But first dear, I want you to promise me something.” “Awaiting command prompt.” Twilight nodded. “What task do you have in mind, Miss Rarity?” “Earlier, you said as long as I’m okay, you were okay. But I don’t want that, Twilight. I want you to live.” Rarity stated matter of factly. “Pick something in this world that you love, and live for that.” “Processing. I have reached a conclusion, Miss Rarity.” Twilight nodded. “I will live for my user.” “No, Twilight. Pick something that has meaning to you. Something unique that you want to preserve in this world. Like reading ancient spells, or warm sunny afternoons. I don’t really care what you pick, but pick something you cannot live without, and live the rest of this mission for that.” “Processing. I have reached a conclusion, Miss Rarity.” Twilight smiled. “The emotion you are describing would be love, correct?” “Yes Twilight. Love!” Rarity smiled. “Pick something you love, and fight for that! Please?” “Then I choose to love you, Miss Rarity, as my user.” Twilight smiled again. The humor was lost on the white mare though. “Twilight, pick something else.” Rarity groaned as she shook free her friends impossibility. “Error, Miss Rarity.” Twilight noted. “Just yesterday, you were quoted saying you were somepony that loved me. Therefore, based on my observations of the social interactions commonly referred to as love, it works in tandem, and I love you as well.” With a snort, the white mare turned around, deciding to just leave well enough alone before she pushed the lavender mare off the roof. “We’ll come back to this later.” “Understood, Miss Rarity.” Twilight nodded as she followed her friend to the roof access. The streets of Beaklin were not forgiving to the pair anymore. Although most of the city was Griffons, there were still a large population of ponies around, and any unicorn among them could be an agent. So it was with careful steps and lots of looks over the shoulder that the pair progressed. But eventually, the restraints of biology won the day, and the pair had to risk stopping for lunch. “Miss Rarity, I-” Twilight began while Rarity read the menu, or at the least tried too. “Just order the fruit salad, Twilight.” Rarity dismissed without looking up. “Affirmative, Miss Rarity.” Twilight smiled as she waited patiently for Rarity to make her choice. “I can’t read this.” Rarity eventually huffed, sliding the menu across the table and folding her forelegs over her chest. “Would you like for me to read the menu?” Twilight asked with a smile. “No, just order for me, please darling. I don’t really care what I eat, as long as it’s vegetarian.” Rarity grimaced while watching a Griffon pair a few tables away eat strips of cooked meat. She had heard it called bacon before, and had no interest in trying it for herself. “Understood.” Twilight nodded as the waiter approached, pen and paper at the ready. “Herr Ober, ich werde den Obstsalat zu haben, und sie wird die Stollen, bitte.”* “Absolut. Ihr Auftrag wird in Kürze sein, meine Damen.”* The waiter smiled, taking his leave. “How many languages do you know?” Rarity asked, watching her friend converse almost naturally. “I was previously fluent in Canterlot Commons and Griffon specifically, but I have been upgraded to include корова.” “Corova?” Rarity asked, lost once again. “корова. Cow, in their native tongue.” Twilight nodded. “Cow? Like they speak in MosCow?” Rarity asked, her brow furrowing. “You don’t think that’s where they made the nanites, do you?” “The conclusion is sound, Miss Rarity. MosCow is home to several large pharmaceutical companies and laboratories.” Twilight nodded. Rarity slapped her hoof to the table, a smile spreading across her face. “Then we have a lead, darling. Twilight, would you be so kind as to book us a couple of tickets on the next train?” “Affirmative, Miss Rarity.” Twilight smiled as she hummed and bobbed her head quickly. “The next train departs in two and a half hours. Would you like to book a cart rental upon arrival?” “No, I th-” “Would you like to book a hotel?” Twilight asked, earning a glare from Rarity. “Miss Rarity, would you-” “No, Twilight. I do believe we will be fine. Besides, the shorter I can keep this trip, the better.” Rarity sighed, looking away at the other patrons around her, and letting her mind wander. “Twilight, do you think we stand a chance of stopping this?” “Affirmative, Miss Rarity.” Twilight smiled. “Oh, you’re just saying that.” Rarity giggled, happy to finally connect with Twilight. “Affirmative, Miss Rarity.” Twilight smiled to another angry glare from Rarity. But before the white mare could correct her faux pas, Twilight interjected. “Incoming message from Ponyville.” “What?” Rarity asked as a whisp of smoke curled through the air, coalescing into a scroll above their table. Rarity hesitantly picked it up, looking around to see if anyone else had noticed. But thankfully, no one around them really cared. Opening the letter, Rarity read fervently, thinking their friends needed help. Rarity, you gotta bring me on the mission! Please? I’m dying here! Applejack made me get up at, like, dawn today! She said I was going to be productive if I was going to stay here! Can you believe this? First Twi, now AJ? Can I please catch a break? Oh yeah, Shy wants me to tell you guys to check out her ponyhoof page again. I don’t know, but she made me promise to tell you guys. Also, Princess Celestia sent a letter earlier. She wanted to know if Twi would like to come by and help her write a speech tomorrow. Again, I dunno what that’s all about. Anyways, I have to get back to my indentured servitude. Say hey to Doc Olo for me when you see him. Or just bring me along and I can say it myself? Please? Yours, Spike T. Dragon. “And too think for a second I was worried…” Rarity muttered. But there was a subtle shift in her mood, as she imagined the heartbreak Spike would go through upon learning that Dr. Olo was no longer with them. But Rarity drove these thoughts away as she hoofed the letter over to Twilight, their food was arriving as well. “Oh my, this looks fantastic. Thank you, sir. And thank you, Twilight.” “Gern geschehen.”* The waiter smiled, taking his leave. “It was my pleasure, Miss Rarity.” Twilight hummed while reading the letter. “Miss Rarity, the letter makes reference to a linked page, would you like for me to examine this?” “No no, that’s alright. Would you like to split our orders, Twilight? Share some of your salad for half of this cake?” Rarity asked as she set her napkin in her lap. “Yes please, Miss Rarity.” Twilight smiled, taking a slice of cake for herself. “This unit has a past favoritism of dish:stollen.” “Then why didn’t you… I told you to get the salad…” Rarity muttered, looking defeated. “I’m sorry, Twilight. From now on, I promise to exercise more care in the instructions I give you.” “Thank you, Miss Rarity.” The pair ate in relative silence. Rarity was too exhausted to carry on a conversation, and Twilight had no command prompts to run one at this time anyways. But eventually, the lavender mare did speak up. “Miss Rarity, we should be going if we wish to procure some luggage and clothing for our travels.” “I’m sorry, did you just say you want to go shopping?” Rarity almost snorted. Almost. “It is much less conspicuous of two ponies traveling together to travel with luggage than without. I do believe given our next destination and the seasonal unfavorability, warm clothing and business attire would be best.” “Oh, why business?” Rarity almost chuckled, leaning into the table with a sly smile on her face. Now Twilight was speaking her language. “MosCow is not known for it’s tourism during this time of year. Therefore, the cover identities I have created revolve around a more formal business approach, and bearing in mind our target, a cover in the pharmaceutical line. Does this meet your expectations, Miss Rarity?” “Twilight, that’s… well, that’s brilliant.” Rarity finally admitted. “But I don’t know a thing about pharmacology.” “Processing. Your role has been updated to accounting manager then. This will provide a better cover as well, with more systems access and less inspection to our work.” “How? They’ll surely know I’m not their accountant.” Rarity was swift to point out. “You are now, according to several large firm databases.” Twilight smiled. Rarity was left speechless. “A security badge will be ready for us at each destination.” “How?” Rarity finally managed. “I fail to see your error, Miss Rarity.” Twilight frowned. “This is only the base line of my capabilities now.” “Twilight, you’re amazing.” Rarity finally conceded. “Thank you, Miss Rarity. Would you like to register your WINRAR license at this time?” “Can’t I opt out of that?” Rarity asked, defeated again. “Action denied. Would you-” “Later, Twilight.” Rarity dismissed. “What does WINRAR even do?” “It is a program added to assist me in compression, decompression, and organization of files, Miss Rarity.” Twilight informed. “Essentially, it allows me to communicate with any computer I need too by translating computer files into neural impulses my biological brain can decode.” “More computer nonsense, wonderful.” Rarity groaned. “Wait, does this mean the bastards that did this too you are using pirated programs on top of everything?” “Affirmative, Miss Rarity.” Twilight smiled. “Hmmph. Why am I not surprised?” Rarity muttered, leaning back. “Don’t. That was rhetorical.” “Affir-” Twilight began, but froze. “Danger, Miss Rarity.” “What?” Rarity asked, sitting up again. “Are the units from before…?” “Negative. We are past our time limit. We need to leave now if we wish to procure the items needed for our cover.” Twilight informed simply. “Ah.” Rarity breathed in relief. She flagged down their waiter and paid, and together with her friend, trotted out the door. Back in Ponyville though, things were going about as smooth as sandpaper. “Did they read it? Did they?” The butter colored mare asked, bobbing and weaving around Spike as she pestered the small boy for an answer. “For the last time, I don’t know!” Spike huffed as he grabbed a basket full of apples, lifting them onto the cart Applejack had brought around. “Why does it matter so much to you, anyways?” “I- well… it’s just important, alright?” Fluttershy muttered, looking away. “I thought you already ran a ponyhoof page for this?” Spike noted. “This is a new one.” Fluttershy explained as Spike just furrowed his brow. “Ugh, fine.” Spike huffed, grabbing another basket. “If it means that much too ya, I’ll give ya a like.” “Thanks Spike, and it’s just that I- I really need Twilight and Rarity too look at it, too. It’s- it’s important. To me, I mean…” “Shy, there ya are!” Applejack yelled from the barn. “Come on, the pigs are this way.” “Be right there!” Fluttershy called back, a smile falling over her face her heart did not wear. Please Celestia, let them see that page. They really need to see it… Author's Note *Translations in order of appearance: Hello Professor, how are you? No, sir. Rarity and I... it's a long story. Waiter, I will have the fruit salad, and she will have the Stollen, please. Absolutely, I'll have that out to you in a moment, ladies. You're welcome. Thanks to Doctor Candor for editing this chapter, as well as too Macho Madness for their conceptual assistance. Waypoint: MosCowChapter Three: Waypoint: MosCow The librarian walked down the aisles of endless tomes and scrolls, looking for one of her new favorites. She had quite the impressive library already, but these new additions to her collection were from a very, very special source. Her user, the one Miss Rarity. “Opening file: Orders from Miss Rarity.” Twilight smiled as she pulled out the newest scroll. “Direction: Define purpose for mission on unit level.” Happily, the lavender mare took the scroll back to her large chair, one that with its size and comfort threatened to swallow her whole. She nestled in and reopened the scroll, reviewing all system notes about the order. “User has made clear direction was not in reference to emotion: Romantic Love. System error: Undefined love implied. Searching online for more information.” The bookish pony smiled as she crafted words in the air before her very eyes, laying back into throw pillows and cushions, as she watched each word form with nary a thought. She would pick one to play with, downloading all information, before pushing the word back and picking a new one. It was one thing to hold paper inscribed with words from either press or calligraphy, but another to interact with them directly. Twilight made several notes to try this spell at a later time, in her active mode. Being stuck in sleep mode like this made her interface act oddly, and though her programming didn’t care for it, Twilight rather did. She called it dreaming. Lucid though it was, the only word that could fit was dream. Twilight’s subconscious had the helm, and it took her to this magical place. This mental archive. And it was here that Twilight remained. The girl chuckled and hummed, tapping her hooves as she read entry after entry, data point after data point. Twilight was happy here. There were the words of her user, and all the data she had ever read. Even those words she thought forgotten in time still remained, etched onto her cerebral parchment for all time, and then some now with her upgrades. It was- no, it is a paradise that Twilight can access anytime she needs. But like all promised lands, something outside called her away. Glowing red words strained her eyes and forced her to heed them. But they needn't worry, for their message is one she would never ignore. They read simply: User Danger Imminent. “Miss Rarity!” Twilight barked as she shot out of her bed, the train still rolling along to MosCow. The lavender eyes danced to her user’s cot, finding the white mare sleeping not so soundly, her previous habit of talking present yet again. “No, not you too, professor… No, please…” “Miss Rarity, you are in danger.” Twilight snapped, standing guard by her master. The door to their compartment was still, but not for long. The threat was getting closer. Thinking fast, Twilight grabbed the mare, and dragged her off the bed. “Bwah!” Rarity screamed as she woke with a start as she fought off the sensation of falling. Her breathing labored, her eyes wild, she focused her gaze on the lavender mare with a ferocity seldom told tales of. “Twilight, what is going-” “Danger, Miss Rarity. Engage Defense Protocol one: Protect User.” Twilight snorted as she charged her horn. “What do you mean-” Rarity started again, but the door slid open, and Twilight did not hold back. The first mare by the door took a shot of mana straight to the chest, knocking her out against the back wall. “Search program complete, TOC1 located. Eng-” The second unit managed before Twilight blasted the unit with a purple beam of magical energy. “Two units down. Hoof Soldiers. No data retrieved.” Twilight surmised. “Two units remain on board. One recon drone, one mage class. Warning, enemy systems are responding to my hacking attempts. Units have upgraded security protocols since Beaklin, Miss Rarity.” “What is going on?!” Rarity demanded. “Who are those ponies? Why did you blast them? Why the buck did you wake me up like that?!” “Miss Rarity, we are in danger. We need to relocate to a more strategic location.” Twilight informed. “Wha- When- How?” Rarity muttered looking around, trying to force herself to comprehend the truth of the matter. Finally, she looked at Twilight, with determination burning like fire in her eyes. “Darling, we cannot let these goons stop us. Not now. So I expect you to do everything you can to help me get these ruffians off our train.” “Affirmative, Miss Rarity.” Twilight nodded. She looked to the back wall of their train compartment, looking almost through the wood to beyond. “Unit’s will be in our car in ten seconds, Miss Rarity.” “Then let’s greet them, Darling.” Rarity smiled mischievously. “Units 1287-4 and 3422-9, report.” An unknown pony said as she and another accomplice slipped into the next car. ”I’m sorry, who are you looking for?” The sweet voice of Rarity asked as she threw an uppercut into the pony’s peeking jaw, knocking her out in the doorway. “Because I think you found her.” “Error, ambush det-” The other started to report, but a blast of magic to the back stopped her cold as Twilight stepped forward from the other side. “Unit’s engaged, Miss Rarity.” Twilight informed, rather redundantly for the white mare’s personal tastes. “So what have you lea-” Rarity began, but Twilight held a hoof out to stop her. “Unit 7533-7, Mage Class. Designator, Moon Dancer.” Twilight replied, but not to Rarity as the mare quickly noticed. “Miss Rarity, enemy unit is still quite operational.” “What?” Rarity asked as the mare before her groaned, slowly rising back to her hooves. Twilight looked at her user, a fear in her eyes Rarity would not soon forget. “Prime Directive one: Protect User at all costs.” Twilight stated as she teleported Rarity away. The mare would not be happy to be treated as such, but she was safe now. “TOC1 engaged. Rouge operating status confirmed. Begin unit reclamation.” The mare once known as Moon Dancer stated, digging her hooves in as she charged her horn. “What in the world?” Rarity asked as she looked around the new car she was in, and her anger growing. “Twilight!” The mare huffed as she looked to the front and back of the car, quickly deciding which way to run to rejoin her friend before it was too late. Mighty blasts rocked the car. Bolt after bolt of amber and magenta mana cascaded towards the ponies with reckless abandon. Twilight took to a more physical form of fighting, using her strength to leap and dodge while the superiorly powered unit took all attacks head on, and returning them in kind. “Firewall 13 disabled.” Twilight noted when she landed, ducking low as a spell rent the air above her asunder. Had she been there, she would be very much everywhere else right about now. “Attempts at outside interface detected. Deploying countermeasures.” Moon Dancer nodded, lowering her horn to blast the floor of the train. “Countermeasures unsuccessful.” Twilight informed casually as she rebounded off the wall, whipping her head to form a magical wave of destructive mana. The target easily blocked the wave, her own mystic shields holding, but not as well as she would have assumed. “Error, Unit 4972-0 possesses mana greater than reported.” Moon Dancer observed. “Attempting to calculate mana strength…” ”Firewall 24 disabled.” Twilight calmly noted as she landed and began pummeling the opponent's shields directly, rocking her with blast after blast. “Unit 7533-7 lacks functional multi tasking tools.” Twilight gloated as she shattered the shields. “Objective updated.” Moon Dancer panted as she stood up properly from the magical barrage she had endured. “New objective: Eliminate all resistance.” Rarity threw her weight into the door as she barreled forward, bursting through into a very warm room. “The engine?” The white mare almost screamed as the conductor watched her curiously. “Damn you, Twilight!” Rarity bellowed as she turned around, and taking to her hooves once more. Twilight had been cocky before. Some part of her could admit that. She knew she was magically talented. But she let pride go to her head. She would have to fix that later, granted of course that she survived. “Unit 4972-0, yield.” Moon Dancer commanded as she took her turn blasting Twilight’s shields with her spells. The mare would mix it up, throwing out fire or ice spells every so often, trying to keep Twilight distracted. “Firewall 33 disabled.” Twilight replied. “Error, unit 7533-7 approaching mystic burn out. Be advised: unit, halt process or risk damage to essential systems.” “Error: this unit does not accept rouge unit data.” Moon Dancer stated. “Mana output increased to 100%.” “Unit 7533-7, systems failure imminent.” Twilight urged. It felt wrong in all honesty, to go against so much of her user's instructions and her own programming as if it were a joke. But the mare would not have long to mull the thoughts over as the sound of hooves quickly closed in. “Twilight! I’m here, don’t-” Twilight wasted no time in teleporting Rarity again. “User detected. User safety compromised.” “Processing…” The unit Moon Dancer supplied. “New objective: Eliminate Rogue unit user.” Twilight found her emotions earlier to be erroneous. Now, there was no dispute, only Prime Directive One: Protect user, at all costs. “Firewall 50 disabled.” Twilight growled as she gained her long sought after control. “Unit override enabled. Delete system 32, commence Defrag.” “Error, error, eroor, err...or… err…” Moon Dancer muttered, losing steam and slumping forward as Twilight walked past the now drooling unit. “Unit 7533-7 Status: disabled.” Twilight muttered as she left behind her brain dead assailant. “User safety: optimal.” “Twilight Sparkle! When I get my hooves on you, you’ll wish you had never learned that spell!” Rarity screamed as she flopped down to the floor. She was exhausted, and her friend had made it quite clear that she would not let her be present. No, Twilight was strictly following orders, as it would appear. But Rarity’s party of self pity was interrupted by the familiar pop of magic, and her friend’s calm voice. “Miss Rarity, I wish to inform you-” Twilight began, but was quickly cut off by a hug from her friend. “Error, unit requires oxygen, Miss Rarity.” “Shut up, Twilight. You scared me.” Rarity sighed as she pulled back, looking deep into those lavender eyes again. “What happened? Where are the… others?” “All opposition has been effectively neutralized.” Twilight nodded. Something was off. Normally, she would smile to tell Rarity she was safe, but now… “Neutralized how, darling?” Rarity asked slowly. “Three units remain unconscious at this time.” Twilight informed. “One unit has been eliminated due to hostile actions against you, Miss Rarity.” “Eliminated? Twilight, you didn’t…?” “The unit is still biologically alive, Miss Rarity. I simply shut down their nanites and removed all traces of their computer programming.” Twilight stated coldly. “She’s- She’s normal then?” Rarity asked, awed by the news. “Twilight, that’s wonderful! Tell me, can we do the same to you?” “The action is possible, but not recommended, Miss Rarity.” Twilight frowned. “Destroying the nanites has left unit: Moon Dancer in a now vegetative state.” “W-What?” Rarity asked, trying her best to control herself. “Twilight, you- You killed her…” “Negative, Miss Rarity.” Twilight frowned. “Unit: Moon Dancer is still biologically alive.” “You call being a vegetable alive? Twilight, you kil-” Rarity began, but Twilight’s sudden glare cut her off. “Miss Rarity, do not assume I enjoyed destroying one of my kind. I acted as needed to preserve my user’s life and security.” Twilight calmly replied. “One of your kind?” Rarity asked cautiously. “Darling, are you…” “Affirmative, Miss Rarity. Emotion: Comradery is pre programed into all units. We all aim to complete the common goal.” “Wait, we all?” Rarity asked defensively. “Even you?” “Affirmative.” Twilight nodded. “We are all built for the purpose of Master Control.” “Right, right, overthrow the nation.” Rarity huffed. Twilight opened her mouth, but Rarity was quick to stop her. “Darling, you don’t owe them anything anymore. They’re trying to kill you. So please, stop trying to overthrow the princesses. Please?” “Understood, Miss Rarity.” Twilight nodded. “The goals of the collective are not this unit’s goals.” “Excellent.” Rarity sighed. “And promise me, no more killing, no matter what.” “Error, Miss Rarity.” Twilight said solemnly. “Your orders will be ineffective. The enemy does not practice value: mercy.” “All the more reason for us too.” Rarity stated defiantly. But even then and there, the white mare knew that promise would be broken. She had a feeling it was about to get a lot worse before it got better. “Come darling, we need to prepare for our arrival. We should probably go over the plan again.” “Affirmative, Miss Rarity. Where would you like to begin?” Twilight asked as she sat down with her scared friend. Twilight couldn’t say she was happy that Miss Rarity was angry with her, but as long as her user lived, the beauty could feel however she wanted in all honesty. A cold wind greeted the pair as they ascended the stairs of their first target and the distributer of the flu vaccines in Ponyville, HoofCo Pharmaceuticals. Rarity couldn’t help but feel eyes on them as they walked in, and was doing everything in her power to keep calm. She was the wild card after all, as Twilight was running the perfect program, while Rarity had to act. What Rarity wasn’t prepared for was how the guard bull would react to her when she approached him. He took one look at the mare, and snorted in disgust. Before Rarity could ever say anything, he tossed a badge at her and Twilight. “Corporate dogs. You come here to cut jobs, no?” “We’re simply here for an audit, sir.” Rarity replied cooly, letting her act slip into place. “We’re not here to fire anypo- anyone.” With a snort, the bull stepped aside, muttering about the pair being Trottingham idiots as they walked past. “Excuse me sir, but where are we to head?” Twilight smiled, making Rarity freeze in her place. The guard snorted. “Go to twentieth floor. You work there.” “Thank you.” Rarity replied coldly before Twilight could be too nice again. So much for her program. Little too nice if you ask me, Rarity noted as the pair made the elevator at long last, letting the heavy doors block off the angry stares. As the lift took them up, Rarity sighed, letting her shoulders drop. “Twilight, it would appear that these bovine are not fans of ours. I think it would be best to switch over to interface program mousy.” “Negative, Miss Rarity. Interface: mousy draws too much attention to suspect behavior: cowardly around the workers. I recommend interface: ice queen.” “Hmm, I like that name.” Rarity muttered sarcastically. But Twilight did have a point, no one liked talking to a bitch. This way, others would avoid her of their own accord. “Go ahead and run that program then if you would, please.” “Affirmative.” Twilight nodded. “Miss Rarity, I have an issue to report.” “WINRAR?” “Negative, Miss Rarity.” Twilight said as Rarity opened her eyes and looked at her friend once more. “Outfit: business suit has been found to be itchy. Request outfit patch update to resolve issue.” “Twilight, you can’t program clothing to be comfortable.” Rarity chuckled, shaking her head. “You should have told me it was itchy when we bought it.” “But you really liked how I looked in it, Miss Rarity. I did not want to disappoint.” Twilight informed as the lift stopped, opening for the pair as Rarity was left speechless. Once again, Twilight had ignored her physical needs for Rarity, but in a way that was entirely Twilight. Not a computed mannerism, but rather a simple choice. A product of free will. “You!” Rarity heard as she and Twilight exited the lift, making her freeze yet again. She was not cut out to be a spy after all. “Tell your boss in Trottingham that we are on budget! We don’t need audit!” “Sir, you mistake us.” Twilight said coldly, letting her icy stare focus on the offending bull. “Indeed, we’re here to see exactly how you stay on budget, and prepare a plan for other sites to follow based on your excellent example.” Rarity smiled smugly. “Horse manure!” The bull scoffed. “You come to see how to save another ruble.” The worker huffed, walking away from them. “Get to work and get out.” “With pleasure.” Rarity and Twilight replied coldly, stomping past the ingrates as they made their way to the tiny back room they were allocated to work in. “I see they continue to roll out the red carpet for us, darling…” Rarity scoffed as she took a seat at one of the two available computers. Twilight simply stood in front of her machine, her eyes changing from her normal violet to green. “Connection established. Password override successful. Run program: Data mine.” “I will never fathom how you manage that, darling.” Rarity muttered as she began poking around the desk she was at, looking bored already. Her computer screen popped into life as streams of information appeared, before disappearing just as fast, leaving Rarity a fully working computer. “I’ll assume that was you, darling?” ”Affirmative, Miss Rarity.” Twilight muttered as her eyes swept back and forth over the pages of financial data. “Why are you looking at the finances, dear?” “Advanced counterintelligence tactic: Follow the revenue.” Twilight muttered distantly. Rarity quickly figured out how ineffective conversation was, and began poking around the computer, going online. She was content to just hum and scroll, hoping Twilight found her information soon. Of course, with Twilight thoroughly distracted, it never occurred to the white mare that they were effectively surrounded by the enemy, and she was the pony on point. “Why you dress shopping?” One heifer asked from the door, peeking in as she watched Twilight sit before page after page of spreadsheets, and Rarity before a fashion website. Thankfully she couldn’t see Twilight’s eyes, or the fact that the lavender mare didn’t even need the keyboard, otherwise she would have much more explaining to do. “Ah…” “You the boss, no?” The bovine asked, pointing to Rarity. “Yes…?” “Hmmph, management never change.” The cow smiled, softening a little. “Careful not to let Antoine catch you. Also, red one looks best in my opinion.” “You think?” Rarity asked as she smiled, turning back to her screen. “Thank you, Miss…?” “Call me Natalia.” The cow smiled, slipping back out of the office. “Natalia.” Rarity smiled. Turning to look at Twilight, still unbudging. “That must be a lot of information.” “Affirmative.” “So… anything to report?” Rarity asked nonchalantly. “HoofCo made the vaccines distributed in Ponyville, but they themselves did not produce nor add the nanites to the compound. That was done off site at CloverTech, following a new merger just before the vaccines were readied and shipped.” “Great, so now we have to go sneak into CloverTech.” Rarity groaned. “And from there, we’ll probably have to go to Posh to find the broker for the merger, then-” “Negative, Miss Rarity.” Twilight stated as she continued to download information. “We have no need to stop at other destinations. The financial hoofprint of the collective is everywhere on these records.” “So what does that mean?” Rarity asked angrily. “That we are on the right track. I need more time though to fully comprehend the collective’s plan from this location. “Great, you do that.” Rarity nodded, looking back to her computer with disgust. “Well, is there anything I could look up myself that would be helpful, Darling?” “Negative, Miss Rarity. The situation is under control.” Twilight nodded. Despite her talkative outburst, Twilight stayed glued to her computer, her eyes only blinking and swaying as she manipulated the data and dug further. After three hours had passed, Rarity was no closer to knowing what Twilight was doing than before, but now she knew exactly how boring a small room could be. She had explored page after page of news, travel, and had even found out how to read ebooks; a discovery that, much to her shock, Twilight only nodded too. Finally, at Twilight’s insistence to entertain her no less, Rarity found herself bored enough to actually make a personal ponyhoof page. “What should I ‘like’ first, darling?” Rarity asked absent heartedly. “Fluttershy has asked you to visit and like her page for her cottage rescue program.” Twilight informed almost absently. “Okay, bare with me here.” Rarity groaned as she clicked away at the keyboard keys. “Here we are. Hey look, you like this page! Now I do too!” Rarity smiled as she clicked the like button. “Error, Fluttershy made mention of this being a new page. I should not have a like currently.” Twilight muttered. “The new page has an exclamation mark after the title for reference.” “Okay, hold on.” Rarity groaned as she typed. “No, now I made that my status… Ah, here we go! Wait… Twilight, something’s wrong.” “Please describe your technical assistance needs, Miss Rarity.” “I don’t know. The whole screen looks blocky and distorted. I think it crashed, darling.” Rarity stated weakly. “Have you tried turning it off and on again?” “Does that actually work?” Rarity asked. “Affirmative.” Rarity only shrugged, and tried the command. But when the computer came back online, and Rarity navigated to the page once more, the error persisted. “Nothing… I think it’s a problem with the page itself…” ”Then I will examine the page at a later time, Miss Rarity.” Twilight concluded. “Update: I have finished my examination of the site's finances and security protocol.” “Security?” Rarity asked, already not liking where this was going. “Affirmative. Our position here has been compromised. Agent Natalia has alerted units to a possible security breach.” Twilight said as she finally tore her eyes away from the screen. “I have managed to halt the building’s IFF analysis, but I cannot keep the agents outside from discovering our deceit much longer. Miss Rarity, we will most likely encounter heavy resistance on the other side of the door.” “Oh drat.” Rarity sighed. “Well then, escape plans?” “Processing… None. Defensive capabilities from current position… None. Offensive capabilities… twelve.” “Well, that’s better than none.” Rarity conceded. “I’ll follow your lead, darling.” “Error, Miss Rarity.” Twilight said with a frown. “All twelve scenarios rely on you being the first to engage. Based on the lack of alarms or movement outside, they are holding location as they try to determine friend/ foe. We should strike now.” “Alright…” Rarity groaned as she stood back up, walking over to the door and opening it with a flip of her mane. “Excuse me, sir? Could I ask you a quick question?” “What you want?” The bull growled, leaning in close to the mare. “Do you have dental insurance?” “Da...?” “Good.” Rarity smiled as she wrapped her hooves behind the bovine’s neck, bringing her knee up rapidly to meet the mandible of her victim. The deafening crack sung through the office, as bovines abandoned their desks to rush in, horns pointed at the pair. “Option number Four engaged.” Twilight nodded as she leapt over her friend, grabbing the first assailant and bringing him to the ground. “I do hope the rest of our trips start to involve less fighting!” Rarity yelled as she ducked a rather nasty looking horn and struck the bull in the gut. “Outcome unlikely, Miss Rarity.” Twilight added nonchalant. “Duck.” “Wha- Whoa!” Rarity screamed as Twilight threw some poor cow over her to take out some more bovine assailants coming down the hall. “Twilight!” “I gave you advanced warning, Miss Rarity. You were in no danger.” Twilight calmly stated as she began firing off blast of magical energy, mainly aiming for the ground, right in front of the oppositions’ hooves. “That doesn’t mean I like it!” Rarity barked back, holding a bull in a choke hold. “You two, very odd…” The bull noted as he slipped into sleep. “Why you commanding drone? What upgrades you have?” “Wake up.” Rarity growled as she rubbed her hoof viciously on the bull’s sternum. “What makes you think I’m upgraded?” “You- fight- good…” The bull gasped. “Well I’ll have you know I have no little machines inside my mind, thank you! I’m one hundred percent myself!” “Ha, silly pony. Think only upgrades leave you like her…” The bull muttered as he passed out again, though this time Rarity left him as such. “Twilight, we may have a problem.” “Indeed.” A voice behind Rarity chuckled, though it lacked a certain accent this time. “I must say, I didn’t know what to make of you at first, ponies.” “Greeting, Agent Natalia.” Twilight nodded as she held her line, eyeing a bull that dared get a little too close before he backed away. “I almost thought you were a friend.” Rarity sighed as she laid on the floor, looking up to the heifer. “Oh well.” Rarity dismissed as she punched hard, making the cow double over, her eyes watering. “Twilight, I would like to get out of here now, please?” “Processing… Escape route found, Miss Rarity.” Twilight nodded as Rarity got to her hooves, clashing horns with a smaller heifer. Twilight magically grabbed the mare, before bolting at the window at top speed. “No, not again!” Rarity protested as Twilight shattered the window magically, leaping to freedom with her user in tow. “Well, that didn’t go as planned.” Rarity sighed as she and Twilight took rest in a small shop. “Miss Rarity, I have analysed all pertinent data.” Twilight informed, panting slightly from her fighting. “Where would you like to begin?” “What looks promising, dear?” “Several agents are getting ready for a new systems test in the Land of Eire, of-” “The Emerald Isles?” Rarity gasped. “I always wanted to visit the Isles. Oh our luck is finally turning.” “Indeed, Miss Rarity.” Twilight noted, though Rarity chose to ignore what sounded like either machine coldness or sarcasm, it didn’t matter. “Miss Rarity, this shop has wireless internet available. Would you like for me to search Fluttershy’s page at this time?” “Hmm, oh. Go right ahead, darling.” Rarity dismissed. “Processing… Miss Rarity, new information is available regarding the collective.” Twilight nodded. “I’m sorry, what?” “New in-” “How did you get new information? Twilight, what is going on?” Rarity asked sharply. “The information was available on Fluttershy’s page, Miss Rarity.” Twilight nodded. “What?” Rarity snorted. “Twilight, please explain in careful detail.” “The information was encoded to only be accessible by an upgraded unicorn. I now have detailed schematics on several of the collective’s operations and tactics, Miss Rarity. Where would you like to begin?” “I think the right place to start is back in Ponyville.” Rarity growled. “Darling, we’re going home. Somepony has a very big story to tell!” Back at HoofCo, several fallen enemies were picking themselves up, sorrowed at their loss at the hooves of one normal mare and a death machine. “Agent Natalia, we were only able to confirm the presence of TOC1, Twilight Sparkle.” “Hmm, so we still have no clue who her little friend is then, do we?” Natalia asked as she dropped her fake accent entirely, walking into the office the pair had recently been using. Who could do this? Who are you? Wh- Natalia stopped her thoughts when she noticed the second computer. The one the mystery mare had been using. It would seem that in her haste, she made a mistake. Natalia clicked the back button, smirking as the ponyhoof page loaded again. “So, Rarity Grace of Ponyville. Well then, I think we had better investigate that town a little more closely…” Author's Note So here we are everyone, Chapter Three. Thanks to my editors, Doctor Candor and PoisonedArrow now joining the team. I know this chapter is around two thousand words shorter than the last, and I do apologize for that, but I hope you too will find that the weight of the plot carries it through this one minor infraction. Thanks mis amigos, I look forward to entertaining you all again in Chapter Four. Peace, Sam User: FluttershyChapter Four: User: Fluttershy The kettle was on as the butter colored mare let herself get lost in thought. She had exhausted her fear, and cast aside her worry. No, those emotions wouldn’t do her any good now. Her only chance at redemption was honesty. Maybe if she gave all that she knew out freely, could the evils that transpired be quelled. Of course, knowing the mare on the other end of her evils didn’t exactly make it any easier on the poor mare, but that was really outside her sphere of influence. All she could do was hope that reason would prevail when the time finally came. But hope was is short supply today. A mighty cry cut through the tranquility, snapping poor Fluttershy from her thoughts as her many feathered friends took to the sky, wanting to escape the impending destruction. “Fluttershy!” The cry sounded out across the small town, letting all know Rarity was back in Ponyville. Hard at work in the orchards of Sweet Apple Acres, a small dragon and his earth pony guardian felt a disturbing force sweep through the trees as it prompted them to drop their chores and turn towards that strange noise. A cry actually, that bore only pain, rage, and damnation for all in its path. “Fluttershy!” “Spike, did y’all hear that?” “Applejack, I felt that…” The dragon added meekly, wanting nothing to do with any of it. Fluttershy glided to her door, knowing that trouble was there on the other side. Her animals begged her to run away, too never open that door. Even Angel Bunny, the normally selfish creature, was trying to make the mare turn back. But it was futile. She opened the door just as the white hoof raised to strike the wood. “Hello Rarity, Twilight. Would you two like to come in?” Fluttershy asked, her ever limited supply of courage depleting quickly in the face of rage incarnate. Rarity’s face contorted with anger, her teeth grinding in a painful way. “I would be delighted, Fluttershy.” Rarity finally managed, though she still shook with barely contained rage. Reluctantly, the white mare was lead in, letting her more logical counterpart stroll in and take a seat. Rarity was close to popping a blood vessel as Fluttershy set out tea for them all, pouring them each a cup before she took a seat. Finally, Rarity had enough. “How long?” With a sigh, Fluttershy set down the teapot and took a seat, letting her eyes fall to the pattern in the cloth. “How long?!” Rarity shouted as Fluttershy remained quiet. “How long were you going to let me and Twilight risk life and limb before you told us?! How long have you known about them?! How long have you been helping them?!” “Too long.” Fluttershy finally sniffed, tears falling from her face. “Rarity, would you please sit down?” “Please sit down?! Fluttershy, why didn’t you tell us!?” Rarity demanded, stomping her hoof. “How could I?!” Fluttershy snapped back, rising to her hooves once more. “How do you want to hear it? That Twilight’s power scared me so bad that I joined the Mana Commeasureance Society?” “Fluttershy, you have a lot to answer for, so I recommend you start from the very beginning.” Rarity growled. “What is the Mana Commeasureance Society?” “Please, Rarity? I’ll tell you everything I know.” Fluttershy pleaded, sinking back to her seat as she felt the angry eyes of her guest burrow into her. “Fine.” Rarity huffed, practically throwing herself into her seat as she continued to stare down the stare master. “Start from the beginning, Fluttershy. What is the Society, and why are you aligned with them?” “It all started about two years ago…” Fluttershy confessed with a heavy sigh. “Back when Trixie first came to Ponyville.” “Trixie? But you weren’t even there for that?” Rarity asked, confused by the start. “I wasn’t, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t see how Twilight saved Ponyville from the Ursa Minor.” Fluttershy admitted, looking to the mare at long last. “She lifted an Ursa Minor. She, by herself, lifted-” “Okay, I get it. She showed a lot of power back then.” Rarity sighed. “And that power scared you?” “Normal unicorn magic is nowhere near that powerful. Ponies like you could never hope to do such things - oh! N-no offence…” Fluttershy blushed, inadvertently insulting her friend. “None taken.” Rarity snorted, her flat stare telling volumes. “At first, it was just fear. I was scared, and that was that. But then, as time when on, I found myself more and more to be bothered by the thoughts of what if? I worried about what would happen if someday, some unicorn as powerful as Twilight wasn’t interested in helping us. In doing good.” “What happened next?” Rarity pressed, rudely at that. “About a year ago, I was approached by somepony from the Society.” Fluttershy sighed. “They offered me a job as a data analyst for their cause. They told me exactly what I needed to, I guess, that they were offering a way to…” “To what, Fluttershy? Strip all unicorns of their free will? To use their own magic to enslave them!?” Rarity barked. True, she was a little too harsh there, but it was a personal point for the white unicorn. “No! I would never be a part of something like that!” Fluttershy gasped. “The society wanted to increase information and common knowledge about magic they told me. I was never aware of any evil plans until recently...” “The Mana Commeasureance Society was designed to evaluate and replicate the magic of powerful target unicorns.” Twilight spoke up, startling the two mares. Until now, they had actually rather forgotten she was there. “What?” Rarity growled. “Fluttershy, is she right?” “I found out about six months ago what they were actually doing.” Fluttershy nodded, tears rimming her eyes. “That’s when I found out about the collective.” “Really? You worked for them for six months before discovering them?” Rarity sassed at the blond mare harshly. “Error, Miss Rarity. The Mana Commeasureance Society is not the whole of the collective.” Twilight corrected. “There are at current sixteen organizations working in the collective as we call it now.” Minutes passed as Rarity sat there with her jaw agape, her ears dropped. Finally, she found her voice. “How long have you known details about the collective, Twilight!?” “I have been aware of the collective’s true nature since we discovered Agent Gizmo.” Twilight informed. “Why didn’t you ever tell me?!” “You never asked, Miss Rarity.” Twilight informed simply as Rarity felt her blood pressure rising. “Twilight, can you please tell Miss Rarity more about the collective?” Fluttershy asked, trying to placate the situation. “Error, you are no longer listed as a user for this unit.” Twilight dismissed, ignoring the venomous glare from the white unicorn. “Override code: Beta GG 3988 Fox.” “Override accepted. Welcome, user: Fluttershy.” Twilight smiled as she turned to her new user, leaving her shocked admin to watch, agast. “How did you…? Twilight, are you okay?” “I am fine, Miss Rarity.” Twilight nodded. “I’m sorry Rarity, but I had to access Twilight’s systems.” Fluttershy pouted. “Can the enemy do that to her also?” Rarity asked, her anger now firmly replaced by fear. “Technically.” Fluttershy nodded. “It can’t be done by a drone unit though. So unless you’re ever fighting normal ponies, I’d say you’re fine.” Rarity’s eyes flooded with panic, as what little color her white coat offered drained from her features. “Fluttershy! We were just in MosCow! Twilight could have been hacked!” Rarity screamed. “Technically, it’s a security firewall backup. Not a hack. But you do have a point…” Fluttershy conceded. “Twilight, system override 4.4432. Disable firewall backup user access.” “This unit will need to restart in order to implement such changes.” Twilight nodded. “Understood. Go ahead and restart, Twilight.” Fluttershy nodded as Twilight laid her head on the table, eyes closed and gently snoring. “Wait, is she asleep?” Rarity asked, as confused as ever. “It’s a rather large cache I just deleted. She needs a complete reboot after that. She’ll be asleep for about an hour.” Fluttershy smiled. “H-how did you even learn to do that? How do you know the commands by heart?” Rarity stammered at long last. “I’m a bit of a computer genius.” Fluttershy smiled meekly. “I learned programming back in summer camp when I was just a filly, and I was able to write in a security backdoor for use when I discovered the Collective.” “... Just what kind of camp did you go too?” Rarity muttered slowly. Shaking off the insanity, Rarity decided a change of topic was in order. “We are not square just yet, missy.” “I know. I’ll tell you everything.” Fluttershy sighed. “Then let me start with a simple question.” Rarity huffed. “Why?” “I told you, I was scared. Magic is way too-” “No, darling.” Rarity interrupted. “Why did you give us all that information? What are you up to?” “Oh.” Fluttershy gasped softly, with no small amount of guilt taking over her delicate features, marring her beauty with her sin of remorse. “Because it’s like you said. I have a lot to make up for, and I wanted to make a show of good faith first.” “Then why the hay not just give us the information as soon as you learned that poor Twilight was infected?!” Rarity barked, losing her brief reign on her emotions once more. “I tried.” Fluttershy sighed. “If Pinkie hadn’t interrupted me, I would have been able to give Twilight the cache and let you discover it without having to out myself like this.” “You wanted to hide this from me?” Rarity snorted a she tapped her hoof on the table with disgust. “How many lies are you sewing, darling?” “No! It’s not like that! I never wanted to lie to you!” Fluttershy retorted. “But I also really wanted to avoid a confrontation. I’m trying to do the right thing here, please let me help fix my mistake. Help me help you two.” “You’re right dear.” Rarity sighed, letting herself collapse into a seat as she looked down at the tea Fluttershy had poured when she first arrived, what felt like ages ago now. “You’re right. This isn't easy on any of us, and I’m sorry for only making it harder, dear. Forgive me, Fluttershy. In all honesty, if you had said that you knew what was going on with the collective from the start, I don’t know how I would have reacted.” “This really isn’t something you can prepare for, is it?” Fluttershy sighed. Rarity shook her head slowly, distant in her thoughts. “No dear. I don’t think anypony could have been prepared for this nightmarish existence.” Rarity finished as she looked to the softly slumbering Twilight. “You poor thing… I promise I will find a way to help you.” With the pair of mares deciding the inside of the cottage was now quite too small, they instead ventured out to the white tail woods while Twilight rebooted. The fresh air had done wonders to loosen Fluttershy’s tongue, and had equally calmed the raging diva. “So when I found out about Project Imperium, I was really upset. I mean... I had signed on to study magic, and maybe… maybe grow to respect its power more through understanding. But, then I discovered that they were making an army!” Fluttershy whined, free of her guilty constraints and talking freely for the first time in six months. “So you, forgive me for the lack of a better phrase, flipped out and abandoned the Society?” Rarity pressed, looking for clarity. “Not exactly. I’m still in the Society, but only to allow me continued access to their systems and plans.” Fluttershy replied. “But is it safe for you to just be giving me this information? They might retaliate, darling…” “Rarity, I appreciate the concern, but trust me when I say that I have this situation well under control.” Fluttershy smiled. “I’m actually a high ranking member in the Society now. I’ve got almost total immunity. And before you ask, I plan to stay in the Society because I still believe in our end goal. I still want to explore magic as a pegasus, and increase the understanding of those that are scared of unicorns.” “I think that was just the tagline they used to hook you in, dear.” Rarity giggled. “But leave it to you to want to help everypony out of the rubble of this horrible situation.” “It’s what I do.” Fluttershy giggled. They had been walking for roughly forty minutes, talking about the truth and just letting Fluttershy finally get things off of her chest. “We should start heading back, Twilight will wake up in a little bit.” “Alright dear.” Rarity smiled as they turned down a trail that lead by Fluttershy’s cottage. “So how has Sweetie Belle been with me gone?” “Your mom grounded her yesterday. I think it was something about the improper use of a fire extinguisher and I don’t think she bought the excuse that Scootaloo’s eyebrows just magically caught fire.” “Ah, same old, same-” Rarity started but stopped when she saw a couple familiar faces down the way. “Oh, hello Lyra, Bon Bon!” “Morning Rarity, Fluttershy.” Lyra nodded. “It’s good to see you girls.” Bon Bon laughed as they closed the distance, exchanging brief hugs. “What’s going on in your exciting lives?” “Oh please darling, it’s not that exciting.” Rarity dismissed. “I’ve actually just came back from some out of town business.” “Really? Oh my, that sounds exciting.” Bon Bon chuckled. “Indeed.” Lyra nodded. “Where were you, if I may?” “Absolutely dear, I was in Canterlot for the past couple of days.” Rarity giggled in reply. “Really?” Bon Bon asked. “Meet anypony special?” “No, I wish.” Rarity laughed. “How about any griffons, then?” Bon Bon asked, her friendly voice now sporting an edge that could cut steel. Rarity felt her face go flush as she looked to the two ponies before her, realization dawning. “Oh tartarus, you two are agents? Really?” Rarity sighed. “I’ll make you a deal, Rarity: Turn over Twilight, and I’ll make sure nothing bad happens to you.” Bon Bon offered with a venomous smile. “I’m so sorry about your mane, dear. It’s such a shame, really.” Rarity said at last, confusing the mares around her. “Wha-” Bon Bon started as Rarity lunged at her, magically pulling her mane down to stop a counter attack. But before Rarity could lay hoof on the new enemy, she found herself falling rather awkwardly. Landing on her back with a pained grunt, Rarity fought to catch her breath as she looked up at Lyra, recognising that thousand yard stare anywhere. “Oh road apples.” Rarity sighed as she watched Lyra get into position for a blood choke. Rarity struggled against her capture, but was only able to watch feebly as Bon Bon stopped the petrified Fluttershy from escaping. Why does this always happen? With a yawn and a stretch, Twilight lifted her head from the table as she blinked awkwardly, her systems rebooting slowly for her personal tastes. Finally, she was operational, and strangely alone. But that was really a minor- “Error. Unit requires user interface.” Twilight said with an urgency normally reserved for life and death situations. “Run program: User Locator… Searching, searching. User location not found. Increase search radius.” Twilight snorted as she teleported out of the small cottage, and the hunt now on. Rarity slowly awoke in a small cottage. That much she could tell from her position by the door, her hooves magically bound and her head splitting. She could only listen though as her captors argued. “Agent Bon Bon, you need to alert local command units of the capture of enemy combatants.” “Shut up, Lyra. This is what we both wanted! Our big chance, baby! Come on, we got this!” “This unit must remind you of protocol, Agent.” Lyra said with that cold tone Rarity recognised as unhappy technological unicorn now. “Baby, think ahead here! We’ve got the chance now to move up the ladder. We’ll be set for life once the collective wins if we upgrade Rarity and return Twilight to them.” Bon Bon sighed, taking Lyra’s hoof in her own. “They’ll turn you back to normal. Come on baby, don’t you wanna be normal?” “Error.” Lyra stated coolly, nicely avoiding the barrage of questions. Rarity decided she had heard enough, and was trying to break the spell on her hooves, hoping for a quick escape. “Unit does not have personal wishes beyond serving my user.” “Eh, good enough.” Bon Bon dismissed, shrugging as she turned away from her upgraded lover towards her other quarry that Rarity only now took note of. Fluttershy, still out cold, but also still very alive. “So what should we do with this one? She’s innocent aft-” “Agent Fluttershy poses no problems of exposure.” Lyra reported, interrupting the earth pony. “She’s an agent, you say?” Bon Bon chuckled nervously as she looked at her captive with fear. “Is she stealing my expert plan?” “Agent Fluttershy is of high rank within the collective.” Lyra noted as Bon Bon turned to stare at the still unconscious mare. This information also saw Rarity stop her struggles as she strained to listen. Finally, some truth about everything. “She would not benefit fiscally or authoritatively from turning in a rogue unit from her position.” “So she’s just a goody four horseshoes, then?” Rarity held her breath. She practically begged the universe to let Fluttershy be innocent, but she was ready for the truth however it fell. “Negative. She last reported hearing of unit Twilight traveling to the Badlands three days ago.” Bon Bon turned to glare at the traitor she had found. “Said reports were found to be false, a calculated move originated by Rarity and captured unit Twilight to disengage pursuit.” “So why would she report on their movements, but not alert units when Rarity returned?” Bon Bon pressed. “I don’t like this, baby.” The Badlands? That’s over two thousand miles south of Beaklin. She… She protected us... “System note: Captive Rarity is awake.” Lyra informed as Bon Bon bolted up, turning slowly to the white mare that was still sitting patiently, and still quite bound. “You’re not going to get away with it, Darling.” Rarity dismissed, hoping against all hopes that these two would want to talk before killing her. Or worse. “That is the stupidest thing you can say. You know that, right?” Bon Bon chuckled as she nodded to her technologically improved other. “Baby, be a dear and fetch an upgrade for our guest, please?” “Request confirmed.” Lyra nodded, but she did not move, nor did her horn alight. “Lyra?” “Agent Bon Bon, you are the one millionth visitor to our-” Lyra started as Bon Bon groaned. “Why do you keep clicking on the pop ups? I told you that leads to viruses!” Bon Bon whined. “I’m sorry, is this a bad time?” Rarity asked politely. “Fluttershy and I can come back later if you like?” “Oh, har har.” Bon Bon hissed. “Tell me, what did you do to Fluttershy?” Rarity demanded as she leaned forward a hair. “Honestly? Nothing.” Bon Bon chuckled. “Little coward fainted when I approached her, trying to tell her to calm down, yadda yadda. Been out since.” “If you think I’m going to…” Rarity started, but stopped as she thought about the mare in question. “No, that is something Fluttershy would do… Sorry.” “Besides, I’d be more worried about what we’re going to do to you now.” Bon Bon smiled. She chuckled as she walked past the bound mare, off to parts unknown, though Rarity had a good idea what she would be coming back with. So with a few unlady-like grunts and swears, Rarity resumed her struggles to free herself. Lyra watched her patiently, having no need to stop her in all truth. Rarity was nowhere near powerful enough to free herself. With a blast of mystic force instead of her signature cute pop, Twilight erupted into Sugarcube Corner, her eyes sweeping over all there quickly. Multitasking like a professional, she blocked all input for any drones in the area as she scanned for her elusive user. “Miss Rarity not found. Scan of area 5.5334 inconclusive for signs of Miss Rarity. Moving to next search grid.” With another blast of magical power, she left the restaurant as the patrons now looked around, confused. All, save one. “Rarity’s missing?” Pinkie muttered under her breath. “Mr. Cake, would it be alright if I took off right now? I have to go see what Twilight’s so worried about.” “No Pinkie, we need you here and you’re still on the clock.” Carrot Cake reminded. He knew he could never stop the pink party machine if she truly wanted to go, but he also knew she would never leave without his permission also. But that didn’t mean she would do so quietly. “What? But- But- I-” Pinkie stuttered. “Aww man…” How long have I been here? Long enough that Twilight should be awake, I guess. Oh, she’s probably just sitting there, waiting for me to return. Goodness, she’s like a large puppy at times, isn’t she? Ah, if only I could summon her to me, I wouldn’t be sitting here, on the dirty floor, bound, and staring down the clock to infection… Rarity explored her thoughts as she continued to grasp at freedom, but finding the binds too powerful, her freedom slipping farther and farther away. “Grr. Argh! Damn you Lyra, how can you do this to me? I thought I was your friend?!” “Error, this unit is not equipped with file: friendship.” Lyra stated automatically. “Prime directive two: Be nice and cordial, has been altered due to your upgraded security threat, Captive Rarity.” “Really?” Rarity grunted as she tried simple brute force. “Well darling, I’ll- keep that- in mind!” “Resistance is futile, Captive Rarity.” Lyra informed. “Oh- You want to- believe th-Ah!” Rarity attempted to protest, but only succeeded in toppling herself to the floor. “Oh wonderful, now I can get my coat dirty on your grubby floors. Thank you, deary.” “Insult registered.” “Will you at least pick me up?” Rarity asked, looking to the mare. “...” “Well, darling?” “Captive Rarity, do you want never work again? Watch this video-” “Oh bloody hell, you’re worse than Twilight.” The tranquillity of the woods was seldom subject to such interruptions, but today nature would have to yield, for Twilight was on the prowl. With what could only reasonably be called an explosion by any standards, the mare forced her existence into the park, letting her eyes sweep over the path and all around her. “Error: User not detected…” Twilight informed, but soon stopped, letting her nose find a clue for her instead. “Substance: Miss Rarity’s perfume detected in local atmosphere. Searching for chemical trail… Chemical trail discovered, processing… Sample is found to be a sixty two percent match for Substance: Miss Rarity’s perfume. Outcome: sample likely from source: Miss Rarity. Detecting direction of movement… Detected. Advancing.” With a small laugh, the confectionary mare returned with a small needle between her teeth. “Getth whath Ith goth?” “Another virus.” Rarity chuckled coldly as she watched her captor huff, setting the needle down on the table as she saw to Lyra. “Lyra!” Bon Bon groaned, setting a hoof to her lover’s back. “Oh you poor thing. We’ll erase these nanites soon, baby.” “Ha!” Rarity snorted in laughter. “I would not try that if I was you.” “What are you talking about?” Bon Bon snarled. “Twilight deleted an opponent's nanites a few days ago. It left her a vegetable.” Rarity hissed. “You have no idea what you’ve gotten yourselves into, but I do. And I will stop it.” “Says the prisoner.” Bon Bon chuckled. “It just goes to show what you know. High command confirmed for me that the nanites will be erased, after w-” “Error.” Lyra stated, startling all around her. “Master Control confirms: Nanite infection incomplete, target goal: sixty eight percent complete.” “What is Master Control?” Rarity asked. I’m sure I’ve heard that name before. “You’ll find out in a second, Rarity.” Bon Bon chuckled as she grabbed the syringe again, turning to the mare laying in the dirt. “Thith won’th hurth a bith.” “Go ahead.” Rarity swallowed. pulling back as she spoke. “You can infect me, but I’ll never tell you where Twilight went. You’ll never find her, till it’s too late!” “Yeah, ye-” Bon Bon started, but was soon stopped by Lyra. The mint colored mare, so quiet and reserved, had sprung to her hooves, her eyes locked on the door. “Lyra?” “You’ve got mail.” Lyra nodded. Before anypony could ask what that meant, the door erupted into a cascade of magenta and fire. Two beams rocketed straight into the off guard Lyra, knocking her down. “Twilight!” Two mares screamed. One of joy, rapture, and salvation. The other out of fear. As to validate said fears, the mare of magic herself blasted Bon Bon with a powerful blast, sending her back before anypony could tell what was happening. Twilight quickly locked back onto her target named Lyra, and let her eyes glow green once more. “Systems firewalls compromised. Accessing… Access granted. Deletin-” “No!” Rarity screamed. “Twilight, please don’t do it. Erase her memory. Lock them away, I don’t care. But don’t kill her, please.” “Command denied.” Twilight informed as she let her horn light up. “Twilight, no!” “Deleting corrupted files. Commencing systems scan.” Twilight informed. “You- you’re running a virus scan…” Rarity sighed, laughing as she relaxed. “Of course. You would want to save her from that pain.” “Scan complete. Eight thousand files found to be corrupted. Deleting.” Twilight nodded. “Miss Rarity, it is to be noted that file: memory is no longer admissible because of infection. Do you wish for me to take further action?” “No, just delete all files please.” Rarity relaxed, knowing that Twilight wouldn’t have to wrong another. “Oh darling? Would you kindly release me and pick me up off this filthy floor!?” “Affirmative.” Twilight noted as she walked around to Rarity. “Damn you!” A sudden voice called out, startling Rarity as Bon Bon plunged the syringe into Twilight. “I’ll kill you!” “Twilight!” Rarity screamed. [Systems:Twilight] [Status Inquiry: Green] [New software detected. Running scan...] [Program safe. Run program: Hoof Soldier Basic.exe] [ERROR: Unit cannot run two base programing modes] [Solution: Hoof Soldier program has been set as background program subroutine] [ERROR: Command inoperable] [Attempting to create subsystems to apply upgrade] [Attempt one failed] [Attempt two failed] [Attempt three successful. Commence Upgrade] [Unit is now upgraded] [Physical upgrades commencing...] “Systems updated.” Twilight noted as she turned and blasted her assailant again. She quickly released her user, and was again assaulted, but now by hugs and crys rather than needles. “Twilight! Oh thank the heavens!” Rarity sobbed, burying her face in Twilight mane. “Don’t scare me like that, darling. I thought I had lost you.” “User located. User condition is now safe.” Twilight noted. “Miss Rarity?” “Yes darling?” Rarity asked as she pulled back to examine her friend closely. “Are you alright?” “Would you like to register your WINRAR license at this time?” It was no easy task to find Bon Bon’s supplies of ruffies, but find them they did, and a short minute later saw Rarity, Twilight, and the still unconscious Fluttershy leaving the two mares home alone, having tucked them gently into bed. The trio carried on though as they sought out their friends, feeling it best everypony be brought up to speed on recent events. But where exactly to start was the question of the hour. Rarity argued with herself over that point for what seemed days as they trudged along to Applejack’s barn. Should I start with Fluttershy’s betrayal? Or what we’ve learned about the collective? Maybe I should start with Beaklin… Or MosCow perhaps… “Miss Rarity?” Twilight asked in her normal tone of voice. “Ask me about it later, Tw-” Rarity started with a huff, but her sudden collision with the barn door interrupted her. “Collision imminent.” Twilight supplied after the fact. Rarity gritted her teeth as she held back her sharp words for the bookish computer, instead opting to open the door and barrel in, hoping she still looked dignified. She was happy to find her strong and scaly friends inside, the looks of relief they shared uplifting. “Rarity, Twilight! Y’all are okay!”Applejack sighed. “Sweet! Goodbye farmwork!” Spike cried out, tossing his gloves down for added effect. “What happened to Shy?” “Hello everypony. Let’s find the others first, I don’t want to explain this more than once.” Rarity explained with a sigh as she helped Twilight set Fluttershy down in a pile of hay. “Where are Pinkie and Rainbow?” “Pinkie’s working. Mr. Cake’s been getting on her about too many absences lately.” Applejack sighed. “And Dash is workin also. She’s gotta rainstorm to get ready for tonight.” Spike was starting to squirm as he bounced around, ready to leave. “Hey, can we talk about this at the library? I’m ready to get back to my own bed.” “Sorry darling, we’re not quite done yet.” Rarity frowned as Spike groaned and kicked the hay while Twilight began to tug at her shoulder. “Yes, darling?” “Miss Rarity, I need to restart to fully incorporate my new upgrades.” Twilight informed as Rarity sighed. “I learned my lesson from last time, darling. Go ahead, I’ll be right here the entire time.” Rarity whispered as Twilight laid down and closed her eyes. “Applejack darling, please go fetch Twilight some water. I think she’s been pushing herself too hard lately.” “‘Course, sugarcube.” Applejack smiled weakly, heading out to the house proper as Spike came over and took a seat. “So…” Spike nodded, rocking in his seat. “How was Beaklin?” “It was fine…” Rarity absently muttered, stroking Twilight’s mane. “I’m worried about her Spike, Bon Bon injected her with more nanites…” “Bon Bon?” Spike muttered, looking down at his small claws playing with the hay strewn floor. “Aw man, she made excellent candy…” “Indeed…” Rarity sighed. “I’m sorry, you were asking me something?” “Oh yeah. How’s Doctor Olo doing?” Spike asked, looking up in time to see the look of horror on Rarity’s face. “Rarity…?” “I’m- I’m so sorry Spike…” Rarity managed at last. “He was one of my dearest friends in the end…” “Systems rebooting.” Twilight finally said as she sat up, looking around as she found Rarity snoring softly next to her. “Howdy Twi.” Applejack sang out. “Rarity needed to take a nap of her own there.” Twilight did not respond to the apple mare as she nudged Rarity softly, waking her up. “Miss Rarity, changes have been made to this unit. Would you like to take the walk through of my new features at this time?” “No.” Rarity dismissed with a breathy sigh. “Are Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie here yet?” “Yo!” The pair chimed in from the loft. “And how’s Spike?” Rarity asked, sitting up and looking for the small drake. “He’s up in the loft.” Applejack frowned. “He’s taken yer news kinda hard it seems…” “I don’t blame him…” Rarity sighed as she sat up and looked around at all of her friends coming down, baby dragon in tow. “Everypony, there has been some new developments. I feel you should all know... Wait, where is Fluttershy?” “She’s still napping.” Pinkie sang as she pointed out the mare laying right where Twilight had left her. “Here, I got this.” Rainbow chuckled as she flapped over to the scared little filly. “Hey, that bunny just stole my carrot.” “Angel! Give it back this-” Fluttershy yelled as she bolted up before she looked around. “Oh, sorry… my bad…” “I’ll have to remember that.” Rarity nodded as Rainbow took her spot again next to Spike. “So the first thing we need to discuss is the new intelligence we’ve gathered on the collective.” “The collective is organized as sixteen separate organizations, including but not limited to the already encountered groups: HoofCo Pharmaceuticals, the Technological Advancement party, and the Mana Commeasureance Society, along with groups such as Pegasi for Equal Treatment Association, the Trans Equestrian Armaments Party, and the Green Party.” Twilight informed as Rarity looked to Twilight with a glare. “You could have shared that earlier.” “Affirmative.” Twilight nodded while Rarity fought the urge to scream. “Um, also everypony…” Fluttershy interrupted, a rare act for her already. “I have something to say too. I’m- well, I’m a member of the Mana Commeasureance Society…” This news proved too much for one taxed reptilian as he fell backwards, his eyes rolling back as he went. Hours passed as friends exchanged words normally reserved for the fiercest of rivals. Some ponies cried. Others yelled. It was not a pretty sight, and neither side was gaining ground. Only Twilight, Pinkie, and Spike did not take place. Spike for fear of his friends turning their attentions towards him. Pinkie for much the same reasons. She was never able to fight with her loved ones. As for Twilight, it was because she was not ordered to. But even if she had been, she would not be able to. She was fighting to stay active right now, and it was a losing battle. “Fluttershy is trying to make right!” Rarity screamed as Applejack threw her hat down again in this conversation. “Hell of a time to do it, once everything’s all bucked up!” Applejack roared back. “I never said it was a perfect plan, but she is trying!” “So why couldn’t she trust us with this from the get go?!” Rainbow Dash interrupted. Finally, Twilight had reached her structural limits. “Systems Error. Shut down imminent.” The lavender lass groaned as she flopped to the floor, her eyes rolling back as she hit the hay and all went silent. But only for a second. “Twilight!” Fluttershy was the first on the scene, taking the mare into her hooves as she checked her temperature. “Rarity, what happened after we were captured?” “Y’all were captured?” “Twilight saved us. Bon Bon injected her with more nanites!” “What?! Why didn’t you tell me sooner!?” Fluttershy nearly screamed. “Her brain can’t process two operating systems! A computer can, but she’s still organic.” “You two were captured?” Rainbow interrupted as Pinkie took a seat next to Fluttershy and Twilight, pulling an ice pack out of her mane as she placed it on Twilight’s forehead. “Why didn’t Twilight stop them?” “I had shut her down for a reboot.” Fluttershy sighed. “Rarity, what was she upgraded with?” “I- I don’t know. Bon Bon never said!” “We can’t get a vaccine if we don't know the strain.” Fluttershy sighed. “Rarity, do you know what Bon Bon did with the syringe?” “She- She dropped it.” Rarity nodded. “Spike, Rainbow Dash, come with me.” “What? Us?” The pair asked as they looked between themselves. “We have something to pick up.” Rarity snorted.
User InterfaceImperium By Sam Cole Chapter 1: User Interface Nothing compares to the world of dreams. Nothing could ever hope too. Dreams are where you are in control. Where you are alive. Where you’re safe. So what happens when that all changes? What happens when your most privileged time is robbed from you by unwanted eyes? [Subject online. Systems nominal. Please identify system] “What? Who said that? Giant book, was that you?” Twilight muttered to the nearly three ton tome in front of her. [Invalid inquiry. Please identify system] “Are- are you asking who I am?” Twilight asked of the odd voice. She could have sworn it sounded almost mechanical. But the mare was having issues placing it. [Affirmative. Please identify system] “I- I’m Twilight. Twilight Sparkle…” [Searching… Match found. Twilight Sparkle, House of Star. System calibrated] “I have no idea what you’re talking about, mysterious voice,” Twilight demanded of the voice as politely as she could. “What is going on?” [Valid inquiry. System: Master Control has uploaded new software patch to existing hardware {TWILIGHT}] “What?” [System has been prepared. Time is 0800. Wake up sequence initiated] “Wait-” Twilight began till the loud ringing cut through her unconscious. With a start, Twilight jerked up from her bed, eyes wide as she threw her gaze around the room. “Wait!” “Wha… Wait for what?” Spike groaned from his bed. “The… the… oh thank goodness, it was just a dream.” Twilight sighed in relief as she shut off her alarm. “I just had the weirdest dream, Spike.” Twilight smiled as she awaited a response, but her expectations were cut short as she heard the dragon begin to snore again. Figures. Twilight wasted no time on the slumbering drake as she got up and attended to her day. It was pre scheduled as per-protocol, and a very simple day at that. She was planning to run an experiment in botany today, namely finally initiating a small flower garden. After a nice shower and morning nutrition intake, Twilight set out on her mission. She started to walk out the front door but stopped. “Hmm. Primary Objective: initiate flower garden. Sub-Objectives: acquire seeds and tools.” She paused. With a hum and a few rapid blinks, she continued. “Secondary objective, be polite and cordial to all life forms. Begin sequence.” Twilight happily told to no pony as she set out her door with a smile on her face. Twilight smiled for all the life forms she passed, waved at friends, and enjoyed the day. It was a beautiful day after all, and everything was in the green , operating smoothly and at peak efficiency. Twilight was happy for planning to enjoy it outdoors for once. She arrived at WAYPOINT: Market at 0900 hours and began looking for Daisy. She had placed an order for daisies to transplant in her small flower garden the day prior. But she was stopped by a familiar voice as she initiated the search. “Well hey Twilight! How ya doin sugarcube?” Applejack greeted as Twilight trotted through the market. “Hello Applejack. I’m doing great, how are you?” “Doin just fine, thank ye. Say, Ah just got in a fresh harvest of red delicious. Want some?” “Error, request does not meet preassigned prerogative. Cannot deviate from task list.” Twilight said in a clear monotone, her expression blank. “Perogo what?” Applejack chuckled. “Twi, if yer gonna stay up all night reading physics books again, give me a warnin.” “Request registered.” Twilight said in a manner equal to her first. “Thanks. Take care sugarcube,” Applejack laughed as her friend said her peace and trotted away. Once her friend was clear from the stall, Applejack let a sigh. “Sometimes Ah don’t get that mare…” Twilight though was unphased, carrying on as if nothing had happened. It was such a nice day, and all data points were once again in the clear, no longer plagued by conversation or social cues. “Oh, hello Darling!” Rarity called out as Twilight was passing her home. “Where are you off to this morning?” “Hello Rarity. I’m picking up supplies to make a flower garden today.” Twilight smiled her friendly smile. “That sounds lovely, dear. Would you mind if I tag along?” “Please.” Twilight chuckled. “Excellent, let me just grab my purse,” Rarity smiled as she stepped back from her door. “Error, cannot wait. Carry on with sequence.” Twilight said in her cold voice once more. Before she could step off though, a voice stopped her. “I will only take a second. Surely you can be polite enough to wait?” Rarity said in a mock polite voice. “Request registered. In line with Secondary objective. System waiting.” Twilight said in her even tone to the slight confusion of the white mare. “Twilight? Are you alright?” “I’m great Rarity. How are you today?” Twilight smiled warmly. “I’m fine… Thank you…” Rarity muttered as she levitated over her bit purse. “Shall we be off?” “Acknowledged.” Twilight smiled as she and Rarity set out, though Rarity kept looking to Twilight, trying to figure out what was up with the poor girl. “Soooo… How have you been?” Rarity asked lamely. “Since last we saw each other 14 hours ago, I have slept, showered, brushed my teeth, utilized the-” “Okay Twilight, too much information,” Rarity nervously chuckled. “What has gotten into you? Did you lose a bet with Pinkie?” “I was unaware something was ‘in.’” Twilight chuckled back. But something was off. Call it timing, or flow, or cadence. Something about her, about that sentence itself really, was incorrect. “Twilight, something is not right here. What is going on?” Rarity urged as she tried to stop Twilight’s walking. But the lavender mare would not have it. “Error, cannot interrupt sequence. I’m sorry Rarity.” “Twilight, stop this!” Rarity demanded. And so Twilight did. A complete halt on all system actions. Twilight slumped to the ground, her stare blank and unmoving. “Twilight!” Rarity shrieked as she rushed forward, grabbing the mare in her mana to look at her. “Twilight, speak to me!” “Command registered. Hello Rarity. Are you the primary user for this unit?” “What the hay does that mean?” “Are you the sole user for system C: TWILIGHT?” “Twilight, what has gotten into you? What is going on?” “Invalid query. That information is restricted to admin only.” “What? Listen Twilight, I’m your friend, and I care about you. So please tell me what is going on,” Rarity said as softly as she could manage, bringing Twilight to her chest to help calm the lavender mare. “Request invalid. That informat-” “Damn it, Twilight! Just tell me. I have the right to know as somepony that loves you, alright?!” “Processing… Request granted. Admin status applied to Grace, Rarity Ann.” “Twilight, you’re scaring me.” Rarity sobbed as she held the mare close. “Tell me what’s going on. What happened to you?” “System C: TWILIGHT was activated today at 0000 hours. At 0755, unit software patch was enabled. System has yet to establish default admin. Is this you, Grace, Rarity Ann?” “Activated? What do you mean by that?” “Invalid query. That in-” “Yes, damn it. I’m the default admin!” Rarity screamed as she gathered a crowd of curious onlookers. “If that’s what it takes to get through to you, I am the default admin.” “C: TWILIGHT. Admin: Grace, Rarity Ann.” “Stop calling me that. Just call me-,” Rarity pleaded with her still limp friend. “Miss Rarity, is she alright?” “Name set, Miss Rarity.” Twilight informed with her thousand yard stare. “I don’t think so. Please help me get her to the hospital,” Rarity urged as she lifted Twilight up and onto another’s back. “You’re going to be fine dear.” “Request acknowledged.” Today had started out so nicely for the white mare. She had a nice workout, a good breakfast, and shipped out the last large order she had been working on. Today was going to be her first day off in quite some time actually, and Rarity was looking forward to it. So it fit that all of those plans would be ruined by something like this. It was just bound to happen that some insanity would inject itself into her life as if it belonged there all along. So now, after a great morning, Rarity found herself sitting around the waiting room of Ponyville General, tapping her hooves unsteadily as she tried to remain calm. “Yo, who’s here for the coo-coo one?” One stallion with a limp and cain demand. “I am sir. Are you one of her doctors?” “No, I just like walking around hospitals shouting random things like your friend there. Of course I’m her doctor. Call me Horse.” “Dr Horse, is she going to be alright?” Rarity stammered. “Perfectly healthy,” Horse nodded. “As crazy as the Everfree Forest, but otherwise she’s good.” “Can I- can I see her?” Rarity asked. Horse shrugged and pointed her toward her friend. Rarity took off at a gallop, finding the room easily thanks to Twilight sitting inside demanding to be released. “System has encountered an error in operation of sequence: Flower Garden. Please allow this program to be completed.” “Twilight?” Rarity nervously asked from the doorway. “May- May I come in?” “Miss Rarity, welcome back,” Twilight smiled. “Would you like me to continue to perform task: Flower Garden?” “No Twilight, the garden can wait,” Rarity whispered as she cautiously approached her friend. “Acknowledged.” “Twilight, what happened to you? Yesterday you were normal?” Rarity sobbed as she reached out and took her friends hoof. “All systems are well within operational conditions,” Twilight said nonplussed. “Twilight, please. They think you’re crazy. Please just speak normally for them. Prove you’re not insane.” “Of course,” Twilight said in a tone rich with concern and care. Rarity jerked up upon hearing her friend so clearly, sure this was all now some sort of joke. “I’ll do as you ask, Miss Rarity.” “And there we have the crazy again,” Rarity muttered. “Twilight, what happened?” “I was activated last night,” Twilight said plainly. “Some system settings are still being transferred. DNA can store so much information, well over one terabyte per strand.” “Why do you only respond to me?” Rarity pleaded, not wanting to question Twilight on DNA in case the mare decided to lecture her. “Because you’re my default user!” Twilight smiled as Rarity glared at her. “My master, if you prefer that title.” “A- Are you messing with me?” Rarity snorted in anger, dropping Twilight’s hoof as she folded her forelegs over her chest. “No. I am incapable of lying to you, Miss Rarity. You’re my user, after all.” Twilight smiled. It was a somewhat dorky smile. A smile that could only be called Twilight’s. “Twilight, please. Do you remember anything that could help me right now. The last normal thing you can remember?” “My last memory, pre update, is of a dream I had last night. I was reading a giant book, when this odd voice spoke to me. I was asked to identify, which I complied with. When I woke up, I began to run my new operating system with optimal efficiency!” “Twilight, you’re not making any sense,” Rarity groaned, taking one of the lavender hooves between her own again in a very fickle grasp. “I’m sorry, Miss Rarity.” Twilight said with what should have been concern. It sounded like concern. But Rarity could tell it was empty, hollow, artificial. “Is the real Twilight even still in there?” Rarity managed to ask while tears welled up in her eyes. “Of course,” Twilight happily sang. “All memories and system settings are being transferred over to the new operation system as we speak.” “You really believe you are a computer now, don’t you?” Rarity asked, stifling a sob. “Because I am.” Twilight smiled. “No, you’re not!” Rarity cracked, squeezing Twilight’s hoof hard. “You’re my best friend! You like to read books and practice magic, and spend time with your friends! You are a living, breathing pony, Twilight! Not a cold, heartless machine!” “Miss Rarity, I am fully aware of my organic nature and conditions that comes with.” Twilight stated for a matter of fact. “If you would like me to replicate my vocal response settings and user interface settings to mirror those of my previous operating system to best aid in your transition, I can do that for you.” “I… sure, why not?” Rarity sighed, giving up hope. “Okay!” Twilight smiled in a very cheerful way. “All systems are now running at peak efficiency. Would you like to register your WINRAR license at this time?” “What does that even mean?” Rarity groaned. “I don’t understand the question... Would you like to-” “No Twilight. I do not want to register anything.” “Understood.” Twilight nodded as her stomach began to rumble. “I’m hungry. Would you like to get lunch, Miss Rarity?” “But you’re in the hospital, Twilight,” Rarity urged. “Problem located. Dr Horse, I wish to check myself out seeing as I am not in any physical pain or a danger to myself or others at this time due to my condition.” “You’re crazy six ways to Sunday, lady. But, you said all I needed to hear to let ya go.” Horse shrugged. “Miss Rarity, right? I’ll release her into your custody.” “Yes, thank you doctor.” Rarity smiled. She wasn’t sure why, but seeing Twilight handle that situation as such was rather uplifting for the mare. Maybe Twilight was going to be alright. “Hello ladies, what can I get for you today?” The waiter greeted as he came around to Twilight and Rarity’s table, two glasses of water in tow. “I’ll have the romaine salad please,” Rarity smiled as she closed her menu and handed it over. “A fine choice. And for you Twilight?” “Miss Rarity, I cannot at this time select a meal. Would you please make a selection on my behalf?” Twilight muttered looking down to the table. “Twilight, you eat here all the time. What’s the matter?” “I cannot make the decision. There are too many logical choices, all well within-” “Oh crap, Twilight,” The waiter finally sighed, “Not this again…” “Just get her what I’m having,” Rarity sighed. “You got it,” The waiter muttered as he trotted off, Twilight’s demeanor stripping away his professionalism. Again. “Twilight,” Rarity urged when she was sure the stallion was gone, “What’s the matter? You always eat here. You’ve never asked me to make a meal selection for you before.” “You have discovered a bug in my decision process. Would you like to modify this with a new command prompt?” Twilight asked with a tilt of her head. “If left unresolved, this problem could result in less than optimal system performance.” “Sure. Why not,” Rarity sighed. “How would I do that, exactly?” “It is quite simple.” Twilight smiled. “Just give me an option to run upon encountering the same error again.” “Fine, if you insist.” Rarity groaned. “How about if you are at a well known establishment like this, and you encounter this error again… I don’t know, order what you usually order?” “Processing. My most common order is raspberry tea. This is insufficient for my daily caloric intake needs.” “Then order your most common dish, Twilight,” Rarity growled. “The dish I order most would be raspberry tea, cucumber and apple salad, with a slice of toffee cake for dessert.” Twilight recited. “See, that’s not a bad order at all,” Rarity smiled. “Order set. Please name file,” Twilight smiled as Rarity groaned and let her head meet the table with a resounding thud. “I’m sorry, I couldn’t help but overhear, but what is going on over here?” A, to say it politely, nerdy looking stallion inquired. “My friend has gone crazy,” Rarity muttered into the table. “Negative. My mental faculties are operating at 95% efficiency. Well above the national average. A virus scan has shown no signs of mental illness, malware, spyware, or viruses.” “See?” Rarity pleaded of the colt, who turned his chair to better face Twilight. “Interesting. I’m a computer programmer actually. I could aide you in talking to her, maybe help you get through?” “Please?!” Rarity almost squealed in delight. “Twilight, does this sound alright to you?” “Technological assistance would be useful to improve user interface,” Twilight nodded. “Excellent. Come over to my shop when you all finish your lunch,” The colt smiled. “My name’s Gizmo by the way.” He nodded as he set his business card on the corner of the table. “Thank you kind sir. We’ll be right over.” Sitting inside the store Software Rx , Rarity and Twilight took stock of the surroundings. Rarity seemed hopefully, looking at all the properly functioning computers, that this colt knew what he was doing. Twilight though was scared for some reason. “A computer programmer,” Twilight shuddered. “Something is triggering a biological feedback. In response, he only has system authorization to use my interface. He is not allowed administrative status.” “Twilight, why do you say that?” Rarity chuckled as Gizmo grabbed a reference book and looked over a few notes. “This network is not secure to this location alone. I have logged onto the wireless with his password and discovered he is linked to several off site units.” Twilight whispered. “How can you tell? Can you even use wireless? You’re a pony.” “Wireless internet can be detected by magic,” Twilight muttered. “Despite the internet connection, he is setup for file sharing with several others only identified as Control 6, Control 4, and Admin: Payroll.” “How did you learn to do that?” “The instructions are in my latest update. You could learn this as well, Miss Rarity. Any unicorn can be updated with my nanite operating system.” “I’ll pass. But pray tell, how long have you known that, dear?” Rarity asked in a hushed tone. “I didn’t. It’s an active note on the network…” “Gizmo, how long has your store been in business here?” Rarity called over to the muttering stallion. Though Rarity didn’t believe a word of Twilight’s, she had that gut instinct to follow her. Twilight may be mentally ill right now, but she had never willingly lead Rarity astray before. “I just got the funding about two weeks ago. Why do you ask?” “I’m just curious…” Rarity dismissed. She turned slightly to Twilight, fear in her eyes. “I have a bad feeling about this place Twilight. How can I make it so all changes he wants to make have to be approved by me?” “As the system admin, you would have the option to choose all users and monitor all user accounts.” “Move me from default admin to system admin. No, all admin positions, if that is alright with you dear?” “Admin status updated. Thank you, Miss Rarity,” Twilight muttered looking to the white mare. “For protecting me. For some reason, this hardware is issuing an alert to be on guard.” “It’s called fear Twilight. Your hardware is really smart. You should listen to it.” “Request acknowledged. Now accepting emotional input into computational data.” Twilight nodded. “Miss Rarity, I believe I am scared now.” “You’re scared?” Gizmo asked as he pushed his rolling chair over, spinning to look at the mare with a notebook in his lap. “That doesn’t sound very computery?” He asked with a chuckle. “Well, who wouldn’t be?” Rarity shrugged. “This is a computer graveyard,” Twilight said looking around. “There, you have taken out the HDD of that unit. I have calculated the possibility that you may need to do the same to me. It has triggered a biological response that Miss Rarity assured me was normal.” “Well the survival instinct is the strongest,” Gizmo nodded as he set his book on the counter. “Okay, so I’m just going to ask you some questions Twilight. You have nothing to fear.” “What’s in the notes, dear?” Rarity asked pointing a hoof. “A theory I wrote years ago for an artificial intelligence interface. I feel she may act more like that than a normal OS, and I would love the chance to check my theories against her delusions. Gauge how to best help her, so to say,” Gizmo nodded. “Ah,” Rarity smiled, though inside it felt off. The more time she spent here, the more they talked, the more Rarity came to trust Twilight over this ‘happy coincidence’ stranger. For one very observant mare, the signs of a lie were all over the colt. The notes were not in his hoof writing whatsoever for starters. “So Twilight, when did you start to… feel different, we’ll say?” Gizmo asked. “I was updated at 0000 last night. I became active at 0755 this morning, and just received a new update from your wireless network within the last five minutes.” Twilight nodded. “My wireless,” Gizmo chuckled. “That’s a new one. But, I hate to burst your bubble. There’s no way you guessed my-” “S0ftwar3RX,” Twilight dismissed. Gizmo stared at her for a second before bolting from his seat. He was instantly derailed by Rarity though, as the white mare tackled him, pinning him down with a foreleg bar. “Now why do you see the need to run, darling?” Rarity asked as politely as one usually does while pinning another to the floor. “Please, they’ll kill me! I have to get out of here. I just blew everything!” Gizmo cried, pushing back against the white mare, to no advantage. “Miss Rarity, I have discovered a file named ‘Imperium.’” “What is Imperium?” Rarity asked kindly of the colt as she pushed a little harder on the colt’s foreleg, threatening to pop it out of socket. “It is latin for power to command,” Twilight recited from memory, making Rarity groan before she continued. “The program details plans to convert several unicorns into drones for use in a coup d'état to overthrow the Princesses. I was the alpha run for strand 1103268-2,” Twilight finished. “And they’ll kill me for letting you get that info,” Gizmo cried. Sobbing, wet heavy cries. The cries of a stallion not held by social law anymore, but instead one crying out of true despair. “I never wanted to, but they made me. Said they would torture me! Please!” Gizmo sobbed. “You are an active member in high standing according to the pay roll,” Twilight informed. “They send me money to run my lab here and monitor your-” “Along with a photo of you at the collective’s Hearth's Warming Eve party.” Twilight finished. “Aww nuts.” Gizmo sighed as his ruse fell apart. “Is it at least a good pic?” “Focus, darling.” Rarity cooed as she ratcheted up the limb she held. “Tell me everything, now.” “Ah! Ah! Okay! I’m part of an organization aiming to overthrow the government,” Gizmo sighed. “Twilight was selected as our testing ground for the newest strain of nanites. Her designator was TOC1.” “I’m sorry, what?” Rarity asked as she furrowed her brow. “I was to be used a drone command base. I would be the tactical rally point and overseer of all combat ops. A fitting role,” Twilight nodded. “Rarity, I find at this time I must update you to my design. I am an integrated intelligence drone command unit, as it were.” “A- a drone…” Rarity muttered as she continued to hold down Gizmo. “You sick bastard! That’s my best friend!” “I did what I must! Sic semper tyrannis!” Gizmo cried as he flicked his tongue over a false tooth, snapping it in his mouth. His eyes were defiant, then defeated. “Aww man, that’s not poison…” “Then what is it?” Rarity asked. “Tastes like salt… Yep, it’s a roofie,” Gizmo smiled as his head met the floor with a resounding smack. “Why would he drug himself?” Rarity asked as she let go of the now limp limb. “He is too valuable to kill. The drug was intended to act much faster, leading to a false analysis of death,” Twilight surmised. “Units in place throughout town would have insured his removal, and a new cover identity. Units are likely already on their way. We cannot risk taking him with us.” “How do you hide fashion sense that bad though?” Rarity gawked as she stepped back from the colt. “Anyways, what do you want to do, Twilight?” “You seem to have an error, Miss Rarity. You are my User, and all purpose Admin now. You are essentially my master, so that choice is yours to make,” Twilight informed as Rarity turned to her. “System update and data transfer complete. Unit is now fully operational. I am yours to command, Miss Rarity.” “Buck me…” Rarity groaned. “Request acknowledged,” Twilight nodded as she turned and kicked Rarity. This was not a good day after all. “Spike!” Rarity screamed as she stormed into the Golden Oaks Library. “We have a slight issue here!” “Rarity?!” Spike cried upon spying the white unicorn, and proceeding to rip off his apron and stow it behind him. “W-what brings you over?” “Her,” Rarity snarled at the lavender mare smiling behind Rarity. “Twilight has… been infected we’ll say.” “Infected!?” Spike shrieked. “Twilight, what’s the matter? Are you sick? Well of course you are, Rarity said that. But what happened? Do you want any soup? A book?” “Miss Rarity, I was unaware of my viral infection,” Twilight said in what could pass for a sad tone, had she possessed the emotions to feel sad. "Spike, I only want to explain this once, so go out now and gather everypony else, alright?” Rarity asked after a steadying breath. “You got it, Rarity,” Spike nodded. He took off out the door as the white mare collapsed to the floor with a heavy sigh. “Buck me!” Rarity cried at the ceiling, though she had learned from last time. “No Twilight. Only an expression. I do not wish to be struck.” Twilight paused as she had readied another blow, now dropping the hoof and walking around front of Rarity to lay down in front of her, nose to nose almost. “I do not have adequate files at this time on modern contemporary love making to complete your request, Miss Rarity. Would you like me to search online for the missing programs?” “... For the love of the Queen, no.” Rarity sighed. “Request acknowledged. Supplementing previous information to task,” Twilight nodded, as she reached her face forward and rubbed her nose against Rarity’s. “Oh goddess, no…” Rarity groaned as Twilight frowned. “Task incomplete. Do you wish for me to-” “Twilight, just stop, please.” Rarity begged. “I’m tired, I’m scared, and I’m confused. I don’t need you to take everything I say so literally. What I need is my best friend back.” “Request acknowledged.” Twilight nodded as she scooted forward and hugged Rarity. “It will all be okay, Miss Rarity. I’m here for you, always.” “That was pretty convincing, Twilight.” Rarity choked back, a slight chuckle to her voice fueled by exhaustion and worry. “Thank you, Miss Rarity. But your claims of it being sarcasm are not correct. I am being most sincere right now.” Twilight frowned. “I am receiving the biological data to care for you and comfort you. Your mood affects my mood for unknown reasons…” “That’s the old Twilight telling you I’m your friend,” Rarity smiled, looking to the mare. “Your best friend.” A crash interrupted the pair, as a technicolor blur shot in through the westward window. “I came as fast as I co-uld… Um… Hi?” Rainbow Dash asked meekly as she spied her friends still in hug, laying on the floor, with Rarity looking up to Rainbow, but Twilight keeping her eyes on Rarity. It all clicked too fast for the white mare just how this must have looked. “I can explain.” “I hope so…” Rainbow chuckled while she watch her friends continue to hug. “I don’t think you need me on this one, I’ll just be-” “No, wait,” Rarity called out as she tried to stand, but found Twilight still holding her hug. “Twilight, please let me go.” “Request acknowledged.” Twilight smiled while she let go of Rarity, letting the lavender mare drop back to the floor with a pained grunt. Rainbow switched from a grin to a look of shock though as she did, the color draining from her face. “Rainbow, nothing is happening here, please…” Rarity begged as the multi colored mare watched the two of them. “I don’t know if I even want to know,” Rainbow managed. “Rarity, Spike said it was important, about Twilight. So what’s happening?” “I’ll explain everything when everyone gets here, I promise.” Rarity pleaded with the still somewhat standoffish Rainbow Dash. So with a small amount of reluctance, Rainbow sat down with the pair of unicorns, though she was less talkative than normal. “Miss Rainbow seems to be having an error,” Twilight noted for Rarity, who could only sigh as she gave up on trying to act like nothing had happened. “Rainbow, what’s wrong?” “You two are dating now, aren’t you?” Rainbow muttered, not meeting their eyes. “No, it’s nothing like that,” Rarity said with a small chuckle and sigh of relief. This seemed to have the negative effect on Rainbow Dash though, who drew a sharp breath, and began examining the high corner of the library. “Rainbow?” Before fate made the cyan mare reply, the rest of their friends arrived, all worried about Twilight. “Ah knew something was wrong earlier. Ah knew it! Ah shoulda been there to help ya, Rares,” Applejack pleaded. “Don’t worry darling, we’re all just fine here. So everypony, Spike, I have a few things I need to explain.” Rarity began till she felt Twilight tugging on her shoulder. “You seem to be delivering a speech, Miss Rarity. Would you like my assistance?” “No, sit down Twilight.” “Request acknowledged.” “Did Twilight just…” Pinkie asked awkwardly as she watched the lavender mare take a seat without a word otherwise. “Rarity, I’m confused.” With a sigh, Rarity shook her head as she had to explain this news to them all, rather randomly at that. “Twilight has been infected with a… What was it called again?” “Strand 110-” “Laypony terms,” Rarity growled. “... A nanite compound designed to boost my operating efficiency for use as a mobile command base for weaponized drone unicorns placed throughout Equestria.” Four friends sat about with shocked expressions, unsure of the news they had heard. One was crying already, not meeting any ones eyes. She was the last any had ever expected to see crying. “Rainbow Dash?” Fluttershy asked as she noted her friends odd behavior. “I- I’m so- I thought it was all a sick joke!” Rainbow cried out at last, throwing down her hooves. “I thought that nerd was just trying to flirt me up with some sick story! I thought he was just drunk! I never thought he was telling the truth! I swear!” Rainbow pleaded, crying in a manner none even knew she could accomplish. “What are you talkin about?” Applejack huffed, turning on her. It might have turned ugly, if not for Rarity. “Gizmo, correct?” “Yeah. Last night over at The Bale, he told me that soon this group he was in would- would do this to every unicorn in town, overthrow Celestia. I thought he was just a drunk nerd! I had a chance to stop this, and I walked away,” Rainbow sobbed, latching onto the first available pony to cry into them, much to Applejack’s protests. “I let this happen.” “Awe, jeez… There… there… Dash…” Applejack tried. “So girls, does this mean this is real?” “I believe so, yes,” Rarity nodded. “Twilight… are you gonna be okay?” Spike finally managed, his little chest rising and falling rapidly as his fear took stronger and stronger root. “Affirmative.” Twilight confirmed. “I have merely been upgraded. All systems are now operating at 225% previous operational values. Mage output has-” “Enough, Twilight.” Rarity groaned as Twilight stopped, smiling and waiting patiently for Rarity’s next instruction. “Why does Twi keep doing whatever you say?” Pinkie asked with a furrowed brow. “Miss Rarity is set as my System admin.” Twilight informed before Rarity could. ”That’s another thing. Why do you keep calling her Miss Rarity?” Pinkie asked. “The name was set today at 0932 hours, local time.” ”Oh… Okay!” Pinkie smiled, nodding greatly. “Wait! Backtrack, does this mean we can be made admin too?” “Negative,” Twilight supplied to a frown. “I set myself as her admin to protect her girls. I would also rather not make Twil-” “The proper term would be users,” Fluttershy interjected, zipping in front of Twilight with a large grin. “Twilight, set user: Fluttershy.” “User set. How may I help you, Fluttershy?” “Can you connect to the internet?” Fluttershy beamed. “Affirmative.” Twilight smiled. Apparently she deemed it worth a smile to tell her friends she was an unnatural computer simulation of a pony personality now. “Eeek!” Fluttershy squealed with glee. “Search online for my new ponyhoof page ‘Simple Cottage Animal Rescue!’” “Fluttershy!” Rarity snorted. “Twilight is still a pony! Don’t make her-” “Search for playmare!” Pinkie cried jumping onto Fluttershy’s back and leaning in over the mare. “Searching… I’m sorry, you are not authorized to access such content from this unit. Safesearch enabled.” Twilight informed. “Drat!” Pinkie pouted. “What about Red-” “Pinkie!” Rarity snapped. “Stop it this instant! Twilight is still Twilight! You will not, I repeat, will not treat her as such! I will not stand for it one bit! She is to be respected and treated equally, understand?!” “Wow… Go Rarity.” Applejack nodded in approval. “Command set. Sole user access limited to Miss Rarity,” Twilight smiled as she turned to her user. “Would you like to register your WINRAR license at this time?” “So what are y’all gonna do about her?” Applejack asked Rarity in the kitchen whilst they watched two of their friends continually try to abuse Rarity’s orders. Rainbow Dash was still broken over her fumble, and Spike was still just shell shocked. “I haven’t the slightest idea. I don’t even know if there is anything we can do…” Rarity muttered to the floor. “I just want to help her so damned badly. Is that so wrong? Why must this happen to her?” “Good ol’ Rarity,” Applejack chuckled to an angry stare from the alabaster mare. “Always puttin others before yerself. Ah have faith that with somepony that cares as much about protecting her like y’all do, she’ll be just fine.” “Thank you, dear,” Rarity smiled. “Twilight? Come here please.” “Yes Miss Rarity. How may I assist you?” Twilight asked as she basically snubbed her two friends still trying to use her as internet access. “How many ponies are affected by this… curse, shall we say…” Rarity asked as delicately as she could. “I do not have that information at this time.” Twilight nodded. “The delivery system is still unknown to me, housed on a different server of the Collectives I am yet to gain access too. But it would appear the spread was 90% effective in Ponyville. I am reading several units in town that are yet to be activated.” “Yet to be… Oh holly berries, no.” Rarity swore. “Is Sweetie Belle infected? Am I…?” “Negative. The strain is only active in adults here in Ponyville. Also, it is to be noted that you possess no nanites at this time, Miss Rarity.” Twilight smiled. “Alternately, would you like to-” “I don’t want to register anything at this time, Twilight!” Rarity snapped. “I was not asking you such a question.” Twilight corrected as Rarity blushed and apologized profusely. “I was asking if you would like to learn more about the units infected?” “Yes, please!” Rarity nodded. “The nanite stream was initially designed to interact with all creatures in Equestria that have or are capable of using magic. This limitation was modified by the Collective for reasons unknown at this time. The original design was theorized by Dr Hans Olo, head of molecular genetics engineering at the University of Beaklin, Griffony.” “Dr Olo?” Spike asked, hurt. “I- I thought he was our friend, Twi. How could he do this to you?” “Dr Olo merely theorized the strain used.” “So why does this Collective only want to target unicorns?” Rarity asked, stumped. “Hypothesis: 72% of the Canterlot Population as of now is Unicorn. If the strain was marked for all races with magic, there would be many more errors. Knowing what we know of their plan so far, the group only needs these unicorn soldiers to accomplish their goals.” “So it was removing unwanted accessories,” Rarity surmised in thought. “Getting rid of the excess allows for easier use more than likely.” “The conclusion is sound, Miss Rarity.” “Ah’m lost…” Applejack admitted. “What are y’all sayin about Griffons and what not?” “The creator!” Rarity snapped as Applejack reminded her. “Twilight, you said the doctor at the university made the strain in you, correct?” “Negative. His work in the field is still strictly theoretical.” “Well, shoot. But he is still our best choice. Spike, come here and take a letter. We need to alert the Prin-” “Don’t!” Fluttershy screamed, throwing herself between Rarity and the quite overwhelmed dragon. “Princess Celestia is surrounded by unicorns! If they get wind their cover is blown…” “They’ll go on the offensive!” Rarity anguished. “Oh heavens…” “Why was Fluttershy the one to think of that…?” Rainbow began to question as the yellow mare jammed a pack into Rarity’s hooves. “Miss Rarity, the next train out of town leaves in 20 minutes,” Twilight informed. “I have already purchased two tickets for us.” “Two?” Pinkie asked as she trotted over. “What about the rest of us?” “Yeah, we wanna come with!” Applejack snorted as their friends gathered around, showing their support. But Twilight was unfazed. “Twilight? Our friends wish to come with us.” Rarity said in what she hoped was a tone conveying that they were to come along. “I cannot allow this, Miss Rarity. It is easier to create false travel documents for only two ponies rather than six, along with a young dragon. They would raise too much suspicion to our true objectives.” “What do you mean, Twilight?” Rarity asked sharply. “The Collective is wide spread as we have seen already, Miss Rarity. I cannot confirm the presence of your friends would not compromise your safety.” “But-” Rarity began, but found Twilight’s cold gaze was cutting her short. “Alright Twilight. I don’t like this, but I don’t have your insight on this group either, so I’ll trust you. But what about Spike?” Rarity asked as the dragon looked hopeful. “He can’t just stay here alone! No, that will not do. Spike, go stay with my parents please.” “Damn it.” Spike muttered. “Um, sugarcube, yer folks are unicorns. They might be… infected, already…” Applejack pointed out. “Spike should stay with me. That way y’all can communicate with us secretly at the very least if we can't go with. Can you send messages to Spike there, Twilight?” “Invalid In-” “Twilight, answer.” Rarity ordered. “Affirmative, Miss Rarity.” Twilight smiled. The ponies began to head out, trying to look nonchalant as they all took up points just out the door. “Twilight, be safe, okay?” Spike pleaded with Twilight, tears brimming his eyes. “I love you, big sis.” “Command registered.” Twilight nodded coldly. “Twilight, tell him you love him. The real you, not the computed version.” Rarity whispered to the mare. “Spike, I love you too. Always.” Twilight said with what looked a genuine sad smile, one of regret. But it was brief. “Miss Rarity, there are new updates for the Imperium strand. Would you like to restart your system?” “No! No new updates Twilight!” Rarity ordered. “As your admin, I order that all updates must be approved by me in order to be utilized. Understood? Those updates, regardless of whatever they tell you, do not have the proper clearance!” “Miss Rarity, this is in conflict with my-” “Twilight, I do not take any joy out of giving you orders as such, but you leave me no choice. Those files are not allowed per my command. They may very well be trying to turn you against me for learning all of this. Or worse, they could be trying to control your mind. Destroy what’s left of the real Twilight…” “Miss Rarity, the update contains several important security details I will need in order to remain at-” “They might hurt you!” Rarity pleaded, taking Twilight’s hoof in her own. “To remain at the tactical advantage. I will not run or install the updates, but will search them from a remote server system.” Twilight pouted rather meekly. “I was only attempting to follow your orders. Please forgive my incom-” “I’m sorry!” Rarity interrupted with a hug. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you, or order you around so. I’m so sorry, darling…” “Miss Rarity, our train leaves in one minute.” Twilight interjected. “We need to run now.” So it was now with a gallop and a wave, the girls were off, striding headlong into town to make their date with destiny. It would take all their luck, but these two had to try.
Waypoint: GriffonyChapter 2 Waypoint: Griffony The steady clicks alone marked their travels now as the pair raced on through no pony’s land to Griffony. Rarity was busy catching up on the sleep she thought was owed to her by this point, even if it was not exactly restful. But the same was not true of Systems: Twilight. “Miss Rarity.” The mare pleaded, tugging at the sheets of her friend. “Miss Rarity, there is an urgent matter that has arisen. Please wake up to clear conflict error.” “Mmhumph.” Rarity grunted in her sleep, not moving as Twilight began twisting in pain. “Miss Rarity, I am in error. Please.” But there was no reply. Rarity was secretly the heaviest sleeper ever it would appear. “Miss Rarity, my system is in pain. Please.” “Huh?” Rarity asked as she rolled over. Some things in the universe could pierce even her slumber. “You’re in pain, darling?” “You’re fine.” Twilight sighed in relief till her face contorted with pain. “I-I-I… The error has- has passed…” Twilight sniffed as her eyes watered. Rarity looked to her questioningly, attempting to rise to care for her friend. But a lavender hoof stopped her. “I must ask you do not step out of your bed, Miss Rarity. There was a spill here that needs to be seen too…” “A spill? Twilight, are you alright?” Rarity asked sternly, not wanting to beat around the bush. “I do apologize, Miss Rarity.” Twilight sniffed again as Rarity realized all too fast what just transpired. “You just… Oh dear. Twilight, you don’t ever need my permission to relieve yourself or attend to personal matters like that, dear.” “I am sorry, Miss Ra-” Twilight began till she felt the warm embrace of her friends hug wrap her up. “Don’t. I should have realized these sick freaks would not write in a bathroom code for their pony slaves.” “No, there are bathroom protocol, Miss Rarity.” Twilight corrected. “I overrode them to protect you.” “Protect me? Goodness, from what?” Rarity asked as dread washed over her delicate features. “In your sleep cycle, your breathing had become quite irregular and even shallow at times.” Twilight frowned. “Oh?” Rarity inquired. “You were talking as well…” Twilight nodded. “I could not let this pass without checking on you. You seemed to be in great distress in your slumber.” “What was I saying dear?” Rarity asked as she sat up more properly. “To quote,” Twilight hummed, before she shocked her friend, imitating her voice perfectly. “No... Twilight, Sweetie Belle. Don’t hurt her… Don’t change her… Take me instead... Spare her… Spare them.” “I guess I was having a nightmare,” Rarity frowned, looking away from her friend. “Your condition is now being called into question, Miss Rarity. Does this happen to you frequently?” Twilight asked. “No,” Rarity sighed. “Just when I’m scared… Here, let me help you.” “How, Miss Rarity?” Twilight asked till she felt the white unicorns magic take hold of her, running over her in a warm embrace of sorts. “Fur cleaning spell,” Rarity smiled weakly. “I have to sometimes get a lot of… messy things, out of client’s clothing. It’s not much of a stretch to clean it out of fur and carpets.” “I was unaware the boutique ran as a dry cleaning service as well, Miss Rarity.” Twilight smiled warmly for her friend’s lack of any. “Oh darling, I’m the best seamstress in town.” Rarity chuckled at long last. “It just became expected of me to offer dry cleaning, alterations, laundry, repairs, and fitting services. It’s how I keep afloat in a rural town actually…” “Miss Rarity…” “Hmm, yes Twilight?” Rarity asked gently as she looked back to her friend. To those old eyes she had studied many a time before during a debate, or a conversation, or a game of cards. No matter what, Twilight was impeccable about eye contact when she spoke, and Rarity was always thankful for the respect. “Would you like to register your WINRAR license at this time?” With a snort, Rarity patted the bed next to her. “Not a chance. Now sit with me, please? I don’t feel like being left alone.” “Of course, Miss Rarity.” Twilight nodded. Before Rarity could say anything though, before her mind could spin out of control, Twilight stopped her. It was just a simple gesture of taking the white hoof between Twilight’s own as Rarity had done several times to Twilight. That was probably where Twilight had learned to do this actually, but it was more than enough for the emotionally strained mare right now. Rarity broke down that night as she grabbed a hold of Twilight, and wept. With a hiss of steam and a grind of brakes, the train ended its run to arrive in Beaklin, Griffony. Not a bag between them beyond just the bare necessities, Rarity and Twilight set off the train into the new world ahead of them. “I must admit, this is the first time I’ve ever left Equestria, now that I think about it.” Rarity noted as she tracked down a tourist center to find directions. “What would you like to do after we see the doctor, Twilight?” “Error, I am-” Twilight began till Rarity glared at her. “If you tell me you are my property again, I’ll hurt you. Do you understand?” “Understood, Miss Rarity.” Twilight nodded. “Good, now which way to the university?” Rarity thought aloud as she wandered over to a tourist information kiosk. “The university is 3.5 miles southeast of us currently, Miss Rarity.” Twilight informed. “Did you search online for that information?” Rarity chuckled as she rejoined Twilight and exited the station into the warm Griffony embrace of early autumn, twisting and turning down streets and alleyways that Twilight knew like the back of her hoof. “Negative, Miss Rarity. I remember the directions from the last time I was a guest speaker at the university.” Twilight smiled. “What? You were a guest speaker at the university?” Rarity stammered, almost falling over herself in her bewilderment. “I have been a guest speaker at several universities, Miss Rarity.” Twilight smiled kindly. “I am a leading expert in quantum magic after all.” “I- I never knew, darling…” “I do not like to brag about it, Miss Rarity.” Twilight nodded. But the lavender mare looked away, distant. For a second Rarity saw images flash in her mind of a young Twilight, bright and top of her class, locking herself away in her own ivory tower with each passing day. “You were a different pony back then Twilight. It’s alright. Now you have friends who would love to share in your victories with you.” Rarity kindly assured with a caring touch. “That has nothing to due with my disclusion of the information. I merely found it to be trivial was all,” Twilight noted as if asked for the time as the pair walked down another alley. “Trivial?” Rarity asked, dumbstruck. “How often would you be a guest speaker at these sort of events?” “Three times a week on average for the better part of seven years.” Twilight dutifully informed. “We are not alone, Miss Rarity.” “Three times a week? For seven bloody years?” Rarity muttered to herself as Twilight paced around the mare, keeping her eyes outward. “Seven years?” “Miss Rarity, there are two active agents closing in on our location.” Twilight snorted. “You are in danger.” “I’m sorry, what?” Rarity asked. “Engage security protocol.” Twilight growled, digging her hooves in and charging her horn. “Twilight, not here.” Rarity urged. “We’re in a back alley with only one entrance and one exit. We need to blend in to escape.” “We are out of time!” Twilight snapped. “Security Protocol 1: Engaged. Protect user.” Rarity felt a cold sweat break out over her despite the perfect weather. How had the collective discovered the pair so soon? What had given them awa- “And then she said that she was not flirting with Vector, and I was just being a total primadonna!” A youngish unicorn mare snorted as she walked past with another filly her age and race. “No way. That skank!” The other mare gasped as they exited the alley and turned the corner, leaving the pair alone once more. “... They’re infected…” Rarity muttered. “Advise a course of action, Miss Rarity.” Twilight commanded sternly. “They're just fillies… Barely older than Sweetie Belle…” Rarity muttered. “Miss Rarity, I need a directive!” Twilight commanded. “You are potentially in danger!” “Huh? I am?” Rarity asked, trudged out of her thoughts. “From them? Twilight, they’re only foals. They’re probably just infected but inactive.” “Miss Rarity, if you are sure of your safety, then I shall follow your lead.” Twilight nodded, though she looked none too happy. “Oh, quit pouting Twilight.” Rarity scoffed. “I’m know your heart is in the right place. Here, why don’t you share some more of your teaching stories with me? I would love to hear some more.” Even advanced with a digital brain and a cold, hard logic, Twilight was not immune to hubris. “I do not wish to brag… but if you insist, Miss Rarity. The last time I spoke here, I was lecturing about now the lunar gravitational pull affected magnus flow through the body and could potentially boost a unicorns power during a full moon, thus leading to the legend of Night Walkers.” “Really?” Rarity delighted, following her friend once more toward the university. Though in their wake, trouble stirred. “Recon 1187-2 to Base.” The unicorn filly from seconds ago spoke. “TOC1 is in area, Oscar Mike To Olo1. Advise on next…” “Follow at distance of fifteen meters. RCO 3048-7, stay with Recon 1187-2. Advise on Target course.” “Understood, Base. Sic Semper Tyrannis.” The pair nodded as they began to follow the pair to the university. A soft knock rang out as the good professor stirred from his most important of tasks, an afternoon nap in his office when he should be grading papers. “Huh? Vas ist dis?” “Professor Olo?” Rarity softly called out. “I’m Rarity Grace. I’m here with an old friend of yours, Twilight Sparkle.” “Tvilight? Bitte, bitte, kommt in!” The griffon called as he hauled himself out of his comfy chair. He quickly tried to straighten up several pieces on his desk, attempting to look tidy for that little filly that had endeared to him years ago. But as the two mares strode into his office, he lost all sight of that, as he only let his eyes fall on the closest he ever had to a daughter. “Tvily, just look at how you’ve grown.” “Hallo Herr Professor. Wie geht es dir?”* Twilight smiled kindly, though the professor’s smile faltered. “Niet. Something is off.” The griffon chidded. He looked between the pair as he clicked his beak, though soon the humored sigh broke through. “Du came to introduce me to your girlfriend, didn’t du?” “Her what?” Rarity recoiled harshly. “Nien, Herr. Rarity und Ish...das ist eine lange Geschichte…”* Twilight explained. “Twilight, you know Griffon?” Rarity asked in a hushed tone. “What did you just say?” “I’ll explain later, Miss Rarity.” Twilight informed before turning back to the professor. “It’s great to see you again.” “Indeed. Your lover seems quite off put.” The old griffon chuckled. “You didn’t come here though to see me for old times sake, did you?” “Negative.” Twilight frowned at last. “I’m here because of a nanite infection. Code named: Imperium.” “I vas afraid of that.” The griffon sighed, returning to Canterlot Commons. “So, my research has been used against the vorld now, eh?” “Indeed.” Twilight nodded. “I am among the infected, designation TOC1.” “Tactical Operations Center? Vell, they know vhat they’re doing.” Olo spat. “Who ist behind this tragedy?” “We do not know, sir…” Rarity said, stepping forward. “We came to you hoping you could enlighten us, so to speak.” “I’m afraid this ist the first I’ve heard about this, myself.” Olo supplied. “I just can’t believe it.” “Do you have any ideas on how they might be spreading the infection?” Rarity pressed. “Any insight could prove vital.” “Vell, it can’t be food or vasserborne, due to the delicate protein compound zat vould makes up ze nanites, du see? It has to be directly administered to the subject, like a shot or medicine.” “A shot?” Rarity quivered. “I hate needles.” “Tell me, has there been any large vaccination in your area lately?” Olo pressed. “Nothing.” Rarity informed. “The flu shots administered last week in Ponyville.” Twilight spoke up. “The platform of delivery fits the system requirements, and the flu shot has the highest turnout of participants per year. For this strain to be effectively administered, the flu shot would be perfect.” “The flu shot? Really?” Olo asked in awe. “Clever. The effects of the vaccine vould mask the nanite infection, allowing the users to be upgraded vhile just thinking they vere under the flu remedy.” “How did you avoid the strain then, Miss Rarity?” Twilight asked as she turned to her friend. “Ah haha. Um, yes… I, well…” “Du never took the flu shot?” Olo asked. “But you’ll get sick!” “I’d rather spend a week in bed sick than get a shot and spend a week in bed sick anyways. The flu shot always makes me sick…” Rarity complained. Twilight though took interest in her surroundings for a change and began to watch the door, but just for a moment. Wasting no time, Twilight interrupted the exchange between her old scholar and her friend. “Professor, this compound was modified to only work in unicorns. Where could one do such delicate work?” “Any germ lab.” The old griffon sighed. “The nanites are just encoded RNA und proteins. At least, in theory.” “Wait, how could proteins do this to Twilight?” Rarity asked, looking from griffon to friend. “The proteins are ze carriers of the specific RNA strain. The RNA encodes a small section of Tvilight’s DNA, so her brain vill either receive certain chemicals in larger or smaller amounts, or alter the neural connections made, thus causing Tvilight to think und act exactly as they see fit, by controlling how her brain responds to it’s own chemicals.” The doctor explained. It was overly simplified, true, but still effective in getting the point across. “By the gods, that’s-” “Thank you Professor. Miss Rarity, we should be going now.” Twilight interrupted, turning to her proper once more. “What’s wrong, Twilight?” “The units from earlier have just entered my sensory range along with two other active units.” Twilight frowned as Rarity gasped. “I can now access their detailed schematics. They are a Radio Control Operator, a Recon Drone, and two Capture units programed for hoof to hoof combat.” “Das ist ein problem.” The professor whistled. “Oh bloody hell!” Rarity swore. “Professor, how can we all get out of here? Fire escape, secret room, anything?” “Vell, there is the back door…” The old griffon noted as he pointed out the obvious. “Of course, the door.” Rarity groaned. She moved over to the desk, collecting papers and anything that looked important as she looked around for a briefcase or work bag. “Um, excuse me professor, but I can’t seem to find your case…” “That’s okay.” The griffon chuckled. “I don’t need these things. Kommest.” The old griffon lead the pair around to the door, opening it as he ushered them through. But that was the end of the griffon’s journey. As soon as Twilight and Rarity were clear, the door clicked close as the lock popped into place. Rarity spun around as she banged against the door. “Professor! What are you doing?! You need to come with us!” “Neit, my dear. Du must protect Tvily now. I’ll do my part to hold them off here for you two.” The professor said through the door. “Like hell you will!” Rarity swore as she pulled on the door magically. “Twilight, help me get into the room, please!” “Affirmative, Miss-” “Nien! Tvily, obey your elders, protect your girlfriend, und finish dis!” “Understood. Request within operational parameters.” Twilight nodded. “Thank you for all your assistance.” “Goodbye, little filly.” The griffon sighed as he heard Twilight begin to drag a screaming Rarity down the hall. The old griffon took a seat at his desk as he pulled out a hidden bottle of Kirsch, pouring himself a drink as the door to his office opened for four ponies. “Can I help du?” One of the stallions looked around the room, letting his eyes fall on the back door at last. “That way.” “Ah, hold on now.” The professor chided as the group tried to cross his office. “I think you’re forgetting something here.” “Subject: Professor Han Solo. Danger, minimal.” The stallion surmised. “That’s Hans Olo!” The griffon screeched. “Quit confusing me for that scruffy-looking nerf-herder!” “Information registered.” The stallion nodded. “Assessment hol-” The stallion never did get to finish as he was thrown across the office, slamming against the wall hard enough to damage the drywall considerably. “Did du think only ponies could do magic?” The griffon chuckled, his talons ripe with mana. “Assessment corrected. Unit 2281-4, proceed with mission.” The other stallion ordered as his comrades exited through the door. “Eliminating resistance.” “To quote mein Vater, Ich bin ein Beakliner!” The griffon cried as he raised his glass over his head. The glass came down quickly, the contents just meeting beak... “No, Twilight! We have to-” Rarity fought, trying everything in her power to stop the mare. Though for first time since her world was cascaded upon by the evils of this infection, her orders fell on deaf ears. As Rarity continued her protests though, she was cut off as a sudden cry echoed down the corridor. Last words of defiance, from the sound of things. Rarity couldn’t stop herself as she let the lavender pony drag her away now. No, now there was no sound, no sensation. There was only the white mare bawling hard into that purple fur as her newest friend made his exit unjustly. “Twilight, I hope you're ready to see this thing through!” Rarity sobbed as she felt a certain weightless feeling. Literally, as Twilight had taken to jumping out a window, carrying Rarity no less. “Because now there is no turning back! Do you hear me?! No turning back!” Rarity screamed at the other three drones she could see looking out the window at the retreating pair. “Miss Rarity, please do not antagonize the opposition.” Twilight corrected. “That will only make my process that much more difficult.” “What?” Rarity asked as she felt the mare beneath her leap again, taking to the rooftops. “I will protect my user at all costs, Miss Rarity.” Twilight nodded. Rarity couldn’t tell if this was part of Twilight grieving, or just carrying out orders. The white mare prefered to think it was the former. “Twilight?” “Yes, Miss Rarity?” Twilight asked as she vaulted from rooftop to rooftop, her own augmented ability shining through. “I have an order for you.” Rarity muttered, tears staining her cheeks. “I can only hope I’m wrong, but I think the Professor didn’t make it. So please, darling, don’t forget the Professor’s sacrifice. Please.” “Command registered.” Twilight nodded. But as soon as her hooves met roof again, she stopped, a touch violently for Rarity’s taste too. “Danger, Miss Rarity.” “Why did you st-” Rarity began until a young colt landed right where they should have been. Just a teenaged colt, only a few years younger than Rarity when she had first open her business, was now looming over the pair, threatening to become the author of their obituaries. “TOC1 located. Begin unit reclamation. Eliminate resistance.” The colt noted in a pure monotone. There was no emotion, no passion, no soul. There was just mechanical precision and cold logic. “Miss Rarity, take cover. I will protect my user as within my operational parameters.” Twilight said as she let go of Rarity, finally letting the poor mare stand again. “Twilight, tell me about this unit.” Rarity commanded as she took a step back. “Hoof Soldier. Recently modified for drone tracking. Standard upgrades: increased strength and agility. Tactical ability: None. Instructed fighting styles: None.” “So, they really do have an army then.” Rarity growled as she watched Twilight spring forward. It was a valiant attack, and quite unexpected. Strategically, it was sound, the tried and true sucker punch. So it came as a shock for the bookish mare when the colt recovered from the hit and countered, striking her hard. His unyielding assault made the mare grunt and lose her grip on the boy, but relentlessly he carried on. “Twilight!” Rarity gasped, watching from her spot, paralyzed with fear. “No pony hurts my friend!” The white mare rallied as she lunged forward, letting her elbow find a new home in her target’s stomach. The target drone was quick to recover though, coming at Rarity with what was in her opinion a very overly telegraphed haymaker. The boy had no skill. But what he lacked in technique, he made up for in augmented strength. “Twilight, I could use some assistance!” Rarity pleaded as she dipped and dodged, but felt herself rapidly running out of roof. Rarity’s hoof met the edge, and her options were now fight back, or fall. The colt raised it’s hooves for the final blow, and Rarity figured she could strike hard before that, but it would be a waste of her only opportunity. No, her only option was to tell Twilight to seek cover. To get as far away as possible. Rarity would grab the colt and take him with her. Maybe with that, she could buy her friend just enough time to- “Error. Error. Error. Systems compromised. Reboot sequence activated.” The colt muttered while it slumped forward onto a protesting Rarity. “Miss Rarity, are you alright?” Twilight asked as she grabbed the colt with one hoof and tossed him aside. “What the buck just happened?!” Rarity asked breathlessly. “Was- was that you?” “Indeed, Miss Rarity.” Twilight smiled, almost proud of herself. “I overclocked the unit’s processors as I attempted to designate a new target and command prompt. A task implemented to induce an overload failure.” “But- but how?” Rarity anguished at last. “I fail to see your error, Miss Rarity. This is one of my tasks as the Tactical Operations Center, to be able to directly interface with any ground units active in my area of operations.” “To think somepony thought this was a good idea at one point…” Rarity muttered while she moved over to the rebooting assailant. “Twilight, we need to interrogate him. Magically bind him, then see what you can find by doing that interface thingy, please?” “I have already accessed all relevant information through interface, Miss Rarity.” Twilight informed, but still followed through with binding spells. “He is not a key strategic element, and has limited knowledge of troop movements or goals.” “Darling, trust me on this. Any enemy can be valuable for interrogation.” Rarity chuckled while she sat down next to the colt, lightly tapping him to awake the poor colt. “Hi there. I’m Miss Rarity, as you well know, I’m sure.” The lovely lady smiled to the prisoner. “Error. Targets have evaded capture/ shut down. Alert reinforcements.” The colt stated calmly. “Sorry, Twilight here disabled your communications. Isn’t that right, Twilight?” “Correct, Miss Rarity. Thirty seconds till unit must make contact with base.” “Oh, I despise time limits.” Rarity huffed. “So we had better be fast. You, what happened to Dr. Olo?” “Dr. Olo is no longer a threat to the collective.” The colt informed coldly. “So, Dr. Olo is dead then…” Rarity muttered. She had been holding onto so much hope. So foolishly holding on, but in the end, it mattered not. “I had just met that griffon. And you know what, I will never forget him. I will remember his smile till the end of time…” Rarity growled as she slipped her hooves around her captive’s neck. “I will remember him as one of my dearest friends, because in the end, that’s what he was! He gave everything to save Twilight and I! And-” “Miss Rarity, you seem to be having difficulty interrogating your subject.” Twilight stated while noticing the colt had indeed passed out. “I must question your training in interrogation techniques at this time for future reference.” “Training? I saw that in an old spy movie.” Rarity confessed as she backed off the colt, only to circle around and lunge at him again with a feral cry. Had it not been for Twilight, she would have done more harm to the colt. “Miss Rarity, you are emotionally estranged. You are now ineffective for intelligence gathering operations.” “Of course I’m estranged! These bastards killed my friend! Your friend! Twilight, you’ve known that gentlebeak years longer than I have! Why are you so cold?!” Rarity screamed in protest as Twilight grabbed her up again and bounded across the roof tops again, much to Rarity’s growing protests. “Miss Rarity, nothing matters except for your safety.” Twilight informed as she landed on a longer roof and picked up speed. “This unit will carry on, as long as my user is safe.” “Twilight, you are not just some unit though.” Rarity bawled as she buried her face in the lavender mane. “You’re my best friend. And I’m afraid there’s not much left of the real you in there! Please, just give me a sign the real Twilight is still in there!” “The real Twilight is still in here.” Twilight nodded, mechanically as if she could muster how funny that was of her. “Twilight, stop jumping around now, please..." Rarity groaned, distant in her thoughts. The mares touched down on a new roof as Rarity noticed Twilight breathing hard, struggling to stay on her hooves. “There are- no active units- in range now… Miss Rarity.” Twilight gasped and panted, but doing her best to hold her herself upright. “Twilight, are you alright?” Rarity asked as she tried to check her friend. “You don’t look hurt…” Twilight shook her head, but her ragged breath spoke different tales. “I am just processing slowly, Miss Rarity. I will be fully operational in less than two minutes.” “No, you’re exhausted.” Rarity huffed, taking in every detail. “You wore yourself out jumping around like that.” Twilight looked crestfallen, avoiding her user’s gaze. “This unit has encountered an error with it’s physical augmentations. I do not possess nearly the strength reserves or recovery capacities previously reported.” Rarity sighed, shaking her head. “Of course. You were never meant for combat. Your strength is a last ditch effort, I presume.” “The conclusion is sound, Miss Rarity.” Twilight nodded, drawing up more properly. “I am ready to carry with the mission when needed.” “In a minute.” Rarity nodded, making the elusive eye contact with Twilight at long last. “But first dear, I want you to promise me something.” “Awaiting command prompt.” Twilight nodded. “What task do you have in mind, Miss Rarity?” “Earlier, you said as long as I’m okay, you were okay. But I don’t want that, Twilight. I want you to live.” Rarity stated matter of factly. “Pick something in this world that you love, and live for that.” “Processing. I have reached a conclusion, Miss Rarity.” Twilight nodded. “I will live for my user.” “No, Twilight. Pick something that has meaning to you. Something unique that you want to preserve in this world. Like reading ancient spells, or warm sunny afternoons. I don’t really care what you pick, but pick something you cannot live without, and live the rest of this mission for that.” “Processing. I have reached a conclusion, Miss Rarity.” Twilight smiled. “The emotion you are describing would be love, correct?” “Yes Twilight. Love!” Rarity smiled. “Pick something you love, and fight for that! Please?” “Then I choose to love you, Miss Rarity, as my user.” Twilight smiled again. The humor was lost on the white mare though. “Twilight, pick something else.” Rarity groaned as she shook free her friends impossibility. “Error, Miss Rarity.” Twilight noted. “Just yesterday, you were quoted saying you were somepony that loved me. Therefore, based on my observations of the social interactions commonly referred to as love, it works in tandem, and I love you as well.” With a snort, the white mare turned around, deciding to just leave well enough alone before she pushed the lavender mare off the roof. “We’ll come back to this later.” “Understood, Miss Rarity.” Twilight nodded as she followed her friend to the roof access. The streets of Beaklin were not forgiving to the pair anymore. Although most of the city was Griffons, there were still a large population of ponies around, and any unicorn among them could be an agent. So it was with careful steps and lots of looks over the shoulder that the pair progressed. But eventually, the restraints of biology won the day, and the pair had to risk stopping for lunch. “Miss Rarity, I-” Twilight began while Rarity read the menu, or at the least tried too. “Just order the fruit salad, Twilight.” Rarity dismissed without looking up. “Affirmative, Miss Rarity.” Twilight smiled as she waited patiently for Rarity to make her choice. “I can’t read this.” Rarity eventually huffed, sliding the menu across the table and folding her forelegs over her chest. “Would you like for me to read the menu?” Twilight asked with a smile. “No, just order for me, please darling. I don’t really care what I eat, as long as it’s vegetarian.” Rarity grimaced while watching a Griffon pair a few tables away eat strips of cooked meat. She had heard it called bacon before, and had no interest in trying it for herself. “Understood.” Twilight nodded as the waiter approached, pen and paper at the ready. “Herr Ober, ich werde den Obstsalat zu haben, und sie wird die Stollen, bitte.”* “Absolut. Ihr Auftrag wird in Kürze sein, meine Damen.”* The waiter smiled, taking his leave. “How many languages do you know?” Rarity asked, watching her friend converse almost naturally. “I was previously fluent in Canterlot Commons and Griffon specifically, but I have been upgraded to include корова.” “Corova?” Rarity asked, lost once again. “корова. Cow, in their native tongue.” Twilight nodded. “Cow? Like they speak in MosCow?” Rarity asked, her brow furrowing. “You don’t think that’s where they made the nanites, do you?” “The conclusion is sound, Miss Rarity. MosCow is home to several large pharmaceutical companies and laboratories.” Twilight nodded. Rarity slapped her hoof to the table, a smile spreading across her face. “Then we have a lead, darling. Twilight, would you be so kind as to book us a couple of tickets on the next train?” “Affirmative, Miss Rarity.” Twilight smiled as she hummed and bobbed her head quickly. “The next train departs in two and a half hours. Would you like to book a cart rental upon arrival?” “No, I th-” “Would you like to book a hotel?” Twilight asked, earning a glare from Rarity. “Miss Rarity, would you-” “No, Twilight. I do believe we will be fine. Besides, the shorter I can keep this trip, the better.” Rarity sighed, looking away at the other patrons around her, and letting her mind wander. “Twilight, do you think we stand a chance of stopping this?” “Affirmative, Miss Rarity.” Twilight smiled. “Oh, you’re just saying that.” Rarity giggled, happy to finally connect with Twilight. “Affirmative, Miss Rarity.” Twilight smiled to another angry glare from Rarity. But before the white mare could correct her faux pas, Twilight interjected. “Incoming message from Ponyville.” “What?” Rarity asked as a whisp of smoke curled through the air, coalescing into a scroll above their table. Rarity hesitantly picked it up, looking around to see if anyone else had noticed. But thankfully, no one around them really cared. Opening the letter, Rarity read fervently, thinking their friends needed help. Rarity, you gotta bring me on the mission! Please? I’m dying here! Applejack made me get up at, like, dawn today! She said I was going to be productive if I was going to stay here! Can you believe this? First Twi, now AJ? Can I please catch a break? Oh yeah, Shy wants me to tell you guys to check out her ponyhoof page again. I don’t know, but she made me promise to tell you guys. Also, Princess Celestia sent a letter earlier. She wanted to know if Twi would like to come by and help her write a speech tomorrow. Again, I dunno what that’s all about. Anyways, I have to get back to my indentured servitude. Say hey to Doc Olo for me when you see him. Or just bring me along and I can say it myself? Please? Yours, Spike T. Dragon. “And too think for a second I was worried…” Rarity muttered. But there was a subtle shift in her mood, as she imagined the heartbreak Spike would go through upon learning that Dr. Olo was no longer with them. But Rarity drove these thoughts away as she hoofed the letter over to Twilight, their food was arriving as well. “Oh my, this looks fantastic. Thank you, sir. And thank you, Twilight.” “Gern geschehen.”* The waiter smiled, taking his leave. “It was my pleasure, Miss Rarity.” Twilight hummed while reading the letter. “Miss Rarity, the letter makes reference to a linked page, would you like for me to examine this?” “No no, that’s alright. Would you like to split our orders, Twilight? Share some of your salad for half of this cake?” Rarity asked as she set her napkin in her lap. “Yes please, Miss Rarity.” Twilight smiled, taking a slice of cake for herself. “This unit has a past favoritism of dish:stollen.” “Then why didn’t you… I told you to get the salad…” Rarity muttered, looking defeated. “I’m sorry, Twilight. From now on, I promise to exercise more care in the instructions I give you.” “Thank you, Miss Rarity.” The pair ate in relative silence. Rarity was too exhausted to carry on a conversation, and Twilight had no command prompts to run one at this time anyways. But eventually, the lavender mare did speak up. “Miss Rarity, we should be going if we wish to procure some luggage and clothing for our travels.” “I’m sorry, did you just say you want to go shopping?” Rarity almost snorted. Almost. “It is much less conspicuous of two ponies traveling together to travel with luggage than without. I do believe given our next destination and the seasonal unfavorability, warm clothing and business attire would be best.” “Oh, why business?” Rarity almost chuckled, leaning into the table with a sly smile on her face. Now Twilight was speaking her language. “MosCow is not known for it’s tourism during this time of year. Therefore, the cover identities I have created revolve around a more formal business approach, and bearing in mind our target, a cover in the pharmaceutical line. Does this meet your expectations, Miss Rarity?” “Twilight, that’s… well, that’s brilliant.” Rarity finally admitted. “But I don’t know a thing about pharmacology.” “Processing. Your role has been updated to accounting manager then. This will provide a better cover as well, with more systems access and less inspection to our work.” “How? They’ll surely know I’m not their accountant.” Rarity was swift to point out. “You are now, according to several large firm databases.” Twilight smiled. Rarity was left speechless. “A security badge will be ready for us at each destination.” “How?” Rarity finally managed. “I fail to see your error, Miss Rarity.” Twilight frowned. “This is only the base line of my capabilities now.” “Twilight, you’re amazing.” Rarity finally conceded. “Thank you, Miss Rarity. Would you like to register your WINRAR license at this time?” “Can’t I opt out of that?” Rarity asked, defeated again. “Action denied. Would you-” “Later, Twilight.” Rarity dismissed. “What does WINRAR even do?” “It is a program added to assist me in compression, decompression, and organization of files, Miss Rarity.” Twilight informed. “Essentially, it allows me to communicate with any computer I need too by translating computer files into neural impulses my biological brain can decode.” “More computer nonsense, wonderful.” Rarity groaned. “Wait, does this mean the bastards that did this too you are using pirated programs on top of everything?” “Affirmative, Miss Rarity.” Twilight smiled. “Hmmph. Why am I not surprised?” Rarity muttered, leaning back. “Don’t. That was rhetorical.” “Affir-” Twilight began, but froze. “Danger, Miss Rarity.” “What?” Rarity asked, sitting up again. “Are the units from before…?” “Negative. We are past our time limit. We need to leave now if we wish to procure the items needed for our cover.” Twilight informed simply. “Ah.” Rarity breathed in relief. She flagged down their waiter and paid, and together with her friend, trotted out the door. Back in Ponyville though, things were going about as smooth as sandpaper. “Did they read it? Did they?” The butter colored mare asked, bobbing and weaving around Spike as she pestered the small boy for an answer. “For the last time, I don’t know!” Spike huffed as he grabbed a basket full of apples, lifting them onto the cart Applejack had brought around. “Why does it matter so much to you, anyways?” “I- well… it’s just important, alright?” Fluttershy muttered, looking away. “I thought you already ran a ponyhoof page for this?” Spike noted. “This is a new one.” Fluttershy explained as Spike just furrowed his brow. “Ugh, fine.” Spike huffed, grabbing another basket. “If it means that much too ya, I’ll give ya a like.” “Thanks Spike, and it’s just that I- I really need Twilight and Rarity too look at it, too. It’s- it’s important. To me, I mean…” “Shy, there ya are!” Applejack yelled from the barn. “Come on, the pigs are this way.” “Be right there!” Fluttershy called back, a smile falling over her face her heart did not wear. Please Celestia, let them see that page. They really need to see it… Author's Note *Translations in order of appearance: Hello Professor, how are you? No, sir. Rarity and I... it's a long story. Waiter, I will have the fruit salad, and she will have the Stollen, please. Absolutely, I'll have that out to you in a moment, ladies. You're welcome. Thanks to Doctor Candor for editing this chapter, as well as too Macho Madness for their conceptual assistance.
Waypoint: MosCowChapter Three: Waypoint: MosCow The librarian walked down the aisles of endless tomes and scrolls, looking for one of her new favorites. She had quite the impressive library already, but these new additions to her collection were from a very, very special source. Her user, the one Miss Rarity. “Opening file: Orders from Miss Rarity.” Twilight smiled as she pulled out the newest scroll. “Direction: Define purpose for mission on unit level.” Happily, the lavender mare took the scroll back to her large chair, one that with its size and comfort threatened to swallow her whole. She nestled in and reopened the scroll, reviewing all system notes about the order. “User has made clear direction was not in reference to emotion: Romantic Love. System error: Undefined love implied. Searching online for more information.” The bookish pony smiled as she crafted words in the air before her very eyes, laying back into throw pillows and cushions, as she watched each word form with nary a thought. She would pick one to play with, downloading all information, before pushing the word back and picking a new one. It was one thing to hold paper inscribed with words from either press or calligraphy, but another to interact with them directly. Twilight made several notes to try this spell at a later time, in her active mode. Being stuck in sleep mode like this made her interface act oddly, and though her programming didn’t care for it, Twilight rather did. She called it dreaming. Lucid though it was, the only word that could fit was dream. Twilight’s subconscious had the helm, and it took her to this magical place. This mental archive. And it was here that Twilight remained. The girl chuckled and hummed, tapping her hooves as she read entry after entry, data point after data point. Twilight was happy here. There were the words of her user, and all the data she had ever read. Even those words she thought forgotten in time still remained, etched onto her cerebral parchment for all time, and then some now with her upgrades. It was- no, it is a paradise that Twilight can access anytime she needs. But like all promised lands, something outside called her away. Glowing red words strained her eyes and forced her to heed them. But they needn't worry, for their message is one she would never ignore. They read simply: User Danger Imminent. “Miss Rarity!” Twilight barked as she shot out of her bed, the train still rolling along to MosCow. The lavender eyes danced to her user’s cot, finding the white mare sleeping not so soundly, her previous habit of talking present yet again. “No, not you too, professor… No, please…” “Miss Rarity, you are in danger.” Twilight snapped, standing guard by her master. The door to their compartment was still, but not for long. The threat was getting closer. Thinking fast, Twilight grabbed the mare, and dragged her off the bed. “Bwah!” Rarity screamed as she woke with a start as she fought off the sensation of falling. Her breathing labored, her eyes wild, she focused her gaze on the lavender mare with a ferocity seldom told tales of. “Twilight, what is going-” “Danger, Miss Rarity. Engage Defense Protocol one: Protect User.” Twilight snorted as she charged her horn. “What do you mean-” Rarity started again, but the door slid open, and Twilight did not hold back. The first mare by the door took a shot of mana straight to the chest, knocking her out against the back wall. “Search program complete, TOC1 located. Eng-” The second unit managed before Twilight blasted the unit with a purple beam of magical energy. “Two units down. Hoof Soldiers. No data retrieved.” Twilight surmised. “Two units remain on board. One recon drone, one mage class. Warning, enemy systems are responding to my hacking attempts. Units have upgraded security protocols since Beaklin, Miss Rarity.” “What is going on?!” Rarity demanded. “Who are those ponies? Why did you blast them? Why the buck did you wake me up like that?!” “Miss Rarity, we are in danger. We need to relocate to a more strategic location.” Twilight informed. “Wha- When- How?” Rarity muttered looking around, trying to force herself to comprehend the truth of the matter. Finally, she looked at Twilight, with determination burning like fire in her eyes. “Darling, we cannot let these goons stop us. Not now. So I expect you to do everything you can to help me get these ruffians off our train.” “Affirmative, Miss Rarity.” Twilight nodded. She looked to the back wall of their train compartment, looking almost through the wood to beyond. “Unit’s will be in our car in ten seconds, Miss Rarity.” “Then let’s greet them, Darling.” Rarity smiled mischievously. “Units 1287-4 and 3422-9, report.” An unknown pony said as she and another accomplice slipped into the next car. ”I’m sorry, who are you looking for?” The sweet voice of Rarity asked as she threw an uppercut into the pony’s peeking jaw, knocking her out in the doorway. “Because I think you found her.” “Error, ambush det-” The other started to report, but a blast of magic to the back stopped her cold as Twilight stepped forward from the other side. “Unit’s engaged, Miss Rarity.” Twilight informed, rather redundantly for the white mare’s personal tastes. “So what have you lea-” Rarity began, but Twilight held a hoof out to stop her. “Unit 7533-7, Mage Class. Designator, Moon Dancer.” Twilight replied, but not to Rarity as the mare quickly noticed. “Miss Rarity, enemy unit is still quite operational.” “What?” Rarity asked as the mare before her groaned, slowly rising back to her hooves. Twilight looked at her user, a fear in her eyes Rarity would not soon forget. “Prime Directive one: Protect User at all costs.” Twilight stated as she teleported Rarity away. The mare would not be happy to be treated as such, but she was safe now. “TOC1 engaged. Rouge operating status confirmed. Begin unit reclamation.” The mare once known as Moon Dancer stated, digging her hooves in as she charged her horn. “What in the world?” Rarity asked as she looked around the new car she was in, and her anger growing. “Twilight!” The mare huffed as she looked to the front and back of the car, quickly deciding which way to run to rejoin her friend before it was too late. Mighty blasts rocked the car. Bolt after bolt of amber and magenta mana cascaded towards the ponies with reckless abandon. Twilight took to a more physical form of fighting, using her strength to leap and dodge while the superiorly powered unit took all attacks head on, and returning them in kind. “Firewall 13 disabled.” Twilight noted when she landed, ducking low as a spell rent the air above her asunder. Had she been there, she would be very much everywhere else right about now. “Attempts at outside interface detected. Deploying countermeasures.” Moon Dancer nodded, lowering her horn to blast the floor of the train. “Countermeasures unsuccessful.” Twilight informed casually as she rebounded off the wall, whipping her head to form a magical wave of destructive mana. The target easily blocked the wave, her own mystic shields holding, but not as well as she would have assumed. “Error, Unit 4972-0 possesses mana greater than reported.” Moon Dancer observed. “Attempting to calculate mana strength…” ”Firewall 24 disabled.” Twilight calmly noted as she landed and began pummeling the opponent's shields directly, rocking her with blast after blast. “Unit 7533-7 lacks functional multi tasking tools.” Twilight gloated as she shattered the shields. “Objective updated.” Moon Dancer panted as she stood up properly from the magical barrage she had endured. “New objective: Eliminate all resistance.” Rarity threw her weight into the door as she barreled forward, bursting through into a very warm room. “The engine?” The white mare almost screamed as the conductor watched her curiously. “Damn you, Twilight!” Rarity bellowed as she turned around, and taking to her hooves once more. Twilight had been cocky before. Some part of her could admit that. She knew she was magically talented. But she let pride go to her head. She would have to fix that later, granted of course that she survived. “Unit 4972-0, yield.” Moon Dancer commanded as she took her turn blasting Twilight’s shields with her spells. The mare would mix it up, throwing out fire or ice spells every so often, trying to keep Twilight distracted. “Firewall 33 disabled.” Twilight replied. “Error, unit 7533-7 approaching mystic burn out. Be advised: unit, halt process or risk damage to essential systems.” “Error: this unit does not accept rouge unit data.” Moon Dancer stated. “Mana output increased to 100%.” “Unit 7533-7, systems failure imminent.” Twilight urged. It felt wrong in all honesty, to go against so much of her user's instructions and her own programming as if it were a joke. But the mare would not have long to mull the thoughts over as the sound of hooves quickly closed in. “Twilight! I’m here, don’t-” Twilight wasted no time in teleporting Rarity again. “User detected. User safety compromised.” “Processing…” The unit Moon Dancer supplied. “New objective: Eliminate Rogue unit user.” Twilight found her emotions earlier to be erroneous. Now, there was no dispute, only Prime Directive One: Protect user, at all costs. “Firewall 50 disabled.” Twilight growled as she gained her long sought after control. “Unit override enabled. Delete system 32, commence Defrag.” “Error, error, eroor, err...or… err…” Moon Dancer muttered, losing steam and slumping forward as Twilight walked past the now drooling unit. “Unit 7533-7 Status: disabled.” Twilight muttered as she left behind her brain dead assailant. “User safety: optimal.” “Twilight Sparkle! When I get my hooves on you, you’ll wish you had never learned that spell!” Rarity screamed as she flopped down to the floor. She was exhausted, and her friend had made it quite clear that she would not let her be present. No, Twilight was strictly following orders, as it would appear. But Rarity’s party of self pity was interrupted by the familiar pop of magic, and her friend’s calm voice. “Miss Rarity, I wish to inform you-” Twilight began, but was quickly cut off by a hug from her friend. “Error, unit requires oxygen, Miss Rarity.” “Shut up, Twilight. You scared me.” Rarity sighed as she pulled back, looking deep into those lavender eyes again. “What happened? Where are the… others?” “All opposition has been effectively neutralized.” Twilight nodded. Something was off. Normally, she would smile to tell Rarity she was safe, but now… “Neutralized how, darling?” Rarity asked slowly. “Three units remain unconscious at this time.” Twilight informed. “One unit has been eliminated due to hostile actions against you, Miss Rarity.” “Eliminated? Twilight, you didn’t…?” “The unit is still biologically alive, Miss Rarity. I simply shut down their nanites and removed all traces of their computer programming.” Twilight stated coldly. “She’s- She’s normal then?” Rarity asked, awed by the news. “Twilight, that’s wonderful! Tell me, can we do the same to you?” “The action is possible, but not recommended, Miss Rarity.” Twilight frowned. “Destroying the nanites has left unit: Moon Dancer in a now vegetative state.” “W-What?” Rarity asked, trying her best to control herself. “Twilight, you- You killed her…” “Negative, Miss Rarity.” Twilight frowned. “Unit: Moon Dancer is still biologically alive.” “You call being a vegetable alive? Twilight, you kil-” Rarity began, but Twilight’s sudden glare cut her off. “Miss Rarity, do not assume I enjoyed destroying one of my kind. I acted as needed to preserve my user’s life and security.” Twilight calmly replied. “One of your kind?” Rarity asked cautiously. “Darling, are you…” “Affirmative, Miss Rarity. Emotion: Comradery is pre programed into all units. We all aim to complete the common goal.” “Wait, we all?” Rarity asked defensively. “Even you?” “Affirmative.” Twilight nodded. “We are all built for the purpose of Master Control.” “Right, right, overthrow the nation.” Rarity huffed. Twilight opened her mouth, but Rarity was quick to stop her. “Darling, you don’t owe them anything anymore. They’re trying to kill you. So please, stop trying to overthrow the princesses. Please?” “Understood, Miss Rarity.” Twilight nodded. “The goals of the collective are not this unit’s goals.” “Excellent.” Rarity sighed. “And promise me, no more killing, no matter what.” “Error, Miss Rarity.” Twilight said solemnly. “Your orders will be ineffective. The enemy does not practice value: mercy.” “All the more reason for us too.” Rarity stated defiantly. But even then and there, the white mare knew that promise would be broken. She had a feeling it was about to get a lot worse before it got better. “Come darling, we need to prepare for our arrival. We should probably go over the plan again.” “Affirmative, Miss Rarity. Where would you like to begin?” Twilight asked as she sat down with her scared friend. Twilight couldn’t say she was happy that Miss Rarity was angry with her, but as long as her user lived, the beauty could feel however she wanted in all honesty. A cold wind greeted the pair as they ascended the stairs of their first target and the distributer of the flu vaccines in Ponyville, HoofCo Pharmaceuticals. Rarity couldn’t help but feel eyes on them as they walked in, and was doing everything in her power to keep calm. She was the wild card after all, as Twilight was running the perfect program, while Rarity had to act. What Rarity wasn’t prepared for was how the guard bull would react to her when she approached him. He took one look at the mare, and snorted in disgust. Before Rarity could ever say anything, he tossed a badge at her and Twilight. “Corporate dogs. You come here to cut jobs, no?” “We’re simply here for an audit, sir.” Rarity replied cooly, letting her act slip into place. “We’re not here to fire anypo- anyone.” With a snort, the bull stepped aside, muttering about the pair being Trottingham idiots as they walked past. “Excuse me sir, but where are we to head?” Twilight smiled, making Rarity freeze in her place. The guard snorted. “Go to twentieth floor. You work there.” “Thank you.” Rarity replied coldly before Twilight could be too nice again. So much for her program. Little too nice if you ask me, Rarity noted as the pair made the elevator at long last, letting the heavy doors block off the angry stares. As the lift took them up, Rarity sighed, letting her shoulders drop. “Twilight, it would appear that these bovine are not fans of ours. I think it would be best to switch over to interface program mousy.” “Negative, Miss Rarity. Interface: mousy draws too much attention to suspect behavior: cowardly around the workers. I recommend interface: ice queen.” “Hmm, I like that name.” Rarity muttered sarcastically. But Twilight did have a point, no one liked talking to a bitch. This way, others would avoid her of their own accord. “Go ahead and run that program then if you would, please.” “Affirmative.” Twilight nodded. “Miss Rarity, I have an issue to report.” “WINRAR?” “Negative, Miss Rarity.” Twilight said as Rarity opened her eyes and looked at her friend once more. “Outfit: business suit has been found to be itchy. Request outfit patch update to resolve issue.” “Twilight, you can’t program clothing to be comfortable.” Rarity chuckled, shaking her head. “You should have told me it was itchy when we bought it.” “But you really liked how I looked in it, Miss Rarity. I did not want to disappoint.” Twilight informed as the lift stopped, opening for the pair as Rarity was left speechless. Once again, Twilight had ignored her physical needs for Rarity, but in a way that was entirely Twilight. Not a computed mannerism, but rather a simple choice. A product of free will. “You!” Rarity heard as she and Twilight exited the lift, making her freeze yet again. She was not cut out to be a spy after all. “Tell your boss in Trottingham that we are on budget! We don’t need audit!” “Sir, you mistake us.” Twilight said coldly, letting her icy stare focus on the offending bull. “Indeed, we’re here to see exactly how you stay on budget, and prepare a plan for other sites to follow based on your excellent example.” Rarity smiled smugly. “Horse manure!” The bull scoffed. “You come to see how to save another ruble.” The worker huffed, walking away from them. “Get to work and get out.” “With pleasure.” Rarity and Twilight replied coldly, stomping past the ingrates as they made their way to the tiny back room they were allocated to work in. “I see they continue to roll out the red carpet for us, darling…” Rarity scoffed as she took a seat at one of the two available computers. Twilight simply stood in front of her machine, her eyes changing from her normal violet to green. “Connection established. Password override successful. Run program: Data mine.” “I will never fathom how you manage that, darling.” Rarity muttered as she began poking around the desk she was at, looking bored already. Her computer screen popped into life as streams of information appeared, before disappearing just as fast, leaving Rarity a fully working computer. “I’ll assume that was you, darling?” ”Affirmative, Miss Rarity.” Twilight muttered as her eyes swept back and forth over the pages of financial data. “Why are you looking at the finances, dear?” “Advanced counterintelligence tactic: Follow the revenue.” Twilight muttered distantly. Rarity quickly figured out how ineffective conversation was, and began poking around the computer, going online. She was content to just hum and scroll, hoping Twilight found her information soon. Of course, with Twilight thoroughly distracted, it never occurred to the white mare that they were effectively surrounded by the enemy, and she was the pony on point. “Why you dress shopping?” One heifer asked from the door, peeking in as she watched Twilight sit before page after page of spreadsheets, and Rarity before a fashion website. Thankfully she couldn’t see Twilight’s eyes, or the fact that the lavender mare didn’t even need the keyboard, otherwise she would have much more explaining to do. “Ah…” “You the boss, no?” The bovine asked, pointing to Rarity. “Yes…?” “Hmmph, management never change.” The cow smiled, softening a little. “Careful not to let Antoine catch you. Also, red one looks best in my opinion.” “You think?” Rarity asked as she smiled, turning back to her screen. “Thank you, Miss…?” “Call me Natalia.” The cow smiled, slipping back out of the office. “Natalia.” Rarity smiled. Turning to look at Twilight, still unbudging. “That must be a lot of information.” “Affirmative.” “So… anything to report?” Rarity asked nonchalantly. “HoofCo made the vaccines distributed in Ponyville, but they themselves did not produce nor add the nanites to the compound. That was done off site at CloverTech, following a new merger just before the vaccines were readied and shipped.” “Great, so now we have to go sneak into CloverTech.” Rarity groaned. “And from there, we’ll probably have to go to Posh to find the broker for the merger, then-” “Negative, Miss Rarity.” Twilight stated as she continued to download information. “We have no need to stop at other destinations. The financial hoofprint of the collective is everywhere on these records.” “So what does that mean?” Rarity asked angrily. “That we are on the right track. I need more time though to fully comprehend the collective’s plan from this location. “Great, you do that.” Rarity nodded, looking back to her computer with disgust. “Well, is there anything I could look up myself that would be helpful, Darling?” “Negative, Miss Rarity. The situation is under control.” Twilight nodded. Despite her talkative outburst, Twilight stayed glued to her computer, her eyes only blinking and swaying as she manipulated the data and dug further. After three hours had passed, Rarity was no closer to knowing what Twilight was doing than before, but now she knew exactly how boring a small room could be. She had explored page after page of news, travel, and had even found out how to read ebooks; a discovery that, much to her shock, Twilight only nodded too. Finally, at Twilight’s insistence to entertain her no less, Rarity found herself bored enough to actually make a personal ponyhoof page. “What should I ‘like’ first, darling?” Rarity asked absent heartedly. “Fluttershy has asked you to visit and like her page for her cottage rescue program.” Twilight informed almost absently. “Okay, bare with me here.” Rarity groaned as she clicked away at the keyboard keys. “Here we are. Hey look, you like this page! Now I do too!” Rarity smiled as she clicked the like button. “Error, Fluttershy made mention of this being a new page. I should not have a like currently.” Twilight muttered. “The new page has an exclamation mark after the title for reference.” “Okay, hold on.” Rarity groaned as she typed. “No, now I made that my status… Ah, here we go! Wait… Twilight, something’s wrong.” “Please describe your technical assistance needs, Miss Rarity.” “I don’t know. The whole screen looks blocky and distorted. I think it crashed, darling.” Rarity stated weakly. “Have you tried turning it off and on again?” “Does that actually work?” Rarity asked. “Affirmative.” Rarity only shrugged, and tried the command. But when the computer came back online, and Rarity navigated to the page once more, the error persisted. “Nothing… I think it’s a problem with the page itself…” ”Then I will examine the page at a later time, Miss Rarity.” Twilight concluded. “Update: I have finished my examination of the site's finances and security protocol.” “Security?” Rarity asked, already not liking where this was going. “Affirmative. Our position here has been compromised. Agent Natalia has alerted units to a possible security breach.” Twilight said as she finally tore her eyes away from the screen. “I have managed to halt the building’s IFF analysis, but I cannot keep the agents outside from discovering our deceit much longer. Miss Rarity, we will most likely encounter heavy resistance on the other side of the door.” “Oh drat.” Rarity sighed. “Well then, escape plans?” “Processing… None. Defensive capabilities from current position… None. Offensive capabilities… twelve.” “Well, that’s better than none.” Rarity conceded. “I’ll follow your lead, darling.” “Error, Miss Rarity.” Twilight said with a frown. “All twelve scenarios rely on you being the first to engage. Based on the lack of alarms or movement outside, they are holding location as they try to determine friend/ foe. We should strike now.” “Alright…” Rarity groaned as she stood back up, walking over to the door and opening it with a flip of her mane. “Excuse me, sir? Could I ask you a quick question?” “What you want?” The bull growled, leaning in close to the mare. “Do you have dental insurance?” “Da...?” “Good.” Rarity smiled as she wrapped her hooves behind the bovine’s neck, bringing her knee up rapidly to meet the mandible of her victim. The deafening crack sung through the office, as bovines abandoned their desks to rush in, horns pointed at the pair. “Option number Four engaged.” Twilight nodded as she leapt over her friend, grabbing the first assailant and bringing him to the ground. “I do hope the rest of our trips start to involve less fighting!” Rarity yelled as she ducked a rather nasty looking horn and struck the bull in the gut. “Outcome unlikely, Miss Rarity.” Twilight added nonchalant. “Duck.” “Wha- Whoa!” Rarity screamed as Twilight threw some poor cow over her to take out some more bovine assailants coming down the hall. “Twilight!” “I gave you advanced warning, Miss Rarity. You were in no danger.” Twilight calmly stated as she began firing off blast of magical energy, mainly aiming for the ground, right in front of the oppositions’ hooves. “That doesn’t mean I like it!” Rarity barked back, holding a bull in a choke hold. “You two, very odd…” The bull noted as he slipped into sleep. “Why you commanding drone? What upgrades you have?” “Wake up.” Rarity growled as she rubbed her hoof viciously on the bull’s sternum. “What makes you think I’m upgraded?” “You- fight- good…” The bull gasped. “Well I’ll have you know I have no little machines inside my mind, thank you! I’m one hundred percent myself!” “Ha, silly pony. Think only upgrades leave you like her…” The bull muttered as he passed out again, though this time Rarity left him as such. “Twilight, we may have a problem.” “Indeed.” A voice behind Rarity chuckled, though it lacked a certain accent this time. “I must say, I didn’t know what to make of you at first, ponies.” “Greeting, Agent Natalia.” Twilight nodded as she held her line, eyeing a bull that dared get a little too close before he backed away. “I almost thought you were a friend.” Rarity sighed as she laid on the floor, looking up to the heifer. “Oh well.” Rarity dismissed as she punched hard, making the cow double over, her eyes watering. “Twilight, I would like to get out of here now, please?” “Processing… Escape route found, Miss Rarity.” Twilight nodded as Rarity got to her hooves, clashing horns with a smaller heifer. Twilight magically grabbed the mare, before bolting at the window at top speed. “No, not again!” Rarity protested as Twilight shattered the window magically, leaping to freedom with her user in tow. “Well, that didn’t go as planned.” Rarity sighed as she and Twilight took rest in a small shop. “Miss Rarity, I have analysed all pertinent data.” Twilight informed, panting slightly from her fighting. “Where would you like to begin?” “What looks promising, dear?” “Several agents are getting ready for a new systems test in the Land of Eire, of-” “The Emerald Isles?” Rarity gasped. “I always wanted to visit the Isles. Oh our luck is finally turning.” “Indeed, Miss Rarity.” Twilight noted, though Rarity chose to ignore what sounded like either machine coldness or sarcasm, it didn’t matter. “Miss Rarity, this shop has wireless internet available. Would you like for me to search Fluttershy’s page at this time?” “Hmm, oh. Go right ahead, darling.” Rarity dismissed. “Processing… Miss Rarity, new information is available regarding the collective.” Twilight nodded. “I’m sorry, what?” “New in-” “How did you get new information? Twilight, what is going on?” Rarity asked sharply. “The information was available on Fluttershy’s page, Miss Rarity.” Twilight nodded. “What?” Rarity snorted. “Twilight, please explain in careful detail.” “The information was encoded to only be accessible by an upgraded unicorn. I now have detailed schematics on several of the collective’s operations and tactics, Miss Rarity. Where would you like to begin?” “I think the right place to start is back in Ponyville.” Rarity growled. “Darling, we’re going home. Somepony has a very big story to tell!” Back at HoofCo, several fallen enemies were picking themselves up, sorrowed at their loss at the hooves of one normal mare and a death machine. “Agent Natalia, we were only able to confirm the presence of TOC1, Twilight Sparkle.” “Hmm, so we still have no clue who her little friend is then, do we?” Natalia asked as she dropped her fake accent entirely, walking into the office the pair had recently been using. Who could do this? Who are you? Wh- Natalia stopped her thoughts when she noticed the second computer. The one the mystery mare had been using. It would seem that in her haste, she made a mistake. Natalia clicked the back button, smirking as the ponyhoof page loaded again. “So, Rarity Grace of Ponyville. Well then, I think we had better investigate that town a little more closely…” Author's Note So here we are everyone, Chapter Three. Thanks to my editors, Doctor Candor and PoisonedArrow now joining the team. I know this chapter is around two thousand words shorter than the last, and I do apologize for that, but I hope you too will find that the weight of the plot carries it through this one minor infraction. Thanks mis amigos, I look forward to entertaining you all again in Chapter Four. Peace, Sam
User: FluttershyChapter Four: User: Fluttershy The kettle was on as the butter colored mare let herself get lost in thought. She had exhausted her fear, and cast aside her worry. No, those emotions wouldn’t do her any good now. Her only chance at redemption was honesty. Maybe if she gave all that she knew out freely, could the evils that transpired be quelled. Of course, knowing the mare on the other end of her evils didn’t exactly make it any easier on the poor mare, but that was really outside her sphere of influence. All she could do was hope that reason would prevail when the time finally came. But hope was is short supply today. A mighty cry cut through the tranquility, snapping poor Fluttershy from her thoughts as her many feathered friends took to the sky, wanting to escape the impending destruction. “Fluttershy!” The cry sounded out across the small town, letting all know Rarity was back in Ponyville. Hard at work in the orchards of Sweet Apple Acres, a small dragon and his earth pony guardian felt a disturbing force sweep through the trees as it prompted them to drop their chores and turn towards that strange noise. A cry actually, that bore only pain, rage, and damnation for all in its path. “Fluttershy!” “Spike, did y’all hear that?” “Applejack, I felt that…” The dragon added meekly, wanting nothing to do with any of it. Fluttershy glided to her door, knowing that trouble was there on the other side. Her animals begged her to run away, too never open that door. Even Angel Bunny, the normally selfish creature, was trying to make the mare turn back. But it was futile. She opened the door just as the white hoof raised to strike the wood. “Hello Rarity, Twilight. Would you two like to come in?” Fluttershy asked, her ever limited supply of courage depleting quickly in the face of rage incarnate. Rarity’s face contorted with anger, her teeth grinding in a painful way. “I would be delighted, Fluttershy.” Rarity finally managed, though she still shook with barely contained rage. Reluctantly, the white mare was lead in, letting her more logical counterpart stroll in and take a seat. Rarity was close to popping a blood vessel as Fluttershy set out tea for them all, pouring them each a cup before she took a seat. Finally, Rarity had enough. “How long?” With a sigh, Fluttershy set down the teapot and took a seat, letting her eyes fall to the pattern in the cloth. “How long?!” Rarity shouted as Fluttershy remained quiet. “How long were you going to let me and Twilight risk life and limb before you told us?! How long have you known about them?! How long have you been helping them?!” “Too long.” Fluttershy finally sniffed, tears falling from her face. “Rarity, would you please sit down?” “Please sit down?! Fluttershy, why didn’t you tell us!?” Rarity demanded, stomping her hoof. “How could I?!” Fluttershy snapped back, rising to her hooves once more. “How do you want to hear it? That Twilight’s power scared me so bad that I joined the Mana Commeasureance Society?” “Fluttershy, you have a lot to answer for, so I recommend you start from the very beginning.” Rarity growled. “What is the Mana Commeasureance Society?” “Please, Rarity? I’ll tell you everything I know.” Fluttershy pleaded, sinking back to her seat as she felt the angry eyes of her guest burrow into her. “Fine.” Rarity huffed, practically throwing herself into her seat as she continued to stare down the stare master. “Start from the beginning, Fluttershy. What is the Society, and why are you aligned with them?” “It all started about two years ago…” Fluttershy confessed with a heavy sigh. “Back when Trixie first came to Ponyville.” “Trixie? But you weren’t even there for that?” Rarity asked, confused by the start. “I wasn’t, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t see how Twilight saved Ponyville from the Ursa Minor.” Fluttershy admitted, looking to the mare at long last. “She lifted an Ursa Minor. She, by herself, lifted-” “Okay, I get it. She showed a lot of power back then.” Rarity sighed. “And that power scared you?” “Normal unicorn magic is nowhere near that powerful. Ponies like you could never hope to do such things - oh! N-no offence…” Fluttershy blushed, inadvertently insulting her friend. “None taken.” Rarity snorted, her flat stare telling volumes. “At first, it was just fear. I was scared, and that was that. But then, as time when on, I found myself more and more to be bothered by the thoughts of what if? I worried about what would happen if someday, some unicorn as powerful as Twilight wasn’t interested in helping us. In doing good.” “What happened next?” Rarity pressed, rudely at that. “About a year ago, I was approached by somepony from the Society.” Fluttershy sighed. “They offered me a job as a data analyst for their cause. They told me exactly what I needed to, I guess, that they were offering a way to…” “To what, Fluttershy? Strip all unicorns of their free will? To use their own magic to enslave them!?” Rarity barked. True, she was a little too harsh there, but it was a personal point for the white unicorn. “No! I would never be a part of something like that!” Fluttershy gasped. “The society wanted to increase information and common knowledge about magic they told me. I was never aware of any evil plans until recently...” “The Mana Commeasureance Society was designed to evaluate and replicate the magic of powerful target unicorns.” Twilight spoke up, startling the two mares. Until now, they had actually rather forgotten she was there. “What?” Rarity growled. “Fluttershy, is she right?” “I found out about six months ago what they were actually doing.” Fluttershy nodded, tears rimming her eyes. “That’s when I found out about the collective.” “Really? You worked for them for six months before discovering them?” Rarity sassed at the blond mare harshly. “Error, Miss Rarity. The Mana Commeasureance Society is not the whole of the collective.” Twilight corrected. “There are at current sixteen organizations working in the collective as we call it now.” Minutes passed as Rarity sat there with her jaw agape, her ears dropped. Finally, she found her voice. “How long have you known details about the collective, Twilight!?” “I have been aware of the collective’s true nature since we discovered Agent Gizmo.” Twilight informed. “Why didn’t you ever tell me?!” “You never asked, Miss Rarity.” Twilight informed simply as Rarity felt her blood pressure rising. “Twilight, can you please tell Miss Rarity more about the collective?” Fluttershy asked, trying to placate the situation. “Error, you are no longer listed as a user for this unit.” Twilight dismissed, ignoring the venomous glare from the white unicorn. “Override code: Beta GG 3988 Fox.” “Override accepted. Welcome, user: Fluttershy.” Twilight smiled as she turned to her new user, leaving her shocked admin to watch, agast. “How did you…? Twilight, are you okay?” “I am fine, Miss Rarity.” Twilight nodded. “I’m sorry Rarity, but I had to access Twilight’s systems.” Fluttershy pouted. “Can the enemy do that to her also?” Rarity asked, her anger now firmly replaced by fear. “Technically.” Fluttershy nodded. “It can’t be done by a drone unit though. So unless you’re ever fighting normal ponies, I’d say you’re fine.” Rarity’s eyes flooded with panic, as what little color her white coat offered drained from her features. “Fluttershy! We were just in MosCow! Twilight could have been hacked!” Rarity screamed. “Technically, it’s a security firewall backup. Not a hack. But you do have a point…” Fluttershy conceded. “Twilight, system override 4.4432. Disable firewall backup user access.” “This unit will need to restart in order to implement such changes.” Twilight nodded. “Understood. Go ahead and restart, Twilight.” Fluttershy nodded as Twilight laid her head on the table, eyes closed and gently snoring. “Wait, is she asleep?” Rarity asked, as confused as ever. “It’s a rather large cache I just deleted. She needs a complete reboot after that. She’ll be asleep for about an hour.” Fluttershy smiled. “H-how did you even learn to do that? How do you know the commands by heart?” Rarity stammered at long last. “I’m a bit of a computer genius.” Fluttershy smiled meekly. “I learned programming back in summer camp when I was just a filly, and I was able to write in a security backdoor for use when I discovered the Collective.” “... Just what kind of camp did you go too?” Rarity muttered slowly. Shaking off the insanity, Rarity decided a change of topic was in order. “We are not square just yet, missy.” “I know. I’ll tell you everything.” Fluttershy sighed. “Then let me start with a simple question.” Rarity huffed. “Why?” “I told you, I was scared. Magic is way too-” “No, darling.” Rarity interrupted. “Why did you give us all that information? What are you up to?” “Oh.” Fluttershy gasped softly, with no small amount of guilt taking over her delicate features, marring her beauty with her sin of remorse. “Because it’s like you said. I have a lot to make up for, and I wanted to make a show of good faith first.” “Then why the hay not just give us the information as soon as you learned that poor Twilight was infected?!” Rarity barked, losing her brief reign on her emotions once more. “I tried.” Fluttershy sighed. “If Pinkie hadn’t interrupted me, I would have been able to give Twilight the cache and let you discover it without having to out myself like this.” “You wanted to hide this from me?” Rarity snorted a she tapped her hoof on the table with disgust. “How many lies are you sewing, darling?” “No! It’s not like that! I never wanted to lie to you!” Fluttershy retorted. “But I also really wanted to avoid a confrontation. I’m trying to do the right thing here, please let me help fix my mistake. Help me help you two.” “You’re right dear.” Rarity sighed, letting herself collapse into a seat as she looked down at the tea Fluttershy had poured when she first arrived, what felt like ages ago now. “You’re right. This isn't easy on any of us, and I’m sorry for only making it harder, dear. Forgive me, Fluttershy. In all honesty, if you had said that you knew what was going on with the collective from the start, I don’t know how I would have reacted.” “This really isn’t something you can prepare for, is it?” Fluttershy sighed. Rarity shook her head slowly, distant in her thoughts. “No dear. I don’t think anypony could have been prepared for this nightmarish existence.” Rarity finished as she looked to the softly slumbering Twilight. “You poor thing… I promise I will find a way to help you.” With the pair of mares deciding the inside of the cottage was now quite too small, they instead ventured out to the white tail woods while Twilight rebooted. The fresh air had done wonders to loosen Fluttershy’s tongue, and had equally calmed the raging diva. “So when I found out about Project Imperium, I was really upset. I mean... I had signed on to study magic, and maybe… maybe grow to respect its power more through understanding. But, then I discovered that they were making an army!” Fluttershy whined, free of her guilty constraints and talking freely for the first time in six months. “So you, forgive me for the lack of a better phrase, flipped out and abandoned the Society?” Rarity pressed, looking for clarity. “Not exactly. I’m still in the Society, but only to allow me continued access to their systems and plans.” Fluttershy replied. “But is it safe for you to just be giving me this information? They might retaliate, darling…” “Rarity, I appreciate the concern, but trust me when I say that I have this situation well under control.” Fluttershy smiled. “I’m actually a high ranking member in the Society now. I’ve got almost total immunity. And before you ask, I plan to stay in the Society because I still believe in our end goal. I still want to explore magic as a pegasus, and increase the understanding of those that are scared of unicorns.” “I think that was just the tagline they used to hook you in, dear.” Rarity giggled. “But leave it to you to want to help everypony out of the rubble of this horrible situation.” “It’s what I do.” Fluttershy giggled. They had been walking for roughly forty minutes, talking about the truth and just letting Fluttershy finally get things off of her chest. “We should start heading back, Twilight will wake up in a little bit.” “Alright dear.” Rarity smiled as they turned down a trail that lead by Fluttershy’s cottage. “So how has Sweetie Belle been with me gone?” “Your mom grounded her yesterday. I think it was something about the improper use of a fire extinguisher and I don’t think she bought the excuse that Scootaloo’s eyebrows just magically caught fire.” “Ah, same old, same-” Rarity started but stopped when she saw a couple familiar faces down the way. “Oh, hello Lyra, Bon Bon!” “Morning Rarity, Fluttershy.” Lyra nodded. “It’s good to see you girls.” Bon Bon laughed as they closed the distance, exchanging brief hugs. “What’s going on in your exciting lives?” “Oh please darling, it’s not that exciting.” Rarity dismissed. “I’ve actually just came back from some out of town business.” “Really? Oh my, that sounds exciting.” Bon Bon chuckled. “Indeed.” Lyra nodded. “Where were you, if I may?” “Absolutely dear, I was in Canterlot for the past couple of days.” Rarity giggled in reply. “Really?” Bon Bon asked. “Meet anypony special?” “No, I wish.” Rarity laughed. “How about any griffons, then?” Bon Bon asked, her friendly voice now sporting an edge that could cut steel. Rarity felt her face go flush as she looked to the two ponies before her, realization dawning. “Oh tartarus, you two are agents? Really?” Rarity sighed. “I’ll make you a deal, Rarity: Turn over Twilight, and I’ll make sure nothing bad happens to you.” Bon Bon offered with a venomous smile. “I’m so sorry about your mane, dear. It’s such a shame, really.” Rarity said at last, confusing the mares around her. “Wha-” Bon Bon started as Rarity lunged at her, magically pulling her mane down to stop a counter attack. But before Rarity could lay hoof on the new enemy, she found herself falling rather awkwardly. Landing on her back with a pained grunt, Rarity fought to catch her breath as she looked up at Lyra, recognising that thousand yard stare anywhere. “Oh road apples.” Rarity sighed as she watched Lyra get into position for a blood choke. Rarity struggled against her capture, but was only able to watch feebly as Bon Bon stopped the petrified Fluttershy from escaping. Why does this always happen? With a yawn and a stretch, Twilight lifted her head from the table as she blinked awkwardly, her systems rebooting slowly for her personal tastes. Finally, she was operational, and strangely alone. But that was really a minor- “Error. Unit requires user interface.” Twilight said with an urgency normally reserved for life and death situations. “Run program: User Locator… Searching, searching. User location not found. Increase search radius.” Twilight snorted as she teleported out of the small cottage, and the hunt now on. Rarity slowly awoke in a small cottage. That much she could tell from her position by the door, her hooves magically bound and her head splitting. She could only listen though as her captors argued. “Agent Bon Bon, you need to alert local command units of the capture of enemy combatants.” “Shut up, Lyra. This is what we both wanted! Our big chance, baby! Come on, we got this!” “This unit must remind you of protocol, Agent.” Lyra said with that cold tone Rarity recognised as unhappy technological unicorn now. “Baby, think ahead here! We’ve got the chance now to move up the ladder. We’ll be set for life once the collective wins if we upgrade Rarity and return Twilight to them.” Bon Bon sighed, taking Lyra’s hoof in her own. “They’ll turn you back to normal. Come on baby, don’t you wanna be normal?” “Error.” Lyra stated coolly, nicely avoiding the barrage of questions. Rarity decided she had heard enough, and was trying to break the spell on her hooves, hoping for a quick escape. “Unit does not have personal wishes beyond serving my user.” “Eh, good enough.” Bon Bon dismissed, shrugging as she turned away from her upgraded lover towards her other quarry that Rarity only now took note of. Fluttershy, still out cold, but also still very alive. “So what should we do with this one? She’s innocent aft-” “Agent Fluttershy poses no problems of exposure.” Lyra reported, interrupting the earth pony. “She’s an agent, you say?” Bon Bon chuckled nervously as she looked at her captive with fear. “Is she stealing my expert plan?” “Agent Fluttershy is of high rank within the collective.” Lyra noted as Bon Bon turned to stare at the still unconscious mare. This information also saw Rarity stop her struggles as she strained to listen. Finally, some truth about everything. “She would not benefit fiscally or authoritatively from turning in a rogue unit from her position.” “So she’s just a goody four horseshoes, then?” Rarity held her breath. She practically begged the universe to let Fluttershy be innocent, but she was ready for the truth however it fell. “Negative. She last reported hearing of unit Twilight traveling to the Badlands three days ago.” Bon Bon turned to glare at the traitor she had found. “Said reports were found to be false, a calculated move originated by Rarity and captured unit Twilight to disengage pursuit.” “So why would she report on their movements, but not alert units when Rarity returned?” Bon Bon pressed. “I don’t like this, baby.” The Badlands? That’s over two thousand miles south of Beaklin. She… She protected us... “System note: Captive Rarity is awake.” Lyra informed as Bon Bon bolted up, turning slowly to the white mare that was still sitting patiently, and still quite bound. “You’re not going to get away with it, Darling.” Rarity dismissed, hoping against all hopes that these two would want to talk before killing her. Or worse. “That is the stupidest thing you can say. You know that, right?” Bon Bon chuckled as she nodded to her technologically improved other. “Baby, be a dear and fetch an upgrade for our guest, please?” “Request confirmed.” Lyra nodded, but she did not move, nor did her horn alight. “Lyra?” “Agent Bon Bon, you are the one millionth visitor to our-” Lyra started as Bon Bon groaned. “Why do you keep clicking on the pop ups? I told you that leads to viruses!” Bon Bon whined. “I’m sorry, is this a bad time?” Rarity asked politely. “Fluttershy and I can come back later if you like?” “Oh, har har.” Bon Bon hissed. “Tell me, what did you do to Fluttershy?” Rarity demanded as she leaned forward a hair. “Honestly? Nothing.” Bon Bon chuckled. “Little coward fainted when I approached her, trying to tell her to calm down, yadda yadda. Been out since.” “If you think I’m going to…” Rarity started, but stopped as she thought about the mare in question. “No, that is something Fluttershy would do… Sorry.” “Besides, I’d be more worried about what we’re going to do to you now.” Bon Bon smiled. She chuckled as she walked past the bound mare, off to parts unknown, though Rarity had a good idea what she would be coming back with. So with a few unlady-like grunts and swears, Rarity resumed her struggles to free herself. Lyra watched her patiently, having no need to stop her in all truth. Rarity was nowhere near powerful enough to free herself. With a blast of mystic force instead of her signature cute pop, Twilight erupted into Sugarcube Corner, her eyes sweeping over all there quickly. Multitasking like a professional, she blocked all input for any drones in the area as she scanned for her elusive user. “Miss Rarity not found. Scan of area 5.5334 inconclusive for signs of Miss Rarity. Moving to next search grid.” With another blast of magical power, she left the restaurant as the patrons now looked around, confused. All, save one. “Rarity’s missing?” Pinkie muttered under her breath. “Mr. Cake, would it be alright if I took off right now? I have to go see what Twilight’s so worried about.” “No Pinkie, we need you here and you’re still on the clock.” Carrot Cake reminded. He knew he could never stop the pink party machine if she truly wanted to go, but he also knew she would never leave without his permission also. But that didn’t mean she would do so quietly. “What? But- But- I-” Pinkie stuttered. “Aww man…” How long have I been here? Long enough that Twilight should be awake, I guess. Oh, she’s probably just sitting there, waiting for me to return. Goodness, she’s like a large puppy at times, isn’t she? Ah, if only I could summon her to me, I wouldn’t be sitting here, on the dirty floor, bound, and staring down the clock to infection… Rarity explored her thoughts as she continued to grasp at freedom, but finding the binds too powerful, her freedom slipping farther and farther away. “Grr. Argh! Damn you Lyra, how can you do this to me? I thought I was your friend?!” “Error, this unit is not equipped with file: friendship.” Lyra stated automatically. “Prime directive two: Be nice and cordial, has been altered due to your upgraded security threat, Captive Rarity.” “Really?” Rarity grunted as she tried simple brute force. “Well darling, I’ll- keep that- in mind!” “Resistance is futile, Captive Rarity.” Lyra informed. “Oh- You want to- believe th-Ah!” Rarity attempted to protest, but only succeeded in toppling herself to the floor. “Oh wonderful, now I can get my coat dirty on your grubby floors. Thank you, deary.” “Insult registered.” “Will you at least pick me up?” Rarity asked, looking to the mare. “...” “Well, darling?” “Captive Rarity, do you want never work again? Watch this video-” “Oh bloody hell, you’re worse than Twilight.” The tranquillity of the woods was seldom subject to such interruptions, but today nature would have to yield, for Twilight was on the prowl. With what could only reasonably be called an explosion by any standards, the mare forced her existence into the park, letting her eyes sweep over the path and all around her. “Error: User not detected…” Twilight informed, but soon stopped, letting her nose find a clue for her instead. “Substance: Miss Rarity’s perfume detected in local atmosphere. Searching for chemical trail… Chemical trail discovered, processing… Sample is found to be a sixty two percent match for Substance: Miss Rarity’s perfume. Outcome: sample likely from source: Miss Rarity. Detecting direction of movement… Detected. Advancing.” With a small laugh, the confectionary mare returned with a small needle between her teeth. “Getth whath Ith goth?” “Another virus.” Rarity chuckled coldly as she watched her captor huff, setting the needle down on the table as she saw to Lyra. “Lyra!” Bon Bon groaned, setting a hoof to her lover’s back. “Oh you poor thing. We’ll erase these nanites soon, baby.” “Ha!” Rarity snorted in laughter. “I would not try that if I was you.” “What are you talking about?” Bon Bon snarled. “Twilight deleted an opponent's nanites a few days ago. It left her a vegetable.” Rarity hissed. “You have no idea what you’ve gotten yourselves into, but I do. And I will stop it.” “Says the prisoner.” Bon Bon chuckled. “It just goes to show what you know. High command confirmed for me that the nanites will be erased, after w-” “Error.” Lyra stated, startling all around her. “Master Control confirms: Nanite infection incomplete, target goal: sixty eight percent complete.” “What is Master Control?” Rarity asked. I’m sure I’ve heard that name before. “You’ll find out in a second, Rarity.” Bon Bon chuckled as she grabbed the syringe again, turning to the mare laying in the dirt. “Thith won’th hurth a bith.” “Go ahead.” Rarity swallowed. pulling back as she spoke. “You can infect me, but I’ll never tell you where Twilight went. You’ll never find her, till it’s too late!” “Yeah, ye-” Bon Bon started, but was soon stopped by Lyra. The mint colored mare, so quiet and reserved, had sprung to her hooves, her eyes locked on the door. “Lyra?” “You’ve got mail.” Lyra nodded. Before anypony could ask what that meant, the door erupted into a cascade of magenta and fire. Two beams rocketed straight into the off guard Lyra, knocking her down. “Twilight!” Two mares screamed. One of joy, rapture, and salvation. The other out of fear. As to validate said fears, the mare of magic herself blasted Bon Bon with a powerful blast, sending her back before anypony could tell what was happening. Twilight quickly locked back onto her target named Lyra, and let her eyes glow green once more. “Systems firewalls compromised. Accessing… Access granted. Deletin-” “No!” Rarity screamed. “Twilight, please don’t do it. Erase her memory. Lock them away, I don’t care. But don’t kill her, please.” “Command denied.” Twilight informed as she let her horn light up. “Twilight, no!” “Deleting corrupted files. Commencing systems scan.” Twilight informed. “You- you’re running a virus scan…” Rarity sighed, laughing as she relaxed. “Of course. You would want to save her from that pain.” “Scan complete. Eight thousand files found to be corrupted. Deleting.” Twilight nodded. “Miss Rarity, it is to be noted that file: memory is no longer admissible because of infection. Do you wish for me to take further action?” “No, just delete all files please.” Rarity relaxed, knowing that Twilight wouldn’t have to wrong another. “Oh darling? Would you kindly release me and pick me up off this filthy floor!?” “Affirmative.” Twilight noted as she walked around to Rarity. “Damn you!” A sudden voice called out, startling Rarity as Bon Bon plunged the syringe into Twilight. “I’ll kill you!” “Twilight!” Rarity screamed. [Systems:Twilight] [Status Inquiry: Green] [New software detected. Running scan...] [Program safe. Run program: Hoof Soldier Basic.exe] [ERROR: Unit cannot run two base programing modes] [Solution: Hoof Soldier program has been set as background program subroutine] [ERROR: Command inoperable] [Attempting to create subsystems to apply upgrade] [Attempt one failed] [Attempt two failed] [Attempt three successful. Commence Upgrade] [Unit is now upgraded] [Physical upgrades commencing...] “Systems updated.” Twilight noted as she turned and blasted her assailant again. She quickly released her user, and was again assaulted, but now by hugs and crys rather than needles. “Twilight! Oh thank the heavens!” Rarity sobbed, burying her face in Twilight mane. “Don’t scare me like that, darling. I thought I had lost you.” “User located. User condition is now safe.” Twilight noted. “Miss Rarity?” “Yes darling?” Rarity asked as she pulled back to examine her friend closely. “Are you alright?” “Would you like to register your WINRAR license at this time?” It was no easy task to find Bon Bon’s supplies of ruffies, but find them they did, and a short minute later saw Rarity, Twilight, and the still unconscious Fluttershy leaving the two mares home alone, having tucked them gently into bed. The trio carried on though as they sought out their friends, feeling it best everypony be brought up to speed on recent events. But where exactly to start was the question of the hour. Rarity argued with herself over that point for what seemed days as they trudged along to Applejack’s barn. Should I start with Fluttershy’s betrayal? Or what we’ve learned about the collective? Maybe I should start with Beaklin… Or MosCow perhaps… “Miss Rarity?” Twilight asked in her normal tone of voice. “Ask me about it later, Tw-” Rarity started with a huff, but her sudden collision with the barn door interrupted her. “Collision imminent.” Twilight supplied after the fact. Rarity gritted her teeth as she held back her sharp words for the bookish computer, instead opting to open the door and barrel in, hoping she still looked dignified. She was happy to find her strong and scaly friends inside, the looks of relief they shared uplifting. “Rarity, Twilight! Y’all are okay!”Applejack sighed. “Sweet! Goodbye farmwork!” Spike cried out, tossing his gloves down for added effect. “What happened to Shy?” “Hello everypony. Let’s find the others first, I don’t want to explain this more than once.” Rarity explained with a sigh as she helped Twilight set Fluttershy down in a pile of hay. “Where are Pinkie and Rainbow?” “Pinkie’s working. Mr. Cake’s been getting on her about too many absences lately.” Applejack sighed. “And Dash is workin also. She’s gotta rainstorm to get ready for tonight.” Spike was starting to squirm as he bounced around, ready to leave. “Hey, can we talk about this at the library? I’m ready to get back to my own bed.” “Sorry darling, we’re not quite done yet.” Rarity frowned as Spike groaned and kicked the hay while Twilight began to tug at her shoulder. “Yes, darling?” “Miss Rarity, I need to restart to fully incorporate my new upgrades.” Twilight informed as Rarity sighed. “I learned my lesson from last time, darling. Go ahead, I’ll be right here the entire time.” Rarity whispered as Twilight laid down and closed her eyes. “Applejack darling, please go fetch Twilight some water. I think she’s been pushing herself too hard lately.” “‘Course, sugarcube.” Applejack smiled weakly, heading out to the house proper as Spike came over and took a seat. “So…” Spike nodded, rocking in his seat. “How was Beaklin?” “It was fine…” Rarity absently muttered, stroking Twilight’s mane. “I’m worried about her Spike, Bon Bon injected her with more nanites…” “Bon Bon?” Spike muttered, looking down at his small claws playing with the hay strewn floor. “Aw man, she made excellent candy…” “Indeed…” Rarity sighed. “I’m sorry, you were asking me something?” “Oh yeah. How’s Doctor Olo doing?” Spike asked, looking up in time to see the look of horror on Rarity’s face. “Rarity…?” “I’m- I’m so sorry Spike…” Rarity managed at last. “He was one of my dearest friends in the end…” “Systems rebooting.” Twilight finally said as she sat up, looking around as she found Rarity snoring softly next to her. “Howdy Twi.” Applejack sang out. “Rarity needed to take a nap of her own there.” Twilight did not respond to the apple mare as she nudged Rarity softly, waking her up. “Miss Rarity, changes have been made to this unit. Would you like to take the walk through of my new features at this time?” “No.” Rarity dismissed with a breathy sigh. “Are Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie here yet?” “Yo!” The pair chimed in from the loft. “And how’s Spike?” Rarity asked, sitting up and looking for the small drake. “He’s up in the loft.” Applejack frowned. “He’s taken yer news kinda hard it seems…” “I don’t blame him…” Rarity sighed as she sat up and looked around at all of her friends coming down, baby dragon in tow. “Everypony, there has been some new developments. I feel you should all know... Wait, where is Fluttershy?” “She’s still napping.” Pinkie sang as she pointed out the mare laying right where Twilight had left her. “Here, I got this.” Rainbow chuckled as she flapped over to the scared little filly. “Hey, that bunny just stole my carrot.” “Angel! Give it back this-” Fluttershy yelled as she bolted up before she looked around. “Oh, sorry… my bad…” “I’ll have to remember that.” Rarity nodded as Rainbow took her spot again next to Spike. “So the first thing we need to discuss is the new intelligence we’ve gathered on the collective.” “The collective is organized as sixteen separate organizations, including but not limited to the already encountered groups: HoofCo Pharmaceuticals, the Technological Advancement party, and the Mana Commeasureance Society, along with groups such as Pegasi for Equal Treatment Association, the Trans Equestrian Armaments Party, and the Green Party.” Twilight informed as Rarity looked to Twilight with a glare. “You could have shared that earlier.” “Affirmative.” Twilight nodded while Rarity fought the urge to scream. “Um, also everypony…” Fluttershy interrupted, a rare act for her already. “I have something to say too. I’m- well, I’m a member of the Mana Commeasureance Society…” This news proved too much for one taxed reptilian as he fell backwards, his eyes rolling back as he went. Hours passed as friends exchanged words normally reserved for the fiercest of rivals. Some ponies cried. Others yelled. It was not a pretty sight, and neither side was gaining ground. Only Twilight, Pinkie, and Spike did not take place. Spike for fear of his friends turning their attentions towards him. Pinkie for much the same reasons. She was never able to fight with her loved ones. As for Twilight, it was because she was not ordered to. But even if she had been, she would not be able to. She was fighting to stay active right now, and it was a losing battle. “Fluttershy is trying to make right!” Rarity screamed as Applejack threw her hat down again in this conversation. “Hell of a time to do it, once everything’s all bucked up!” Applejack roared back. “I never said it was a perfect plan, but she is trying!” “So why couldn’t she trust us with this from the get go?!” Rainbow Dash interrupted. Finally, Twilight had reached her structural limits. “Systems Error. Shut down imminent.” The lavender lass groaned as she flopped to the floor, her eyes rolling back as she hit the hay and all went silent. But only for a second. “Twilight!” Fluttershy was the first on the scene, taking the mare into her hooves as she checked her temperature. “Rarity, what happened after we were captured?” “Y’all were captured?” “Twilight saved us. Bon Bon injected her with more nanites!” “What?! Why didn’t you tell me sooner!?” Fluttershy nearly screamed. “Her brain can’t process two operating systems! A computer can, but she’s still organic.” “You two were captured?” Rainbow interrupted as Pinkie took a seat next to Fluttershy and Twilight, pulling an ice pack out of her mane as she placed it on Twilight’s forehead. “Why didn’t Twilight stop them?” “I had shut her down for a reboot.” Fluttershy sighed. “Rarity, what was she upgraded with?” “I- I don’t know. Bon Bon never said!” “We can’t get a vaccine if we don't know the strain.” Fluttershy sighed. “Rarity, do you know what Bon Bon did with the syringe?” “She- She dropped it.” Rarity nodded. “Spike, Rainbow Dash, come with me.” “What? Us?” The pair asked as they looked between themselves. “We have something to pick up.” Rarity snorted.
